RACV Logo
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Continue as guest
Your member number is located on your membership card, membership renewal notice, club account statement or payment advice.

Southern Escape

package saved
click to save
Operated by Travel Marvel
Tripcode: NTCC8
Hot Offer!
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
Start:Christchurch , New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch , New Zealand
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Rail,
Rail Journey,
Travel Period
October 2025 - May 2026
Save up to $500pp - Members Save More^
Christchurch → Christchurch

See the very best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. Visit the scenic wonders of glacier country, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo/Takapo.

Highlights
  • Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast. 

  • Relax and unwind in your room at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer.

  • Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak 480 metres above the city. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you.

  • Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stop to admire breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, which is New Zealand’s highest peak.

  • Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Show more
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
  • Premium air-conditioned coach travel
  • 12 meals - 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
  • Special Farewell Dinner
  • Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
  • Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
  • Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort, near the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo/Takapo
Already with RACV?
Tell us your Member details to unlock discounts.
Unlock
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city known for its English influence, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions. Tonight, meet your Tour Director.

Day 2 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine train, Fox Glacier

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive through the Southern Alps. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. 

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass

Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.

Day 3 - Fox Glacier, Queenstown

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience Bask in idyllic views during your special stay at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Day 4 - Queenstown

Start the day with an Insider Experience. Then, enjoy lunch at Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. With the rest of the day free for you to spend at leisure, you may like to try one of our Enhance Your Journey select experiences.  

Insider Experience – Ride by Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown

Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, 480 metres high. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you. 

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.  

Enhance Your Journey – TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Join the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw on a cruise to Walter Peak Station for dinner, where you will gain an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country.

Day 5 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to Te Anau.

Insider Experience Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Day 6 - Te Anau, Dunedin

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Day 7 - Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, arrive at Peppers Bluewater Resort for a Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Admire stunning views at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Travel through the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop to admire breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peak. 

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Lake Tekapo/Takapō

Say 'ka kite ano' (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with newfound friends. 

Day 8 - Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, taking in lake views before continuing to Christchurch, where your journey comes to an end.

Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

Travellers

Operator
Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel delivers premium journeys at exceptional value. We are part of Australia’s largest locally-owned travel company, with a commitment to service and innovation, and a focus on the safety and wellbeing of our guests.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
^Save up to $500pp: Terms & Conditions

Savings of up to $500 per person (Members save more) are applicable to February 2026 - May 2026 departures.

Savings are reflected in the prices shown.

Conditions apply.

Save up to $500 per person*: Save up to $1,000 per couple ($500 per person) when you book NTAW8 - Northern Explorer or NTCC8 - Southern Escape. Savings are not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Save amount includes an Early Payment Discount of $400 per couple ($200 per person), valid when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due within 7 days of booking. Offer is combinable with Travel with Friends Discount where applicable.

General Terms and Conditions: Information and offers are correct as of 15 November 2024, but may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates. All pricing and amounts are in Australian Dollars. A limited number of offers are available until 31 May 2025 unless sold out prior. Superdeal offers are strictly limited seats on set departures, and are subject to availability at time of booking. Superdeal offers are not combinable unless specified, are valid on new bookings only and are not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers may be withdrawn at any time.
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$3,995 $3,796 *
Member price from
$3,796*
Southern Escape
7 nights
Check departures
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
92e875b8e5f5438f2df0d074c266975a