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Thrifty Tours

West Coast Adventurer

Explore some of the jewels of the south, from the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown to a heli hike on the Fox Glacier before ending your journey in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Leaving Queenstown early, travel through the stunning scenery of the South Island, traversing through Lakes Wānaka and Hawea on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park. You'll then travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the wild West Coast, a remote region of ruggedly beautiful landscapes of vast rainforest, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. See the waves crashing against rocky, remote beaches before returning inland, arriving at the quaint village of Fox Glacier, from which you can explore the famous Fox Glacier. The following day, after a refreshing night's sleep, hop aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train to journey to Christchurch. Considered one of the world's great train journeys, you'll travel through Arthur's Pass National Park, seeing lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps before descending to the windswept Canterbury Plains, finally arriving in the city of Christchurch.

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**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.

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Tour summary and feature

Quick Itinerary Details

New Zealand Independent Tour

This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,200 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch

5 days/4 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 142 times in the last 7 days

This tour also includes
- Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation
- Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
- Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport
4 breakfasts
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
West Coast Adventurer - Day 1
Welcome to Queenstown

Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100 year old steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to resort town Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord Of The Rings by four wheel drive. But - if you really do want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon swing or Zip line the Gondola. Just be sure it's done on an empty stomach  – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Private transport from Queenstown airport to your accommodation

On arrival into Queenstown airport your private transfer will collect you from the airport and drive you to your centrally located accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola Queenstown and 3 Luge Rides

In the heart of Queenstown, located 450 metres above town in the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve is the Skyline Complex. A gondola ride to the summit makes for awe-inspiring views of the city surround. Arrive at the complex and wander the outside viewing decks for a picture perfect outlook. Then onto the Luge! The 800 metre luge track offers an exhilarating journey through banked corners, tunnels and dippers.

Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.

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West Coast Adventurer - Day 2
Queenstown to Fox Glacier with Gray Line / GreatSights

See the majestic Southern Alps, picturesque lakes and rivers and the wild beauty of the West Coast on this journey from Queenstown to Fox Glacier. Along the way your driver guide will provide commentary on this unique region. Pass man-made Lake Dunstan outside Cromwell, beautiful Lake Wanaka and its neighbouring Lake Hawea. Entering Mount Aspiring National Park, follow the historic route used by Māori as they travelled across the Southern Alps in search of pounamu (greenstone). Journey through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass between the South Island's two coasts, enjoying views of native beech forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers. Arriving on the West Coast, you enter an awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops. Here you will discover an isolated and tranquil part of New Zealand. Your journey concludes as you reach the small village of Fox Glacier.

Your accommodation: Te Weheka Resort

A modern, purpose built boutique Fox Glacier hotel. Te Weheka Resort provides a balance of luxury, privacy and location, while being only a short stroll to Fox Glacier village.
Meals included: Breakfast

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West Coast Adventurer - Day 3
Fox Glacier

The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level only twelve kilometres from the sea.
There are more peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand.
The Fox Glacier, like all glaciers, advances and retreats. Evidence of the latest surge forward can be seen in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides has access onto the lower part of the glacier via a secret track that climbs through regenerating native forest. From the track, you will have stunning views into the upper parts of the glacier. Fox Glacier township is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships of Fox and Franz Josef, and people often comment on having chosen Fox for its relaxed atmosphere.
An excellent selection of cafés and a wide range of accommodations are available. The township enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, is a five-minute drive west of Fox Township and historic Gillespie's Beach, known for its crashing surf and distant snow-capped mountains, is only 25 minutes west by car.

Fox It Up Heli Ice Climbing Adventure with Fox Glacier Guiding

This day long experience introduces the adventurous to the exhilarating sport of ice climbing, on the spectacular ice walls in the upper part of the Fox Glacier. Your professional guide will tailor the day to offer variety and challenge to the novice and expert alike. Before heading to the ice you will be equipped with specialised mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes and technical gear. During your thrilling helicopter transfers to the ice you will enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Fox Glacier and surrounds. Guides who instruct on these days receive special training to ensure they teach skills in the correct order so you advance quickly. You will be surprised by the quick progress that you make. The maximum guide to customer ratio is 1:4 ensuring that you receive close personal attention. There are many steep walls to challenge you and you will quickly master basic crampon and ice axe techniques. The adrenaline will start to flow as you challenge yourself with longer and steeper pitches. Using ice tools and the front points of your crampons, you climb vertical and at times, overhanging ice walls and pinnacles, secured at all times by a top rope attached to your harness.

Your accommodation: Te Weheka Resort

A modern, purpose built boutique Fox Glacier hotel. Te Weheka Resort provides a balance of luxury, privacy and location, while being only a short stroll to Fox Glacier village.
Meals included: Breakfast

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West Coast Adventurer - Day 4
Fox Glacier to Greymouth Train Station with Gray Line / GreatSights

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Pass through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival into Hokitika there is a short break in your journey. This allows time to purchase lunch, explore the town centre and relax. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Your coach concludes at the Greymouth Train Station.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Your transport from Greymouth to Christchurch, the Tranz Alpine scenic train, offers a chance to take in one of the world's great train journeys. The train -- with carriages specially designed to allow you to take in all the amazing views on offer -- will carry you from the Tasman Sea up into the Southern Alps and through Arthur's Pass National Park to the Pacific Ocean.

The train offers a comfortable and relaxing way to cross Arthurs Pass from the South Island's wild West Coast to the more tamed east coast and its biggest city. Leaving Greymouth Station, you will travel through lush West Coast rain forest before climbing into to the spectacular mountains of the Southern Alps. And, after a stop in Arthur's Pass for a breath of mountain air, you'll travel dramatic gorges and the beautiful Waimakariri river valley to emerge on the farmland of the Canterbury Plains. From here the train crosses the plains for an early evening arrival in Christchurch city.

Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

You will be met by a private transfer driver at Christchurch train station who will take you to your Christchurch accommodation. (Look for a driver holding a board displaying your name after arriving into the station.)

Your accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

This luxury hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, a short stroll from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Breakfast

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West Coast Adventurer - Day 5
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Punting on the Christchurch Avon River

Relax and enjoy the tranquil Christchurch Botanic Gardens as you are expertly guided along the Avon River on a classic punting tour. You will be set aboard a handcrafted flat-bottomed boat, poled along by your punter in Edwardian attire from the platform at the rear of the boat. You will enjoy the spectacular flora that the Garden City is famous for from a unique perspective amidst fresh air.

Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

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