Great Southern Circle

Itinerary

5 days · Christchurch

1. 1

   Day 1

   Christchurch – Queenstown

   • Depart Christchurch
   • Arrive Queenstown
   • Overnight Queenstown

   Depart central Christchurch at 7.10am 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 foothills of the Southern Alps.

   Continue through Burkes Pass into the Mackenzie Basin, where wide-open landscapes, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped mountains create some of the South Island's most spectacular scenery. Visit Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully positioned on the lakeshore with views towards the Southern Alps.

   From Lake Tekapo, travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki, renowned for its vivid glacial-blue waters and stunning views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. Continue into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where there is time to enjoy the alpine surroundings and stop for lunch at Mount Cook Village (own expense).

   According to Māori tradition, Aoraki and his brothers were transformed into stone, forming the Southern Alps, a landscape of deep cultural and natural significance.

   Continue south through the Lindis Pass, connecting the Mackenzie Country with Central Otago, before following the Kawarau Gorge towards Queenstown. Enjoy dramatic views of rugged mountains, river valleys, and the changing landscapes of the Southern Alps.

   Arrive in Queenstown at approximately 6:30pm.

2. 2

   Day 2

   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 spectacular 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 cold lunch box during your cruise experience.

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

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day in Queenstown

   • Overnight Queenstown

   Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace, surrounded by the spectacular 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.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Queenstown – Franz Josef

   • Depart Queenstown
   • Arrive Franz Josef
   • Overnight Franz Josef

   This morning, depart Queenstown by InterCity coach for a scenic 8.5-hour 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.

5. 5

   Day 5

   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 train crosses the Southern Alps before arriving back in Christchurch at approximately 7:00pm, where your Great Southern Circle journey concludes.