Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glaciers

Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy a full day excursion into the heart of Milford Sound
Join a Shotover River experience for a thrilling jet boat ride in the canyon
Be amazed by the spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier
Admire the spectacular mountain scenery onboard the Tranz Alpine train
Best time to travel NOV - APR

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
International Flights

7 nights from £2,685 per person

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist

01244 435 806

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This seven-night self-drive holiday visits some of New Zealand’s most scenic highlights, including the unmissable sights of Mount Cook, Milford Sound, charming Queenstown and the Franz Josef Glacier.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK – Christchurch

Upon arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or, time permitting, to explore some of Christchurch’s attractions. These include Cathedral Square, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens or Canterbury Museum.

Day 2 Christchurch – Mount Cook - Queenstown (369 miles)

This morning collect your rental car and drive through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo. Here you can visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps mountain range. Continue on to the alpine resort town of Queenstown, commonly known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Day 3 Milford Sound Excursion (360 miles)

A full day excursion into the heart of Milford Sound. Experience the world-famous fjord, the valleys carved by glaciers and beautiful waterfalls. Journey across the Southern Alps, past the stunning Mirror Lakes and Eglinton Valley. At Milford Sound, board a nature cruise to see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that crash into the sea far below. Later return to Queenstown.

Day 4 Queenstown

Make your way to downtown Queenstown for your transfer to the Shotover River for a jet boat ride in the canyon. This thrilling ride skims past rocky outcrops, around crags and boulders and through dramatic and narrow canyons. The afternoon is free to enjoy some of Queenstown’s activities; get the adrenaline pumping with bungee jumping or ziplining, or opt for a more laid-back afternoon enjoying the town’s lakeside scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 5 Queenstown – West Coast Glaciers (221 miles)

A memorable drive to the west coast, through some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Day 6 West Coast Glaciers

Today you will visit Franz Josef Glacier. Your tour guide will provide plenty of information about the glacier’s history and will take you on a Glacier Valley Walk alongside the mighty Waiho River following the glacier’s path of retreat. Near the terminal face you will be amazed by the spectacular views. After the tour relax in the Glacier Hot Pools, a peaceful, natural haven surrounded by lush rainforest.

Day 7 West Coast Glaciers – Greymouth - Christchurch (112 miles)

Travel north today, up the wild, west coast. It’s worth taking a detour to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where the surging sea has sculpted incredible shapes out of the rocks. Return your rental car at the train depot in Greymouth, where you will board the Tranz Alpine train for your journey to Christchurch. This is a memorable journey which traverses the Southern Alps passing spectacular mountain scenery.