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Tour Code: 020-20187

8-Day South Island Scenic Trains and Glaciers Grand Loop from Christchurch

Our Price: from
US$1519
￥10292
€1328
C$2131
Rs.146810
(Price shown is based on the lowest price per person over the next 60 days) Duration: 8 days Language: English; Mandarin Chinese Visit Christchurch (Tranz Alpine), Arthur's Pass, Crown Range Road, Dunedin, Greymouth (Fox Glacier, Shantytown), Haast, Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve (Blue Pool), Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo), Mount Cook National Park, Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks and Blowholes), Queenstown, Wanaka.
Highlights:
  • Golden Autumn Special Gift (May - Sep, Valued at NZD150): Arrowtown and Glenorchy 1-day tour

Itinerary

Day 1:Christchurch, New Zealand

Hotel: Deluxe: Hotel Elms Christchurch or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals: Meal: Excluded
Upon arriving in Christchurch, your guide will lead you through this beautiful "Garden City." Stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the graceful scenery along the Avon River, and pass by the Bridge of Remembrance.
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
  • Arts Centre
    Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.
  • Avon River
  • Bridge of Remembrance
    The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Day 2:Christchurch, New Zealand - Arthur's Pass, New Zealand - Greymouth, New Zealand(170 km)

Hotel: Standard: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or Beachfront Hotel Hokitika or Copthorne Hotel Greymouth or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Included - Three-course buffet; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, take the renowned TranzAlpine scenic train to Arthur's Pass. Meet your guide and proceed to Shantytown, a heritage gold rush theme park. Enjoy a guided tour, ride a heritage steam train, and experience gold panning, taking home a vial of "paydirt" as a souvenir. Evening check-in at your hotel.
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
  • Tranz Alpine
    Regarded as one of the world's greatest train journeys, the TranzAlpine is a passenger train like no other. Guests can travel 139 miles, beginning in Christchurch, and experience scenic views, tunnels, and viaducts of the Southern Alps during an unforgettable excursion.
    Duration: Approx. 4 Hours 25 Minutes
  • Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
    Located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, Arthur's Pass is one of three mountain passes in the Southern Alps. Named after Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, in 1864, visitors can enjoy vistas and Dobson's memorial from an elevation of 920 meters.
  • Greymouth, New Zealand
    The most populous town in the West Coast region, Greymouth sits at the foot of the Southern Alps. Visitors can enjoy shopping, restaurants and a bustling ecotourism. Popular attractions close by include the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
  • Shantytown
    This tourist attraction in New Zealand, just to the south of Greymouth, opened in the early 1970s. It is made up of recreated historic buildings to simulate the look and feel of a 19th century gold mining town.
  • Heritage Steam Train
    This heritage steam train is a iconic experience at Shantytown, taking passengers back to the 19th-century gold rush. It travels on original tracks through native forests and past historic gold mining sites, offering an authentic journey into the past.
  • Gold panning
    Gold panning is a classic hands-on activity that lets you experience the life of a 19th-century prospector. Swirl a special pan in flowing water to learn separation techniques and discover gleaming gold flakes as a unique souvenir.

Day 3:Punakaiki, New Zealand - Greymouth, New Zealand - Haast, New Zealand(356 km)

Hotel: Standard: Heartland Hotel Haast or similar 3 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Game meat whitebait patty + Burger & fries, dishes are subject to change based on seasonal availability
After breakfast, visit the iconic Pancake Rocks to witness its dramatic blowholes. Then, travel south along State Highway 6 through the scenic West Coast rainforest. A stop will be made at the Glacier Viewpoint for photos, weather permitting. The day ends with a special West Coast dinner upon arrival in Haast.
  • Punakaiki, New Zealand
    Located in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand, Punakaiki is a small town that offers stunning beaches and clifftop views. Situated between Westport and Greymouth, visitors often stop at the Pancake Rocks, a popular geological tourist attraction.
  • Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
    Punakaiki's famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes provide a beautifully bizarre limestone landscape dotted with pancake-shaped geological formations and surge pools. Visitors can explore a 20-minute walk along designated pathways at the picture perfect attraction.
  • Greymouth, New Zealand
    The most populous town in the West Coast region, Greymouth sits at the foot of the Southern Alps. Visitors can enjoy shopping, restaurants and a bustling ecotourism. Popular attractions close by include the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
  • Fox Glacier
    Fox Glacier is one of the most famous glaciers on New Zealand's South Island West Coast. This massive temperate glacier carves down from the Southern Alps, reaching near sea level amidst lush rainforest, creating a stunning contrast of ice and greenery.
  • Haast, New Zealand
    Haast is an area in the Westland District territorial authority on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The main economic activities in the Haast region are farming, fishing and tourism.

Day 4:Haast, New Zealand - Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve, New Zealand - Crown Range Road, New Zealand - Wanaka, New Zealand - Queenstown, New Zealand(445 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

After breakfast, travel through the scenic Haast Pass to the Blue Pools for a short walk to the stunning glacial pools. Enjoy free time in Wanaka before crossing the Crown Range Road to Queenstown. Conclude the day with a Skyline Gondola ride for panoramic views.

Note: The Blue Pools walk may be replaced with a Wanaka lakeside walk in case of severe weather.

  • Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve, New Zealand
    Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage area, connecting the West Coast with the Wanaka lake region. It's renowned for its pristine rainforests, waterfalls and glacial valleys, offering a classic journey through the Southern Alps.
  • Blue Pool
    The Blue Pools in Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve are famed for their crystal-clear glacial waters. A walk through suspended bridges and ancient beech forest leads to these sapphire-colored pools, a must-see natural wonder in the South Island.
  • Crown Range Road, New Zealand
    The Crown Range Road is New Zealand's highest main highway, connecting Wanaka and Queenstown. This winding mountain route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and river valleys, making it one of the South Island's most memorable drives.
  • Wanaka, New Zealand
    Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.
  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.
  • Skyline Gondola
    Often considered one of the best views in the world, the gondola that is attached to the Skyline restaurant in Queenstown provides an amazing scenic vantage point of the surrounding lands of New Zealand.

Day 5:A full day of leisure in Queenstown or Golden Autumn Special Gift (May - Sep): Arrowtown and Glenorchy 1-day tour

Hotel: Deluxe: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations - a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Golden Autumn Special Gift: May - Sep, Arrowtown (Gold Mining Town) + Glenorchy (Hidden Paradise) 1-day tour. If guests have already arranged paid activities in Queenstown, it will be regarded as voluntary waiver of this day's itinerary.

  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Day 6:Queenstown, New Zealand - Dunedin, New Zealand(171 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Scenic hotel Southern Cross or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Included - 2-Course Meal at the Speight's Brewery; Dinner: Included - Chinese Hot Pot

After breakfast, travel to Dunedin for a city tour. Key stops include St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and the world's steepest Baldwin Street. Enjoy a special two-course lunch at the historic Speight's Brewery.The afternoon features a visit to Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, to explore its grand interiors and gardens.

  • Dunedin, New Zealand
    Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.
  • Saint Paul's Cathedral
  • Dunedin Railway Station
    Embodies Dunedin's wealthy inheritance, This building perhaps is New Zealand’s most photographed building. The ornate Flemish Renaissance-style architecture features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.
  • Baldwin Street
    Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's steepest residential Street. At its maximum incline, the slope of Baldwin Street is 19 degrees or a gradient of 35%.
  • University of Otago
    Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Its Dunedin campus is renowned for its Scottish-style stone buildings and stunning gardens, often ranked among the world's most beautiful campuses, blending academic prestige with photographic charm.
  • Speight's Brewery
    Speight's Brewery is one of New Zealand's oldest breweries, established in Dunedin since 1876. A cultural icon of the South Island, it offers classic brewery tours and authentic Western meals in its beloved pub with a retro-industrial ambiance.
  • Larnach Castle
    The castle is set high above the harbour where William Larnach commissioned the construction of New Zealand’s only castle in 1871. It is also well known for its 14 hectare garden and grounds which has been recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

Day 7:Dunedin, New Zealand - Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand - Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand(303 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Buffet

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. En route, stop at a salmon farm for optional tasting. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). In the afternoon, visit Lake Tekapo. See the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy the world-famous starry skies in the Dark Sky Reserve. Overnight at a unique lodge.

  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
    Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.
  • Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
    Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.
    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour
  • Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand
    Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.
  • Lake Tekapo
    Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
    The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.

Day 8:Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand - Christchurch, New Zealand(181 km)

Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, capture the picture-perfect scenery of Lake Tekapo and its dreamy turquoise waters. Afterwards, return to Christchurch.
  • Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand
    Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Departure & Return

  • Complimentary Christchurch Airport Pickup: Available on your first day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Flights arriving after 2:00PM cannot guarantee the city tour.
  • Complimentary Christchurch Airport Drop-off: For flights departing after 3:00 PM.

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

First Entry Tickets to Scenic Alpine Train, Shantytown (gold panning and a steam train ride), the Skyline Gondola, and Larnach Castle.
7 Nights hotel accomodation and hotel breakfasts
Transportation (7-39 seats, The type of vehicle used will base on the number of guests on the day. 7-seat minivan; Minivan; motorcoach)
Driver-Guide
Meals explicitly listed

Price Excludes

Guide gratuities (recommended at NZD $6 per person per day). The driver-guide service is limited to 10 hours per day. Overtime is charged at NZD $150 per hour, payable in cash directly to the guide.
Meals, airfare, visa fees, and any personal optional expenses.
Any additional costs incurred due to factors beyond our control (e.g., weather, transportation, hotel availability).
Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended)

Additional Notes

Strict No-Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotel rooms and on balconies. Violators will face a minimum fine of NZD $500 imposed by the hotel. Occupants of the room will be held jointly liable for any fine issued. Non-payment will authorize the hotel to submit the claim to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal for recovery. All resulting fines, legal costs, and any adverse effects on visas or immigration status are the sole responsibility of the individual.
Health Advisory: If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare motion sickness medication and vomit bags in advance.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover losses from unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, additional transportation, or loss of valuables. Guests who voluntarily forgo insurance will be personally responsible for all risks and associated costs.
Luggage Allowance: Due to the specific requirements of this group tour, each guest is limited to one piece of luggage not exceeding 26 inches in size.