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Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef

New Tour

7 days

This 7-day group tour of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch takes in the best of the region, including Milford Sound and Franz Josef. Enjoy free time in the adventure capital of Queenstown for adrenaline-pumping activities and join an included cruise at Milford Sound. Sample regional wines with an included tasting, stargaze under the clear skies of Lake Tekapo and see Te Anau, the largest lake of the South Island. Opt for a glacier hike at Franz Josef and end your adventure back in Christchurch.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Christchurch

Ends

Christchurch

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 14

Minimum age

18

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels

Countries

New Zealand

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 2

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium
Per Person From
NZD$4,405.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$7,810.00

Tour Highlights

Christchurch - Start and end your journey in the South Island's largest city, with free time to explore
Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake, see the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargaze at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve
Te Anau - Enjoy an included wine tasting and lunch en route to the South Island's largest lake, with free time to explore
Milford Sound - Join an included cruise to take in some of New Zealand's finest scenery, with lunch onboard and the chance to spot wildlife
Queenstown - Choose from a variety of optional activities in New Zealand's adventure capital, from horse riding to paragliding
Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or an optional scenic helicopter flight

Included

6 breakfasts & 2 lunches
6 nights 3-4 star hotels
Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
Milford Sound cruise including lunch onboard
Lunch & wine tasting at Mt Difficulty vineyard
Stargaze at Tekapo - the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world
Visit the largest lake in the South Island - Lake Te Anau
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

Airport transfers
Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
International flights and visas
Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Geraldine & Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - Geraldine - Tekapo. Welcome to New Zealand! Our tour kicks off in Christchurch (pick up information is in the Trip Notes). From here, we'll journey through the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge, a natural wonder of immense beauty. Our next stop is the delightful town of Geraldine, where you'll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest local cuisine. Following free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the stunning Lake Tekapo, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Southern Alps.

Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.

Overnight: Tekapo

Day 2 - Wine tasting & Te Anau

Tekapo - Te Anau. Today, our journey takes us south to the idyllic Te Anau. En route, we will stop at the renowned Mt Difficulty Vineyard, where you can look forward to a delightful lunch and an exquisite wine-tasting experience, all included! This is a perfect chance to savour the region's flavours amid breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable highlight of our trip. Arriving in Te Anau, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Milford Sound cruise

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Get ready to be amazed as we journey to Milford Sound, frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Embark on an included scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes that define the area's unique beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way and enjoy an included lunch onboard.

Following the cruise, we'll make our way to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and a charming destination set among majestic mountains and pristine lakes.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Queenstown at leisure

Today, you have the freedom to explore the adventure capital of the world at your own pace. A wide range of optional activities are available, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, scenic hikes, and leisurely strolls around the city's charming streets - ensuring there's something to suit everyone's interests. You should have time to book two or three activities today, and our guide will be able to get everything booked in for you.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Queenstown to Franz Josef

Queenstown - Franz Josef. Departing Queenstown, we head towards the breathtaking Franz Josef, famous for its majestic glaciers. Along the way, we will stop in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem known for offering some of New Zealand's most captivating views. As we continue driving up the scenic west coast, prepare to be mesmerized by the unparalleled beauty of the unfolding landscape.

Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Franz Josef at leisure

Today, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of Franz Josef . You can choose from a range of optional activities, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a guided glacier walk, relax in the soothing thermal pools, or take a thrilling helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier. The day is yours to customize, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Franz Josef. Once more, our tour guide will be on hand to help you book in any activities for today.

Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Christchurch

Franz Josef - Christchurch. Today, we journey back to Christchurch, making stops at Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Additionally, we'll visit Castle Hill, featuring stunning limestone rock formations that are bound to leave you mesmerized. We'll conclude our tour in Christchurch with drop off at the airport, at approximately 16:00 (more information in the Trip Notes).

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
Tekapo

Overlooking Lake Tekapo, this informal hotel, housed in wood-panelled buildings, is a 13-minute walk from the scenic Church of the Good Shepherd and 9 km from the Mount John University Observatory. The relaxed rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a casual bar and restaurant with views of the lake, along with amenities such as board games and meeting space.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Te Anau

Overlooking Lake Te Anau, this straightforward hotel off State Highway 95 is 2 km from the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and 3 km from the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum. The unpretentious rooms, featuring carpeted floors, come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and meeting space.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Queenstown

Situated opposite Queenstown Bus Station in a residential neighbourhood, this upscale hotel is a 6-minute walk from Milford Galleries Queenstown in the town centre and 1 km from the Skyline Queenstown gondola. The cosy, relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel offers a formal restaurant with a fireplace and a casual bar serving light meals. Additional amenities include a gym, hot tub, and sauna.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef

Boasting views of the Southern Alps, this unpretentious hotel is a 3-minute walk from guided tours at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and a 6-minute walk from the Tatare Tunnels Walk. The modest rooms and suites, featuring carpeted floors, include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities consist of an informal restaurant, meeting space, and a hot tub, along with a bar that has a fireplace.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2024
Twin
Single
28 Dec - 3 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin
Single
11 Jan - 17 Jan
$4,535
$5,555
1 Feb - 7 Feb
$4,535
$5,555
15 Feb - 21 Feb
$4,535
$5,555
8 Mar - 14 Mar
$4,405
$5,435
22 Mar - 28 Mar
Sold Out
Sold Out
19 Apr - 25 Apr
$4,405
$5,435
10 May - 16 May
$4,405
$5,435
31 May - 6 Jun
$4,405
$5,435

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