Eight Day Christchurch - Christchurch Tour (TranzAlpine One Way Back, Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

From wildlife to wineries, and to glacier-filled valleys, there are many adventures to be had. You will be constantly wowed by the nature and scenery that every region in the South Island holds. 

You will go from Garden City and back again, and the in-between is full of majestic mountains, lush countryside, picture-perfect beaches, and simply spectacular scenery. A dreamscape that is now your reality. You will experience lavish rainforests and the dramatic wild side of New Zealand. On the way back you will hop on the TranzAlpine to experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys and get a whole new perspective of this landscape. 

We have sorted all the finer details, with breakfast and shared dorm accommodation included, couples will get a free upgrade to a private room. We also have additional upgrades with all meals included and upgrade to a private 3-Star or 5-Star hotel for your accommodation. 

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun and knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you. 

Highlights

·      TranzAlpine

·      Mt Cook

·      Franz Josef

Itinerary 

DAY 1

·      Christchurch – We start in the Garden City- We explore the rich history within our central city including the Bridge of Remembrance, spending some time going through the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Then we head over the hills to Akaroa – the most French town in New Zealand. As we head over the peninsular, there are multiple lookout points once we reach the summit, perfect for taking photos.

·      Akaroa -  Once there, make sure you have a walk around the township and check out the local gift shops, and you can’t leave before trying the handmade fudge – it is delightful! We end the day with dinner and drink at a local pub (included) 

DAY 2

·      Akaroa – We start the day in this beautiful town, make sure you fuel up with breakfast before we make our way to Mt Cook! 

·      Aoraki/Mt Cook – Time to head to Mt Cook – this is the mountain that prepared Sir Edmund Hillary for his conquest of Everest, and is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Plus lunch is at the simply stunning Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park, what a better place to eat with a view!

·      Mt Cook Information Centre – We will take in the beauty that is Aoraki/Mount Cook. Weather dependant, we will be able to get some amazing photos and videos of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.

DAY 3

·      Aoraki/Mt Cook – We leave this majestic mountain to make our way to the adventure capital of New Zealand – Queenstown. This part of the journey is simply a showstopper, like driving in a postcard - you will see stunning scenery surrounded by mountains, forming the perfect backdrop! There will be plenty of stops along the way including where they filmed the epic battle scene in Return of the King in the Mackenzie Country, and the stunning Kawarau Gorge. 

·      Queenstown – We arrive in the city that knows how to take the adventure to the next level, and there is always a sense of fun.  

DAY 4

·      Queenstown – We have a full day in Queenstown for you to tick of some of those activities you would like to do. Being a hub of adventure, there is something for everyone here from bungy jumping, to boutique shopping and so much more. This is a free day for you, and our friendly guide will be happy to share their favourite things. We end the day with dinner included, discussing the adventure you had before we embark on our next leg of the journey tomorrow. 

DAY 5

·      Queenstown – Today we take a day trip down to the magnificent Milford Sounds, famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world this trip will leave you speechless and full of wonder. The journey down there is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels, and there will be stops along the way to experience the majesty of it all, this trip is breathtakingly beautiful in any weather. 

·      Milford Sound – We arrive at this natural beauty and set sail on the inky dark waters to see the plunging cliffs and thundering waterfalls, in the rain these waterfalls can multiply with massive effect. This will be a day where you get to see the wild side of New Zealand at its best. 

DAY 6

·      Queenstown – Time to head to Wanaka, a town known for its outdoor activities, and of course the famous “Wanaka Tree” in the middle of the lake! As it is in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, this town is the perfect place to tempt every person who loves the outdoors. 

·      Wanaka – Once we have arrived, there are many walks and activities that you could do. If you are an experienced hiker, there is the Roys Peak track that winds itself through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands, to the summit for breath-taking views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring and surrounding peaks. Or why not check out the famous “Wanaka Tree, by taking a walk around the lake. Nearby is the Mt Aspiring National Park, straddling the great Southern Alps. Filled to the brim with wildlife habitats, glaciers, snowfields, valleys and beech forests with birdsong, and waterfalls. 

DAY 7

·      Wanaka – We start the day heading to Makarora to visit the beautiful blue pools. Nestled in beech and podocarp forest, these deep and clear pools are natural wonders with pure glacial gathered from the mountains. 

·      Franz Josef – We say goodbye to the blue pools and we make our way to Franz Josef. This is another stunner of a journey in New Zealand. We will make a stop at Lake Hawea one of the most popular lakeside lookout spots, for a few photos before getting on the road again. There will be plenty of beautiful Kiwi scenery to look at on the way. Once arrived we visit and walk the incredible World Heritage Site - Franz Josef Glacier. This glacier finds its origins high up in the Southern Alps and descends into the native rainforest of Westland’s National Park, the descent from 3000m to 500m above sea level makes this glacier one of the steepest in the country and results in incredible glacial features. 

DAY 8

·      Franz Josef – Time for us to leave this beautiful ice landscape and make our way up the rugged coast to Hokitika and then to the heart of the West Coast – Greymouth. 

·      Hokitika – We stop in Hokitika also known as Cool Little Town to stretch the legs, grab something to eat, and make sure you visit the beach to get a photo in front of the famous “Hokitika Sign” made out of driftwood. 

·      Greymouth – Time to hop on the TranzAlpine and head back to Christchurch. On the way back you will travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see beautiful native beech forest.

·      Christchurch – We make it back to the Garden City. Unfortunately, this is where we part our ways and say our goodbyes. 

Inclusions:

·      Small Group

·      Carbon Neutral

·      Some meals

·      Accommodation

·      Bottled Water 

·      Local kiwi snacks

·      Commentary

·      Wi-Fi

·      USB charging 

·      100% Kiwi as experience

We at Cheeky Kea Tours believe that it’s in the small things, the hidden surprises, and the secret stops that make your adventure one to remember. With comfortable and specially designed vehicles, and individually packaged refreshments will ensure you enjoy the journey with us!

See More, Do More, Spend Less.