Southern Glacier

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers collect your rental car for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package).
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch at the Copthorne Hotel

Day 2: Christchurch / Mount Cook / Queenstown

Travel across the Canterbury Plains to reach Mount Cook around lunchtime. A rare opportunity here to take an optional scenic flight for an overview of Mount Cook’s ice falls, snow fields and glaciers. Your journey continues over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: 3 nights in Queenstown at The Aspen Hotel

Day 3: Milford Sound Excursion

An early start as you follow Lake Wakatipu via Kingston arriving in Te Anau for a morning tea break. Follow the shores of Lake Te Anau before entering the Eglington Valley. Pass the mirror lakes and travel through the avenue of the disappearing mountain. Our spectacular drive continues through the mountains, valley and forests of the Fiordland National Park, with a dramatic descent into Milford Sound. A fascinating launch cruise to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today return by coach to Queenstown. (Self-drive passengers by car).

Day 4: Day at leisure - Queenstown

A full day free to explore the many exciting optional excursions available in Queenstown. Take a scenic flight, gondola ride or perhaps cruise the lake on the vintage Earnslaw. Try a thrilling jetboat ride or the Dart River excursion, white water rafting or the world famous bungy jump. (For self-drive passengers we suggest a visit to nearby historical Arrowtown).

Day 5: Queenstown / West Coast Glaciers

A memorable trip through some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand. Travel via Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and over the Haast Pass to the beech forests of Mt Aspiring National Park.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Mt Aspiring Hotel

Day 6: West Coast Glaciers / Greymouth

This morning, enjoy a guided walk to a Glacier Terminal face. You may also like to take a scenic flight (optional) for a bird’s eye view of this spectacular terrain. Enjoy the magnificent glaciers and a full day to continue northwards following along the coast to Greymouth.
Accommodation: 1 night in Greymouth at the Kingsgate Hotel

Day 7: Greymouth / Christchurch

This morning visit the historic Shantytown and try panning for gold. Board the scenic Tranz Alpine Express train, a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it traverses the Southern Alps to Christchurch. (Self-drive passengers return their rental car directly to the Train Station depot in Greymouth). On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch at the Copthorne Hotel

Day 8: Depart Christchurch

A transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight. (Self-drive passengers return your rental car directly at the airport).