5-Day South Island Tour From Christchurch

Exploring the South Island’s breathtaking landscapes is a dream for many travelers. This 5-day tour from Christchurch promises an immersive experience, guiding adventurers through some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. From the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook to the serene waters of Milford Sound, the itinerary is designed to showcase the region’s natural wonders. With comfortable accommodations and a small group size, the tour offers an intimate journey that allows participants to fully enjoy the country’s stunning beauty. But what makes this tour truly remarkable is the chance to uncover hidden gems and forge unforgettable memories along the way.

Key Points

• This 5-day tour explores the South Island of New Zealand, starting and ending in Christchurch, showcasing iconic destinations like Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, 4 nights’ accommodation, a Milford Sound cruise, and a scenic TranzAlpine train ride back to Christchurch.
• Highlights of the itinerary include visits to Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and opportunities for exploring Queenstown’s outdoor adventures and the glaciers near Franz Josef.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 63 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
• The tour is suitable for a range of travelers, with daily departures and a maximum group size of 20 people, though it is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This 5-day South Island tour offers a comprehensive and scenic exploration of New Zealand’s stunning southern regions, catering to travelers seeking an immersive experience.

Departing from Christchurch, the tour takes you on a round-trip journey through the South Island’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Mount Cook, the adventure capital Queenstown, and the awe-inspiring Milford Sound.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as four nights’ accommodation in Queenstown and Franz Josef, the tour provides a comfortable and convenient way to discover the region.

With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 63 reviews, this tour is a popular choice for those looking to experience the best of the South Island.

Itinerary Highlights

The 5-day tour’s itinerary covers an array of South Island highlights, starting with a journey from Christchurch to the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Travelers will stop at picturesque Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before arriving at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain. Day 2 features the stunning Milford Sound, where they’ll cruise along the serene fjord surrounded by towering cliffs. On Day 4, the tour ventures to the West Coast, passing through the Haast Pass and visiting the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. The final day includes a scenic TranzAlpine train ride, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

Day	Destination	Highlights
1	Christchurch to Queenstown	Canterbury Region, Burkes Pass, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
2	Milford Sound	Fiordland National Park, Mirror Lakes Walk, Hollyford Valley, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak
3	Queenstown	Free leisure day
4	Queenstown to Franz Josef	Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier
5	Franz Josef to Christchurch	Shantytown Heritage Park, Greymouth, Southern Alps, TranzAlpine train ride

Day 1: Christchurch to Queenstown

Departing from Christchurch, the tour makes its way to the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, stopping along the way at the serene Canterbury Region, the picturesque Burkes Pass, and the stunning Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.

At Lake Tekapo, travelers are treated to the striking turquoise waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Continuing on, the tour reaches Lake Pukaki, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook.

Upon arrival at the national park, guests have the opportunity to marvel at the towering peaks, explore the visitor center, and perhaps even spot some native wildlife.

This first day sets the stage for the stunning scenery that awaits throughout the South Island adventure.

Day 2: Milford Sound Excursion

After an early start, travelers embark on an unforgettable journey to the magnificent Milford Sound, located within the captivating Fiordland National Park. Traversing the scenic roads, they take in the captivating Mirror Lakes and the serene Hollyford Valley before reaching the awe-inspiring Homer Tunnel, which provides access to the stunning fiord. Upon arrival, they board a cruise ship and set sail, marveling at the towering Mitre Peak and the cascading waterfalls that line the dramatic cliffs.

Milford Sound Highlights
Fiordland National Park	Mirror Lakes Walk	Hollyford Valley
Homer Tunnel	Milford Sound Cruise	Mitre Peak

Day 3: Leisure in Queenstown

Travelers now enjoy a free day in the adventure capital of Queenstown, free to explore the vibrant city and its surrounding natural wonders at their own pace.

Queenstown offers a wealth of activities, from adrenaline-fueled adventures like bungee jumping, jet boating, and skydiving to more relaxing pursuits like hiking, scenic lake cruises, and wine tasting.

Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets, browse local shops and galleries, or indulge in the diverse culinary scene.

With the breathtaking backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown provides ample opportunities to soak in the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

This day of leisure allows travelers to recharge and personalize their experience in this iconic destination.

Day 4: Queenstown to Franz Josef

The tour continues as the group leaves the adventure capital of Queenstown, heading northwest towards the remote West Coast region and the iconic Franz Josef Glacier. Along the way, they stop at picturesque Lake Wanaka, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Crossing the Haast Pass, they enter Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the mighty Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Guests have the opportunity to view these ancient rivers of ice, either from a distance or on an optional hike. The day concludes in the small town of Franz Josef, where the group settles into their accommodations for the night, eager to explore the area further tomorrow.

Destination	Highlights	Activities	Duration
Lake Wanaka	Stunning alpine lake	Photo stop	30 mins
Haast Pass	Scenic mountain pass	Scenic drive	1 hour
Fox Glacier	Towering ice formation	Optional guided hike	1-2 hours
Franz Josef	Basecamp for glacier exploration	Free time, dinner	Evening

Day 5: Franz Josef to Christchurch

On the final day of the tour, the group departs the town of Franz Josef and makes its way back to Christchurch, the starting point of the journey. Their route winds through the rugged landscapes of the Southern Alps, offering stunning views along the way.

The first stop is at Shantytown Heritage Park, where travelers can explore an authentic 19th-century gold rush town. Then, it’s on to Greymouth, a coastal town known for its lively pubs and cafes.

The tour culminates with a scenic TranzAlpine train ride, providing panoramic vistas of the mountains, forests, and Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch around 6:35 PM.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Information

This 5-day South Island tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary, accommodation as per the itinerary, a Milford Sound cruise, and a TranzAlpine train ride.

However, food, drinks (unless specified), and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour departs daily with a maximum of 20 travelers and returns to the original departure point in Christchurch on the fifth day around 6:35 PM.

Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour features independent touring, with a different coach and driver each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, no refund is provided. There may be additional fees for any changes or cancellations made after the initial booking.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodation?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade the accommodation on this tour. Travelers can choose to upgrade to higher-quality hotels or lodges at an additional cost, providing a more luxurious experience during their South Island adventure.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Travelers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking the tour, so the necessary arrangements can be made for meals and accommodations.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Exploration?

The tour includes a free leisure day in Queenstown, allowing travelers ample time to explore the city independently. However, the itinerary doesn’t specify the exact duration of this free exploration period.

Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary to Add Extra Stops?

The tour itinerary can likely be modified to add extra stops, but this would require discussing options with the tour operator. Extra stops may impact the overall tour schedule and logistics, so any changes would need to be coordinated in advance.

Recap

This South Island tour offers an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.

From the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook to the serene Milford Sound, and the vibrant Queenstown to the captivating Franz Josef Glacier, this 5-day adventure showcases the best of the South Island.

With comfortable accommodations and an intimate group size, travelers are ensured an immersive and memorable exploration of the country’s natural beauty.