Fiords and Glaciers

DAY 1

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival, seat-in-coach guests will be met and privately transferred to their accommodation. Self drive guests collect a rental car and drive to their accommodation.

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 2

Christchurch - Tekapo - Aoraki Mt Cook - Queenstown

Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  At Lake Tekapo the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Continuing south, hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki and through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 3

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 4

Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities Queenstown has to offer.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 5

Queenstown - Glacier Region

Another scenic journey today takes you to the West Coast, a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.  Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 6

Glacier Region

A temperate climate at a low altitude make Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world.  Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millenia and here, the ice age is still underway.  This mornings's walk takes you to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier, the afternoon is free to explore or add another activity.  Overnight: Glacier Region

Please note admission to the Glacier Hot Pools is included for self drive travellers only but may be added to your bucket list (additional cost will apply) if you are on a seat-in-coach tour. 

DAY 7

Glacier Region - Christchurch

The coastal road north offers beautiful rivers, unique rail bridges and great views of the wild west coast. After travelling through the historic town of Hokitika, self drive travellers head eastwards, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park, to Christchurch.  Seat-in-coach travellers continue to Greymouth, to take the journey across to Christchurch, by train.  Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 8

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.