Great Glacier Explorer Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. You will be transferred from the airport to your Christchurch hotel. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch, the city is under-going much change since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Some Suggested Activities Options for Christchurch

Easygoing Cycling Tour	Punting the Avon River	Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural Evening	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch Gondola	Clearwater Golf	Arthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, restaurant & bar. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport.

Christchurch - Mt Cook

Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. Once arrived in Mount Cook Village the afternoon is free to explore.

Accommodation Mount Cook - 1 Night

Accommodation:

The Hermitage - Aoraki/Mount Cook

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. There is a selection of properties within the Terrace Road campus from Hotel to Chalet and Mountainview Motels - all budgets and standards can be catered for.

Mt Cook - Queenstown

This morning you will have free time to explore Mount Cook National Park. In the afternoon, head South from Mount Cook, pass through the high country towns of Twizel and Omarama before entering the beautiful Lindis Pass, the pass offers a unique mountain and tussock grassland scenery - Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve was formed in 1976 and was one of the first tussock reserves in New Zealand. Relax as you take in the spectacular scenery that changes from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge before, emerging into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown. Your destination for the next two days.

Accommodation Queenstown - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquillity all year round. The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service. The hotel Balconies and garden views are a feature of many rooms.

Queenstown Free Day - TSS Earnslaw

The surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards and the natural landscape with wild rivers, high peaks and deep canyons has allowed Queenstown to developed an exciting array of outdoor adventure activities - and there's plenty to choose from. But if you are just want to chill out then Queenstown's compact downtown area is relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. In any season, you can count on stylish designer shops and many trendy restaurants offering a kaleidoscope of dining experiences.

If you want to enjoy spectacular scenic views, you can sit back and relax in the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. The steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown.

After your free day, take the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Enjoy an entertaining sheep show and enjoy the nice atmosphere before cruising back to Queenstown for the night.

Other recommended excursions around Queenstown:

Routeburn Day Walk	Highest Bungey Jump	Explore Arrowtown
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier

Today you will continue to Franz Josef by coach. Franz Josef is in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour! Enjoy some free time in the afternoon and explore Franz Josef township. Enjoy a special West Coast dinner in the evening at your hotel.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

Kayak Okarito Lagoon	Glacier Hot Pools	Glacier Scenic Flight
Horseback Riding	Walk to Glacier Face	Glacier Heli-hike

Accommodation Franz Josef Glacier - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas and quality rooms with balcony views.

TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch

This morning you will travel by coach to Greymouth. Then you will board the Tranzalpine to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch.

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Bon Voyage!

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

What Michelle says about this tour: Experience the Southern Alps from both sides of the divide starting and finishing in Christchurch. The West Coast is home to the most accessible glaciers and the most glorious rainforest that you can find. From the Mt Cook side midway between action packed Queenstown and Christchurch is just the place for those who love the special alpine country.

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