7-Day South Island New Zealand Escape – Milford Sound, Queenstown & Scenic Rail Journey | 16th – 22nd February 2027

A white passenger boat sails on a lake surrounded by tall, green mountains with snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky—reminiscent of the breathtaking views along the Adelaide & The Overland Tour.

New Zealand Is Calling — Are You Ready?

South Island New Zealand tour lovers, this one is for you! Join us from 16th–22nd February 2027 for seven magical days in one of the most beautiful places on earth. In short, we take care of everything. All you do is show up and enjoy every moment.

First Stop: Wellington and the Scenic Ferry Crossing

Your adventure begins in Wellington. From there, you board the famous Interislander Ferry and cross Cook Strait into the stunning Marlborough Sounds. After that, you step onto the Coastal Pacific train. This scenic rail journey winds through vineyards, rugged coastline, and the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges. In fact, it is one of the great train journeys of the world.

Next: Exploring Beautiful Christchurch

Next, you explore Christchurch — a city with a remarkable story. Enjoy a morning city tour and a relaxing 30-minute punt along the Avon River. Hop on and off the heritage tram through the evolving city centre. That evening, dine at the beautiful Curator’s House set within the leafy Botanic Gardens.
Next, you explore Christchurch — a city with a wonderful story of rebuilding and renewal. To start, enjoy a morning city tour and a relaxing 30-minute punt along the Avon River. Then hop on and off the heritage tram through the lively city centre. That evening, dine at the lovely Curators House, set within the leafy Botanic Gardens.

Then – Majestic Mt Cook and the Road to Queenstown

On day four, you travel through the golden Canterbury Plains to the mighty Mt Cook. At 3,754 metres, it is the highest peak in Australasia. Along the way, stop for lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel, where the mountain views are simply breathtaking. Afterwards, you travel on to the beautiful lakeside town of Queenstown.

The Big One — Milford Sound

Then comes Milford Sound — the highlight of this South Island, New Zealand tour. First, you journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Next, you board a scenic cruise past the towering Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Along the way, look out for fur seals and dolphins in the clear fjord waters. A picnic lunch is also served on board. Rain or shine, Milford Sound will take your breath away.

Finally — Queenstown and the TSS Earnslaw

Back in Queenstown, you explore the charming gold-rush village of Arrowtown. You also ride the Aerial Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for wide views over Lake Wakatipu. That evening, step aboard the beloved 1912 vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw — known as the Lady of the Lake. Cruise across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. There, enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner, a sheep shearing show, and a magical moonlit cruise home.

A Relaxed and Social Adventure

Overall, this is a well-planned, easy-going tour designed just for you. The Funtastic Tour Company looks after every detail, so you can simply enjoy every moment with great company by your side. Share the Journey, Share the Joy! Learn More — Call Us On 07 5294 0402 or Reserve Now!

A passenger train with several cars, part of the Adelaide & The Overland Tour, travels along a curved railway next to green hills, with a blue lake and snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear sky.

A large multi-story hotel complex with dark roofs, part of Adelaide & The Overland Tour, is surrounded by trees at the base of tall, rocky mountains under a clear blue sky.

Highlights

Interislander Ferry & Coastal Pacific Train
One of the world's great scenic rail journeys through the Marlborough Sounds and along the Kaikoura coastline
Mt Cook & The Hermitage Hotel Lunch
Visit the highest peak in Australasia and enjoy lunch with the most spectacular mountain views in New Zealand.
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
Cruise past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls through UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park with picnic lunch on board.
Christchurch Heritage Experience
Punting on the Avon River, heritage tram ride, and dinner at the Curators House in the Botanic Gardens

Accommodation

A large building with red roofs and numerous glass windows stands in the foreground, reminiscent of sights along The Overland Tour from Adelaide, backed by tall, rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

A hotel room with two double beds, white linens and turquoise blankets and pillows, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, two striped chairs, a large window overlooking Adelaide, grey curtains, and a framed picture—perfect for The Overland Tour.

Multiple Accommodations

4.5-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (1 Night), 4-star Hotel Elms Christchurch (2 Nights) and 4-star Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown (3 Nights). Begin the South Island adventure in Wellington at the 4.5-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, perfectly positioned in the heart of the city. Then spend two nights at the modern 4-star Hotel Elms Christchurch, a freshly refurbished property close to the CBD. Finally, unwind for three nights at the 4-star Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront — a beautiful resort on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range.

6 Nights

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor – 147 The Terrace, Wellington 6001 | Hotel Elms Christchurch – 456 Papanui Road, Christchurch 8053 | Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront – 27 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300

Day 1 WELLINGTON

Kia Ora and Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand. After completing entry formalities, transfer from Wellington Airport to your hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Executive Room – 1 night

Day 2 WELLINGTON / PICTON / CHRISTCHURCH

Depart Wellington on the Interislander Ferry, crossing Cook Strait to Picton in the South Island. The journey begins with a scenic cruise through Wellington Harbour, out onto Cook Strait, and into the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand’s only true sound. The final leg through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds is especially scenic.

Arrive in Picton, located on the shores of beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Walk the short distance to the Picton Railway Station.

