Day One: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch International Airport and after
completion of customs formalities, you will be met by our
representative and transferred to your hotel.
The city earns its English heritage from the many parks and
gardens that adorn the suburban streets and city centre. The inner
city attractions include the Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre and
Hagley Park and Gardens.
Day Two: Christchurch - Greymouth - Franz
Josef
This morning transfer to the train station and connect with the
Tranz Alpine train, which journeys' between Christchurch and
Greymouth. 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 lush beech
rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. The trip is
223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There
are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase
standing at 73 metres.
Once at Greymouth, collect your Budget Hire Car -
Intermediate automatic vehicle with standard insurance.
Your Budget Car Hire includes unlimited kilometres and Motor
Vehicle/Third Party insurance. For full terms and conditions,
please click here.
Dairy farms scatter the countryside as you travel south to the
town of Hokitika. From here you enter the Westland National Park
where you will view spectacular rain forest and mountains as your
approach Franz Josef Glacier township.
Day Three: Franz Josef
This morning, join your guide for a half day glacier walk.
After meeting at the office and being fitted out with boots, you'll
enjoy a 10 minute bus ride which takes you to within 3 km of the
glacier. After a short walk through regenerating rainforest,
the trip continues along the glacier valley, with your guide
calling stops to explain about the unique features of the Franz
Josef Glacier and the surrounding environment. After
strapping on a set of Ice Talonz you make your way up the terminal
face of the glacier, where pre-formed access ways make exploring
the lower reaches of the glacier achievable for most agile people.
The terrain can look daunting, but the huge effort our guides put
in to creating extensive trails, together with the Ice Talonz on
your feet, allows you to go further and see more, whilst travelling
in comfort and at ease.
The afternoon is at leisure. We suggest visiting the Franz
Josef Hot Pools for a hot soak (admission not included).
Day Four: Franz Josef -
Wanaka
Depart Franz Josef heading through a mountainous section of road
before entering Fox Glacier. Cross the Cook River Bridge and
travel through forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay, an old
goldmining settlement. Continue through attractive bush scenery
until you pass tranquil Lakes Paringa and Moeraki, the haunt of the
fabulous White Heron, to the township of Haast. From here, drive
through the Haast Pass Highway, viewing en route Mount Brewster,
towering 2423 metres and the Brewster Glacier. Descend 82
kilometres, past the Lake Hawea Dam, water storage for the Roxburgh
Hydro Electric Station, to Wanaka.
Day Five: Wanaka - Queenstown
From Wanaka, travel to Cromwell and through the spectacular
Kawarau Gorge to follow the river into Queenstown.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown is a
year-round alpine resort that caters for all interests. It enjoys a
magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of
native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising
from the lake.
Day Six: Milford Day Trip
Depart Queenstown and skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the
rugged Remarkables. Drive to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland
National Park then follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the
Eglinton River. Pass through magnificent beech forests before
a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley.
Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel.
Pass through the tunnel and down to the Cleddau Canyon where you
will catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging
into the open at Milford Sound.
This afternoon, join your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and cruise
the full length of Milford to the Tasman Sea. The luxury
vessel stops at various points and offers excellent viewing of
waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. The cruise is
accompanied by comprehensive commentaries. Complimentary tea
and coffee are available onboard and a picnic lunch is
included.
Following your cruise, rejoin your rental vehicle and return to
Queenstown
Please note, the drive between Queenstown and
Milford Sound is approximately 5 hours each way, making this a very
long day. If you prefer to upgrade to a day trip which
includes coach transfers or scenic flight options then please see
us for pricing.
Day Seven: Queenstown
A free day at New Zealand's premier resort and an almost
overwhelming selection of attractions to choose from.
There are over 70 different activities available: including the
Shotover Jet, bungy jumping, horse riding, golf, parapenting,
gondola and luge.
Day Eight: Depart
Queenstown
Today, return your rental vehicle to Queenstown Airport and
connect with your onwards flight.
Your travel arrangements will conclude today.
The Offer includes:
- All accommodation, with meals as detailed
- Car hire with unlimited mileage and Third Party Insurance (full car terms and
conditions)
- Incorporated tours as detailed
The flight costs to and from New Zealand are not
included in this price, as each clients itinerary
will be different, the airline and routings used will be
different on each occasion. Plus the flight prices
differ between airlines, the time of year and any
stopover cities required. Also, there are often special offer
discounted fares which are offered throughout the year, so please
call us for the current airfares for your desired dates of travel
and routing, which should be added to the following prices to give
you your total cost.
If you want to arrange your own flights and just book the tour
with us thats OK
PRICE PER PERSON (based on 2 adults sharing a twin or
double room)
| Option One |
£1822 |
| Option Two |
£2088 |
| B&B Option |
£2067 |
Available options:
- Extensions to duration can be arranged on request
- Upgrades to other room catagories, or different properties can
be arranged on request
- Additional optional tours or attractions can be added on
request