Lakes & Glaciers

Meander through untamed lands, famous for their wild seascapes, lush rainforests, stunning sunsets, mirror lakes and ice-age glaciers.

Take a moment to slow down, relax and really enjoy New Zealand’s gentle side on this beautiful tour.

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: 280-340km (approx 3.5-5hrs)

DAY 3 – GLACIER REGION

Christchurch – Glacier Region: 280-340km (approx 3.5-5hrs)

DAY 4 – GLACIER REGION – QUEENSTOWN

Travel through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on today’s scenic journey to Queenstown.  We recommend stopping for a break, and to stretch the legs, at Makarora’s Blue Pools before continuing on to Wanaka and Queenstown.

Glacier Region – Queenstown: 350km (approx 4hrs, 35mins)

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.

Make your way to the Skyline Base for a Gondola Ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy some spectacular panoramic views high above Queenstown.  You might like to add some Luge rides to your bucket list for some extra fun. 

Then head down to the waterfront to board the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm. Here you will enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch before your cruise back to Queenstown central. 

DAY 6 – QUEENSTOWN

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

DAY 7 – QUEENSTOWN – TEKAPO/MT COOK

Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki to a rugged land of ice and rock, home to Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Queenstown – Tekapo/Mt Cook: 256-266km (approx 3hrs,15mins)

DAY 8 – TEKAPO/MT COOK – 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 familiar plains will signal your arrival back into Christchurch. 

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

DAY 9 – DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

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

INCLUSIONS:

DAY 1-

Overnight: Christchurch

Included Activities:Antarctic Centre

DAY 2-

Overnight: Glacier Region

Optional Activities: Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey

DAY 3-

Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 4-

Overnight: Queenstown

Optional Activities: Puzzling World

DAY 5-

Overnight: Queenstown

Included Activities:

Skyline Gondola Ride

Walter Peak BBQ Lunch

DAY 6-

Overnight: Queenstown

Optional Activities:

Dart River Wilderness Jet

Milford Sound Cruise

DAY 7-

Overnight: Tekapo or  Mt Cook

Optional Activities:

Big Sky Stargazing

Hooker Valley Half Day Nature Walk

DAY 8-

Optional Activities:

Dark Sky Experience