5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

5 days (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

See the South Island by coach and railway on a semi-independent 5-day tour, traveling round-trip from Christchurch. Hear informative commentary on your sightseeing coach, gaze at the scenic Southern Alps while aboard the TranzAlpine train, and visit the World Heritage–listed Fiordland on a Milford Sound cruise with lunch. Overnight stays in Fox Glacier and Queenstown allow for plenty of free time to explore New Zealand’s magnificent glaciers and national parks.

5-day coach and rail tour, round-trip from Christchurch
See magnificent scenery of New Zealand’s South Island
Hear informative narration from the driver
Traverse the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine passenger train
Cruise Milford Sound and enjoy lunch on board
Have free time to explore glaciers and other alpine adventures
Enjoy 5 nights’ accommodation in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef, Queenstown and Christchurch

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Combine time mingling with other travelers with independent exploration.

What's Included

Lunch
Return coach transport from Christchurch
Brief commentary on board coaches and tours
4 nights accommodation
TranzApline Scenic Train
Franz Josef Heli Hike
Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Meals unless specified
Pre and post tour accommodation
Gratuities
Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Meet the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at the Train Station for an 08:15 departure. Please check-in at least 20 minutes prior and present yourself to the ticket office.

End point

Christchurch Bus Interchange
Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

Day 1

TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth and continue on to Franz Josef

3 Stops

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

5 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Greymouth

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Franz Josef (Pass By)

Accommodation: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel

Meals: Not included

Day 2

Experience an awe-inspiring Heli Hike and the beauty of Franz Josef

1 Stop

Franz Josef Glacier

4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel

Meals: Not included

Day 3

Franz Josef Glacier to New Zealand's Adventure Capital of Queenstown

1 Stop

Queenstown

8 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel

Meals: Not included

Day 4

Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Coach from Queenstown

1 Stop

Milford Sound

12 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel

Meals: Not included

Day 5

Queenstown to Christchurch via stunning Mt Cook National Park

2 Stops

Mt. Cook Village

5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Christchurch Bus Interchange

5 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Lunch

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

3.0

based on 2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Misleading Check-in time leading to missing of HeliHike

HoiMing_W, Nov 2022

I think it’s a really bad operator as it outsourced almost all parts of the tours to other parties in which miscommunication did arise. The most critical one is that the operator gave the wrong check-in time for the Franz Josef HeliHike in the itinerary so I missed the flight. Also, in the transit between cities, it arranged shuttle drivers, not guides, so you will not receive much information or have sufficient opportunities to stop for pictures. It really affects the mood of a traveller overall.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello Hoi Ming, We are very sorry that our service did not satisfy your expectations and I really appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention. We hope that it wont happen again in the future and despite of the disappointment, we hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels. Thank you very much and stay safe! Marissa