Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican ‘gothic revival’ architectural influence. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your tour director, head out and explore all that Christchurch has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to wander through the enticing stalls at Riverside Market or explore the botanical gardens before heading to the art gallery, museums and other city attractions. After an exciting day on the town, your journey will officially begin as you join your fellow travellers and tour director at this evening’s welcome reception.

Signature Inspirational Alps Tour
- 6 days, 5 nights
- Christchurch to Queenstown
- Hotel 4 star
Where you will go
4 places you sleep in over 5 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
Overview
Guided tour, coach group. A driver guide travels with you the whole way, on a full-size coach, with the luggage and every booking handled.
Starting in Christchurch, experience an unforgettable train and coach journey through New Zealand. 6 days through the South Island, running Christchurch to Queenstown. Along the way: The TranzAlpine Scenic Train, Experience Milford Sound, Christchurch. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
- 5 nights accommodation
- 2 included activities
- 9 meals included
Explore more:South Island toursMilford Sound and FiordlandQueenstownRail and scenic trainsSolo travellersAll guided toursLuxury
What is included, and what is not
Included in the price
- 5 nights of accommodation, hotel 4 star
- Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
- Scenic rail sectors with seats reserved
- 2 included activities and entries along the way
- A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
- Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
- The TranzAlpine Scenic Train
- Experience Milford Sound
Not included
- International flights to and from New Zealand
- Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
- Meals other than the 9 meals listed in the itinerary
- Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included
This tour runs as published on set dates. Nights before or after it, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Day by day
The moment has arrived to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine, indulging in the Scenic Plus service as you journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps and emerge onto the untamed West Coast. On this unforgettable escape, marvel at dramatic alpine vistas, glide along the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and cross the Great Divide. As the landscape transforms before your eyes, you’ll also traverse the historic Ōtira Tunnel, an engineering triumph over a century old. Along the way, enjoy regionally inspired food and rich commentary that enhances your Scenic Plus experience. Arriving in Greymouth, you’ll be met by a private coach and taken even further off the beaten track. Enjoy a custom greenstone experience, a special insight into the cultural significance and artistry of pounamu (New Zealand jade). Then stretch your legs on a guided walk through the stunning Hokitika Gorge, where vivid turquoise waters wind through lush native bush.
This morning, your West Coast journey continues with a VIP experience at the West Coast Wildlife Centre - a special, guided walkthrough designed exclusively for guests. Go behind the scenes to learn about the conservation efforts for the rare Rowi kiwi and discover the secrets of this fascinating native species in a truly immersive encounter. After your wildlife experience, enjoy free time in Franz Josef to explore at your own pace. Take a short scenic walk to the glacier viewpoint, browse the charming local shops, or choose from optional adventures such as a thrilling helicopter flight over the glacier or a serene wilderness tour through the rainforest. This evening, rejoin your group for a culinary highlight: a four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, where locally sourced ingredients and refined flavours are served in a tranquil rainforest setting.
Today you will explore the Haast Pass. With changing landscapes around every bend, this journey of about five hours to Queenstown, will be one of the most scenic drives you may ever take. While aboard an exciting river boat and private coach, marvel at the beaches, crystal blue lakes and rivers, mountain peaks, lush vineyards, charming plains and majestic glaciers as your Tour Director guides you between local quieter places. Stop in unique locations that only locals know about. After an exciting plunge into the history of this gold rush village, you will arrive in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown!
Charge your camera and prepare for one of the most awe-inspirinyour journey. Today, you’ll travel to the majestic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, often called the 8th Wonder of the World, aboard our exclusive Cruise Milford Coach service. Relax in comfort as we wind through native rainforests, alpine meadows, and mirror-like reflective pools, complete with custom stops tailored to your group’s interests. On arrival, step aboard your boutique cruise and journey deep into the heart of the fjord. Feel the mist from Bowen and Stirling Falls, marvel at the vertical face of Mitre Peak, and take in the dramatic beauty carved by ancient glaciers. For those looking to elevate the experience, there’s an optional scenic flight available for your return, soaring above the Southern Alps for a breathtaking aerial perspective of Fiordland. After this unforgettable day, return to Queenstown for a relaxing evening at your own pace.
Enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow travellers this morning. After that, you’re free to continue exploring Queenstown or begin your onward journey. Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Whether it’s an adrenaline-filled adventure, lakeside stroll, or indulging in the region’s world-class food and wine, Queenstown is the perfect place to wrap up your travels on your own terms.
Good to know
Departures
Signature Inspirational Alps runs on set dates. These are the departures still open, with what each one costs per person, two sharing.
- Sun, 8 Nov 2026Sold out
- Sun, 29 Nov 2026Sold out
- Sun, 10 Jan 2027Sold out
Availability checked 26 October 2026 from the operator's own bookings. Guaranteed means the operator has confirmed the departure will run; sold out dates stay on the list so you can see what is left.
A date not listed is not being sold. Choose one and your quote comes back against that departure, at that departure's price.
Before and after
The tour itself runs as published. Nights in Christchurch before it starts or in Queenstown after it ends, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Who you are booking with
- Operator
- This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
- Silver Fern Travel
- Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Prices
- Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
- Paying
- A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.
Watch: Milford Sound on this itinerary
Asked before booking
Something not answered here? , no quote attached.
Still deciding? Worth a read: Is the TranzAlpine worth it? A straight answer · The Cook Strait ferry, without the surprises
- Per day
- NZ$1,083planning included
- Travelling solo
- NZ$8,298single occupancy
No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected
Request a quote for this trip
No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.
How it works
How your money is protectedTell us about your trip
Get your firm quote
Shape it until it fits
Confirm with a 20% deposit
Everything is booked for you
Travel with us beside you
The Silver Fern Promise
You never hand over more than a small deposit
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
How your money is protectedA firm quote within one working day
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.
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