4-Day South Island Southern Discovery Tour from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy some of the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this four day independent coach tour.

Travel by coach from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Queenstown, where you stay for three nights, before returning to Christchurch. You also visit the majestic Milford Sound with a scenic cruise on this mighty fiord.

Day 1: Christchurch / Mt Cook / Queenstown - Travel through the pastoral farm land of the Canterbury Plains and the ever-changing spectacular scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps. Continue across Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning glacial fed Lake Tekapo. From here you travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Stop at Mt Cook for lunch (additional at own expense) where you will be mesmerized by the surroundings of this truly unique region. Cross the Lindis Pass, leaving the MacKenzie Country and travel along the Kawerau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown. Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 2: Milford Sound Day Excursion - Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau. On entering the Fiordland National Park you pass through the Eglinton Valley. See ancient beech forest, stunning waterfalls and the famous Mirror Lakes. Continue through the upper Hollyford Valley and pass the stunning Christie Falls. On exiting the Homer Tunnel prepare for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound. On arrival, take an unforgettable cruise on the majestic Milford Sound where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak and rock walls scarred by glaciers which rise to 1200m vertically from the sea. Reboard the coach for the return journey to Queenstown. Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 3: Queenstown - Enjoy a free day in Queenstown. Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 4: Queenstown / Christchurch - Travel over the Lindis Pass and retrace your steps to Christchurch. A lunch stop is made at Mount Cook (additional at own expense). Enjoy a scenic stop at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue onto Christchurch, arriving late this afternoon.