Independent Coach Tours- New Zealand Coach Tours
8 Day Bus Tour South Island New Zealand: Mountains to Sea
price from
NZ$ 3292
per person (twin share)
8 Day South Island Coach Tour | Scenic TranzAlpine Train, Milford Sound & 5 Included Activities | Christchurch Return
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s breathtaking Southern Alps and the rugged West Coast on this Bus Tour South Island New Zealand, where dramatic scenery unfolds at every turn. Travel through towering mountain ranges shaped by ancient glaciers, expansive alpine interiors, and wild coastal landscapes that highlight the raw beauty of the South Island.
As you journey by comfortable coach, you’ll experience the region’s rich glacial history alongside ever-changing scenery, from icy river valleys and rainforests to windswept beaches and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea. This BusTour South Island, New Zealand,d offers a relaxed and immersive way to explore some of the country’s most spectacular natural environments, allowing you to fully appreciate the diversity, scale, and unforgettable landscapes that define the South Island.

Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Coach
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- Included
Pricing
-
Prices start from $3,292. All prices are per person in New Zealand dollars. An optional breakfast add-on is available for NZ$224 per person for this bus tour.
Meals
- 7x Breakfast
- 1x Lunch
Accommodation
- First Class Hotels
- Superior Hotels
- Standard Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Greymouth – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Mt Cook – Tekapo – Christchurch
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- GTNZ062024
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
On arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation.
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.
Overnight: Christchurch
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Christchurch Tram Dinner
Please note:
Departures must be Fri, Sat, Mon or Wed to meet the reduced West Coast transport schedule.
Transfer to the Christchurch Railway station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation. Overnight: Greymouth
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey
- Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes
A temperate climate at a low altitude makes Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Transfer to Franz Josef today and enjoy an afternoon tour exploring Glacier Country and the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest with your guide on a nature tour.
Overnight: Franz Josef
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Franz Josef Nature Tour Guided Walk
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Please Note: This service currently only operates Mon, Tue, Thu Sat.
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown.
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
Overnight: Queenstown.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gondola Ride
The morning is free to become acquainted with Queenstown and perhaps add one of the endless optional activities on offer. Then make your way to the Station Building, downtown Queenstown for your guided tour of the charming historic Arrowtown and surrounding vistas. Choose to stay in Queenstown for the evening or return transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight: Queenstown
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Around Arrowtown Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
- KJet 60-minute Jet Boat ride
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world.
On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Duration: approx.12 hours.
Overnight: Queenstown
Today’s tour departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and the fruit and wine-growing region of Cromwell. The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass.
Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time.
Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
Inclusions & Highlights
- Exclusive Meet & Greet Arrival Transfer
- 7 Nights Accommodation
- Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Transfer
- Franz Josef Nature Tour
- Arrowtown & Around Tour
- Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch
- Queenstown/Mt Cook/Christchurch Tour
- Airport Transfers
- Exclusive Private Touring can be arranged upon request
Tour Departure Dates
To align with the reduced West Coast transport schedule, this coach tour must depart on the following days:
- Fridays
- Saturdays
- Mondays
- Wednesdays
This schedule ensures you travel conveniently and efficiently while exploring the beautiful South Island.
Accommodation
We offer various accommodations, including standard, superior, and first-class hotels, boutique stays, motels, apartments, and luxury lodges.


New Zealand - South Island
Independent Coach Tour
8 days
Christchurch
Christchurch 





