9 Day Fiords, Alps and Glaciers

Today you depart from Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the Church of the Good Shepherd by the lakeshore. The altar window offers awe-inspiring views of the lake and mountains. Your tour continues alongside Lake Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

This morning is completely at your leisure. Hike one of the walking tracks, or take a scenic flight to get up close to Aoraki Mount Cook and Southern Alps’ magnificent glaciers. You can also explore the Tasman Glacier via the terminal lake. This afternoon you will travel back down the Tasman Valley, towards Twizel and on to Ōmarama, before going over Lindis Pass. Follow the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and into the Kawarau Gorge to arrive in Queenstown in the early evening.

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 Soun,d where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the sound to the Tasman Sea and view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and 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 and wildlife of Milford, and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (Stabicraft) 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. (Duration 35 mins.) The flight shaves approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is, however, very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Depart Queenstown this morning, travelling along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage-listed Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Then continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Franz Josef Glacier, arriving in the early evening. (2 nights)

Today you have a whole day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy an optional guided walk on the glacier, a heli-hike or a scenic flight, or an unguided walk to the terminal face. Franz Josef Glacier extends 12km from the high snow fields of the Southern Alps, and the terminal face is just 5km from the Franz Josef township.

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!

Board your coach and head north through Hokitika and into the small town of Greymouth, where you will stop to stretch your legs before boarding the renowned TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great scenic train journeys. Experience beautiful Lake Brunner, spectacular viaducts, 8.6km in the lengthy Otira Tunnel, ice-fed rivers, and the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Arrive in Christchurch at approximately 6:05pm.

Today you will be met at your Christchurch accommodation and transferred to the airport for your included domestic flight to Auckland. From Auckland you may choose to stay an extra night at one of the airport hotels, or you can organise your flight home to link up with your arrival back in Auckland. Have a safe trip home!