5-Day, 4-Night Classic South Island Semi-Independent Tour – Route A

NZD1,458/person

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5-Day, 4-Night Classic South Island Semi-Independent Tour – Route A

Five Days to Discover the South Island at Your Own Pace

From Queenstown’s alpine splendour to Christchurch’s leafy streets, discover some of the South Island’s most memorable scenery on a relaxed five-day escape. Travel comfortably with GreyCheetah Bus through Wanaka, Twizel and Aoraki / Mount Cook, as mountain lakes and rugged high country give way to the wide-open Canterbury Plains.

Take your time by Lake Wanaka, soak up the town’s easy-going charm, and venture from Twizel into a landscape of soaring peaks and glaciers in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Your journey ends with two nights in central Christchurch—time to wander beside the Avon River, explore beautiful gardens, hop aboard a heritage tram or linger over coffee. With transport arranged and room to explore, you can simply settle into the holiday.


Highlights

Travel by GreyCheetah Bus throughout the tour.
Travel in comfort with GreyCheetah Bus, connecting the South Island’s iconic destinations as you take in snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes and charming towns along the way.
Handpicked Boutique Accommodation
Unwind in comfort and style at handpicked boutique hotels throughout your journey, enjoying a restful stay each night.
A Beautifully Prepared Breakfast Each Morning
Start each day with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast, ready for another day of discovery.


Itinerary

DAY 1

Queenstown → Wanaka

Explore Wanaka’s Lakeside Beauty at Your Own Pace
For airport transfers, please contact our team in advance.
Departure: Stanley St (Queenstown) / Upper Stanley St Bus Station
Departure Time: 8:05 AM
Arrival: 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
Arrival Time: 9:40 AM

  • Breakfast:Own arrangements
  • Lunch:Own arrangements
  • Dinner:Own arrangements
  • Accommodation:Wanaka Hotel or Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka

DAY 2

Wanaka → Twizel → Mount Cook → Twizel

Journey Through the High Country to Aoraki / Mount Cook
If you have booked a Mount Cook helicopter experience, please let our team know in advance so transfers to the activity can be arranged.
Departure: 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
Departure Time: 10:40 AM
Arrival: Twizel Bus Shelter, Market Place
Arrival Time: 12:34 PM
12:40 PM: Change buses for Mount Cook
5:00 PM: Return to Twizel

  • Breakfast:Hotel Breakfast
  • Lunch:Own arrangements
  • Dinner:Hotel Dinner
  • Accommodation:Distinction Mackenzie Twizel

DAY 3

Twizel → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch

Scenic Lake Views en Route to Christchurch
Enjoy views of Lake Tekapo along the way, then settle into your city-centre hotel upon arrival in Christchurch.
Departure: Twizel Bus Shelter, Market Place
Departure Time: 12:50 PM
Arrival: Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Arrival Time: 5:54 PM

  • Breakfast:Hotel Breakfast
  • Lunch:Own arrangements
  • Dinner:Own arrangements
  • Accommodation:Fable Christchurch

DAY 4

Christchurch Day Tour

Explore Christchurch at your own pace, or make the day even more memorable with an optional day trip.
Recommended Day Trips:
• Kaikōura Whale Watching
• Akaroa Day Tour

  • Breakfast:Hotel Breakfast
  • Lunch:Own arrangements
  • Dinner:Own arrangements
  • Accommodation:Fable Christchurch

DAY 5

Christchurch · Depart at Your Leisure

A Leisurely Morning in Christchurch
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time to explore the Garden City at your own pace.
For a relaxed city walk, stroll along the Avon River, visit the iconic Cardboard Cathedral and explore colourful New Regent Street, with its charming cafés and boutique shops.
Follow your interests, pause wherever you please and soak up Christchurch’s relaxed atmosphere.
For airport transfers or additional nights’ accommodation, please contact our team.

  • Breakfast:Hotel Breakfast
  • Lunch:Own arrangements
  • Dinner:Own arrangements

DAY 1 Queenstown → Wanaka

Explore Wanaka’s Lakeside Beauty at Your Own Pace

For airport transfers, please contact our team in advance.

Departure: Stanley St (Queenstown) / Upper Stanley St Bus Station

Departure Time: 8:05 AM

Arrival: 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Arrival Time: 9:40 AM

Breakfast: Own arrangements
Lunch: Own arrangements
Dinner: Own arrangements
Accommodation: Wanaka Hotel or Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka

DAY 2 Wanaka → Twizel → Mount Cook → Twizel

Journey Through the High Country to Aoraki / Mount Cook

Travel past stunning alpine lakes into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where snow-capped peaks and glaciers await.

If you have booked a Mount Cook helicopter experience, please let our team know in advance so transfers to the activity can be arranged.