Depart Picton in the early afternoon on the Coastal Pacific train, travelling through the grape-growing region of Marlborough. Continue along a thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges, where the mountains meet the sea. Pass Kaikoura, a popular whale-watching area, then travel across the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains and the Waipara wine district, where the microclimate is ideal for growing grapes, and arrive in Christchurch.

Dine at your hotel this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Elms Christchurch

Superior Room – 2 nights

Day 3 CHRISTCHURCH

Morning sightseeing tour of Christchurch City – highlights include the River Avon, Christchurch Art Gallery, Bridge of Remembrance, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial and the Spanish Mission-inspired New Regent Street. Learn about the effects of the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes and how the city is rebuilding. Enjoy a 30-minute Punting in the Park service by knowledgeable and professional boatmen, in straw boaters and traditional dress, giving an informative and entertaining guide to the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens.

This afternoon is free, and it includes an all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram to hop on and off as you like. Enjoy a stylish journey through the evolving city centre of Christchurch. Knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks, and local sights. The day-long ticket allows you to hop on and hop off at any of the 18 tram stops. The trams run approximately every 15-20 minutes.

Dine this evening at the Curator’s House situated in a heritage building in the lovely Botanic Gardens. With its own kitchen garden, fresh regional produce is served, with a Spanish influence.

Day 4 CHRISTCHURCH / MT COOK / QUEENSTOWN

Depart the city, travelling across the sheep and crop farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, then inland through the rural town of Fairlie and Burkes Pass. At Tekapo, stop to admire the charming Church of the Good Shepherd (exterior visit only). Enjoy the view from the lake to the mountains, then travel around the glacially formed Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region is Mt Cook, at 3754 metres, the highest peak in Australasia. Have lunch at The Hermitage Hotel and enjoy arguably the most impressive views from any restaurant in New Zealand.

Next, retrace the journey along the shores of Lake Pukaki to rejoin the main road, then travel through the Mackenzie Basin and the barren terrain of the Lindis Pass, through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and the vineyards of Gibbston Valley to the delightful lakeside resort of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront

Superior Room – 3 nights

Day 5 QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN

Depart early this morning for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. Rain or shine, the journey into Milford Sound captivates even the most seasoned traveller.

At Milford Sound board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. The Sound is dominated by the grandeur of Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls, and seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. Picnic lunch served on board.

At the conclusion of your cruise, reboard the coach and retrace your journey back to Queenstown, travelling via Te Anau and Lake Wakatipu.

This evening, dinner will be at your hotel.

Day 6 QUEENSTOWN

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Queenstown. Highlights include a visit to historic Arrowtown, a quaint village set on the banks of the Arrow River, which was once a rip-roaring gold rush town. Time here to sample some of the cafés, galleries and boutiques or you may wish to take a walk to the historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This partially restored and well-interpreted settlement is a mute reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers and businesspeople to the region’s goldmining, cultural and business history.

Also see the Edith Cavell Bridge spanning the narrow canyon of the rugged Shotover River; pretty Lake Haye,s and drive out to the Kawarau Bridge to see the daredevils bungee jumping from the original AJ Hackett site. Ride the Aerial Gondola to Bob’s Peak to see the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

This evening, have a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, the experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you.

After dinner, enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical nighttime cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Day 7 DEPART QUEENSTOWN

Farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel Queenstown International Airport for your flight back home.

Tours Details

Tour Inclusions

Return Economy Class airfares from Brisbane
Sunshine Coast Door-to-Door pick-up and drop-off
6 nights’ accommodation — James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington (1 night), Hotel Elms Christchurch (2 nights), Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown (3 nights)
Interislander Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton
Coastal Pacific train journey from Picton to Christchurch
Morning sightseeing tour of Christchurch city
30-minute punting on the Avon River, Christchurch
All-day heritage tram pass, Christchurch
Dinner at the Curator’s House, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Coach transfer through the Canterbury Plains to Mt Cook
Stop at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo (exterior visit)
Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook National Park
Coach transfer to Queenstown via Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge
Full-day excursion to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park
Scenic cruise on Milford Sound past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls
Picnic lunch served on board the Milford Sound cruise
Morning sightseeing tour of Queenstown and Arrowtown
Aerial Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak, Queenstown
Evening cruise aboard the 1912 vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu
Gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm Colonel’s Homestead
Sheep shearing demonstration and farm show at Walter Peak
All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Professional tour guide throughout

Fitness Requirements

Fitness Level: Relaxed

Discover the Art of Relaxation

Welcome to “Serenity Journeys,” where serenity is the name of the game. Our tours offer a chance to unwind, with minimal physical demands. Unpack only once, and relax as we take care of the rest.

Although most of our journey involves cozy coach travel, some day tours may involve light physical activity, such as embarking and disembarking vessels or vehicles with stairs, which you’ll handle independently.

What to Bring

• Water bottle
• Warm layers in cooler months
• Camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat

Dining

6 breakfasts
1 lunch
6 dinners

Accommodation

4.5-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (1 Night), 4-star Hotel Elms Christchurch (2 Nights) and 4-star Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown (3 Nights)