4 Day Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glacier Highlights from Christchurch

This tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As you drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights. Departing Christchurch you will make your way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way to Geraldine. Arriving in this quaint town you will stop for a quick morning tea. Exiting Geraldine you head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo and as you come over the hill you will be stunned by amazing views of the lake. Once in the township of Tekapo you will have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie sheep-dog and get those Instagram worthy shots of Lake Tekapo before continuing on to Aoraki/Mount Cook.

On the way to Aoraki National Park, take in views of Lake Pukaki, one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Stop for some amazing photos or just to marvel at the sight that you are beholding. While in the national park you have 2.5 hours free time to enjoy free walks and hikes or one of the extra optional activities. One recommendation during your free time is the Tasman Glacier Lake walk and viewpoint. Icebergs can usually be seen floating in the lake in summer, and in winter, the lake freezes over. The track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines with amazing views of the glacier, river and lake. Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, you should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.

Farewelling Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and making your way back to Queenstown you will stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand. From here you will be climbing in altitude, through the Lindis Pass, which has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. Nearing Queenstown you then make your way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. From here it just a 20 minute ride into Queenstown CBD where you will be dropped at your accommodation.

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.

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.

You will be met by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier from the end of the road. Here you will have the opportunity to walk around and view the glacier from a viewing platform or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area.

Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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.

Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island. Boasting a plethora of activities both inside and outside the town centre.