Fiords and Glaciers - Standard

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand, the youngest country on Earth! On arrival in Christchurch, 'The Garden City', you will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean. There is nowhere else in the world where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the city with its numerous heritage structures, museums, parks, gardens, cafes, malls and restaurants. Overnight stay at hotel.

Today, travel across the fertile Canterbury plains before arriving at the Lake Tekapo continue to the south to the small town of Twizel before travelling to the historic Central Otago region to Lake Wakatipu and the alpine resort of Queenstown. In the evening make your way to the base of the Queenstown gondola, located within walking distance from downtown. Take a seat on the gondola for an exciting ascent to Bob's Peakat Skyline where the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar awaits. During the ride, soak up the magnificent mountain views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Queenstown and the aquamarine waters of Lake Wakatipu — part of Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island. On arrival at the skyline restaurant, fill your plate with a delicious buffet, with your choice of 4-course lunch or 6-course dinner. Sink your teeth into local favorites including South Island salmon, seafood, salads, roast meats and desserts. Return back to your hotel for overnight stay.

Today take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland to Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. After a morning tea stop (own expense), travel along the lake and into Fiordland National Park. Enter the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand, and take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the dramatic skyline as you cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, with stunning mountain peaks all around. Stop at Monkey Creek and sample some of the purest water in the world (but watch out for cheeky kea - native mountain parrots!). Travel under the mountains through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids. At Milford Sound, board your 1 hour 45 minute cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach for overnight stay.

Today, the day is at leisure to explore the city or one can explore the endless optional attractions available.

Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel.

Morning check-out from your hotel. Today, travel north to Greymouth and board the world famous Tranz Alpine train. Ascend the lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Truly one of the world's great scenic train trips through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests and tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush landscapes on the other. Travel over Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch. You will marvel at the snowcapped peaks and beautiful river gorges as you wind your way past waterfalls and rugged mountain scenery. Overnight stay at Christchurch.

Today morning check-out from your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your return flight back home. Your tour ends with happy memories.