Excursions by Exotrav

New Zealand Tour

A Glimpse into the Wonders of the South Island

Trip Duration

7 days

Recommended season:

November - April

New Zealand - Trip Summary

A customized 7-day tour of New Zealand begins on the South Island in Christchurch. We’ll board the scenic TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, then continue by rental car to Punakaiki to marvel at the famous Pancake Rocks, unique rock formations resembling stacks of pancakes. Our journey continues to the charming town of Franz Josef, where we’ll embark on an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier, including a short hike on the glacier itself. We conclude in Queenstown, enjoying a thrilling cruise through the stunning Milford Sound on high-speed boats.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through New Zealand, a land rich in awe-inspiring natural wonders. Experience breathtaking national parks, thrilling adventures, and wildlife encounters. From the vibrant cityscapes of Auckland to the geothermal marvels of Rotorua and the adrenaline-filled activities in Queenstown, our personalized tours offer a range of experiences, supported by comprehensive services to ensure an unforgettable journey at your pace and style.

Geographic • Activities • Boat Ride

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch, the most “English” city in New Zealand, known for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Often referred to as the “Garden City,” Christchurch boasts stunning parks and botanical gardens, which provide a serene backdrop to the bustling city life. The city is also famous for its picturesque Avon River, where you can enjoy punting or walking along the riverbanks. With a blend of heritage and modernity, visitors can explore unique galleries, cafes, and the Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of the city’s resilience following the earthquakes.

 

Upon arrival, meet our representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Christchurch.

 

Day 2

Day 2: Christchurch - Train to Greymouth - Punakaiki

After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to the train station in Christchurch. From there, embark on the TranzAlpine train journey to Greymouth, which takes approximately 4.5 hours.

 

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive for about 40 minutes (46 km) to Punakaiki. Here, you will witness the stunning geological formations known as the Pancake Rocks, which have been shaped over millions of years by the rise and fall of sea levels, creating unique layers that resemble stacks of pancakes. Or perhaps it was just the name “Punakaiki” that evokes such imagery?
Overnight in Punakaiki.

Day 3

Day 3: Punakaiki - Franz Josef

After breakfast, you will drive for approximately 3 hours (217 km) along the rugged coastline of the Tasman Sea. You will arrive at the charming town of Franz Josef, named after the nearby glacier. This name was given by the Austrian geologist Julius von Haast, who dedicated the glacier to the Austrian emperor.
Overnight in Franz Josef.

Day 4

Day 4: Franz Josef - Helicopter Tour - Queenstown

After breakfast, you will embark on a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier, followed by a short walking tour on the glacier itself.

 

Following the flight, you will independently drive approximately 5 hours (351 km) to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand and perhaps even the world, all while enjoying a sense of serene tranquility. Just three decades ago, it was a quaint and sleepy holiday town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where legends say a fearsome monster still lurks at the bottom (who are we to dispute that?).
Overnight in Queenstown.

 

Day 5

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

After breakfast, we will embark on a shared day trip to Milford Sound. We will begin with a drive of approximately two and a half hours along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau, the largest lakes on the South Island. The “Milford Road” will lead us to the land of the fiords, passing through breathtaking landscapes where we will stop to admire stunning mirror lakes and visit cascading spiral waterfalls.

 

We will pass through the Homer Tunnel, which cuts through the towering mountain range that surrounds the fiord land, entering Fiordland National Park, which is roughly the size of Israel and the largest national park in New Zealand. As we journey through the land of a thousand waterfalls, aptly named for the countless cascades that plunge from heights of hundreds of meters, we will see the northernmost, deepest, and most beautiful of the fiords—Milford Sound.

 

We will board one of the boats cruising the fiord and marvel at the towering cliffs surrounding us, which rise about 1700 meters, cascading down to us with countless waterfalls. Lunch is included.
After the boat trip, we will drive back to Queenstown.
Overnight in Queenstown.

 

Day 6

Day 6: Queenstown - Jet Boat Ride - Christchurch

After breakfast, you will embark on one of the most popular activities in Queenstown: a thrilling jet boat ride through the rivers. The jet engine allows for high maneuverability, reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, even in just seven centimeters of water. The boats twist and turn just inches from jagged rocks, executing 360-degree spins to the cheers of the passengers.

 

Following the exhilarating ride, depending on your flight time, you will drive to the airport, return your rental car, and take a flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.
Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 7

Day 7: Christchurch - Airport

After breakfast and depending on your flight time, we will drive to the airport, return your rental car, and catch your flight back home.

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