10-Day Southern National Parks Tour from Christchurch: Mt Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Franz Josef | Flexible Independent Travel

What you'll experience

Highlights

10 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Christchurch

   【Welcome to Christchurch City】
   Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City, is evolving into a lively urban destination. Known for its expansive green spaces, tree-lined streets, and beautiful gardens, the city offers a great way to explore. Ride the historic trams to visit the famous Botanic Gardens and the unique Transitional Cathedral, which is built entirely of cardboard!
   【Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to your Christchurch Accommodation】
   On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bella Vista Christchurch
2. 2

   Day 2 — Christchurch - Mt Cook

   【Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour - Lunch Included】
   This small-group, fully-guided day trip covers the must-see highlights of the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and the Tasman Glacier. It's the perfect way to travel from Christchurch. Take in the beauty of the stunning landscape by capturing unforgettable photos as you make your way to Mt Cook.

   

   Lake Tekapo

   

   Mount Cook National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mt Cook Motel
3. 3

   Day 3 — Mt Cook

   【Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park】
   At 3754 meters, Aoraki-Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest peak, located in the Southern Alps. Mt Cook National Park offers a range of activities, including scenic flights with glacier landings by Mt Cook Ski Planes, and numerous well-marked short hikes. Stargazing tours are available, as the region boasts one of the clearest night skies in the world. The Hermitage Hotel provides fine dining, cafes, and a bar, with limited shops in the village. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for insight into the region's climbing history. Iconic hikes like the Hooker Valley Track and Kea Point Track offer breathtaking views of glaciers and Aoraki/Mt Cook.
   【Walking Tracks in and around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park】
   Many short scenic walks begin in and around the Mt Cook Village, suitable for all ages and abilities. Located within the Mt Cook Village is the Department of Conservation information centre, where updates on the track conditions and suitability are available as well as information on the history of the area and its wildlife.

   

   Mount Cook National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mt Cook Motel
4. 4

   Day 4 — Mt Cook - Queenstown

   【Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour】
    Departing spectacular Aoraki/Mt Cook, this scenic tour winds its way through some of the best the Southern Alps area has to offer; stunningly blue Lake Pukaki, High Country Salmon experiences, the panoramic Lindis Pass, the grand Kawarau Gorge before finally coming to an end in breathtaking Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
5. 5

   Day 5 — Queenstown

   【Queenstown】
   Queenstown, or Tāhuna in Māori, is renowned as New Zealand's 'adventure capital', but it offers much more than just adrenaline-fueled activities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is rich in history, cuisine, and scenic beauty. Whether you prefer a short walk or a longer hike, Queenstown offers a range of trails, including the Queenstown Gardens, Ben Lomond Walkway, and Queenstown Hill Track. Take the Queenstown Gondola to Bob's Peak for stunning views, or cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour and dinner. Explore the waterfront cafes, enjoy a Fergburger, or indulge in a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.
   

   

   Lake Wakatipu

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
6. 6

   Day 6 — Queenstown - Milford Sound

   【Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown - Lunch Included】
   Departing Queenstown, relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach as you journey along Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Your driver provides informative commentary and stops for great photo opportunities. After morning tea in Te Anau, continue along the stunning Milford Road to Piopiotahi-Milford Sound. Once there, enjoy a leisurely cruise through the fiord, with ample time to take in the breathtaking waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. Whether rain or shine, a visit to Milford Sound is sure to leave you in awe.

   

   Milford Sound

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
7. 7

   Day 7 — Queenstown - Franz Josef

   【Queenstown to Franz Josef Transfer】
   Leaving Queenstown, journey through stunning landscapes of towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Cross the Haast Pass into the West Coast, where the terrain shifts dramatically. This remote, untouched region offers native rainforests, rugged coastlines, and impressive waterfalls. Your adventure ends in Franz Josef, where you'll base yourself for further exploration of the area.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
8. 8

   Day 8 — Franz Josef

   【Franz Josef】
   Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour. If walking isn't your preference, you can explore the township, which is home to a variety of souvenir and gift shops.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
9. 9

   Day 9 — Franz Josef - TranzAlpine Scenic Train - Christchurch

   【Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station Transfer】
   Travel north from Franz Josef to the historic gold mining town of Hokitika, famous for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) and rich history dating back to the 1860s. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the scenic TranzAlpine train ride.
   【TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch】
   Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch. 
   【Shared Transfer from the TranzAlpine Railway Station to your Christchurch Accommodation】
   On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation.

   

   Arthur's Pass National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bella Vista Christchurch
10. 10

    Day 10 — Christchurch

    【Private Transfer from the Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch Airport】
    A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator