Lakes & Glaciers

DAY 1

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival, depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive to your 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 - Glacier Region

Depart east through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park, 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.

Seat-in-coach travellers take the journey across to the West Coast by train. Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 3

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.  Today is a free day to add your preferred 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 4

Glacier Region - Wanaka

Travel through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on today’s scenic journey to Wanaka.  Rigged by pebbled beaches and with magnificent views to surrounding peaks, Wanaka is perfect for those looking for all the splendour of the southern lakes in a relaxed atmosphere. Overnight: Wanaka

DAY 5

Wanaka - Queenstown

This morning you visit Puzzling World, a unique attraction of puzzling eccentricity.  Then river views will accompany you on the journey through Cromwell, known for its vineyards and stone fruit orchards to Queenstown. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town where its expansive natural environment has seen Queenstown described as the adventure capital of the world.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 6

Queenstown

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.  It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and goldmining history.  Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 7

Queenstown - Aoraki Mt Cook

Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki to a rugged land of ice and rock, home to Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Overnight: Aoraki Mt Cook

DAY 8

Aoraki Mt Cook - Christchurch

On your return north, make a stop at Lake Tekapo where the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of the vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then, heading east you’ll witness the return of the braided rivers and familiar plains that signal your arrival into Christchurch.  Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 9

Depart Christchurch

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