See all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on a five-day guided sightseeing tour. You'll travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown, experience the majesty of Milford Sound, view the glacier at Franz Josef and travel aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express train.
Your five-day exploration of New Zealand's spectacular South Island begins with the stunning scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps and a lunchtime visit to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. After spending the night in Queenstown, you'll take an unforgettable cruise on majestic Milford Sound, surrounded by rock walls scarred by glaciers rising vertically from the sea.
You'll have a day free to explore Queenstown on your own, then travel along New Zealand's most stunning highway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. The route up the West Coast takes you past soaring mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. A "living river of ice", the Franz Josef Glacier is more than 7,000 years old and a must-see for any visitor to New Zealand.
On the final day of your South Island tour you'll travel along the rugged West Coast to Shantytown, a faithful reconstruction of a Westland gold-rush town. You'll also stop at Greymouth, the center for thousands of diggers during the historic gold strikes of the 1860s. Your five-day tour concludes with a trip to Christchurch aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express, one of the top 10 train journeys in the world.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:124:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2950/SITours/5-day-south-island-tour-from-christchurch-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:113:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/5-Day-South-Island-Tour-from-Christchurch/d400-2950CLT22";}i:1;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2950CLT19C";s:11:"ProductName";s:33:"Christchurch Big Five Attractions";s:12:"Introduction";s:1476:"Want to cover the five "must-do" attractions in Christchurch in one day? You'll visit the International Antarctic Center, see native kiwis at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, take a ride on a historic Christchurch tram, soar above the city on the Christchurch Gondola before taking a relaxing two-hour harbor cruise.
Your first stop is the International Antarctic Center, winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board award for "Best Visitor Attraction". Antarctica's beautiful icy wilderness has been re-created at the Antarctic Center, providing an exciting interactive experience of the Southern Continent, which very few people have the opportunity to visit first-hand.
You will then travel to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can explore the farmyard, feed the animals and see a wide variety of birds and animals, both native and introduced to New Zealand, including the kiwi in its natural habitat, eels, keas, deer and possums.
You'll then travel back to Christchurch city center to take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram. The 25-minute ride covers the city's attractions and includes a full on-board commentary.
Next stop is the Christchurch Gondola for a cable-car ride to the summit, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula. After your exhilarating Gondola Ride, you'll take a relaxing two-hour cruise with the 2002 Tourism Award-winning company Christchurch Wildlife Cruises.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:116:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2950/SITours/christchurch-big-five-attractions-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:106:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Christchurch-Big-Five-Attractions/d400-2950CLT19C";}i:2;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"2950CLT08";s:11:"ProductName";s:47:"Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch";s:12:"Introduction";s:771:"Spend the day getting close to nature on a whale-watching day trip to Kaikoura, renowned for its variety of marine mammals. You'll enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, go on a whale-watching boat tour from Kaikoura, visit a seal colony and complete the day with a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
On your whale-watching cruise from beautiful Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea, you might spot giant sperm whales, acrobatic dusky dolphins, seals and royal albatross.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll visit a seal colony to view fur seals at close quarters. On your return journey to Christchurch you'll stop at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:130:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2950/SITours/kaikoura-whale-watch-day-tour-from-christchurch-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:119:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Kaikoura-Whale-Watch-Day-Tour-from-Christchurch/d400-2950CLT08";}i:3;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2950CLT22A";s:11:"ProductName";s:57:"4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch";s:12:"Introduction";s:2053:"Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown and up the West Coast to Greymouth before a return to Christchurch. View Franz Josef glacier and experience Milford Sound.
Day 1: Christchurch/Mt Cook/Queenstown
Travel through the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. Cross Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel up Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Stop for lunch (not inclued) before crossing Lindis Pass. Travel along Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown. Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar
Day 2: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along Lake Wakatipu beneath Remarkables to Te Anau. See the Mirror Lakes and continue past Christie Falls. Enter the Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. Cruise along Milford Sound where you'll see Mitre Peak and rock walls rising 1200m vertically from the sea. Re-board your coach for a Queenstown return. Optional lunch on cruise available. Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar
Day 3: Queenstown/Franz Josef Glacier
Travel along Lake Wanaka to Haast Pass. Pass through Central Otago and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps with its rivers and rainforests. Continue up the West Coast past mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier is a 'living river of ice', 11 kilometers long and over 7,000 years old. Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar
Day 4: Franz Josef/Greymouth/Arthur's Pass/Christchurch
Travel along the West Coast to Shantytown, a reconstructed Gold Rush town and then to Greymouth, where thousands of diggers lived during the gold strikes of the 1860's. Travel through Arthur's Pass to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Express.
All aboard the TranzAlpine! Spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, the TranzAlpine rail service operates daily from coast to coast between Christchurch and Greymouth. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a multi-day trip, soak up the scenic deligths of New Zealand's South Island from the comfort of your train carriage.
The TranzAlphine rail is rated as one of the top scenic train journeys in the world. The train crosses the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, winds its way through the Waimakariri Gorge, crosses the spectacular Southern Alps, via the alpine village of Arthur's Pass and past beautiful Lake Brunner.
The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers.
The TranzAlpine includes both one way seating and tabled group seating. Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favorite spots.
Rail ticket options include:
Travel by road on a full day tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain. Along the way you'll pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains, view MacKenzie Basin, Lakes Tekapo and Pukari and Tasman Glacier. Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel as well as morning and afternoon snacks are also included on your guided tour.
