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About Your Journey
Snow capped peaks and winter magic
See the South Island at one of its most spectacular times of year, travelling through dramatic alpine landscapes from Christchurch to the West Coast and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Ride the iconic TranzAlpine through the snow covered Southern Alps, journey through Arthur’s Pass, visit Lake Tekapo and enjoy two nights at The Hermitage, complete with a special Mid Winter Christmas dinner.
Itinerary
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Fly to Christchurch and visit the International Antarctic Centre before a memorable evening dining aboard a heritage tram. Stay Fable Christchurch, 2 nights.
Included: B D -
Discover Christchurch on a morning sightseeing tour, including a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Included: B D -
Board the TranzAlpine for one of the world’s great rail journeys, travelling across the spectacular Southern Alps to Greymouth. Continue south to Hokitika for an overnight stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika.
Included: B D -
Travel the spectacular Arthur’s Pass route, with time for lunch in Arthur’s Pass village at your own expense, before continuing to Methven. Stay Brinkley Resort, 1 night.
Included: B L D -
Journey south to Lake Tekapō, stopping for lunch and a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, before continuing to Aoraki/Mount Cook. Stay The Hermitage Hotel, 2 nights.
Included: B D -
Spend the day enjoying Aoraki/Mount Cook at your leisure. Tonight, celebrate with a special Mid Winter Christmas dinner and a glass of bubbles at The Hermitage. Optional walks and treks are available today but are not part of the included tour programme.
Included: B D -
Travel to Christchurch Airport, stopping for lunch at Barker’s in Geraldine, before flying home to Auckland.
Included: B L
See winter from a different track.
Reserve your place on this unforgettable tour. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay.
Why you’ll love this trip
This relaxed winter escape brings together one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys with some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine scenery. With flights, accommodation, transfers and sightseeing taken care of, you can simply enjoy the journey, from Christchurch and the TranzAlpine to Arthur’s Pass, Lake Tekapō and two memorable nights at The Hermitage.
Inclusions & Activities
Airfares: Return Economy class airfares Auckland to Christchurch
Rail: Enjoy the iconic TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth through the stunning Southern Alps
Accommodation: 6 nights quality accommodation throughout
Sightseeing: All sightseeing and attractions as shown, including the Antarctic Centre and Lake Tekapō
Meals: Daily breakfasts plus lunches and dinners as specified
Transfers: Home pick up and drop off in Auckland Metro area
Tour Leader: Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
Bex Brown, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
Bex Brown
Bex is a fun, charismatic Tour Leader at Travelwise known for her sense of humour, easy-going attitude, and genuine passion for people and culture. Bex’s enthusiasm and storytelling make every trip feel like the adventure of a lifetime.
Before you book, you should know
Activity Level 1: A gentle pace with relaxed sightseeing and regular breaks. Suitable for travellers comfortable with short walks, light touring, a few stairs, and independently boarding coaches, trains and boats. A good choice if you prefer: A slower pace, regular breaks and minimal physical demand.
Please note: On your free day at Mt Cook, a range of optional walks and treks are available. These activities are not part of the included tour programme, and should you choose to undertake one, it is your responsibility to select a walk suitable for your fitness, ability and experience.
Departure: 06 June 2027
Other Notes:
Deposit: $500pp
Balance Payment Date: 01 April 2027
Bookings may still be available after this date. Please contact us for availability.
Insurance:
Not mandatory for this tour, however we recommend this for peace of mind.
