Tranz Alpine Train
Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch through spectacular scenery onboard the Tranz Alpine train.
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
Self-driving is a fantastic way to explore as it gives the freedom to stop en route and this trip includes some of the most beautiful scenic drives in New Zealand. Whether stopping to spot seal pups between Blenheim and Kaikoura or to photograph the beautiful turquoise water of Lake Tekapo on the drive to Mount Cook, always allow more time than you think. This diverse itinerary offers a wonderful overview of New Zealand’s highlights.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Glacier Heli Hike
Experience an exhilarating landing on the face of Franz Josef glacier by helicopter.
Whale Watching
Encounter whales from the water or air off the coast of Kaikoura.
Doubtful Sound Cruise
Overnight on Doubtful Sound waking to the sounds of silence surrounded by scenery untouched by time.
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Day 1
Auckland
Arrive into Auckland
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Day 2
Auckland - Matamata - Rotorua
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Day 3
Rotorua
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Day 4
Rotorua - Napier
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Day 5
Napier - Wellington
Drive south from Napier to Wellington
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Day 6
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
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Day 7
Blenheim - Kaikoura
Drive south along the coast to Kaikoura
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Day 8
Kaikoura
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Day 9
Kaikoura - Christchurch
Drive south to Christchurch
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Day 10
Christchurch - Mount Cook Village
A spectacular drive to Mount Cook Village
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Day 11
Mount Cook Village
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Day 12
Mount Cook Village - Dunedin
Drive south to the city of Dunedin
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Day 13
Dunedin
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Day 14
Dunedin - Te Anau
Another spectacular drive to Te Anau
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Day 15
Te Anau - Manapouri
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Day 16
Manapouri - Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown
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Day 17
Queenstown
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Day 18
Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Drive up the west cost to Franz Josef
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Day 19
Franz Josef Glacier
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Day 20
Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth - Christchurch
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Day 21
Christchurch
Depart Christchurch
Day 1
Auckland
Day 2
Auckland - Matamata - Rotorua
Pick up your hire car and depart Auckland, heading south towards the geothermal town of Rotorua. En route stop to visit the now iconic scenery at Matamata, home of the shire from the epic Lord of the Rings films.
Day 3
Rotorua
Spend today exploring the thermal landscapes and Maori culture of Rotorua. Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions.
Day 4
Rotorua - Napier
Depart Rotorua and drive south to coastal city of Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture an wealth of vineyards.
Day 5
Napier - Wellington
Day 6
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Travel from Wellington and Picton by ferry. This 92-kilometre journey between the North and South Island takes around three hours and has been described as ‘one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world’. Expect spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island as well as sightings of dolphins and many sea birds. Journey through the Marlborough Sounds, a region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays. On arrival in Picton drive to Blenheim to sample some world class wines.
Day 7
Blenheim - Kaikoura
Day 8
Kaikoura
Spend the day exploring Kaikoura and its fabulous coastline, renowned for its abundant marine life. Due to the teeming food supply in its icy waters, whales, seals and dolphins are frequently spotted year-round in the area. View some of the oceans giants by boat or by air before dining on fresh crayfish.
Day 9
Kaikoura - Christchurch
Day 10
Christchurch - Mount Cook Village
Day 11
Mount Cook Village
At 3,754 metres Aoraki-Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, located deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. Spend the day enjoying a range of activities – take a scenic flight including a glacier landing, explore on foot and spend evenings stargazing – this region is one of the few gold-rated dark sky reserves in the world.
Day 12
Mount Cook Village - Dunedin
Day 13
Dunedin
Spend today in search of albatross, penguin and Hooker sea lion on the rugged beaches around Dunedin.
Day 14
Dunedin - Te Anau
Day 15
Te Anau - Manapouri
Join your small overnight cruise in Manapouri and spend the night surrounded by the epic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Take to the water by kayak to spot seals, penguin and dolphin, dine on delicious cuisine and wake to the sounds of silence.
Day 16
Manapouri - Queenstown
Day 17
Queenstown
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the views of Lake Wakatipu, head into Queenstown for some shopping or a bite to eat or get your adrenaline fix with some jet boating.
Day 18
Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Day 19
Franz Josef Glacier
Today the chance to experience an exhilarating landing on the face of Franz Josef glacier by helicopter.
Day 20
Franz Josef Glacier - Greymouth - Christchurch
Drive north to the town of Greymouth where you will leave your hire car and board the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch. Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the route begins on the Tasman Sea, through Arthurs Pass National Park to the Pacific Ocean. From your carriage, view the lush rainforest of the west coast, the spectacular mountains of the Southern Alps, gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River before descending onto the farmland of the Canterbury plains and the city of Christchurch.
