DAY 1 Arrive in Christchurch

Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island with this short holiday, starting with your arrival in Christchurch. The largest city on the South Island, Christchurch is also called “The Garden City”. The beautiful riverside city is known for scenic sights and beautiful architecture, apart from being the gateway to the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.

When you arrive in Christchurch, a local representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in at the hotel and freshening up, you can choose to either relax in your room or go out and explore your surroundings independently.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 Christchurch to Glacier Region | Ride on the TranzAlpine Express Train

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your shared vehicle for the transfer to the railway station to board the famous TranzAlpine Express to Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine Express has panoramic side and roof windows for the best landscape views, commentary about the trip in five languages and overhead HD video. The café carriage on the train provides beverages and snacks for purchase. Travel through the Canterbury Plains, past spectacular river valleys and lush alpine forests in this scenic journey of 4.5 hours and arrive at Greymouth in the early afternoon.

From Greymouth, travel south along the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to reach the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Check-in at a hotel in Franz Josef and retire to your comfortable hotel room.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore your enchanting surroundings.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3 In Glacier Region | Day at Leisure

You have the entire day at your disposal today to explore the scenic Glacier Region as you like.

Discover the world of ice at the Fox Glacier, tucked into the foothills of the Southern Alps. Around 30 minutes from Fox Glacier lies Franz Josef Glacier, which is famous for its ice walk and heli-hike.

You may decide to go in for an optional Glacier Valley Walk (suggested activity at your own expense). This guided hike will take you to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier, over an exclusive pathway set over the riverbed of Waiho River. Notice the scenery around as your guide explains the geographical details about the location. At the terminal face, admire the up-close view of the advancing glacier and revel in the serenity.

If you are looking for some more adventure, you could choose to take a Scenic Flight over the Franz Josef glacier (suggested activity at your own expense). There are two kinds of flights available – helicopter flights and fixed wing aircraft flights. Take up this unique experience to see the beauty of New Zealand in an unconventional manner.

If you wish to unwind after a long day of sightseeing then do visit the Glacier Hot Pools (suggested tour at your own expense) to take a dip in the hot pools, a once in a lifetime experience.

After an exciting day surrounded by the surreal beauty of the glaciers, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

DAY 4 Glacier Region to Wanaka

After breakfast today, drive further south along the coast through pristine forest and past sparkling waterfalls. Cross the World Heritage Area of Haast Pass, starting point of various treks in Mount Aspiring National Park. Drive past enchanting alpine landscapes and along Lake Hawea to finally arrive at Wanaka. You will reach your charming resort town on the shore of Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon.

Check in at your hotel and freshen up, after which you are free to explore your surroundings.

Located in the Southern Alps and a gateway to the Mt. Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From skydiving and heli-skiing to canyoning, mountain biking and hiking, there is an adventure here for everyone. For more sedate fun, there are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, photography and simply admiring the splendid natural beauty of Lake Wanaka and the National Park!

DAY 5 Wanaka to Queenstown

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and visit Puzzling World, a unique attraction outside Wanaka.

Puzzling World is one of the most amusing places to include on a trip to the South Island. Its illusion-rooms, bizarre buildings and world-famous 3D Super Maze are bound to leave you feeling baffled. Enjoy the wonder and weirdness!

Afterwards, a short and pleasant drive of just over an hour brings you to the alpine town of Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Check in at your hotel in Queenstown and relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 6 In Queenstown | Day at leisure

This day in Queenstown is at leisure for you to spend at your own pace. If adventure activities appeal to you, then you can take part in activities such as zip-lining, jet boating, white water rafting, gondola rides, bungee jumping, etc. (suggested activity at your own expense).

Alternatively, consider going on a scenic journey to Milford Sound (suggested activity at your own expense). New Zealand’s stunning natural attraction, Milford Sound’s perfect combination of high peaks, deep blue waters and dense forested cliffs makes it one of the most pristine locations in the entire country. From the vantage point of your cruise, see the beauty of Mitre Peak and the scenic Bowen Falls.

After spending the day as you desire, return to your comfortable hotel room.

(Please note that the suggested activities are not included in the itinerary. Refer to the ‘Inclusions’ section for a list of included holiday services.)

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7 Queenstown to Mount Cook

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel in Queenstown and head towards Mount Cook National Park. Drive south through historic Central Otago to the alpine town of Twizel. Twizel is popular amongst adventure enthusiasts for the range of activities possible here including kayaking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking etc.

Drive around the shore of Lake Pukaki with its mesmerising turquoise water, opaque due to the fine glacier-ground rock particles suspended in it. Enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains as you enter Mount Cook National Park and catch sight of Mount Cook (also known as Aoraki). 

Check in at your hotel in Mount Cook and relax. The rest of the day is at your disposal, to explore the National Park’s ethereal landscapes at your own pace. Possible optional activities at Mount Cook National Park include scenic flights, a glacier boat ride, and visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre. (suggested activities at your own expense).

After spending the day as you desire, relax in your comfortable hotel room.

(Please note that the suggested activities are not included in the itinerary. Refer to the ‘Inclusions’ section for a list of included holiday services.)

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 8 Mount Cook to Christchurch

Have a relaxed breakfast in your scenic surroundings. Afterwards, check out and head towards Christchurch.

On the way, stop to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the shores of turquoise Lake Tekapo. Drive on through the Canterbury Plains, soaking up expansive views of rolling vineyards as you make your way back to Christchurch.

Once you reach Christchurch, check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 9 Departure from Christchurch

After breakfast today, it’s time to make your return journey. You will be transferred to the airport in a shared vehicle for your flight back home.