TranzAlpine Dog Leg
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Auckland
This pass starts in Christchurch where you’ll hop on the world-renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the breathtaking Arthurs Pass. Upon arriving in Greymouth you’ll be picked up by Kiwi Experience and then it’s a whirlwind trip around the South Island, northbound up the North Island and finishing in Auckland. A great pass for those that would like to experience this famous train ride and are starting in Christchurch, finishing in Auckland.
- Start Christchurch, finish Auckland
- Minimum of 13 days travel
- Includes a one way Tranzalpine train ticket
- Unlimited travel*
- Valid for 12 months from date of purchase
- Additional 12 months to complete the pass when you start travelling
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Reserved accommodation at every overnight stop - guaranteed.
- Best Price Guarantee on activities
- Flexible, easy, stress free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
*T&C's apply
Give us a call to secure your spot with a 10% deposit.
NZ $889
Christchurch to Lake Mahinapua
Catch the Tranz Alpine train across the spectacular Southern Alps, before meeting the Kiwi Experience bus in Greymouth. Tonight's unique accommodation is a chance to enjoy a delicious group meal and bond with your bus mates.
Reserved Accommodation
- Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included)
Experiences
- Tranzalpine Train (included)
- Green stone carving
- Fancy dress party night
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
After breakfast at Lake Mahinapua, we hit the road on our way to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Reserved Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef (Extra Day)
Today we have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience a Heli-Hike to New Zealand’s most famous Franz Josef Glacier or you can explore this lush corner of New Zealand (for free) on foot; hitting up the many walking trails in the area.
Reserved Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef to Wanaka
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.
Reserved Accommodation
- Base Wanaka (not included)
Experiences
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Roys Peak (free)
Wanaka to Queenstown
Before we leave Wanaka get your brain working at Puzzling World and then its on to the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. Only the brave will sign themselves up for this iconic New Zealand activity. On arrival in Queenstown, we will head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included)
Experiences
- Puzzling World
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy
- Queenstown Bar Crawl and nightlife
Queenstown (Extra day)
Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots. Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer
- Shotover Jet
- Nevis Bungy
- Canyon Swing
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
Reserved Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
- Dark Sky Project star gazing
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, and explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.
Reserved Accommodation
- YMCA Christchurch (not included)
Experiences
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
- Hagley Park
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch bright and early, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – its whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand has to offer for your dinner. In fact, the name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” meaning to eat, “koura” meaning crayfish).
Reserved Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins
- Whale Watching
Kaikoura to Wellington
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. We make our way to the Picton ferry terminal in time to catch the afternoon sailing to the North Island. Say farewell to the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) and we’re on our way! The ferry ride takes a few hours so chill out and enjoy the view of the amazing Marlborough Sounds!
Reserved Accommodation
- Base Backpackers (not included)
Experiences
- Seal colony (free)
- Interislander Ferry
- Cuba Street nightlife
Wellington to Taupo
With an early start from windy Wellington we head north through Taihape, the gumboot capital of New Zealand and the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park. Then it’s through to Taupo driving alongside New Zealand's biggest lake. If the weather suits, it’s time to skydive!
Reserved Accommodation
- Urban Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Taupo Skydive
Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua who are spending a night or two here, we stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you can get up close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Next, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton). You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut. Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’.
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Auckland (not included)
Experiences
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
