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Thrifty Tours

Queenstown Glacier 2 Day Express

Begin your journey by embarking from the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. See the majestic Southern Alps, the stunning blues of Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Dunstan, and picturesque rivers. Continue through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass between the South Island's two coasts, enjoying views of native beech forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers. Arriving on the West Coast, take in the wild beauty and the awe-inspiring landscapes of vast, pristine rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls, and rugged mountains. After a restful night sleep in Fox Glacier, awake refreshed to begin the second day of your adventure. Travel north, through small townships full of rich goldmining history, including Hokitika, the hub of Westland, before finally reaching Greymouth Train Station. From here, you will board one of the worlds great train journeys, the Tranzalpine Train. You'll travel across the South Island in comfort, from the west to the east coast through stunning Arthur's Pass National Park. 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 at your final destination in the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch.

**Please note this tour departs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in line with train schedules.

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About this NZ Road Trip

Seat-in-Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$855 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch

2 days/1 nights

Hotel 3 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 34 times in the last 7 days

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Queenstown Glacier 2 Day Express - Day 1
Queenstown to Fox Glacier with Gray Line / GreatSights

See the majestic Southern Alps, picturesque lakes and rivers and the wild beauty of the West Coast on this journey from Queenstown to Fox Glacier. Along the way your driver guide will provide commentary on this unique region. Pass man-made Lake Dunstan outside Cromwell, beautiful Lake Wanaka and its neighbouring Lake Hawea. Entering Mount Aspiring National Park, follow the historic route used by Māori as they travelled across the Southern Alps in search of pounamu (greenstone). Journey through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass between the South Island's two coasts, enjoying views of native beech forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers. Arriving on the West Coast, you enter an awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops. Here you will discover an isolated and tranquil part of New Zealand. Your journey concludes as you reach the small village of Fox Glacier.

Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

The Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps, in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.

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Queenstown Glacier 2 Day Express - Day 2
Fox Glacier to Greymouth Train Station with Gray Line / GreatSights

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Pass through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival into Hokitika there is a short break in your journey. This allows time to purchase lunch, explore the town centre and relax. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Your coach concludes at the Greymouth Train Station.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. 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.

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