Top 10 Scenic Railroads in South Island, New Zealand

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Starting and ending in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, we show you the ultimate highlights of New Zealand’s stunning South Island over 7 action-packed days. From turquoise lakes to towering mountains and glaciers, the South Island’s scenery will blow your mind, and the nation’s adventure capital, Queenstown, has all the adrenalin activities on offer that you could possibly wish for. Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Christchurch with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.

Inclusions: 7 nights in high-end hostel accommodation – dorm share, upgrades available, Small groups, maximum 16, Orientation tour of every location, Continental breakfast every day, Dinner on first night, TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch, Carve your own pounamu/jade pendant in Franz Josef, Comfortable bus transport, Journey through multiple National Parks

Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner (unless specified) at own cost, Add on activities ie - Bungy jumping

Start at Port Chalmers to experience the pure beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays on a Peninsula Drive via Highcliff Road to Larnach Castle. Your tour will include an entry to the garden only of the only castle of New Zealand - Larnach castle. You will stop at the world's steepest street, local lookout point to enjoy the views of city, peninsula and harbor, University of Otago - the oldest New Zeland university, Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station and internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. In addition you will  join a coastal train trip to marvel coastal scenery, north of Dunedin. The tour is designed only for small groups, so you will enjoy flexibility and comfort in a small bus. Important: this tour includes entry to castle garden only, to enter the castle building there is an extra cost $NZD20.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Round-trip shared transfer, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Entrance fees to Castle building, Lunch, Food and drinks

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.

Inclusions: TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass., Hotel Pick up & Drop off., Transport in luxurious minivan (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Light Refreshments., Hotspot WIFI., Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

　A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National Park including some short walks to see the mountain flowers and incredible mosses in this high rainfall area. A delicious 2 course homemade picnic, scenic location and much grown in my Organic garden glasshouse. I bake Wholemeal Walnut bread and a selection of fillings and dependent on season make homemade soup or dessert.Lots of photo stops and short walks on the return via Highway 73 passing many beautiful lakes & limestone formations. As an option can add on jet boat trip on Waimakariri River or a farm visit including sheep dogs and shearing demonstration followed by a homemade afternoon tea in the Woolshed. Tour leaves at 7.45am and returns at 5.15pm. Central City pick ups ok. Tour is aimed at small numbers. Happy to tailor it to guests wishes and although not always private usually caters for family groups.Can charter and drive a bus if needed.

Inclusions: Homemade picnic lunch grown in my Vege garden.Dependent on season I bake Wholemeal Walnut bread 2 meats, cheeses, homemade salad, tomatoes , avocados , dressings and chutneys. homemade soup dessert

Exclusions:

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas and visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks. Traveling in a small group, maximum eight participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience.

Inclusions: Lunch at a country hotel, Guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park, Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels, Air-conditioned vehicle, Travel by TranzAlpine train, Light refreshments, Local guide

Exclusions: Cruise port pickup is not available, Gratuities

A highlight of your visit to Dunedin is a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway – one of the world’s great train trips and one of Dunedin’s top attractions. Departing daily from downtown Dunedin into the Taieri Gorge, this trip travels through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and ever changing scenery which can not seen from the road!  With sightseeing stops, an on board café and outside viewing platforms it is the perfect all weather activity and one of the key attractions in Dunedin – not to be missed.

Inclusions: Rail Tour, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: The listed price does not include local parking charges, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, DVD (available to purchase), Hotel pickup or drop-off

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Arthur’s Pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Journey on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, lunch in an Alpine Village nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. Whizz through the Waimakariri Gorge on an exhilarating jet boat ride and then visit a high country sheep farm for a farm tour and afternoon tea, you might even be allowed to have a go at shearing a sheep.

Inclusions: Tranz Alpine train journey, Jet boat ride (if option chosen), Lunch (if option chosen), Afternoon tea, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Hop aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and travel in comfort through the city center while enjoying a delicious 4-course dinner. The 2.5-hour ride in this moving restaurant on wheels allows you to enjoy views of city attractions while you relax in a meticulously restored heritage tramcar. Sip a welcome drink upon arrival, and then dine on a gourmet meal, accompanied by tea and coffee. The only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand.

Inclusions: Tour by air-conditioned tram, 4-course dinner, Welcome drink, Tea and coffee

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

The Seasider is an exciting trip which takes you on the spectacular section of coastal railway line between Dunedin and Waitati.   The train allows you to experience a totally different perspective from the road route and you will experience excellent views as the train travels along Otago Harbour to climb the cliff tops to emerge from the bush and onto the picture perfect scenery of the Pacific Ocean and the incredible view over the dazzling Blue Skin Bay.   This section of railway is considered to be a highlight of the rail network in New Zealand.  An ideal tour for visitors who have limited time in Dunedin.

Inclusions: Train trip, Commentary, On board guide booklet

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off