8 Day Glacierland Tour
from  NZ$1173.00   per person twin share

An eight day tour of the west and east coasts of the southern part of the South Island. Cross over two alpine routes through the Southern Alps, visit four national parks and two glaciers, see Milford Sound, Queenstown – NZ’s premier resort and Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south.

Feature – Milford Sound day tour and cruise

Trip Duration:     Eight Days

Departing From: Christchurch
Finishing At: Christchurch
Car Rental Type: Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry or 4WD Subaru Legacy

IIncluded in Cost:  Included in Cost: Complimentary transfers to and from airport, accommodation, gondola ride to Bob’s Peak overlooking Queenstown Bay, Milford Sound day tour by luxury coach and cruise and hire of rental car for eight days (unlimited kms).

Day 1  Christchurch/Glaciers –  320 kms
Head west across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps passing many sheep and cropping farms along the way.  Climbing Porters Pass, your journey passes by many of Canterbury’s major ski fields before entering the rainforest of the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Crossing the main divide via an impressive viaduct, your journey descends into the West Coast to Greymouth.  From Greymouth you follow the coastline south with the snow-capped Southern Alps towering above you all the way to the glaciers. Enjoy the rugged coastline and West Coast rainforest passing by many beautiful lakes and fast- flowing rivers on the way to Franz Josef Glacier.

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day 2  Free at Franz Josef
Today is free for optional activities including short walks into the native rainforest or for scenic flights up to the glaciers. There are also guided walks onto the glacier availalbe.  Check at the Visitor Information Centre for further information.

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day 3  Glaciers/Queenstown – 400 kms
Dense rainforests and the abode of the rare and graceful Kotuku (White Heron) contrast with rugged coastal vistas as you travel deeper into South Westland. At Fox we recommend a small detour to Lake Matheson – the lake reflections of the surrounding mountains are spectacular.  The Haast River guides us inland over the Gates of Haast to the holiday resorts of Wanaka and Queenstown.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day 4  Free in Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak for spectacular views of Queenstown. There are dozens of activities available; white water rafting, jetboating, bungy jumping, lake cruises, high country sheep station tours and excellent walking trails. There is something for everyone.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day 5  Queenstown/ Te Anau – 190 kms
Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston with the Remarkables Mountain Range ever present on your left- hand side. Todays drive is through undulating hill country dotted with sheep farms.

Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villa, Red Tussock Motel or similar

Day  6  Te Anau /Milford/Te Anau -  240 kms
Take a break from driving today as you travel with Newmans Coach Lines to the Fiordland National Park – a world heritage park. Fiordland is a vast, remote wilderness of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, waterfalls and dense rainforests.  From Te Anau travel through forested Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel and Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a one and a half hour cruise of Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. (view subject to weather)  An optional scenic flight may be taken for the return journey home to Te Anau (arranged by the coach driver on the day).

Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villa, Red Tussock Motel or similar

Day  7  Te Anau/Dunedin – 291 kms
High country tussock soon gives way to the lush pastures of Southland and Otago as you travel through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin.  The afternoon is free for optional tours. We recommend a visit to Olveston or Larnach Castle.

Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Alexis Motor Lodge or similar

Day  8  Dunedin/Christchurch – 380 kms
Travel north over the Kilmog to the southern cities of Oamaru and Timaru. The drive is through undulating hill country dotted with sheep farms.  Head north to Christchurch via the seaside cities of Oamaru and Timaru.