Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Christchurch
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Christchurch
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NTCC8
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NTCC8
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 8 Day Southern Escape. See the very best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. Visit the scenic wonders of glacier country, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 8 Day Southern Escape. From the captivating beauty of the Southern Alps to the spectacular scenery of Fiordland National Park, immerse yourself in the wonders of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. This incredible eight-day tour takes you to Glacier Country, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo/Takapo.
Itinerary
Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city where you will find a charming combination of its English Heritage, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director. Stay: Christchurch, Quality Elms Hotel (D)
Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train, then drive through the Southern Alps, home to the Franz Josef/ Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B/D)
Insider Experience: Embark on one of the world's great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Watch the South Island's snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills glide past from the comfort of your seat.
Insider Experience: Embark on one of the world's great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Watch the South Island's snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills glide past from the comfort of your seat.
Travel past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, through Haast Pass, skirting the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. The city is renowned for its world-class food, so during time at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of the many local restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (B)
Insider Experience: Settle in for a two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overseeing Lake Wakatipu.
Insider Experience: Settle in for a two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overseeing Lake Wakatipu.
After heading up to Bob's Peak, enjoy lunch at one of the FergFoods restaurant located throughout the city centre (Fergburger, FergsBar, Mrs. Ferg & FergBaker), then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Why not try one of our Select Experiences? Join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station, offering an insight into farming life in New Zealand's high country, or take an exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride (both at own expense). This evening, perhaps tantalise your tastebuds as you discover Queenstown's thriving foodie scene. (B/L)
Insider Experience: Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob's Peak and check out the view as all of Queenstown spreads below you.
Insider Experience: Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob's Peak and check out the view as all of Queenstown spreads below you.
This morning after breakfast, skirt The Remarkables mountain range, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park and beyond to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Your reward is a cruise along the full length of the sound. Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is widely regarded as one of the most incredible natural wilderness areas on earth. Later, continue by coach to Te Anau. After time to settle into your hotel, enjoy dinner. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B/D)
Insider Experience: Cruise the full length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with spectacular landscapes surrounding this World Heritage-listed area.
Insider Experience: Cruise the full length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with spectacular landscapes surrounding this World Heritage-listed area.
Leaving the Fiordland region, today you'll journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a tour taking in the city's most significant landmarks and learn of its rich history. Take some time at leisure to explore the town as you please. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B)
Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones were formed more than 60 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Continue to Oamaru to see some of New Zealand's finest 19th-century architecture. Later, en route to Lake Tekapo, journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to admire the sublime alpine scenery. Arrive at your hotel, Peppers Bluewater Resort, situated near the shores of Lake Tekapo. Stay: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort (B/D)
Insider Experience: View majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Dine on fresh local produce at your hotel's stylish restaurant during a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Insider Experience: View majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Dine on fresh local produce at your hotel's stylish restaurant during a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Your final day in New Zealand begins with a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the pristine natural beauty. Your journey then concludes on arrival at Christchurch Airport. (B)
Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city known for its English influence, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director. Stay: Christchurch, Hotel Elms (D)
Start the day with an Insider Experience, as you travel aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. Afterwards, drive through the Southern Alps, home to the Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B/D)
Insider Experience: Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.
Insider Experience: Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.
Travel past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, through Haast Pass, and then skirt the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea to Queenstown. The city is renowned for its world-class food, so during time at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of the many local restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (B)
Insider Experience: Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You'll be just a short stroll from Queenstown's vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.
Insider Experience: Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You'll be just a short stroll from Queenstown's vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.
Begin today with an Insider Experience. Then, enjoy lunch at one of the famous Ferg Foods restaurants located in the city centre (Fergburger, Ferg's Bar, Mrs Ferg and Fergbaker). The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, so you may like to choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences. This evening, perhaps tantalise your tastebuds as you discover Queenstown's thriving foodie scene. (B/L)
Insider Experience: Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, 480 metres above the city. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you.
Insider Experience: Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, 480 metres above the city. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you.
This morning after breakfast, skirt The Remarkables mountain range, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park and beyond to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Here, an incredible Insider Experience waits. Later, continue by coach to Te Anau. After taking time to settle into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B/D)
Insider Experience: Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular wilderness regions in the world. Set sail on a cruise along the full length of the World Heritage-listed fiord, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
Insider Experience: Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular wilderness regions in the world. Set sail on a cruise along the full length of the World Heritage-listed fiord, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
After leaving the Fiordland region today, you'll journey through the rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a tour, where you'll see the city's most significant landmarks and learn about Dunedin's history. Take some time at leisure to explore the town as you please. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B)
Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki. A geological marvel, these large spherical stones were formed around 65 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Travel to Oamaru to see some of New Zealand's finest 19th-century architecture, and then continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where an incredible Insider Experience waits. Later, journey to Lake Tekapo/Takapo and arrive at your hotel, Peppers Bluewater Resort. Stay: Lake Tekapo/Takapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort (B/D)
Insider Experience: Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stop to admire breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's highest peak.
Insider Experience: Say 'ka kite ano' (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Enjoy exquisite local cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with new-found friends.
Your final day in New Zealand begins with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd on the edge of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the spectacular surrounds.
Afterwards, you'll be transferred to Christchurch Airport, where your tour with us concludes. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
- Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
- Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort, near the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo
- 7 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
- Premium air-conditioned coach travel
- Special Farewell Dinner
- Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, entrance fees as specified, and airport transfers on the first and last day
- 12 meals - 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Prices are for land only. Flights not included
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
- Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
- Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort, near the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo/Takapo
- 7 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
- Premium air-conditioned coach travel
- Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, entrance fees as specified, and airport transfers on the first and last day
- 12 meals - 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Special Farewell Dinner
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Prices are for land only. Flights not included (unless specified)
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Southern Escape' Reviews
5.0
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Loved it! Had a great time - well organised, and good group of people. 2
Shirley, VIC, Australia, Mar 2018
This is my 2nd trip with Travelmarvel and I was more than happy with everything. It is the best way to see the country as the staff know every attraction and photo spot available.
It can be very tiring with the early mornings but I did the north island and the south island of New Zealand in separate trips and that made it not so grueling. More than ...read more happy to travel with them again - good job everyone.
It can be very tiring with the early mornings but I did the north island and the south island of New Zealand in separate trips and that made it not so grueling. More than ...read more happy to travel with them again - good job everyone.
Brochure
Travelmarvel New Zealand (2024-25)
Travelmarvel’s range of travel styles allows you to explore New Zealand in a way that best suits you. Journey along some of the most scenic steel tracks on an epic rail adventure or wind through the magnificent countryside by coach.
Brochure
Travelmarvel New Zealand (2024-25)
Travelmarvel’s range of travel styles allows you to explore New Zealand in a way that best suits you. Journey along some of the most scenic steel tracks on an epic rail adventure or wind through the magnificent countryside by coach.
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Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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 Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. 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 Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. 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.
