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Private Tour

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Christchurch

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Overview

Available languages

English

96 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the vibrant city of Christchurch and conclude in the adventure capital Queenstown.

Take a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Arthur's Pass. Experience the serene beauty of Arthur's Pass National Park and marvel at the unique rock formations at Castle Hill. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and enjoy a private vehicle exclusively for your group.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance

Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable

With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flight, Glacier hiking, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

What‘s Included

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau

Guide-driver exclusively for your group

Private transportation

If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo

WiFi on board

Packaged snacks & chocolates

Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 3 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

Packaged water bottles

Food & Drinks (except 3 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)

Travel Insurance

Anything not described in the inclusions

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Day 1

Christchurch–TranzAlpine Scenic Train–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Christchurch

Start your tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel/airport pickup in Christchurch.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

TranzAlpine Train

Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted again and taken to your next destination.

2 hours • Admission Included
3

Otira Viaduct Lookout

Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Arthur's Pass National Park

Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
5

Castle Hill

Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
6

Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Included
Day 2

Lake Tekapo - Lake Pukaki - Mt Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track) - Lindis Pass - Queenstown

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Lake Tekapo

Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Lake Pukaki

Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and significance of this remarkable place.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
4

Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 3

Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels & Entry Tickets" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Queenstown

Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Milford Sound

Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

7 hours 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Te Anau

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 4

Te Anau - Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Queenstown

1

Te Anau

Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

Queenstown

Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way. Your journey concludes in Queenstown, a vibrant adventure capital where you can begin another exciting adventure. May the memories of these spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty stay with you always.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Without Hotels & With Tickets

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
With Entry Tickets: Includes entry tickets for TranzAlpine Train, Stargazing, Glowworm Caves & Milford Sound Cruise.
Pickup included

With Hotels & Entry Tickets

With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 3 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes entry tickets for TranzAlpine Train, Stargazing, Glowworm Cave & Milford Sound Cruise.
Pickup included

Without Hotels & Entry Tickets

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3
0
0
0
0
  • New Zealand's Best in Just a Few Days

    benjaminsP9128XA,

    Aug 15, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We were in New Zealand for only a short time, but this trip made it possible to see many of the country's must-do activities and must-see places in just a few days! From the breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride and stargazing at Lake Tekapo to the Hooker Valley trek at Mount Cook, and of course wonderful Milford Sound and magical Glowworm Caves in Te Anau every moment was unforgettable. Waimate Journeys was fantastic - super responsive, well-organized with amazing guide and made everything seamless so we could just enjoy the journey. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the very best of New Zealand!

  • Can't get better itinerary for 4 days to explore South Island, New Zealand

    B7381YUryand,

    Nov 16, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We were group of 4 an initially thought the tour was a bit pricey. But after comparing everything included like 4 to 5 star hotels with breakfast, tickets to famous activities, a comfy vehicle, and more, we found it was actually great value for money, so we booked it. To our surprise everything went beyond our expectations! The guide, Raghav, was super helpful and made sure everything went seamless. The mix of travel, fun activities, and time to relax was just perfect. We loved ending each day in a comfortable and luxurious hotels as we don't prefer camping or staying in motorhomes. We were also given options of hotel at each location for selection. We had tricky last minute request to return to Christchurch and Raghav effortlessly arranged us a flight to Christchurch. If you want an easy, well-planned trip with great service, flexibility and no hassle, this tour is a fantastic choice. Thank you WJ team for making our trip special.

  • The adventure you won't want to miss, every penny worth

    samsU9737BW,

    Sep 21, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We recently enjoyed 4 day trip in New Zealand and it was one of the best trip of my life. From the moment we arrived, the fresh New Zealand air filled us with excitement for the adventure ahead. Our guide was not only punctual but also incredibly humble and welcoming, making it easy to communicate and kickstart our journey. The TranzAlpine scenic train was with breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes at every turn. Lake Tekapo's vibrant turquoise water were a sight to behold, while stunning Mt. Cook Glacier Lake, surrounded by snow caped peaks, was another top highlight of the trip. We were lucky to have no moon night for the stargazing and I have never seen sky with stars like this before I must say. Our guide knew all the hidden, picture perfect spots and took beautiful photos for us, creating lifelong memories. One absolute must do is Milford Sound. The scenic drive there is just as amazing as the cruise itself, with awe-inspiring views around every corner. The car provided for the trip was extremely comfortable, neat and tidy everyday, well organized and always stocked with bottled water and snacks for the journey, making the long drive enjoyable. Our guide truly went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible, always attentive to our needs and making sure we were satisfied with every aspect of the trip. We highly recommend Waimate Journeys to anyone visiting New Zealand. It's and adventure you won't want to miss!

From NZ$3,575.00

1 Adult

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Operated by Waimate Journeys

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