- Pricing From $8,745*
- Single Supplement $595
- From Queenstown
- Duration 7 Days
- Max Group Size 18
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 29 Nov 2024
- Returns 5 Dec 2024
Late Bird Savings available!
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape in style travelling on board the new and exclusive Scenic Plus premium carriage on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great train journeys. Travelling between Greymouth and Christchurch you will view epic vistas, travel through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the breathtaking Southern Alps and see miles of lush alpine native beech forest. From the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps region we will explore picturesque Queenstown and Wanaka then cruise the Haast River.
Explore the stunning West Coast of New Zealand – a region known for its wild rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Experience the ‘Grand Traverse’ a spectacular scenic flight that showcases the awe-inspiring peaks of Mount Cook and coastal vistas of Westland National Park including a birds eye view of the impressive Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers. Explore the French fishing village of Akaroa and enjoy the cosmopolitan hub of Christchurch. With stays in luxury accommodation throughout, incredible meals and wine from the region as always, this is a truly memorable adventure.
Highlights
- Stay at luxury accommodation including the lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and Mayfair Christchurch
- Traverse the spectacular South Island of New Zealand from Greymouth in the West to Christchurch in the East on the TranzAlpine train. Travel in style as we enjoy stunning vistas from the exclusive new Scenic Plus premium carriage & regionally inspired cuisine
- Marvel at spectacular sights during the ‘Grand Traverse’ scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks
- Enjoy a cruise through a remarkable glacial valley on the Haast River, a cruise of spectacular Lake Wanaka and a harbour cruise in charming Akaroa
- Touring of picturesque Queenstown, Wanaka, Lake Matheson and French colonial Akaroa
- All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Your own room with reduced single supplement charge
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
Hilton Queenstown Resort
Situated directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this luxury resort boasts expansive waterfront and mountain views. Each spacious room offers a gas fireplace, separate lounge area and private balcony to enjoy the breathtaking vistas. Take the water taxi into town, rejuvenate in the opulent onsite spa facility or simply relax by the 25-metre indoor heated pool with steam and sauna rooms.Edgewater Hotel
Nestled on the edge of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater Hotel is Wānaka’s only lakefront accommodation. Offering stunning views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka, Edgewater provides the perfect base to explore this breath-taking region. The newly renovated spacious Premium suites feature balconies or patios from which to enjoy captivating views of Lake Wānaka’s majestic landscape. The suites boast a generous lounge and dining area. On-site amenities include, all-weather tennis court, spa and sauna.Mayfair Christchurch
The Mayfair is Christchurch's newest 5 star Boutique Hotel, unlike any other in the city boasting sumptuous and spacious guest rooms styled in modern relaxed luxury. Located on vibrant Victoria Street, one of the most iconic and historic thoroughfares in the central city, the Mayfair is a short stroll to the iconic Hagley Park, Christchurch's city centre and Riverside Market.
Our journey begins in breathtaking Queenstown as we transfer to the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa boasting panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities and the stunning vista. Nestled directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Hilton Queenstown’s inspirational setting takes full advantage of its peaceful, lakeside outlook. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner hosted by your Journey Director.
Overnight: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Tour the highlights of Queenstown before transferring to stunning Wanaka at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit the delightful Wanaka Lavender Farm before cruising picturesque Lake Wanaka framed by spectacular mountain scenery. Breathe in pristine nature during our nature walk.
Overnight: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Continuing on by road through Mount Aspiring National Park we make our way to Haast, the southern-most town on the West Coast. Upon arrival enjoy a cruise on the Haast River which is set amongst a remarkable glacial valley, where a temperate rainforest thrives. Continue on to the quaint town of Franz Josef.
Overnight: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
Today enjoy the flight of a lifetime, the ‘Grand Traverse’, a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks including Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and shows you the region like no other flight. This magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and breathtaking scenery.
This afternoon visit Lake Matheson which offers unparalleled views of Fox Glacier, Mt Tasman and Aoraki/Mt Cook and is New Zealand’s most photographed lake.
Overnight: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
Travel in style today as we enjoy stunning vistas from the exclusive new Scenic Plus premium carriage and regionally inspired cuisine on the renowned TranzAlpine train from the west coast to the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Travel from Greymouth through lush alpine beech rainforest through the Otira Tunnel and ascend to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass.
Continue through the Southern Alps and descend through spectacular gorges and river valleys to cross the picturesque patchwork scenery of the Canterbury Plains arriving in historic and charming Christchurch.
Overnight: Mayfair Christchurch or similar
After breakfast transfer to the attractive French colonial-style town of Akaroa. The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and its sparkling waters are home to a variety of sea life including New Zealand fur seals and little blue penguins. After a visit to The Giants House, cruise the stunning Harbour. Tonight’s farewell dinner is on board the Tramway Restaurant.
Overnight: Mayfair Christchurch or similar
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport. Say farewell to new friends and take away memories of a delightful TranzAlpine Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre/Post Tour
Flights from your home port to Queenstown/Christchurch are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to/from Queenstown/Christchurch, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post-tour accommodation.
Level of Fitness Required – Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1 kilometre unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
*Conditions Apply: The Early Bird Offer is limited and applies if booked and paid in full by 29 August, 2024 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
*Conditions Apply: The Late Bird Offer is limited and applies if booked and paid in full by 18 October, 2024 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
*The reduced single supplement for this journey is priced at $595, a significant reduction from the full value of the Single Supplement Charge for this journey which, if charged, would be $1,475. For those who book early enough, this may mean a $0 Single Supplement charge by taking advantage of Early Bird Savings.
^Weather permitting.