Trip Length
7 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Queenstown
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Style
Classic
Departures
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
35
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CCQ7
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Great Journeys New Zealand's 7 Day Classic Alpine Highlights Tour. See the brilliant South Island of New Zealand on this exciting 7-day guided adventure. Join us on this guided scenic tour through the mighty Southern Alps, past the wild West Coast to the beautiful Queenstown. This is the perfect option for those who enjoy free time to create their own adventure while having the structure of a guided expert. Meet like-minded travellers and share this journey of a lifetime on a truly magnificent expedition.
Itinerary
Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican influence. Your journey will officially begin the moment you check into your hotel room. After an exciting day on the town, join your fellow travellers as well as the Tour Director at this evening's welcome reception. Stay: Fable Christchurch (or similar), Christchurch
The moment has come to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps to the West Coast!
On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and experience miles of native beech forest. The natural scenery isn't the only marvel though. The TranzAlpine will also pass through the Otira Tunnel, a true engineering marvel of almost 100 years!
Once you arrive on the West Coast, you will travel even further off the beaten track by coach to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here you will walk amongst limestone formations before heading to Hokitika for the evening. Stay: Beachfront Hokitika (or similar), Punakaiki (B)
On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and experience miles of native beech forest. The natural scenery isn't the only marvel though. The TranzAlpine will also pass through the Otira Tunnel, a true engineering marvel of almost 100 years!
Once you arrive on the West Coast, you will travel even further off the beaten track by coach to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here you will walk amongst limestone formations before heading to Hokitika for the evening. Stay: Beachfront Hokitika (or similar), Punakaiki (B)
This morning you start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island's most popular activities, The Treetop Aerial Walkway. This elevated adventure will get you acquainted with the locals, the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees of course.
After your sky-high experience, you will continue south into Glacier Country. Franz Josef glacier is quite unique in that it survives in coastal rainforest temperatures. We'll drive as close as possible, but if you'd prefer to get up close, we recommend booking an optional helicopter flight. This will ensure you are getting the best possible view of this natural wonder.
After our glacial experience and checking into our hotel, you'll have some free time to enjoy Franz Josef town. Indulge in a little retail therapy, the helicopter flight, nature walk or tap into some natural tranquillity at the hot pools. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar), Franz Josef (B)
After your sky-high experience, you will continue south into Glacier Country. Franz Josef glacier is quite unique in that it survives in coastal rainforest temperatures. We'll drive as close as possible, but if you'd prefer to get up close, we recommend booking an optional helicopter flight. This will ensure you are getting the best possible view of this natural wonder.
After our glacial experience and checking into our hotel, you'll have some free time to enjoy Franz Josef town. Indulge in a little retail therapy, the helicopter flight, nature walk or tap into some natural tranquillity at the hot pools. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar), Franz Josef (B)
Heading southwards, enjoy exploring the Southern Lakes region as you marvel at the sublime scenery. From glacier country, you will tread through the incredibly dense West Coast rainforest. In the distance, enjoy the spectacular picture-perfect mountain peaks as you journey along the clifftops.
After enjoying Haast, you will continue south through the dramatic Haast Pass and alongside impeccable lakes. The next stop will have you perusing through the delicious South Island fruit selection of fruit stalls. Charming and quirky Arrowtown is next on the itinerary.
After an exciting plunge into the gold rush village history, you have arrived in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown! Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B)
After enjoying Haast, you will continue south through the dramatic Haast Pass and alongside impeccable lakes. The next stop will have you perusing through the delicious South Island fruit selection of fruit stalls. Charming and quirky Arrowtown is next on the itinerary.
After an exciting plunge into the gold rush village history, you have arrived in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown! Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B)
Enjoy a free day to explore everything Queenstown has to offer.
Today we highly recommend that you join an excursion to the 8th Wonder of the World - it truly is a remarkable experience. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a scenic escape approximately three hours from Queenstown. The natural landscape will engulf you as you waltz through plunging valleys and under towering peaks. This could possibly be one of the most scenic drives you'll experience in your lifetime! Take this encounter to the next level by soaring like the Piopio (ancient bird) by plane or helicopter.
Whether you've decided to hop aboard the steamship lake cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, or marvel at the power of ancient roaring rivers - tonight you have the night to indulge in Queenstown's exciting nightlife. Sip cocktails and indulge in the sparkling views of Lake Wakatipu. Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B)
Today we highly recommend that you join an excursion to the 8th Wonder of the World - it truly is a remarkable experience. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a scenic escape approximately three hours from Queenstown. The natural landscape will engulf you as you waltz through plunging valleys and under towering peaks. This could possibly be one of the most scenic drives you'll experience in your lifetime! Take this encounter to the next level by soaring like the Piopio (ancient bird) by plane or helicopter.
Whether you've decided to hop aboard the steamship lake cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, or marvel at the power of ancient roaring rivers - tonight you have the night to indulge in Queenstown's exciting nightlife. Sip cocktails and indulge in the sparkling views of Lake Wakatipu. Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B)
Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Personalise your day to be as active, or relaxed as you'd like. Whether it's sipping wine in Gibbston Valley, or bungy jumping with AJ Hackett, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses.
This evening you'll come together as a group for a farewell dinner before departing. Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B/D)
This evening you'll come together as a group for a farewell dinner before departing. Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (or similar), Queenstown (B/D)
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. (B)
Trip Inclusions
The journey is part of the destination on our tours, and our Scenic trains are the ultimate way to see New Zealand.
On our Classic Alpine Tour, your journey begins aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine, traversing the rugged cliffs of the Waimakariri River gorge on your ascent into the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, you will descend through the century-old Otira tunnel that stretches 8.5km beneath the great divide. On the far side, you'll wind through the lush green scenery of West Coast on your way past Lake Brunner and onto Greymouth.
Lastly, from Greymouth you will travel by luxury bus along the famous Great Coast Road - one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
- Witness the engineering marvels of the Otira Tunnel
- Explore the Southern Alps by train
- Experience the mesmerising blue lakes of the South Island
- Discover sacred pounamu and ancient forests on the West Coast
- Explore New Zealand's city life in Christchurch, Greymouth and Queenstown
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your local tour director along this great journey
- Experienced Tour Director
- Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
- West Coast Treetops Aerial Walkway
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
- Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday
Not Included:
- Arrival transfer
- Optional activities (unless specified)
- Meals (unless specified)
- Airfares
- Personal spending money
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Availability
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13 Sep 2025
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20 Sep 2025
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26 Sep 2025
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Saturday
11 Oct 2025
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17 Oct 2025
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Saturday
01 Nov 2025
Friday
07 Nov 2025
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Saturday
22 Nov 2025
Friday
28 Nov 2025
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13 Dec 2025
Friday
19 Dec 2025
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21 Feb 2026
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27 Feb 2026
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14 Mar 2026
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20 Mar 2026
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Great Journeys New Zealand. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Great Journeys New Zealand. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Great Journeys New Zealand. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Great Journeys New Zealand. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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