Departure: 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Departure Time: 10:40 AM

Arrival: Twizel Bus Shelter, Market Place

Arrival Time: 12:34 PM

12:40 PM: Change buses for Mount Cook

5:00 PM: Return to Twizel
Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
Lunch: Own arrangements
Dinner: Hotel Dinner
Accommodation: Distinction Mackenzie Twizel

DAY 3 Twizel → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch

Scenic Lake Views en Route to Christchurch

Enjoy views of Lake Tekapo along the way, then settle into your city-centre hotel upon arrival in Christchurch.

Departure: Twizel Bus Shelter, Market Place

Departure Time: 12:50 PM

Arrival: Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Arrival Time: 5:54 PM
Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
Lunch: Own arrangements
Dinner: Own arrangements
Accommodation: Fable Christchurch

DAY 4 Christchurch Day Tour

Explore Christchurch at your own pace, or make the day even more memorable with an optional day trip.

Recommended Day Trips:

• Kaikōura Whale Watching

• Akaroa Day Tour
Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
Lunch: Own arrangements
Dinner: Own arrangements
Accommodation: Fable Christchurch

DAY 5 Christchurch · Depart at Your Leisure

A Leisurely Morning in Christchurch

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time to explore the Garden City at your own pace.

For a relaxed city walk, stroll along the Avon River, visit the iconic Cardboard Cathedral and explore colourful New Regent Street, with its charming cafés and boutique shops.

Follow your interests, pause wherever you please and soak up Christchurch’s relaxed atmosphere.

For airport transfers or additional nights’ accommodation, please contact our team.
Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
Lunch: Own arrangements
Dinner: Own arrangements

*The itinerary may change with the weather

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NZD 1,458

/person

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Travellers

Adults (12+)
Children 6–11 (with bed)
Children under 6 (no bed)

What's included

Included
  • Selected Accommodation
  • (Final hotel arrangements are subject to booking confirmation.)
  • 🏨 Wanaka Accommodation · Buffet Breakfast Included
  • Wanaka Hotel or Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka
  • 🏨 Twizel Accommodation · Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Included
  • Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel
  • 🏨 Two Nights in Central Christchurch · Daily Buffet Breakfast Included
  • Fable Christchurch
  • 🚌 Intercity Transport
  • GreyCheetah Bus tickets are included throughout the following route:
  • Queenstown → Wanaka → Twizel → Mount Cook → Twizel → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch
Not included
  • Optional activities and meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses, including minibar purchases, laundry, phone calls and hotel luggage storage.
  • Visa fees, international and domestic flights, and travel insurance.
  • Additional transport, accommodation or other costs arising from personal circumstances.
  • Additional costs due to events beyond our control.

Terms & Conditions

Please read the following terms carefully before booking. By making a booking and payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these conditions.

Important Information

No-Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited in hotel rooms and on balconies. Hotels may impose a smoking charge starting from NZ$500. Guests responsible for the room must pay any charges imposed by the hotel. Unpaid charges may be referred to New Zealand’s Disputes Tribunal for recovery, and any associated costs will be the responsibility of the guests concerned.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected events, accidents, medical expenses and loss or damage to personal belongings. Claims are subject to your insurer’s policy terms and must be submitted directly to the insurer. We do not provide insurance claims services.

Please keep your luggage, valuables and cash secure throughout your journey. To the extent permitted by law, the travel agency, drivers and guides accept no liability for lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings.

ACC Accident Cover
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides cover for certain accidental injuries sustained in New Zealand, including injuries to visitors. Cover is subject to eligibility and may not meet all treatment costs. ACC does not replace travel insurance or cover all medical and travel-related expenses. Separate travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Travel Tips

  1. Passports & Visas
    Travellers holding Chinese passports should obtain the appropriate visa before departure. We recommend travelling with at least six months’ passport validity and carrying a printed copy of your eVisa. You are responsible for ensuring that all travel documents meet the entry requirements. If entry is refused due to missing or invalid documents, we cannot accept responsibility, and tour fees are non-refundable, subject to applicable law.
  2. Seasons & Time Difference
    New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in China. Mainland New Zealand is four hours ahead of China during standard time and five hours ahead during daylight saving. Daylight saving runs from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.
  3. Currency & Payments
    The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the current rate before travelling. Visa is widely accepted, and UnionPay is available at selected businesses. Carrying a small amount of cash is also useful.
  4. Language
    English is widely spoken and is the main language used in everyday interactions. Basic English will be helpful during your stay.
  5. Shopping Hours
    Many shops close earlier than you may be accustomed to, and some have shorter hours or close on Sundays and public holidays. Please check opening hours and plan your shopping accordingly.