4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Christchurch

A mountainous landscape with a river, a bridge, and a lake. 2

By Waimate Journeys

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Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the vibrant city of Christchurch and conclude in the adventure capital Queenstown.

Take a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Arthur's Pass. Experience the serene beauty of Arthur's Pass National Park and marvel at the unique rock formations at Castle Hill. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and enjoy a private vehicle exclusively for your group.

Activity location

Christchurch
- Christchurch, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Christchurch
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

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Dates

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What's included, what's not

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transport
If any optional activity is cancelled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
WiFi on board
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 3 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Packaged water bottles
Food & Drinks (except 3 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not described in the inclusions

Know before you book

- Service animals allowed
- Public transport options are available nearby
- Specialised infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travellers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
- Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
- With the "With Tickets" option, traveller(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flight, Glacier hiking, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility
- In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
- This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch–TranzAlpine Scenic Train–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

6 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

Christchurch

Start your tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel/airport pickup in Christchurch.

TranzAlpine Train

2h
Admission ticket included

Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted again and taken to your next destination.

Otira Viaduct Lookout

Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Arthur's Pass National Park

Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Castle Hill

Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood films, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.

Tekapo Stargazing

1h 15m
Admission ticket included

Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo - Lake Pukaki - Mt Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track) - Lindis Pass - Queenstown

4 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

Lake Tekapo

Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Lake Pukaki

Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerising turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerising scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and significance of this remarkable place.

Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout

Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation.

Day 3: Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau

4 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

Queenstown

Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

Milford Sound

Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

Doubtful Sound / Patea

7h 30m

Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

Te Anau

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 4: Te Anau - Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Queenstown

2 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Te Anau

Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerising display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.

Queenstown

2h 30m

Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way. Your journey concludes in Queenstown, a vibrant adventure capital where you can begin another exciting adventure. May the memories of these spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty stay with you always.

Location

Activity location

Christchurch
- Christchurch, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Christchurch
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

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