Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days

Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days

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7 Days From

$2705

Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days

7 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Christchurch, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-100

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2705

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a breathtaking 7-day journey from Christchurch to Milford Sound and Franz Josef, exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. Begin your adventure in Christchurch, with time to discover the city's charm before heading to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy a wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard en route to Te Anau, and cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, spotting wildlife and savoring lunch onboard. In Queenstown, the adventure capital, choose from thrilling activities like paragliding or horse riding. Discover the ancient Franz Josef Glacier with optional hikes or a scenic helicopter flight. Travel in luxury with an expert local guide, staying in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, and enjoy included breakfasts and lunches. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time to explore at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.

Highlights

  • Christchurch - Start and end your journey in the South Island's largest city, with free time to explore.

  • Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters and stargaze at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.

  • Te Anau - Enjoy an included wine tasting and lunch en route to the South Island's largest lake.

  • Milford Sound - Join an included cruise to take in some of New Zealand's finest scenery, with lunch onboard.

  • Queenstown - Choose from a variety of optional activities in New Zealand's adventure capital, from horse riding to paragliding.

  • Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or an optional scenic helicopter flight.

  • Hokitika - Visit this town renowned for its exquisite jade carvings.

  • Arthur's Pass - Experience breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Christchurch - Geraldine - Tekapo. Welcome to New Zealand! Our tour kicks off in Christchurch (pick up information is in the Trip Notes). From here, we'll journey through the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge, a natural wonder of immense beauty. Our next stop is the delightful town of Geraldine, where you'll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest local cuisine. Following free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the stunning Lake Tekapo, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Southern Alps.





Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.

Day 2: Te Anau

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Tekapo - Te Anau. Today, our journey takes us south to the idyllic Te Anau. En route, we will stop at the renowned Mt Difficulty Vineyard, where you can look forward to a delightful lunch and an exquisite wine-tasting experience, all included! This is a perfect chance to savour the region's flavours amid breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable highlight of our trip. Arriving in Te Anau, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Get ready to be amazed as we journey to Milford Sound, frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Embark on an included scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes that define the area's unique beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way and enjoy an included lunch onboard.





Following the cruise, we'll make our way to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and a charming destination set among majestic mountains and pristine lakes.

Day 4: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, you have the freedom to explore the adventure capital of the world at your own pace. A wide range of optional activities are available, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, scenic hikes, and leisurely strolls around the city's charming streets - ensuring there's something to suit everyone's interests. You should have time to book two or three activities today, and our guide will be able to get everything booked in for you.

Day 5: Queenstown

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Queenstown - Franz Josef. Departing Queenstown, we head towards the breathtaking Franz Josef, famous for its majestic glaciers. Along the way, we will stop in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem known for offering some of New Zealand's most captivating views. As we continue driving up the scenic west coast, prepare to be mesmerized by the unparalleled beauty of the unfolding landscape.

Day 6: Franz Josef

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of Franz Josef . You can choose from a range of optional activities, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a guided glacier walk, relax in the soothing thermal pools, or take a thrilling helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier. The day is yours to customize, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Franz Josef. Once more, our tour guide will be on hand to help you book in any activities for today.

Day 7: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Franz Josef - Christchurch. Today, we journey back to Christchurch, making stops at Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Additionally, we'll visit Castle Hill, featuring stunning limestone rock formations that are bound to leave you mesmerized. We'll conclude our tour in Christchurch with drop off at the airport, at approximately 16:00 (more information in the Trip Notes).

What's Included

  • 6 breakfasts & 2 lunches

    Enjoy 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches included in your tour package.

  • 6 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 6 nights during your tour.

  • Escorted by an expert local driver/guide

    Travel with an expert local driver/guide who will escort you throughout the tour.

  • Transportation in a luxury vehicle

    Travel in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system.

  • Milford Sound cruise including lunch onboard

    Join an included cruise on Milford Sound with lunch provided onboard.

  • Lunch & wine tasting at Mt Difficulty vineyard

    Enjoy a lunch and wine tasting experience at Mt Difficulty vineyard.

  • Stargaze at Tekapo

    Experience stargazing at Tekapo, the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world.

  • Visit Lake Te Anau

    Visit the largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau.

  • Tour operated with trusted partner

    This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, joining travelers from different operators.

What's Not Included

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.

  • Optional activities and experiences

    Optional activities and experiences are not included and can be booked locally.

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide/driver

    Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.

    It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with transportation in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

Age Policy

Min:18 / Max:100

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches. Lunch is provided during the Milford Sound cruise and at the Mt Difficulty vineyard.

  • What activities are included in the Milford Sound visit?

    During the visit to Milford Sound, an included scenic cruise is provided, where you can enjoy lunch onboard while gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes.

  • Is there a guide accompanying the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an expert local driver/guide.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are various optional activities available, especially in Queenstown and Franz Josef, such as bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, guided glacier walks, and helicopter tours. These can be booked and paid for locally.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The age policy for this tour is a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 100.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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