West Coast Highlights

Visit a land of ice-age glaciers, magnificent waterfalls, turquoise lakes and sheer granite cliffs that tower into the sky.

This touring route takes in New Zealand’s glacial past and celebrates a contrast of landscapes across the country’s vast interior landscape and along its dramatic coast.

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

Embrace the dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountain.  Then hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki before travelling through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown.

A temperate climate at a low altitude make 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.  This morning’s walk takes you to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier, the afternoon is free to explore or add another activity.  Overnight: Glacier Region

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

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.  Make a stop at Wanaka to visit the wonderful world of weirdness at Puzzling World before arriving at Queenstown. 

Glacier Region – Queenstown: 350km (approx 4hrs,40mins)

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 also like to add some Luge rides to your bucket list for some extra fun.  There is plenty of free time today to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

DAY 6 – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD –   QUEENSTOWN

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.

DAY 7 – DEPART QUEENSTOWN

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

DAY 3-

Overnight: Glacier Region

Optional Activities: Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

DAY 4-

Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 5-

Overnight: Queenstown

Included Activities:

Skyline Gondola Ride

Optional Activities:

Walter Peak BBQ Lunch

Shotover Jetboat Ride

Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool

DAY 6-

Overnight: Queenstown

Included Activities:

Milford Sound Cruise