Home Coach Tours New! 11 Day Signature Spectacular South Explore New Zealand on a guided adventure from Wellington to Queenstown. Glide through the Southern Alps and along the Pacific coastline in comfort and style on this scenic journey of a lifetime. Operated by Great Journeys NZ Signature Rail Tours Overview price from 8,580 AUD per person (twin share) duration 11 days and 10 nights you will visit Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown South Island Saved to favourites View tour dates Enquire about this tour Itinerary This trip is perfect for those seeking a stress-free, scenic adventure. Connect with like-minded travellers and enjoy world-class activities in picturesque locations. Day 1 - Arrive Wellington Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s windy capital, famed for its world-class dining, great coffee, and eccentric shops. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter, explore Wellington. Visit the Te Papa Museum, enjoy a drink at a quirky Cuba Street bar, or take a cable car ride! In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for the welcome dinner, officially starting your tour. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 2 - Wellington to Marlborough This morning, say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (goodbye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island on the Interislander Ferry. Settle into the Premium Lounge, enjoy a mimosa, and savour a hearty breakfast, but save room for morning tea! During your Cook Strait crossing, you might spot dolphins or even a whale. Don’t stay inside—take in the views of Queen Charlotte Sound, with its whaling station remnants, sheep farms, native bush, and mussel farms. Arrive in Picton, the gateway to the South Island, and embark on a Marlborough Wine Tour. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 3 - Marlborough to Kaikoura Spend your morning exploring Picton. Visit the historic Edwin Fox ship, browse local craft stores and art galleries, and enjoy coastal walks. Relax at waterfront cafés before boarding the Coastal Pacific train for a scenic journey through the Marlborough Wine Region. Travel to Kaikōura, gliding past remote beaches and stunning mountain-sea views. Watch for fur seals on the rocks! In Kaikōura, enjoy iconic seafood at a local restaurant and relax at your luxurious oceanfront hotel. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 4 - Kaikoura to Christchurch Experience whale watching today with up-close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales. For a different perspective, consider a plane or helicopter ride to capture the wildlife from above. Afterwards, enjoy some classic New Zealand fish and chips at the beach. Then, explore local artisan stores and souvenir shops. In the late afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch, “The Garden City.” Admire the rolling hills and flat plains while relaxing with a glass of wine from the scenic café. Spend the evening unwinding before exploring the city the next day. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 5 - Christchurch Christchurch, a blend of modern and 19th-century Gothic revival architecture, is the hub for South Island exploration. The city, rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake, is becoming a multicultural haven. Today, explore museums, Riverside Markets, Punting on the Avon, the Gondola, and botanical gardens. Enjoy the charming cafés in side streets. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a special dinner at a restaurant. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 6 - Christchurch to Hokitika Experience the world-famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps to the West Coast! Enjoy epic vistas, the ice-fed Waimakariri River, the Great Divide, and diverse landscapes. Marvel at the Otira Tunnel, an engineering feat of 100 years. Upon arrival, a private coach will take you to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to explore limestone formations and blowholes, ending your day in the oceanfront town of Hokitika. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 7 - Hokitika to Franz Josef Start your West Coast adventure with a visit to the Treetop Aerial Walkway, exploring ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees from above. Then, head south to Glacier Country to see the Franz Josef Glacier, a rare glacier surviving in coastal rainforest temperatures. A short walk offers great views, or book an optional helicopter flight for a closer look. After enjoying local activities and shopping in Franz Josef, join your group for a highlight dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 8 - Franz Josef to Queenstown Today, explore Haast Pass on a scenic five-hour journey to Queenstown. Enjoy stunning landscapes from a river boat and private coach, including beaches, blue lakes, rivers, mountains, vineyards, plains, and glaciers. Your Tour Director will guide you to hidden gems and unique local spots. After the pass, visit Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stall and stroll through Arrowtown’s cobblestone streets. Then, arrive in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown! Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 9 - Milford Sound Ensure your camera is charged for today’s journey to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where towering peaks and plunging valleys await. Travel through native rainforests, meadows, and reflective pools before boarding your cruise. Experience the stunning beauty of Milford Sound, with its Bowen and Stirling Falls cascading from glacial valleys. Marvel at the iconic Mitre Peak rising from the fjord’s depths. For a bird’s-eye view, consider booking a plane flight into the Sound. After this adventure, return to Queenstown for a relaxing evening. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 10 - Queenstown Queenstown offers something for everyone. Customize your day with activities ranging from horse trekking at Walter Peak, taking the gondola for breathtaking views, to wine tasting in Gibbston Valley. Tonight, enjoy a memorable experience aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise with dinner and a show. Reflect on your adventure as you cruise to Walter Peak for a dining experience overlooking Table Bay. Learn about sheep shearing and dog herding in this picturesque setting, a quintessential Kiwi experience. Not ready to end the day? Experience Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife by Lake Wakatipu. Stay at 4-4.5 Star Accommodation Day 11 - Depart Queenstown Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers. View More Expand All | Collapse All Inclusions 10 Nights of 4-4.5 star accommodation 10 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, and 1 meal on the train Experienced Tour Director Cook Strait Ferry Crossing Marlborough Wine Tour Experience Wildlife Experience in Kaikōura West Coast Tree Top Walk Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk Haast River Safari Milford Sounds Day Tour and Cruise TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner Excursion Coastal Pacific Train Journey TranzAlpine Train Journey Unique Private Coach Road Trip View More Operated by Tour Style Signature Rail Tours Dates & Pricing 2024 2025 Guaranteed departure Pending confirmation Nov 19 Dec 10 Start Date End Date RRP Twin ShareSingle Our Price Twin ShareSingle You Save Check Availability 19 Nov 2024 29 Nov 2024 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire 10 Dec 2024 20 Dec 2024 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire Feb 02 Feb 25 Apr 08 Apr 15 Apr 22 Start Date End Date RRP Twin ShareSingle Our Price Twin ShareSingle You Save Check Availability 02 Feb 2025 12 Feb 2025 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire 25 Feb 2025 07 Mar 2025 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire 08 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire 15 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire 22 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 8,580 AUD 8,580 AUD Enquire Enquire about 11 Day Signature Spectacular South Select your preferred dates, request an availability check and receive a personalised quote. 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