10 Day Southern Sounds, Alps & Glaciers

This morning you will board the TranzAlpine Train for one of the world’s great scenic train trips that will take you across the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains before a slow climb into the Southern Alps. From here you will marvel at views of the stunning Waimakiriri River gorge and alpine scenery on a series of breathtaking viaducts. After a brief stop at Arthur’s Pass you will enter one of New Zealand’s longest tunnels, the Otira Tunnel and subsequently descend through a deep valley of sub tropical rainforest over a broad shallow river into the small town of Greymouth. Join your coach in Greymouth and travel through Hokitika to the glacier region. Stay 2 nights Franz Josef Glacier.

Today you have a whole day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a guided walk, a heli-hike or a scenic flight from the Franz Josef township. If you’d prefer a relaxing day, head to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools that are nestled amongst the lush rainforest of the glacier country or meander through the village where you will find a wonderful selection of gifts, artwork, merchandise and cafes.

Treat yourself and upgrade your accommodation in Franz Josef to the 5 star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a luxury lodge hotel nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest. Our upgrade package includes luxurious accommodation, dinner on the first night – an indulgent 5 course degustation menu in The Canopy Restaurant, and a la carte breakfast both mornings. We’ve also included a stunning Franz Josef Heli Hike to help you make the most of your time in the region. Ask us for a price!

Travelling south your journey will take you through coastal forest and windswept sand dunes, crossing Haast Pass on New Zealand’s longest single lane bridge. Travelling through Wanaka sitting at the foot of the Southern Alps your next stop is Queenstown, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s premiere four season alpine lake resort.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many sights & activities in and around Queenstown. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shores of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, and in the evening experience a cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw (own expense); or if you’re planning a more active trip Downunder , then there are a myriad of activities you can take part in including jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving, ziptreking, quad biking, snowshoeing, National Park walks and off-road 4WD tours!

Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline. (Overnight cruise does not operate 21 May – 15 September) (D)

In the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord. Board your coach and return to Queenstown mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight taking in magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park – a quick and convenient way to return to Queenstown. (Duration 35mins) The flight shaves off approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is however very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball, then you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Leaving Queenstown you will soon reach picturesque Lake Hayes and travel through Kawarau Gorge, home of award winning wineries and the famous Kawarau Bungy bridge. You will travel past the township of Cromwell and its many orchards before crossing Lindis Pass and into the Mackenzie Country. Hydro-electricity canals and glacier fed lakes will guide you into the Mount Cook National Park. Here you will find Aoraki Mount Cook; New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

This morning you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the glacier. Touch and taste 400 year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. This afternoon re-board your coach and head northbound for Christchurch. On your way you visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains and arriving in the evening.

Sadly your trip has come to an end. We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your experiences in New Zealand. Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Have a safe trip home.