Glacier Wonder

Be wowed by geological rock formations, tumbling glacial wonders and rugged mountains plunging into the sea.

Wild and remote experiences abound on this coast to coast journey.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL CHRISTCHURCH

Depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive 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. Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.

DAY 2 – CHRISTCHURCH – GLACIER REGION

Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the West Coast.  New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys. 

Christchurch – Glacier Region: 240-380km (approx 3.5-5hrs)

DAY 3 – GLACIER REGION

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.

Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, add a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike to your itinerary.

DAY 4 – GLACIER REGION – QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.  It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and goldmining history.  Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

DAY 5 – 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.

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

DAY 6 – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – TE ANAU

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today’s stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown.

Queenstown – Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs, 50mins)

Milford – Te Anau: 120km (approx. 1hr, 30mins)

DAY 7 – TE ANAU – DUNEDIN

We recommend adding a one hour side trip to your journey today to view the stunning scenery and wildlife at Nugget Point, The Catlins before arriving into the city of Dunedin.

Dunedin and its surrounds are a vibrant mix of heritage and wildlife.  Set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea, Dunedin City has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Te Anau – Dunedin: 290km (approx. 3hrs, 20mins)

DAY 8 – DUNEDIN

Beyond Dunedin city, the Otago Peninsula boasts an array of native wildlife with penguins, albatross, seals and sea lions.   Today you’ll experience a guided wildlife tour with spectacular coastal views and personal encounters with nature. 

DAY 9 – DUNEDIN – MT COOK – TEKAPO

The road from Dunedin is lined with breath-taking beaches and fascinating geology. We recommend a stop at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders before visiting the delightful historical town of Oamaru.

Continue inland to a dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountain.

DAY 10 – MT COOK – TEKAPO – CHRISTCHURCH

Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake.  Then continue north east where braided rivers and fertile green plains will signal your arrival into Christchurch. 

Tekapo/Mt Cook – Christchurch: 230-330km (approx 3-4hrs)

DAY 11 – DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.

INCLUSIONS:

DAY 1-

Overnight:

Christchurch

Included Activities:

Antarctic Centre

Optional Activities:

Christchurch Tram Dinner

DAY 2-

Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 3-

Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 4-

Overnight:

Queenstown

DAY 5-

Overnight:

Queenstown

DAY 6-

Overnight:

Queenstown 

DAY 7-

Overnight:

 Dunedin

DAY 8-

Overnight:

 Dunedin

Included Activities:

Argo Wildlife Tour

DAY 9-

Overnight:

 Tekapo or Mt Cook