Itinerary
Day 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth and continue on to Franz Josef
Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
On arrival into Greymouth you will be greeted by your driver who will take you on a semi-private tour to Franz Josef, where you will stay overnight. Travel down the West Coast, enjoy the beautiful landscape of vast rain forests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains before arriving into the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world-famous Franz Josef Glacier.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
Franz Josef has plenty to offer visitors, including an abundance of forest and alpine walking tracks. The main attraction in Franz Josef is, of course, the glacier. Very few places in the world have such large glaciers almost at sea level and even more unusual is that the lower slopes are among the rainforest.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel
Day 2: Experience an awe-inspiring Heli Hike and the beauty of Franz Josef
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
Experience a thrilling Heli Hike today! After an exhilarating scenic flight, high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier, ready to undertake a 2.25 hour guided glacier hike. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to New Zealand's Adventure Capital of Queenstown
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Our lovely driver will collect you from your accommodation this morning. Leave the small village of Franz Josef and journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. Cross over to the east through Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps. On the other side, enjoy picture-postcard views of vibrant blue lakes like Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Lake Dunstan as you make your way into scenic Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel
Day 4: Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Coach from Queenstown
Stop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Hop on board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau while the coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau (own expense), the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road where there is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board your Milford cruise for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the onboard nature guide.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choice of standard Premium Motel or superior 4-Star Hotel
Day 5: Queenstown to Christchurch via stunning Mt Cook National Park
Stop At: Mt. Cook Village, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Travel to the foothills of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook on your way to Christchurch. Travel through ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Enter the amazing Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and stop at Mount Cook Village, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Christchurch Bus Interchange, Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
In the afternoon, travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Then continue through the diverse farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, where your tour concludes.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
No accommodation included on this day.