Coastal Splendor

Itinerary

7 days · Christchurch

1. 1

   Day 1

   Christchurch – Dunedin

   • Depart Christchurch
   • Arrive Dunedin
   • Overnight Dunedin

   Depart central Christchurch at 7.45am and travel south across the Canterbury Plains, one of New Zealand's largest agricultural regions. Enjoy ever-changing views as the landscape transitions from fertile farmland to the rolling countryside and rugged coastline of South Canterbury.

   Travel through the historic towns of Ashburton and Timaru before arriving in Oamaru, renowned for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, historic limestone buildings, and picturesque harbour. Enjoy time to explore the town before continuing south.

   Follow the scenic Otago coastline towards Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city, celebrated for its rich Scottish heritage, impressive Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and dramatic harbour setting.

   Arrive in Dunedin at approximately 2:00pm.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day in Dunedin

   • Overnight Dunedin

   Today, explore the rich heritage and spectacular wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand's most remarkable coastal regions, with Monarch Wildlife Cruise & Tours.

   Visit the magnificent Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, where you'll explore its beautifully restored interiors, remarkable craftsmanship, period antiques, and stunning gardens. Learn the fascinating story of William Larnach and the history behind one of New Zealand's most iconic historic homes.

   Continue to the Otago Peninsula for a wildlife cruise beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs. Keep watch for northern royal albatross soaring overhead, New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky outcrops, and a variety of seabirds including cormorants and petrels. Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins, and sea lions are also occasionally spotted.

   Return to Dunedin via the scenic Otago Harbour, arriving back at your accommodation in the mid-afternoon.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Dunedin – Queenstown

   • Depart Dunedin
   • Arrive Queenstown
   • Overnight Queenstown

   This morning, enjoy a guided two-hour sightseeing tour showcasing Dunedin's best-known attractions.

   Visit many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout, the Dunedin Botanic Garden, the historic Northern Cemetery, the University of Otago, First Church of Otago, and the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station.

   Following your sightseeing tour, transfer to the InterCity coach terminal and begin your journey to Queenstown.

   Travel through the scenic landscapes of Central Otago, passing historic towns, orchards, vineyards, and rugged mountain scenery. Enjoy a comfort stop in Ettrick before continuing through the Kawarau Gorge towards Queenstown.

   Arrive in Queenstown at approximately 7:20pm.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Day in Queenstown

   • Overnight Queenstown

   Depart Queenstown by Real NZ coach and travel into the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's most remote and dramatic wilderness regions. Journey through rugged mountain ranges, native forests, and glacier-carved valleys as you make your way towards Milford Sound.

   Enjoy a comfort stop in Te Anau, located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Te Anau and known as the gateway to Fiordland. Continue along the iconic Milford Road, one of New Zealand's most scenic alpine routes, with opportunities for photo stops at some of the region's most remarkable landscapes, including mountain passes, pristine rivers, and tranquil lakes.

   Arrive at Milford Sound and board the Real NZ Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Cruise beneath towering peaks, past cascading waterfalls, and along the spectacular fiord carved by ancient glaciers. Keep watch for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birdlife, while enjoying the peaceful beauty of this world-renowned natural wonder.

   Enjoy a seasonal lunch box during your cruise experience.

   Depart Milford Sound in the mid-afternoon and return to Queenstown, arriving at approximately 8:00pm.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day in Queenstown

   • Overnight Queenstown

   Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace, surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

   Take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic alpine views, or relax beside Lake Wakatipu at one of the town's many cafés and bars.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Queenstown – Franz Josef

   • Depart Queenstown
   • Arrive Franz Josef
   • Overnight Franz Josef

   This morning, depart Queenstown by InterCity coach for a scenic journey to Franz Josef. Travel through some of the South Island's most diverse landscapes, from the alpine beauty of Central Otago to the rugged wilderness of the West Coast.

   Journey through Wānaka, a picturesque alpine resort town located on the shores of Lake Wānaka and the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue north through the Haast Pass, one of New Zealand's most spectacular road journeys, where the landscape transforms from open mountain valleys to dense native rainforest.

   Travel through South Westland, part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, with views of pristine rivers, waterfalls, native bush, and dramatic mountain ranges. Enjoy scenic stops along the way, including Makarora and the Paringa Valley, before continuing towards the rugged coastline of the West Coast.

   Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, approximately 4:30pm.

   Meet your local guide at the main entrance of your accommodation and transfer to the Franz Josef Glacier viewing platform. Enjoy time to walk to the viewpoint and take in views of this spectacular glacier, surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains and the rugged landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, before returning to your accommodation.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Franz Josef – Christchurch

   • Depart Franz Josef
   • Arrive Christchurch

   Depart your accommodation this morning by GreatSights coach and travel north along the scenic West Coast towards Greymouth. Enjoy views of the dramatic coastline, native forests, and historic settlements that showcase the region's rich natural and cultural heritage.

   Travel through Harihari and continue to Hokitika, a historic West Coast town known for its gold-mining heritage, pounamu (greenstone), galleries, and artisan workshops. Take in the relaxed coastal atmosphere before continuing to Greymouth Railway Station.

   Board the iconic TranzAlpine train, recognised as one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Travel across the Southern Alps through spectacular landscapes of river valleys, native forests, alpine passes, and the rugged Waimakariri Gorge.

   Relax in comfort as the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps before arriving back in Christchurch at approximately 7:00pm, where your Coastal Splendour journey concludes.