07 Day Iconic South Island Coach Tour Package

The 7 Day Iconic South Island Coach Tour Package is a comprehensive, highly recommended New Zealand South Island tour.

On your loop from Christchurch to Christchurch, visit highlights such as Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Franz Josef Glacier. Experience the iconic Shotover Jet and TranzAlpine Train and indulge in an unforgettable scenic helicopter flight with a glacier landing.

Read on for full details of this top-rated New Zealand South Island tour.

7 Day Iconic South Island Coach Tour Package | New Zealand South Island Tour

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Make your way into Christchurch (please enquire for transport options).

Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

Recommended activities include the Christchurch Gondola, Tramway, Punting on the Avon River and the Botanical Gardens Tour.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 2 Queenstown via Lake Tekapo & Aoraki Mt Cook Day Tour

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Southern Alps on a sightseeing day tour to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook.

This tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As you drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out some of the area’s top highlights. Departing Christchurch you will travel through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way to Geraldine. Arriving in this quaint town enjoy a stop for a quick morning tea.

As you continue south, the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo draw near – you will be stunned by the amazing view of the lake. Once in the township of Tekapo you will have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie Sheep dog and get those Instagram-worthy shots of Lake Tekapo before the tour continues to Mt Cook.

Turning west your tour enters the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of you. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight! While in the national park you have 2.5 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities.

Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, you’ll make your way to Queenstown with another stop along the way — this time at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and sample some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

As the tour gets close to Queenstown, time permitting, the tour will often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

Your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 3 Queenstown

Today, get ready for the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red,’ you will twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins! Includes shuttle transportation to Shotover Jet base.

In the evening, relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Step aboard – watch the stokers fueling the fireboxes and hear the hiss of the steam engines working as the TSS Earnslaw takes you on a nostalgic cruise over beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will enjoy a stunning four course meal. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. On your return cruise, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along with the ship’s pianist.

Day 4 Queenstown > Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise

Enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. The schedule includes plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities along the way.

Upon reaching Milford Sound you will you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford. The Cruise Milford experience offers a boutique cruise on a smaller boat which is less crowded and a crew that offers a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of metres out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable. While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.

As the day draws to an end, the tour heads back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and stops along the way.

Day 5 Franz Josef via Wanaka Day Tour

Take a sightseeing day tour from Queenstown to Franz Josef and discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Leaving Queenstown, you will be driven over the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka, you will pass by the Cardrona Hotel – one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must-see in Central Otago.

Stop in Wanaka and enjoy a stroll down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wanaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake, backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps—a paradise for photographers.

Crossing the mighty Clutha River, the tour heads westward past the stunning Lake Hawea where you will stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Next, the aptly named Blue Pools are a must-see. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to witness the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River.

As your tour continues up the West Coast you will enjoy one last stop at Lake Matheson. On a calm day, you can capture Aoraki Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km/90-minute easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

Your journey concludes in the rainforest village of Franz Josef.

Stay 2 nights in Franz Josef.

Day 6 Franz Josef

Today, enjoy a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the majestic Southern Alps.

Explore Franz Josef in the afternoon. You can walk to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier to take a look at the retreating ice, or enjoy one of the other local walks. In Franz Josef township you have the chance to see New Zealand’s rarest kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, a unique and interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation, and wildlife all under one roof.

Day 7 Christchurch via TranzAlpine Train Journey

Travel north by coach to reach Greymouth where you will board your TranzAlpine Train which journeys from the West to the East Coast.

From your carriage you’ll see lush beech rain forest, the spectacular Southern Alps, the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, followed by the fields of the Canterbury Plains and picturesque farmland. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating, allowing 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. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just 4.5 hours. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the ‘Staircase’ standing at 73 metres.

As your train pulls into the station, your guide will be waiting to meet you. From there, you’ll be transferred to a designated location before enjoying your final night in Christchurch.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 8 Depart Christchurch

Make your way to Christchurch airport (please enquire for transport options) for your departure flight.

Book a New Zealand South Island Tour

Our coach tour packages are independent and fully customisable. In other words, you will join group tours for each coach trip between destinations, but the rest of your time is free to explore at your leisure.

In addition, you have the option to add, remove, or swap out activities based on your preference.

Once you enquire, one of our travel consultants will reach out to you and work with you to plan your itinerary. We will ensure your holiday package matches exactly what you are looking for.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your South Island tour.