6 Day South Island Circut: Milford Sound, Queenstown and Glaciers
Treat yourself to a six-day trip to the awe-inspiring fiords, dramatic glaciers and top-rated scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. On this round-trip from Christchurch, travel by coach and aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway and TranzAlpine passenger trains, enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise, soar above Lake Wakatipu on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and take a complimentary shuttle to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout point. There is also plenty of time to explore at your own leisure, what more could you want!?
This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
ItineraryDay 1: Take a scenic coach journey from Christchurch to Dunedin Stop At: Otepoti Dunedin isite Visitor Information Centre, 50 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
Leaving Christchurch early, you will cross the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, crossing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. Pass through the towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru, most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Continue along the coast and into the city of Dunedin.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Your choice of standard 3-star or superior 4-star accommodation
Day 2: Journey West from Dunedin to Te AnauStop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery. Pass through the tranquil river town of Balclutha, the largest town in South Otago, which hosts a range of shops and services. Balclutha is memorable for its arched concrete bridge, under which flows the mighty Clutha River. The river is open for salmon and trout fishing all year round.
As you head inland, you will pass through the small rural town of Clinton before reaching Gore, the official home of country music. It's also known for great fly fishing, with the Mataura River and many other productive streams close by. Take time to enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you journey east towards your lakeside destination of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Te Anau Glowworm Caves, 85 Lakefront Drive Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Begin your Te Anau Glowworm experience with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau on board the luxury catamaran, Luminosa, to the western side of the lake. On arrival, you'll enter the caves through Cavern House, where informative displays detail the history of this 12,000 year old underground network.
You'll then explore by limestone pathway while your guide points out hidden whirlpools, sculpted rock formations and a rushing underground waterfall. See a magical display of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the darkness in a small boat.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Your choice of standard 3-star or superior 4-star accommodation
Day 3: Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Coach from QueenstownStop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Hop on board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau while the coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau (own expense), the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road where there is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board your Milford cruise for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the on board nature guide.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Your choice of standard 3-star or superior 4-star accommodation
Day 4: A full day to explore Queenstown, New Zealands Adventure CapitalStop At: Tahuna Queenstown isite Visitor Information Centre, Corner Camp & Shotover Streets Clocktower Building, Queenstown 9300 New Zealand
Enjoy a free day to explore the famous alpine resort of Queenstown. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at one of the many options available. Take a leisurely lakeside stroll and ride the gondola for breathtaking views. And after all of that - if you do want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or White Water rafting (own arrangements).
Duration: 1 day
Stop At: Skyline Queenstown, Brecon St Top OF Street, Queenstown 9348 New Zealand
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere. From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Your choice of standard 3-star or superior 4-star accommodation
Day 5: Queenstown to Franz Josef GlacierStop At: West Coast National Park, West Coast National Park, Western Cape
Private transfer from Queenstown to Franz Josef
Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.
Duration: 9 hours
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Your choice of standard 3-star or superior 4-star accommodation
Day 6: Franz Josef to Greymouth and take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train to ChristchurchStop At: Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
Semi-private transfer Franz Josef to Greymouth
This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Continue through the township of Ross, where the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, weighing 2807 grams. On arrival into Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch, walk around the town centre, or just relax and enjoy the windswept coast. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world-famous Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island through the Arthur's Pass National Park from the west to the east coast.
Duration: 6 hours
Pass By: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Service animals allowed"
"Near public transportation"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Transportation is wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"
Horário de Início:
07:30 AM
Duração: 6 Days
Ponto de partida: 78 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Cancelamentos e reembolsos:
If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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