Southern Highlights – Economy Coach Tour

Cross Cook Strait by ferry to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most ‘English’ city.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch

Please note: The Coastal Pacific trains on this day ( Picton to Kaikoura t0 Christchurch) will be replaced by a coach in the periods of 5th May to 30th of September.

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – “the Edinburgh of the South”.

Arrive early afternoon. Stay 1 night in Dunedin.

Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey

This morning is free for optional tours. Continue across the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea Plains towards Fiordland.

Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous lakeside resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities to choose from.

Leaving Queenstown we soon pass picturesque Lake Hayes and then plunge into the narrow and rocky Kawarau Gorge. The township of Cromwell was once the centre of gold mining activity, which is evident from the dredge tailings, which line the road through Tarras. The Lindis River guides us up to the summit of the pass where the expanse of the McKenzie Plains stretches to the north.

After lunch (own cost) we continue north to Lake Tekapo and then across Burkes Pass to reach Fairlie, the rolling South Canterbury downs, and the village of Geraldine. From here we make our way north to Christchurch travelling through the town of Ashburton. We then continue across the Canterbury Plains, with its orderly paddocks and fence lines for the grain growing and sheep farming industry, arriving in Christchurch in the late afternoon.

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