Mountains to Sea SIC

DAY 1 (Fri,Sat,Mon,Wed only)

Arrive Christchurch

Please note:  Departures must be Fri, Sat, Mon or Wed to meet the reduced West Coast transport schedule..

On arrival, you will be met on arrival and privately transferred 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 - Greymouth

Transfer to the Christchurch Railway station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation.  Overnight: Greymouth

DAY 3

Greymouth - Franz Josef

A temperate climate at a low altitude makes 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 millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.

Transfer to Franz Josef today and enjoy an afternoon tour exploring Glacier Country and the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest with your guide on a nature tour. Overnight: Franz Josef

Day 4 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat only)

Franz Josef - Queenstown

Please Note:   This service currently only operates Mon, Tue, Thu Sat.

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to 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.  Overnight:  Queenstown.

DAy 5

Queenstown

The morning is free to become acquainted with Queenstown and perhaps add one of the endless optional activities on offer.   Then make your way to the Station Building, downtown Queenstown for your guided tour to the charming historic Arrowtown and surrounding vistas.  Choose to stay in Queenstown for the evening or return transfer to your accommodation.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 6

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea.  Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore.  After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Duration: approx.12 hours.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 7

Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo - Christchurch

Today’s tour departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell.  The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass.   Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time.  Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby.  Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 8

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.