Kiwi Experience: TranzAlpine Back Paddock (9 days minimum)

TRANZALPINE BACK PADDOCK

CHRISTCHURCH TO FRANZ JOSEF
Treat yourself to the infamous Tranz Alpine train trip as part of your Kiwi Experience!

Catch the Tranz Alpine train across the spectacular Southern Alps, before meeting the Kiwi Experience bus in Greymouth.

LAKE MAHINAPUA TO FRANZ JOSEF
Continue along the rugged West Coast of New Zealand towards Franz Josef.

This morning will have a breakfast at Lake Mahinapua and 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.

FRANZ JOSEF (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers.  You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.

FRANZ JOSEF - WANAKA
Take the time to chill out by Lake 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.

WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN
Adventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!

It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates.  Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

QUEENSTOWN (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Queenstown because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Queenstown is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots to hang out in New Zealand.  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 New Zealand’s most beautiful spot!

QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO
Head to Lake Tekapo, discover the untouched beauty and crystal clear skies in what's the world's largest dark sky reserve.

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.

LAKE TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH
Head to the ‘garden city’ Christchurch.

We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand.

Open 365 days a year.

PAS INCLUDES TRANSPORT ONLY