Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch

Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation

You will be met on arrival from your flight and a private driver will deliver you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.
Christchurch City boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The focal point of the city is Cathedral Square and from here you can explore the museums and art galleries and of course the shops and restaurants. One of the best ways to see some of the city centre sights and attractions though is by the famous historic trams. A 30 minute loop allows hop-on, hop-off at museums, art galleries, gardens and shops.

Your accommodation: Camelot Motor Lodge The Camelot Motor Lodge offers superbly equipped and affordable accommodation just a short stroll from the city centre.

Day 2 - Christchurch to Mt. Cook to Queenstown

Gray Line 4 day National Parks and Glaciers

A highlights tour of the South Island starting and finishing in Christchurch. Travel Christchurch to Mt. Cook crossing the Mackenzie High Country and onto Queenstown. A full day escorted tour to Milford Sound is included. Travel via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Mt. Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass before arriving on the West Coast and New Zealand's famous Glacier region. The Tranz Alpine Scenic train takes you across the Southern Alps and back to Christchurch.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Queenstown Bella Vista Motels Queenstown is just a 3 minute flat walk to Queenstown centre offering mountain views and great facilities for visitors to the alpine resort town.

Day 3 - 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: Bella Vista Queenstown Bella Vista Motels Queenstown is just a 3 minute flat walk to Queenstown centre offering mountain views and great facilities for visitors to the alpine resort town.

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: Bella Vista Franz Josef Bella Vista Franz Josef is located right in the heart of the village close to shops, cafes and restaurants and offers excellent facilities.

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. On arrival into Christchurch a transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

Private transfer Christchurch train station to your accommodation

A private transfer will meet you on arrival into Christchurch train station and drive you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Your accommodation: Camelot Motor Lodge The Camelot Motor Lodge offers superbly equipped and affordable accommodation just a short stroll from the city centre.

Day 6 - Depart Christchurch

Private transfer to Christchurch airport

You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.