Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch (10 km)

On arrival at Christchurch Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers collect your rental car for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package)

Day 2 - Christchurch / Mount Cook / Queenstown (620 km)

Travel across the Canterbury Plains to reach Mount Cook around lunchtime. A rare opportunity here to take an optional scenic flight for an overview of Mount Cook's ice falls, snow fields and glaciers. Your journey continues over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.

Day 3 - Milford Sound Excursion (600 km)

An early start as you follow Lake Wakatipu via Kingston arriving in Te Anau for a morning tea break. Follow the shores of Lake Te Anau before entering the Eglington Valley. Pass the mirror lakes and travel through the avenue of the disappearing mountain. Our spectacular drive continues through the mountains, valley and forests of the Fiordland National Park, with a dramatic descent into Milford Sound. A fascinating launch cruise to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today return by coach to Queenstown.

Day 4 - Day at leisure / Queenstown

A full day free to explore the many exciting optional excursions available in Queenstown. Take a scenic flight, gondola ride or perhaps cruise the lake on the vintage Earnslaw. Try a thrilling jetboat ride or the Dart River excursion, white water rafting or the world famous bungee jump. (For self-drive passengers we suggest a visit to nearby historical Arrowtown)

Day 5 - Queenstown / West Coast Glaciers (420 km)

A memorable trip through some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand. Travel via Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and over the Haast Pass to the beech forests of Mt Aspiring National Park.

Day 6 - West Coast Glaciers / Greymouth (205 km)

This morning, perhaps enjoy a guided walk to a Glacier Terminal face. You may also like to take a scenic flight (optional) for a bird's eye view of this spectacular terrain. Enjoy the magnificent glaciers and a full day to continue northwards following along the coast to Greymouth.

Day 7 - Greymouth / Christchurch (250 km)

This morning visit the historic Shantytown and try panning for gold. Board the scenic Tranz Alpine Express train, a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it traverses the Southern Alps to Christchurch. (Self-drive passengers return their rental car directly to the Train Station depot in Greymouth) On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Day 8 - Depart Christchurch (10 Km)

A transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight.