Glacierland
7 days starting in Christchurch
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

Glacierland

This 7 day 6 night tour offers so much! Begin your journey traversing the island by the famous Tranz Alpine rail and continue on to see for yourself the contrasting scenery of the East and West Coasts. From the beautiful Queenstown, where it all happens, to the majestic Milford Sound and nature reserves - this tour has it all on the South Island!

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About this NZ Road Trip

Seat-in-Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,520 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

7 days/6 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 4 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

NZD$3,520

twin share/double
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Detailed itinerary for this New Zealand Road Trip

Day 1 - Christchurch to Greymouth by Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Fox Glacier

Glacierland - Day 1
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.

Greymouth to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles

You will be met at the Greymouth Train Station by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and driven to your accommodation in Fox Glacier.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Fox Glacier

Bella Vista Fox Glacier is conveniently located right in the heart of the Fox Glacier township. Enjoy the convenience of staying in close proximity to the village shops, restaurants and activity providers.

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Day 2 - A full day to explore Glacier Country

Glacierland - Day 2
Fox Glacier

The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level only twelve kilometres from the sea.
There are more peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand.
The Fox Glacier, like all glaciers, advances and retreats. Evidence of the latest surge forward can be seen in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides has access onto the lower part of the glacier via a secret track that climbs through regenerating native forest. From the track, you will have stunning views into the upper parts of the glacier. Fox Glacier township is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships of Fox and Franz Josef, and people often comment on having chosen Fox for its relaxed atmosphere.
An excellent selection of cafés and a wide range of accommodations are available. The township enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, is a five-minute drive west of Fox Township and historic Gillespie's Beach, known for its crashing surf and distant snow-capped mountains, is only 25 minutes west by car.

 

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Fox Glacier

Bella Vista Fox Glacier is conveniently located right in the heart of the Fox Glacier township. Enjoy the convenience of staying in close proximity to the village shops, restaurants and activity providers.

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Day 3 - Travel to Queenstown today via Wanaka

Glacierland - Day 3
Fox Glacier to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles

Set off from the small village of Fox Glacier and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Queenstown

Bella Vista Motel Queenstown is an easy 3-minute walk to Queenstown centre. Offering mountain views and great facilities for visitors to the alpine resort town.

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Day 4 - Free day to enjoy Queenstown

Glacierland - Day 4
Free day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. 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.
Close to the Gibbston wine trail, where you can sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw -  to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour.
Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata' or simply take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views.

Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

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.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Queenstown

Bella Vista Motel Queenstown is an easy 3-minute walk to Queenstown centre. Offering mountain views and great facilities for visitors to the alpine resort town.

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Day 5 - A full day tour to Milford sound including a cruise. Return to Te Anau

Glacierland - Day 5
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines the amazing return journey to Milford Sound with a boutique Milford Sound Cruise aboard Cruise Milford. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibusses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Te Anau

Bella Vista Te Anau is located on a quiet street just a short walk to Te Anau lakefront and restaurants. Offering Qualmark 4 Star rated, fully serviced accommodation in a variety of studios including spa bath units and 1 bedroom units.
Meals included: Lunch

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Day 6 - Cross the southland countryside today to Dunedin

Glacierland - Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin with Iconic

Journey away from Fiordland today and toward the rolling hills of the east coast, passing through lush Southland farmland and back into the Otago region.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Dunedin

Bella Vista Dunedin is centrally located and offers clean, modern, self-catering accommodation. The perfect base for exploring Dunedin, enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Dunedin CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.

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Day 7 - Today you venture north to Christchurch where your tour concludes

Glacierland - Day 7
Dunedin Accommodation to Coach Stop Transfer with Iconic

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Christchurch by InterCity Coach

The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island's famous braided rivers.

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