9 days

9 Day South Island Highlights (Airfare Included)

Start Location Christchurch
End Location Christchurch
Code
9SIP
Starting From
$3,120 USD
Places Visited

Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown

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Tour Overview

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.

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
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Make this trip matter and reduce your carbon print.

As a responsible tour operator, we believe in creating experiences that not only enrich your life but also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities. That’s why we will be planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us. 

A person standing in a serene forest surrounded by tall trees

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable 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.


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
Trip start Trip End Accommodation Price Inquire
Christchurch
Christchurch
Based on double occupancy (Airfare from Vancouver included)
$3,120 USD
We accept:
Visa Mastercard American Express

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 **

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.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

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

What’s Not Included

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Booking & Flight Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Tour Questions

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+

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.

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.

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.

The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).

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.

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
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable 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.


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
Trip start Trip End Accommodation Price Inquire
Christchurch
Christchurch
Based on double occupancy (Airfare from Vancouver included)
$3,120 USD
We accept:
Visa Mastercard American Express

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 **

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.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

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

What’s Not Included

  • 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
Download Itinerary

Get Full Itinerary with all includes and exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Booking & Flight Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Tour Questions

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+

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.

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.

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.

The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).

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.

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
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Get in touch with one of our local travel experts.

Contact us to discover:

  • The ideal seasons to explore your next destination landscapes, perfectly aligned with your travel plans.
  • Tips on the most convenient routes and layovers for a hassle-free trip to your next destination.
  • Handpicked activity suggestions to ensure your next trip adventure is unforgettable.
YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881
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