A short stop at either the Tin Shed (an old shearing shed selling discount sweaters) or at Barkers Winery for tastings of wines, sauces and jams. Continuing through the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. There is the opportunity to take an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery.
Next, it's onto Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background. Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. Following lunch an alpine flight over the National Park can be arranged with Mount Cook Airlines (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Glacier landings by ski planes are also available (optional at additional cost, payable direct).
Next, you'll explore the Tasman Glacier where a twenty minute climb by foot will take you to the top of the terminal moraine, this vantage point provides views of both the Tasman Glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Return by coach in the afternoon, stopping at the Canterbury high country town of Fairlie for late afternoon tea.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:119:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2950/SITours/explore-mount-cook-from-christchurch-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:108:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Explore-Mount-Cook-from-Christchurch/d400-2950CLT05";}i:6;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2950CLT07A";s:11:"ProductName";s:45:"Christchurch Gondola Dinner and Maori Concert";s:12:"Introduction";s:963:"For an evening in Christchurch you'll always remember, see a Maori cultural performance, take an early-evening ride on the Christchurch Gondola and dine surrounded by panoramic views at the Gondola Restaurant.
Your evening tour commences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where you will be treated to a truly memorable Maori welcome followed by a Maori concert featuring traditional haka songs and dances. Following the performance you will be taken on a short tour of the wildlife reserve to see New Zealand's native kiwi in its natural habitat.
You'll then travel across town to the Christchurch Gondola cable car for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula. Included in the tour is a delicious dinner at the Gondola Restaurant located in the top station of the Christchurch Gondola.
After dinner you'll take a guided night-time tour of Christchurch's city center before returning to your hotel.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:128:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2950/SITours/christchurch-gondola-dinner-and-maori-concert-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:118:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Christchurch-Gondola-Dinner-and-Maori-Concert/d400-2950CLT07A";}i:7;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:6:"3290AP";s:11:"ProductName";s:85:"Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch";s:12:"Introduction";s:2164:"In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas and visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks. Traveling in a small group, maximum nine participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience.
At Christchurch, board the world famous TranzAlpine Train, sit back and relax on the train journey that will take you across the Canterbury Plains, wind its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge and through tussock covered high country before heading into the Southern Alps.
The TranzAlpine is rated one of the world's greatest train journeys and is 223 kilometers long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters.
You will be met at Arthur's Pass by your guide who will take you through the National Park where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas. You will follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860's and the route taken by Maori in their quest for greenstone.
Departing Arthur's pass, you will travel through the high country and a stop can be made to view Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of surrounding mountains.
The incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn and rain smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway and the more adventurous may wish to walk to the top of the rocks for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
The return journey to Christchurch will include a visit to the Waimak Gorge where the Waimakariri River enters the vast Canterbury Plains.
Special Offer - Save 10% off the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel to September 30, 2009 - BOOK NOW!
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:150:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3290/SITours/arthur-s-pass-national-park-with-tranzalpine-train-small-group-tour-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:125:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Arthur-s-Pass-National-Park-with-TranzAlpine-Train-Small/d400-3290AP";}i:8;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2922LOTR01";s:11:"ProductName";s:55:"Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras from Christchurch";s:12:"Introduction";s:1121:"Journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday; see how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural unspoilt beauty of the high country's sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh mountain air.
This great day out includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, fully running commentary from a friendly and knowledgeable kiwi tour guide and spectacular scenery you will never forget. You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to enjoy this amazing day out!
Highlights Include:
Special Offer - Save 10% off the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel to July 31, 2009 - BOOK NOW!
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:136:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2922/SITours/lord-of-the-rings-journey-to-edoras-from-christchurch-in-christchurch-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:126:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Christchurch/Lord-of-the-Rings-Journey-to-Edoras-from-Christchurch/d400-2922LOTR01";}i:9;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"186";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2950CLT22B";s:11:"ProductName";s:48:"3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch";s:12:"Introduction";s:2581:"Experience a brief tour of the major highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this three day independent coach tour. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown and then up the rugged West Coast to Greymouth, before returning to Christchurch.
During this journey, you will enjoy a visit to the Mount Cook National Park, view the glacier at Franz Josef and travel over the mighty Southern Alps. It is recommended an extended journey is taken, to incorporate additional days in Queenstown and Mount Cook, for a more relaxed sightseeing tour of the South Island.Day 1: Christchurch / Mt Cook / Queenstown
Travel through the rich pastoral farm land of the Canterbury Plains and the ever-changing spectacular scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps. Continue traveling across Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning glacial fed Lake Tekapo and visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd which stands on the foreshore. From here you travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Stop at Mt Cook for lunch (at own expense) where you will be mesmerized by the surroundings of this truly unique region. Cross the Lindis Pass and travel along the Kawerau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown. Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar
Day 2: Queenstown / Franz Josef Glacier
Travel along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, the most stunning highway in New Zealand and gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Initially the pass travels through the treeless grasslands of Central Otago, then at the highest point, the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps and the rivers and rainforests of Westland dominate the landscape. Continue to travel up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The Franz Josef Glacier is 11 kilometers in length and more than 7,000 years old. Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 3: Franz Josef / Greymouth / Arthur's Pass / Christchurch
Continue to travel along the rugged West Coast to Shantytown, a faithful reconstruction of a Westland Gold Rush town. From Shantytown, travel to Greymouth, the center for thousands of diggers during the historic gold strikes of the 1860's. From Greymouth, journey over the Southern Alps, through Arthur's Pass and onto Christchurch by the famous TranzAlpine Express, renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world.