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Self Drive

Coastal Explorer

Book Now 8 day self drive tour of the South Island
from $891.00 per person based on double occupancy

Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Franz Josef—the best of the south island in one tour. 

INCLUSIONS
  • Dunedin sightseeing tour
  • Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal)
  • Exciting Queenstown
  • Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise
  • Opportunity to visit Franz Josef Glacier
  • TranzAlpine scenic rail journey (Seat-in-Coach only)

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Center the must see attraction in Christchurch.

DAY 2 Christchurch/Dunedin (225 miles)
(optional meal plans begin today) Today you will travel across the Canterbury Plains and onto Dunedin, which boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in New Zealand.

DAY 3 Dunedin
This morning board the double decker bus for a 90-minute tour of Dunedin’s historic sights. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula and Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal).

DAY 4 Dunedin/Queenstown (176 miles)
Board the Taieri Gorge train (Seat-in-Coach only) and enjoy rugged, unspoiled landscape and the opportunity for sightseeing stops. Experience breathtaking views of this historic journey to Pukerangi where you will then continue your journey to Queenstown.

DAY 5 Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

DAY 6 Queenstown
Day at leisure.

DAY 7 Queenstown/Franz Josef (251 miles)
Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to Franz Josef. Try an optional scenic glacier flight to enjoy the stunning scenery.

DAY 8 Franz Josef/Tranzalpine Train/Christchurch (249 miles)
Travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine train (Seat-in-Coach only) for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery. Traverse the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where the tour concludes.