Day 21
Christchurch
More Details
Wake to the Sound of Silence
Smaller and less visited than Milford Sounds, Doubtful Sounds is just as spectacular. A wonderful way to explore the waters of this fiord is by overnight cruise, joining a small boat with a maximum of 12 passengers plus an attentive and knowledgeable crew. Wake up on the still, glass like surface of the fiord in utter silence. Listen to the sound of waterfalls cascading and watch the shifting mists around towering cliffs before kayaking in search of seal, penguin and dolphin.
As evening draws in, catch crayfish for your supper before watching the sunset from the deck. This experience is a highlight for many. Rain or shine, the wilderness scenery of the fiords is beautiful. However, do be prepared for rain as this part of the world typically experiences rain on 300 of our 365 days.
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Cinematic Scenery by Train
This holiday includes a five hour journey across the South Island, from Greymouth to Christchurch on board the Tranz Alpine scenic train. Considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, this journey is spectacular whatever the season. Traversing epic scenery from the majestic Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass, the open vistas of the Canterbury Plains, miles of native beech forests and the waters of the Waimakariri River.
Seats are spacious and reclinable and all have windows framing the beautiful scenery. There is also an open carriage for those preferring to view the scenery from outside.
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Franz Josef Heli Hike
A heli hike is one of many iconic activities in New Zealand and a fabulous way to experience the ancient glaciers and mountain landscapes of the South Islands west coast. Before landing on the ice flow, take to the skies for a short scenic flight giving a perspective of how vast the glaciers are. Upon landing your guide will choose a route to follow depending on the movement of the ice that day.
Don crampons and walk on the glacier past towering walls of ice, sculpted over years, entering ice blue tunnels and learning about the history and future of the glacier from your knowledgeable guide. The views are breathtaking.
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Giants of the Ocean
The east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and in particular the coast of Kaikoura is home to a wealth of marine life. A three kilometre deep canyon, just off the coast creates an ideal environment for whales, dolphin, orca and seals as well as albatross. Sperm whales, dolphin and orca can be seen in Kaikoura year-round while migrating humpback, pilot, blue and southern right whales can normally be seen between June and August. Stay on dry land and spot them from the shore, head out by boat or take to the skies for an aerial search.
Vineyards Explorations
The southern end of the North Island is home to the Art Deco city of Napier and some world-class vineyards. For a vineyard tour with a difference we recommend taking to the open road by bike, stopping to sample Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines alongside gourmet cuisine. Alternatively explore the architecture of Napier and surrounding vineyards by 1930’s vintage vehicle.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling and accommodation choices. In this itinerary we suggest a mixture of charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels.
Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Low Season
From $7,269 Per person
High Season
From $8,153 Per person
When to travel
New Zealand in January
The long warm sunny days make this a wonderful time to visit, but accommodation fills up quickly. Locals have their summer holidays so add to visitor numbers.
New Zealand in February
The warmest month for much of the country. Locals return to work, easing some pressure on accommodation. A great time to enjoy South Island summer.
New Zealand in March
The best month to visit, as summer crowds disperse but beautiful warm weather generally prevails.
New Zealand in April
Temperatures fall, especially in the South Island. The autumn colours can be spectacular, and you may still get away with shorts in Auckland.
New Zealand in May
Autumn sweeps through the North Island, reinvigorating the green rolling hills. A quiet time of year to travel, after summer and before ski season.
New Zealand in June
The start of the ski season in the North Island, with the first snow showers beginning to fall. Crisp clear sunny days can still be found on the South Island.
New Zealand in July
The snow begins to settle and international snow sports teams can be spotted doing their off-season training.
New Zealand in August
The coldest month, but still plenty to see and do. Ski season is in full swing, and humpback whales can be spotted near Kaikoura on their way north.
New Zealand in September
Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.
New Zealand in October
The snow melts and the rivers are at their peak, making for an exciting time to do white water sports. Longer days allow for more time to enjoy the outdoors.
New Zealand in November
A beautiful time of year, with wild gorse and vibrant lupins dotting the fields, making the countryside particularly colourful. Snow can still be seen on the tops of the mountains.
New Zealand in December
Temperatures heat up, but early in the month it is still relatively quiet. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can be enjoyed in true Kiwi style – on a beach or in the expansive wilderness.
Holiday Inspiration
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