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Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour (premium / small group)

Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour

South Island loop from Christchurch to Queenstown on TranzAlpine train

Illustration of Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour

Great Journeys New Zealand operates the Signature Inspirational Alps Tour, a six-day fully guided journey through South Island's most celebrated landscapes. Starting in Christchurch, the tour travels on the TranzAlpine scenic train through the Southern Alps via the historic Ōtira Tunnel, then continues by coach to the West Coast, where you visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre and explore Hokitika Gorge. After a night at Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, the itinerary crosses the Haast Pass on a scenic river safari before arriving in Queenstown for two nights, including a full-day Milford Sound cruise and fjord experience. Throughout, an experienced tour director leads all activities, and accommodation is in 4 to 4.5 star hotels with most meals included. The group size is capped at 20. This package suits couples and repeat rail travellers seeking premium comfort with professional guidance and a focus on scenery, wildlife, and regional cuisine.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour's description mentions a 7-day itinerary but the evidence pack specifies 6 days and 5 nights; confirm the exact duration with Great Journeys New Zealand
  • Airport arrival on Day 1 is not mentioned as part of the tour; airport transfers are included only for departures on Day 6

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Christchurch (1 night)

    Welcome to Christchurch

    Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City. Check into your hotel, wander Riverside Market and the Botanical Gardens.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Greymouth / West Coast (Hokitika) (1 night)

    The TranzAlpine scenic train

    TranzAlpine Scenic Plus crossing the Southern Alps via the historic Ōtira Tunnel and Great Divide, then a custom greenstone experience and guided walk around Hokitika Gorge.

  3. Day 3overnight: Franz Josef (1 night)

    Explore the West Coast

    VIP guided walkthrough at the West Coast Wildlife Centre for the endangered rowi kiwi. Free time in Franz Josef; four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

  4. Day 4overnight: Queenstown (2 nights)

    Explore the Southern Lakes

    Haast Pass scenic drive by river boat and private coach, arriving in Queenstown. Winery late lunch or dinner.

  5. Day 5overnight: Queenstown (2 nights)

    Explore Milford Sound

    Full-day excursion to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi aboard the Cruise Milford Coach service, with a boutique cruise into the fjord.

  6. Day 6

    Depart Queenstown

    Tour ends after a final breakfast with fellow travellers; airport transfers included.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2TranzAlpine Scenic Plus crosses the Southern Alps via the historic Ōtira Tunnel and Great Divide, followed by a guided walk around Hokitika Gorge
  • Day 3VIP guided walkthrough at the West Coast Wildlife Centre for the endangered rowi kiwi, with four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat
  • Day 5Full-day Milford Sound excursion aboard the Cruise Milford Coach service, with a boutique cruise into the fjord

Included

  • Experienced tour director
  • Guided pounamu experience including Hokitika Gorge Walk
  • Haast River Safari
  • VIP West Coast Wildlife Centre, guided Kiwi walk
  • Milford Sound day tour and cruise
  • World-class scenic train journey, TranzAlpine
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners
  • 1 meal on the train
  • 4-4.5 star hotel accommodation, twin share
  • Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage at selected locations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes the TranzAlpine scenic train in Scenic Plus class from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps via the Ōtira Tunnel and Great Divide. One meal is included on the train.
Is this escorted or independent?
Fully escorted. An experienced tour director guides the group throughout the six days, and all transport is provided by private coaches and shuttles (except airport arrival).
What are the hotels?
Great Journeys New Zealand books 4 to 4.5 star accommodation: one night in Christchurch, one night in Greymouth/West Coast (Hokitika), one night at Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, and two nights in Queenstown.
What meals are included?
Six breakfasts, one lunch, three dinners, and one meal on the train are included. A winery lunch or dinner is offered in Queenstown.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walks at Hokitika Gorge and the West Coast Wildlife Centre, a Haast River boat safari, and a full-day Milford Sound cruise. Most days involve moderate physical activity suitable for people in reasonable fitness.
When does the tour run?
Great Journeys New Zealand operates 14 departures between October 2026 and April 2027, with the price held at NZD 6,499 for all dates.

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