Arrive Christchurch airport, passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel.

Hotel check in time 1400pm. Free at own own leisure.

Christchurch, New Zealand is interwoven by two rivers linking parks, gardens and avenues. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop.

You can explore the city by foot, on an open top bus, tram or even relax in a punt as you float down the Avon River on a punt. Experience polar life at the International Antarctic Centre, see the rare kiwi at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, dive into aviation history at the Air Force Museum or visit Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open range zoo. Don’t miss visiting Christchurch.

Mount Cook Day Tour - Christchurch to Queenstown | Depart Christchurch daily at 0730am | Arrives Queenstown 1830pm

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Southern Alps on a sightseeing day tour to Mount Cook.

Leaving Christchurch in the morning, we travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. We then continue to the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, situated in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy lunch (own expenses) at the famous Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village. After lunch you'll have time to explore the village and soak up the view.

The tour continues south, past Lake Pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route, enjoy afternoon tea (own expense) in the quaint village of Omarama and if time permits, visit the Jones Family Orchard near Cromwell. Your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

*Add - A night and Activities in Mt Cook*

1 Night stay at Mount Cook Lodge & Motels (standard category) 
~ with breakfast

Big Sky Stargazing 
~ Season: every clear sky evening
~ Departures: subject to the time of year
~ Tour begin with an introduction and orientation in the Theatre Planetarium using a special live Digital Sky presentation highlighting unique features in our southern sky.
~ Informative astronomy guides then take you on a short drive (transport provided) to our outdoor stargazing site for spectacular views of that southern sky.

Tasman Valley 4WD Tour 
~ Season: all year round subject to weather & road conditions
~ Departures: 9am, 10.30am, 2.30pm & 4.00pm
~ Duration: 2.5 hours
~ Not suitable for infants or people with back or neck problems

Milford Sound Excursion Day Tour | Depart daily at 0720am | Returns 1945pm

Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls.

Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland to Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. After a morning tea stop (own expense), travel along the lake and into Fiordland National Park.

Milford Road stops including Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Monkey Creek and the Chasm. This stop are dependent on weather and road conditions.

At Milford Sound, board your 1 hour 45 minute Scenic Cruise with lunch on-board and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. Mountain ranges surround the fiord, including Mitre Peak which rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level.

After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Whole day free at own leisure.

Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name. With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. If hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of the many sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

*Add - The Grand Circle Scenic Flight - HLQ2*
~ 30 minutes including seasonal Snow Landing
~ On this premier scenic flight enjoy the stunning beauty of the Wakatipu basin from the mouth of the Shotover River to beyond Coronet peak. Land on The Remarkables (1538 m) above Queenstown. In winter, stand in snow as you take in stunning views across Lake Wakatipu to the Southern Alps.

*Add - Walter Peak Farm (incl BBQ Lunch) - RJ504*
~ Departs: 12:00hrs
~ Duration: 3hrs 30mins
~ Departure Point: Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf
~ TSS Earnslaw lake cruise and farm tour with a delicious BBQ lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.
~ spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu.

*Add - 4WD Safari of the Scenes - Wakatipu Basin*
~ Wakatipu Basin: Daily 8.30am and 1.30pm allow 4 hours
~ Complimentary hotel pick up
~ Let Nomad Safaris take you on one of our personalised adventure tours to the NZ backcountry. Our award winning Safari of the Scenes will capture the heart of the most avid Lord of the Rings fans as our expert guides will explore with you spectacular filming locations.
~ Includes:Gold panning and Refreshments.

After breakfast, check out hotel and you will be pick up from hotel and transfer to Intercity coach terminal by shuttle bus.

InterCity coach transfer to Glacier Region | Depart daily at 0810am | Arrives Fox Glacier 1525pm or Franz Josef 1610pm.

Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass,gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges,native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Fox Glaciers and Franz Josef.

Upon arrival, free at own leisure.

The West Coast, or 'the Coast' as locals call it, is a wild place of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. Easy walks to the foot of the glaciers pass along ancient river valleys with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia. When you stand close to the foot of these glaciers, their sheer enormity is very humbling.

Glacier Valley Walk 3 hours Guided Tour | Depart daily at 10.15am | Returns 1.15pm

Experience the Franz Josef Glacier at its most dynamic, with New Zealand’s best hiking guides.

The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed, following the glacier's path as it winds its way through this remarkable landscape. Here you will learn about the glacier's history, see what this majestic giant leaves behind, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere. After a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the glacier’s rapidly changing terminal face.

This leisurely and informative journey can be tailored to suit groups of most abilities and interests, so no trip is ever the same. Accessing some exclusive trails and including great storytelling from your experienced and well-trained guide, there has never been a more extraordinary time to visit the Franz Josef Glacier.

NOTE: This trip does not take you onto the ice| Minimum Age: 6yrs | Difficulty: easy | For safety reason we are not able to guide anyone over the weight of 115kg (253.5lb) or who is pregnant. 

This afternoon is at leisure. 

*Add - Fox or Franz Josef Glacier - Heliservices One Glacier with snow landing 20mins*
~ Sweep above Westland National Park as you explore the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier to 6000’ before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the majestic Southern.
~ Essential Wear for Snow Landings: Sunglasses | Covered shoes (sneakers or trainers are fine) or your hiking boots | Plenty of film (or memory cards) for your camera | Clothing - Wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for wearing on the snow. Occasionally the temperate can be 5-10 degrees cooler on the snow than it is in the village.

After breakfast, check out hotel and you will be pick up from hotel and transfer to Greymouth by Intercity coach.

InterCity coach transfer to Greymouth | Depart Fox Glacier daily at 0800am or Franz Josef dailt at 0915am | Arrives Greymouth Railway Sation 1315pm

The TranzAlpine runs daily, departing Greymouth at 1405pm | Arrive Christchurch 1830pm.

Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys, between Christchurch and Greymouth. Cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest to your destination.

Find out more about the TranzAlpine Train here.

Shuttle transfer from Christchurch railway station to your hotel.

Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer. Hotel check out time 1000am.

*Extend your stay in Chrcitchurch, to explore the city by own or add optional activities/tour around Christchurch*

*Add - City Sights Morning Tour inc Antarctic Centre - CLT19IAC* 
~ Daily depart 9.00am | Duration : 3 hours.
~ Compliementary accommodation pickup and drop off.
~ Highlights:-

• Central Christchurch including the badly earthquake damaged city centre with full commentary on the impact of the earthquakes and the rebuild that is in progress
• Christchurch Botanical Gardens,
• Mona Vale House and Gardens
• Sign of the Takahe with magnificent view over the entire city from the coastline to the mountains
• Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour
• Sumner Beach and township
• Stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations
• Admission to the International Antarctic Centre. You will arrive at the International Antarctic Centre at approximately 12.30 pm and can return to the central city at your leisure, either at 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm

*Add - Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour* 
~ Daily depart 8.00-8.30am | Returns 6.15-6.45pm
~ Compliementary accommodation pickup and drop off.
~ This tour offers and exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale, a typical what watch encounter may include Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and endangered Wandering Albatross.
~ Highlights:

• Scenic tour from Christchurch over the Canterbury plains to Kaikoura
• Free time to explore Kaikoura
• Whale Watch tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura