New Zealand · Geological Wonders

8-Day New Zealand Private Tour with Milford Sound and Franz Josef

8 Days Round trip from Christchurch Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Travel New Zealand your own way with a flexible, customizable itinerary
02 Cross Arthur's Pass and visit Hokitika, home of prized Māori pounamu
03 Walk through native forest to the base of Franz Josef Glacier
04 Cruise through Milford Sound with scenic photo stops along the way
05 Visit the Glow Worm Caves in Te Anau and enjoy free time in Queenstown

Explore New Zealand at your own pace on a flexible 8-day journey through Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound. Enjoy scenic drives through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, from native forest and glaciers to alpine lakes and mountain passes, with a private guide and transport throughout. The tour includes a Milford cruise and the Glow Worm Caves, while also leaving free time in Queenstown for optional activities. This itinerary can begin in Christchurch and finish in Queenstown, or vice versa, and can be customized to suit your travel plans.

Today, from Hokitika, travel to Franz Josef and take a short 45-minute walk to the base of the glacier through the native forest.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass National Park, Milford Sound

Languages English, French, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Meet and Greet in Christchurch

Meet and greet at the airport. Enjoy sightseeing in the Garden City, visiting Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre, Hagley Park, the Transitional Cathedral, and Riverside Markets.

Day 02

Arthur's Pass and Pounamu Country

Travel to the West Coast via Arthur's Pass, New Zealand's highest pass, with a short stop for photos. Then continue down into Westland and visit the home of Greenstone - Pounamu, a prized stone by the Māori. Overnight stay in Hokitika.

Day 03

Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka

Today, from Hokitika, travel to Franz Josef and take a short 45-minute walk to the base of the glacier through the native forest.
Continue to Haast for a short coffee break, then travel onward to Wanaka with scenic stops along the way, including waterfalls and sand dunes.
Transfer to your accommodation in Wanaka.

Day 04

Crown Range, Cardrona and Arrowtown

After visiting the Lonely Tree, the world's most photographed tree, travel through the Crown Range and stop at Cardrona Historic Pub. Then continue to Arrowtown, reminiscing on a bygone era and the gold rush as you visit this quaint village.
Transfer to your accommodation in Queenstown.

Day 05

Free Day in Queenstown

Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown, or ask for assistance in booking activities such as a Shotover jet boat ride, winery visits, the TSS Earnslaw steamboat cruise, or a gondola ride up to Bob's Peak for a 360-degree view of Queenstown.

Day 06

Milford Sound Cruise via Te Anau

Start early for the day and travel to Te Anau via the scenic route. Take a short break in Te Anau, then continue to Milford with scenic stops along the way. Arrive at the terminal in time for your cruise.
After the cruise, return to your accommodation in Te Anau.

Day 07

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and Return to Queenstown

Transfer to your Glow Worm Caves activity in Te Anau. After completing the activity, transfer to your Queenstown accommodation for the rest of the day.

Day 08