Gray Line 5 day National Parks and Glaciers (51AQXN)

Day 1 - Christchurch to Mt. Cook to Queenstown

Christchurch to Queenstown

Travel through fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the foot hills of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. We recommend a scenic flight from Tekapo rejoining your coach near Mount Cook. (additional cost - your driver can arrange). Enjoy lunch on arrival into Mt. Cook (own arrangements), or explore the walks in and around Mount Cook village. Around 1 hour to enjoy the National Park.
Continue to Queenstown across the rugged Mackenzie high country tussock terrain first settled by Scottish immigrants. Arrive into Queenstown on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu late afternoon. Transfer to your accommodation.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 2 - Queenstown to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Milford Sound day excursion and cruise

Follow the shoreline of the Lake Wakatipu before travelling to Te Anau. After morning tea (own arrangements) continue towards the Eglinton Valley rich in native forest. Travel the road to Milford via magnificent valleys and passes with huge snow-clad peaks, before travelling through the Homer Tunnel carved out of solid rock and descending into Milford.
You depart on your 11/2 hr cruise passing Mitre Peak that rises dramatically one mile from the ocean floor to its snow-capped summit. Cruise by spectacular waterfalls, or look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Return to Queenstown by coach arriving early evening.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 3 - Free day to enjoy Queenstown

Free day in Queenstown

Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other local's stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
See here for many more ideas and activities in and around Queenstown. offers a slight faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides.

Your accommodation: Aurum Hotel & Suites Scenic Circle Aurum Hotel & Suites boasts one of Queenstown's most favourable hotel sites. Located on Stanley Street it's less than five minutes walk to the busy town centre, yet the hotel's elevation allows it to capture spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Day 4 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Queenstown to the Glaciers

Depart Queenstown by coach passing through Cromwell, Wanaka and Hawea before travelling over the magnificent Haast Pass into Westland.
Transfer to your accommodation. You stay at either the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier villages. A local shuttle is available to take you to the glacier base (own arrangements, weather permitting). Spectacular photo opportunities abound of these huge ice masses. Watch out for Kea (native parrots) and their inquisitive cheeky play.

Your accommodation: Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel welcomes you in true New Zealand style making the most of the lush native bush surroundings and superb alpine views.

Day 5 - Franz Josef to Greymouth, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch

Glaciers to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine train

Join your coach and continue to Greymouth the largest township and port in the area, rich in gold and coal mining history. Your journey continues from here to Christchurch by the famous Tranz Alpine train.
A four hour train journey across the Southern Alps via the Otira tunnel and huge viaducts that cross the mighty Waimakariri Gorge before descending to the Canterbury Plains and on to the English charm of Christchurch where your tour concludes at around 6:15pm.

Standard tour inclusions:

• 4 star hotel accommodation.
• Travel in well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
• Commentary as you travel.
• Sightseeing admission fees and attractions as detailed with each itinerary.
• Goods and Services tax (g.s.t).
  

Sightseeing and attraction inclusions:

Milford Sound

A 1 1/2 hour scenic cruise on Milford Sound

Tranz Alpine Scenic Train

Take the world famous train journey across the Southern Alps