8 Days: Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Glacier Region, Tranz Alpine Train

Tour Overview:

After arriving in Christchurch, take a ride on one of the most scenic train journeys, the TranzAlpine. Explore the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest. Travel to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World with its fairytale-like backdrop. Marvel at the mirror lakes and waterfalls as you travel in Fiordland and Milford Sound. Enroute back to Christchurch, travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and the spectacular Southern Alps.

Day 1 – Arrive Christchurch

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.

Day 2 – Christchurch / Tranz Alpine / Punakaiki / 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 transferred to your accommodation. (B)

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. Optional helicopter tour recommended. (B)

Day 4 – Franz Josef / Queenstown

This morning we travel 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. (B)

Day 5 – Queenstown – Arrowtown

The morning is free to become acquainted with Queenstown and perhaps add one of the endless optional activities on offer. This afternoon make your way to the Station Building, downtown Queenstown for your guided tour to the charming historic Arrowtown and surrounding vistas. (B)

Day 6 – Queenstown – Milford Sound

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. (BL)

Day 7 – Queenstown / Mt Cook / Tekapo / Christchurch

Departing Queenstown, your passionate driver guide will bring today’s journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake 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. Your driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. (B)

Day 8 – Depart Christchurch

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

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