- Pricing From TBC*
- Single Supplement TBC*
- From Queenstown
- Duration 7 Days
- Max Group Size 18
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 2024
- Returns 2024
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape on board the TranzAlpine – one of the world’s great train journeys. Travelling between Greymouth and Christchurch you will view epic vistas, travel through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the breathtaking Southern Alps and see miles of lush alpine native beech forest.
From the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps region we will explore picturesque Wanaka and Arrowtown then cruise the Haast River. Explore the stunning West Coast of New Zealand – a region known for its wild rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Experience the ‘Grand Traverse’ a spectacular scenic flight that showcases the awe-inspiring peaks of Mount Cook and coastal vistas of Westland National Park including a birds eye view of the impressive Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers. Explore the French fishing village of Akaroa and enjoy the cosmopolitan hub of Christchurch. With stays in luxury accommodation throughout, incredible meals and wine from the region as always, this is a truly memorable adventure.
Highlights
- Stay at luxury accommodation throughout including the award-winning Millbrook Resort
- Traverse the spectacular South Island of New Zealand from Greymouth on the West Coast to Christchurch in the East Coast on the TranzAlpine train
- Marvel at spectacular sights during the ‘Grand Traverse’ scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks
- Enjoy a cruise through a remarkable glacial valley on the Haast River
- Touring of picturesque Wanaka, Arrowtown, Lake Matheson and Akaroa
- All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Your own room with no single supplement charge
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
This morning depart for Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town located on the banks of the Arrow River. We move on to Gibbston Valley Winery reflecting the best of Central Otago produce and famed for their Pinot Noir. Transfer to stunning Wanaka at the foot of the Mount Aspiring National Park.
Overnight: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Continuing on by road through Mount Aspiring National Park we make our way to Haast, the southern-most town on the West Coast. Upon arrival enjoy a cruise on the Haast River which is set amongst a remarkable glacial valley, where a temperate rainforest thrives. Continue on to the quaint town of Franz Josef.
Overnight: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
Today enjoy the flight of a lifetime, the ‘Grand Traverse’, a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks including Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and shows you the region like no other flight. This magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200km of New Zealand’s most memorable and breathtaking scenery. This afternoon visit Lake Matheson which offers unparalleled views of Fox Glacier, Mt Tasman and Aoraki/Mt Cook and is New Zealand’s most photographed lake.
Overnight: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
Today we will travel on the renowned TranzAlpine train from the west coast to the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Travel from Greymouth through lush alpine beech rainforest through the Otira Tunnel and ascend to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass. We continue through the Southern Alps and descend through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River to cross the picturesque patchwork scenery of the Canterbury Plains arriving in Christchurch.
Overnight: The George Christchurch or similar
After breakfast we transfer to the attractive colonial-style town of Akaroa, the only French colony in the country. The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and its sparkling waters are home to a variety of sea life including New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life. This evening is our farewell dinner.
Overnight: The George Christchurch or similar
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport. Say farewell to new friends and take away memories of a delightful TranzAlpine Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre/Post Tour
Flights from your home port to Queenstown/Christchurch are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to/from Queenstown/Christchurch, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post-tour accommodation.
Level of Fitness Required – Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1 kilometre unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Itinerary and pricing for 2023 tours is subject to change at the time of finalisation.
* Due to current travel restrictions, there may be operational / date changes required. We will continue to work with suppliers to monitor the situation.