A delightful 6 day ferry, train and coach tour from Wellington through the South Island to Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Milford Sound...

Day 1: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch the ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island.  Boarding the Tranz Coastal train you pass through Picton and Blenheim, then edge down the narrow coastal strip beneath the rugged Kaikora Ranges.  Cross into dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch, where you will overnight.  As you will arrive in the evening, you might like to add an additional day in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city.

Day 2: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, white stone Oamaru and along the coastline to Palmerston.  Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'.  Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.
Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey

Day 3: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional sightseeing.  Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore.  The countryside becomes drier as you reach Lumsden, Mossburn and they are your glimpse of Fiordland.  Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 4: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
As you travel through the Fiordland National Park you will pass the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm.  A cruise on Milford Sound beneath  lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included.  Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau and across country to the alpine playground of Queenstown.  Two nights in Queenstown.

Day 5: At Queenstown
Today is at your leisure in this fabulous alpine resort.  We have included the Skyline gondola in your tour.  There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 6: Queenstown – Christchurch
Travel through the Kawarau Gorge with its hostoric gold mines, passing by spectacular scenery into Tekapo. Continue north through the Canterbury Plains arriving into Christchurch late afternoon.