9 DAY SOUTH ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS (AIRFARE INCLUDED)
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Visit all the highlights of the South Island by this package designed to give you time to explore on your own, while it includes all of the major highlights.
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Start Location: Christchurch
End Location: Christchurch
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Guided tour Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
- Queenstown highlights tour
- Walter Peak evening cruise with dinner
- Milford Sound guided tour & cruise
- Franz Josef half day glacier tour
- TranzAlpine rail journey Greymouth to Christchurch
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your Hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch - Queenstown via Mt Cook
Your tour today takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 3: Queenstown Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day tour of the area and get a bird's eye view of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the spectacular Wakatipu Basin, along with some of the areas key attractions.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Dinner
Day 4: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise
Located in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Your full day tour into this area today includes a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown at leisure
Today is free to explore or join a local activity.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown - Franz Josef
Travel by scheduled coach service across the magical stretch of road over Haast Pass. Towering peaks surround vast open valleys as you cross to the rugged west coast of the South Island.
Overnight: Franz Josef
Day 7: Franz Josef at leisure
Today enjoy an interpretive walk to the glacier to have the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. After a short walk through the regenerating rainforest, the trip continues along the glacier valley with your guide calling stops to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings.With the emphasis more on geographical information and the glaciers history, you're able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced and knowledgeable guide.
Overnight: Franz Josef
Day 8: Franz Josef - Christchurch
Depart Franz Josef by coach, joining in Greymouth the historic TranzAlpine train. Traverse the Southern Alps and experience rolling farmland, ice-fed rivers, spectacular viaducts, and the beautiful Lake Brunner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 9: Package ends
Your package ends with a transfer to Christchurch airport.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Based on double occupancy (Airfare from Vancouver included)
Christchurch
Christchurch
$3,120 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
Valid for sale from now until 26 Sep 2023
Travel between 04 October and 30 June 2024
Pricing is based from Vancouver and add on from different Canadian Cities are available.
**Pricing is starting from and based on availability. Certain high demand dates will result in higher pricing **
Valid for sale from now until 26 Sep 2023
Travel between 04 October and 30 June 2024
Pricing is based from Vancouver and add on from different Canadian Cities are available.
**Pricing is starting from and based on availability. Certain high demand dates will result in higher pricing **
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 8 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers throughout
- Coach service Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Coach service Franz Josef to Greymouth
- TranzAlpine rail journey Greymouth to Christchurch
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
- Round-trip Airfare from Vancouver, British Colombia
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
9SIP
9 Day South Island Highlights (Airfare Included)
9 days
Created On: 21 Nov 2024
Highlights
- Guided tour Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
- Queenstown highlights tour
- Walter Peak evening cruise with dinner
- Milford Sound guided tour & cruise
- Franz Josef half day glacier tour
- TranzAlpine rail journey Greymouth to Christchurch
Inclusions
- 8 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers throughout
- Coach service Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Coach service Franz Josef to Greymouth
- TranzAlpine rail journey Greymouth to Christchurch
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
- Round-trip Airfare from Vancouver, British Colombia
Exclusions
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Based on double occupancy (Airfare from Vancouver included)
Christchurch
Christchurch
$3,120 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* Valid for sale from now until 26 Sep 2023
Travel between 04 October and 30 June 2024
Pricing is based from Vancouver and add on from different Canadian Cities are available.
**Pricing is starting from and based on availability. Certain high demand dates will result in higher pricing **
* Valid for sale from now until 26 Sep 2023
Travel between 04 October and 30 June 2024
Pricing is based from Vancouver and add on from different Canadian Cities are available.
**Pricing is starting from and based on availability. Certain high demand dates will result in higher pricing **
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your Hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch - Queenstown via Mt Cook
Your tour today takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 3: Queenstown Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day tour of the area and get a bird's eye view of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the spectacular Wakatipu Basin, along with some of the areas key attractions.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Dinner
Day 4: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise
Located in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Your full day tour into this area today includes a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown at leisure
Today is free to explore or join a local activity.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown - Franz Josef
Travel by scheduled coach service across the magical stretch of road over Haast Pass. Towering peaks surround vast open valleys as you cross to the rugged west coast of the South Island.
Overnight: Franz Josef
Day 7: Franz Josef at leisure
Today enjoy an interpretive walk to the glacier to have the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. After a short walk through the regenerating rainforest, the trip continues along the glacier valley with your guide calling stops to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings.With the emphasis more on geographical information and the glaciers history, you're able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced and knowledgeable guide.
Overnight: Franz Josef
Day 8: Franz Josef - Christchurch
Depart Franz Josef by coach, joining in Greymouth the historic TranzAlpine train. Traverse the Southern Alps and experience rolling farmland, ice-fed rivers, spectacular viaducts, and the beautiful Lake Brunner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 9: Package ends
Your package ends with a transfer to Christchurch airport.
