9 Day South Island Coach Tour: Seasonal Sensation
price from
NZ$ 3351
per person (twin share)
New Zealand’s landscapes are truly enchanting from the burnished reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn to the icing sugar dustings of snow in winter. In autumn, the brilliant hues of gold are set against a sky so blue it seems unreal.
Soft snow blankets cover the mountains in winter, adding to New Zealand’s dreamy scenery.

Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Coach
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- Included
Pricing
-
NZD3,353 (1 May – 30 September)
Meals
- 8 x Breakfast
Accommodation
- First Class Hotels
- Superior Hotels
- Standard Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Tekapo – Mt Cook – Tekapo – Queenstown – Tekapo – Christchurch
Group Size
- no minimum number of passengers
Tour Code
- GTNZ202502
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
On arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation.
Set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps, Christchurch is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner-city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.
Overnight: Christchurch
Today has been left free of arrangements for you to add an optional extra of your choice (additional cost applies).
Perhaps a visit to the Antarctic Centre for an immersive experience of life on the frozen continent? Or, a leisurely punt float through the trees wrapped up in a cozy blanket? It’s a great time of year to go whale watching in Kaikoura or to relax and soak in the natural thermally heated hot springs in Hanmer. Then there’s the TranzAlpine train journey through the magnificent Southern Alps, spectacular any time of year but even more resplendent when snow is falling.
Overnight: Christchurch
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Hanmer Springs Day Tour with Hot Pools
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour
Antarctic Centre
Punting on the Avon River
Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey
Depart Christchurch through the impressive patchwork of farmlands that make up the Canterbury plains. Continue through vast alpine passes to the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo, stopping at the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, before heading on to the rugged and dramatic landscape of ice and rock that surrounds Aoraki Mt Cook.
Overnight: Mt Cook Region
The morning is free to enjoy this stunning scenic wonderland before continuing southwards past crystal blue lakes and ice-fed rivers to the alpine resort town of Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight (20mins)
Enjoy a morning or afternoon tour to dreamy Glenorchy and Paradise, aptly named for its scenic beauty. This scenic experience begins on the road to Glenorchy which must surely be one of the most magnificent in the country.
Overnight: Queenstown
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Glenorchy & Paradise Explorer Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
Today’s full-day tour visits the historic mining town of Arrowtown with its charming tree-lined streets and preserved heritage buildings. Traverse the spectacular Crown Range for epic views across the region and enjoy the quieter and more relaxed atmosphere in Wanaka.
Overnight: Queenstown
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Arrowtown Wanaka Highlights Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Skyline Gondola Ride with Buffet Dinner
Today has been left free of arrangements for you optional extra (additional cost applies) of your choice (please note some are snow dependent).
In Queenstown, the winter experience is defined by crisp, snowy landscapes. Snowflakes can start to grace the town during June with a wintery touch lasting through to early October.
Overnight: Queenstown
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Entry + Mocktail
- Heli-Snowmobiling Trip
- Cardrona Sightseeing Gondola Ride
- First Timer Ski Package
Depart Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and the dramatic Lindis Pass, particularly beautiful if there has been a dusting of snow. Travel the vast plains alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes and the spectacular Southern Alps until the braided river crossings and flat green plains signal your return to Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Christchurch Tram Dinner
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
Inclusions & Highlights
- Exclusive Meet & Greet Arrival Transfer
- 8 nights accommodation
- Christchurch to Tekapo & Mt Cook Tour
- Mt Cook to Queenstown Tour
- Glenorchy & Paradise Tour
- Arrowtown & Wanaka Tour
- Queenstown to Christchurch Transfer
- Departure Transfer
- Private Touring can be arranged upon request
Tour Departure Dates
Daily departures
Accommodation
- Standard Accommodation
Standard is equivalent to a good 3-star tourist hotel. These hotels represent excellent value for money and usually have a licensed restaurant and bar. - Superior Accommodation
Superior describes hotels in the 3 1/2 to 4-star category. More often than not, these will be centrally located and offer a wide range of services and facilities. - First-Class Accommodation
First Class are central city or resort location hotels at the top end of the scale rating 4 to 4 1/2 stars. All hotels at this level have excellent facilities, bars, restaurants, etc, full services, and many feature swimming pools, spa baths, and a fully equipped gymnasium.