West Coast Highlights - SD

DAY 1

Arrive Christchurch

Depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred or self drive to your accommodation.

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. 

Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.  Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 2

Christchurch - Glacier Region

Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the West Coast.  New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.  Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 3

Glacier Region

A temperate climate at a low altitude make Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world.  Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.  This morning's walk takes you to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier, the afternoon is free to explore or add another activity.  Overnight: Glacier Region

Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, add a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike to your itinerary. Overnight: Glacier Region

DAY 4

Glacier Region - Queenstown

DAY 5

Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

Make your way to the Skyline Base for a Gondola Ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy some spectacular panoramic views high above Queenstown.  You might also like to add some Luge rides to your bucket list for some extra fun.  There is plenty of free time today to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 6

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 7

Depart Queenstown

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.