Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch and get settled into your accommodation. After that, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Check out the city center, which has been rebuilt nicely in recent years, or wander through the Botanic Gardens if you want something more relaxed. If you're interested, you can also do a punt ride on the Avon River, which is a nice way to spend a few hours.
- Start point
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (Airport to Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch city center
- Stroll through Botanic Gardens
- Punt ride on Avon River
Landmarks Christchurch Botanic Gardens Avon River - Day 2
Christchurch to Dunedin
You'll board an Intercity coach heading south along the east coast toward Dunedin. It's about a 5-hour drive, so you'll have time to take in the scenery. Once you arrive, the afternoon is open for exploring. The historic railway station is worth seeing, and the Otago Museum has some good collections. If you're up for it, Larnach Castle is an optional visit that takes about 30 minutes from the city center.
Optional Activities
- Visit Dunedin Railway Station
- Explore Otago Museum
- Tour of Larnach Castle
Landmarks Dunedin Railway Station Otago Museum Larnach Castle - Day 3
Dunedin to Te Anau
The drive inland takes you through Southland toward Te Anau, and the landscape changes quite a bit as you head that direction. Once you're there, it's a quiet lakeside town that's good for just relaxing and getting your bearings before heading into Fiordland. You can visit the glowworm caves if that interests you, or take a walk along the lake. Either way, you'll have time to settle in for the night.
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Lakeside walk
Landmarks Te Anau Glowworm Caves Fiordland National Park 
- Day 4
Milford Sound - Queenstown
You'll start early and head out on the Milford Road, which is famous for the scenery along the way. The drive takes a few hours before you board a nature cruise through Milford Sound. On the water, you'll see waterfalls, cliffs, and if you're lucky, seals or dolphins. Lunch is provided onboard. After the cruise ends, you'll continue driving to Queenstown, which takes another couple of hours or so.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch onboard Milford Sound nature cruise)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound nature cruise (2.5 hours)
- Picnic lunch onboard
Landmarks Milford Sound Milford Road - Day 5
Queenstown
Queenstown gives you a full day to do whatever appeals to you. If you want adventure, there's bungy jumping, skydiving, or jet boating. For something less intense, take the gondola up to Bob's Peak for the views, or explore on foot. Wine fans should head to Gibbston Valley to check out the local vineyards. You can mix and match depending on what sounds good.
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Skydiving
- Jet boating
- Gondola ride to Bob's Peak
- Gibbston Valley vineyard tour
Landmarks Bob's Peak Gibbston Valley 
- Day 6
Queenstown to Franz Josef
The drive from Queenstown takes you through Haast Pass and into Westland National Park, heading toward Franz Josef. The landscape shifts noticeably as you get closer to the glacier region. Franz Josef is a small village, but the main draw is how close it sits to the glacier itself, which you'll see from various spots around town.
Landmarks Haast Pass Westland National Park Franz Josef Glacier - Day 7
Franz Josef
You have options for how to spend the day around Franz Josef Glacier. Take a guided hike on the glacier itself if you want that experience, or go for a heli-hike if you're after something more adventurous. If you'd rather relax, the Glacier Hot Pools are a nice way to spend a few hours. There are also rainforest walks nearby if you want to see the local vegetation and get some views of the alpine area.
Optional Activities
- Guided glacier hike
- Heli-hike
- Glacier Hot Pools
- Rainforest walks
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 8
Greymouth - Christchurch
You'll travel from Franz Josef to Greymouth, then board the TranzAlpine train, which is one of the better scenic train rides you can do. The route crosses the Southern Alps through gorges and viaducts, and you'll pass through Arthur's Pass National Park. The whole journey takes about 4.5 hours, and you'll end up back in Christchurch by evening.
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey
Landmarks Arthur's Pass National Park - Day 9
Christchurch
Your final day in Christchurch depends on when your flight leaves. If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing or grab souvenirs around the city. After that, head to the airport for your departure. It's a good chance to reflect on the trip before you head out.
- End point
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (Hotel and Airport )
Optional Activities
- Final sightseeing in Christchurch
- Souvenir shopping
