New Zealand Coastal Explorer By Coach or Self Drive Car
from $945 per person 8 days/7 nights
New Zealand's coastline is remarkably diverse and reaches a scenic climax in the South Islands Fiordland. Mitre Peak in Milford Sound is one exceptional feature of New Zealand's coastline, it rises a staggering height of nearly one mile from the ocean. The West Coast of the South Island is rugged and the only place where you’ll see a glacier almost meet the sea.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre – the ‘must see’ attraction in Christchurch.

Day 2 - Christchurch/ Dunedin
(225 miles) (optional meal plans begin today) Today you will travel across the Canterbury Plains and onto Dunedin, which boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in New Zealand.

Day 3 - Dunedin
This morning board the double decker bus for a 11/2 hour tour of Dunedin’s historic sights. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula including the renowned Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal).

Day 4 - Dunedin/ Queenstown
(176 miles) Board the Taieri Gorge train (Seat-in-Coach only) and enjoy rugged, unspoilt landscape and the opportunity for sightseeing stops. Experience breath-taking views of this historic journey to Pukerangi where you will then continue your journey to Queenstown.

Day 5 - Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel by Great Sights coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

Day 6 - Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many activities on offer.

Day 7 - Queenstown/ Franz Josef
(251 miles) Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to Franz Josef. We suggest an optional scenic glacier flight to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 8 - Franz Josef/ Tranzalpine Train/ Christchurch
(249 miles) Travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine train (Seat-in-Coach only) for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery. Traverse the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where the tour concludes.

Accommodation
There are three levels of accommodation. Select from Standard (3 star), Quality (31/2 to 4 star) or Superior (4+ star) hotels for the duration of your stay. You can also spend extra time at any point along the way – Just ask an Aspire expert about the supplementary accommodation.