Glacierland

Experience the natural wonders of New Zealand on this Glacierland tour brought to you by Thrifty Tours. Travel on board a luxury air-conditioned coach as you explore the south island on your next New Zealand holiday.

Your days will be spent visiting spectacular sights such as Mt Cook National Park, Lake Te Anau and the Franz Josef Glacier. There is a whole day of free time in Queenstown, where you can experience white water rafting or a jet boat ride. If you would like something a little less adventurous, why not explore Queenstown you way, with shopping, sightseeing or a wine and garden tour.

Join Milford Sound Cruise for an unforgettable experience on the majestic fiord as you journey to the mouth of the sound and see dolphins and seals at play. Board the scenic Tranz Alpine Express for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it traverses the Southern Alps which divide the East and West coasts of the South Island.

With such a great itinerary, you are sure to experience the New Zealand in a way you never thought possible in 7 days on this great South Island Coach Tour!

Accommodation

All of the tours offer a choice of five levels of accommodation, to suit different budgets and holiday styles.

All Accommodation Includes: TV Telephone Ironing facilities Fridge in unit and breakfast available

Motel: Centrally-located motel accommodation, for those on a budget.

Bronze: Clean, comfortable, value for money accommodation.

Silver: Tourist properties with full facilities on site.

Gold: First class tourist properties providing excellent locations and services.

Apartment: Modern apartment-style accommodation, featuring separate bedrooms and kitchen facilities.

Itinerary

Day 1 Christchurch - Glaciers: Board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains. Arthurs Pass and the lengthy Otira tunnel lead you to the West Coast. Join your coach in Greymouth and travel via the jade carvers of Hokitika to the glacier region. Stay two nights at the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 2 At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier: A whole day is available for optional excursions onto the glacier, by foot or by helicopter, for bush walks or sightseeing.

Day 3 Glaciers - Queenstown: Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you plunge deeper into South Westland. Cross the pass to reach the southern lakes district and the alpine playground of Queenstown, stay in Queenstown for two nights.

Day 4 At Queenstown: Today is completely at your leisure - the Skyline gondola is included in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping. This evening enjoy the Kiwi Haka Cultural show.

Day 5 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau: An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then on to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Travel through the Fiordland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Te Anau for one night.

Day 6 Te Anau - Dunedin: Cross the fertile Southland plains through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, the 'Edinburg of the South'. Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 7 Dunedin - Christchurch: Leave Dunedin and follow the coast to the white stone buildings of Oamaru and Timaru. Cross the manicured patchwork of the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch.

**Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey**

Highlights

• Mount Cook & Westland National Parks
• 2 nights in exciting Queenstown
• Cruise spectacular Milford Sound
• 2 nights at famous Franz Josef Glacier
• TranzAlpine Express scenic rail journey

Inclusions

• Luxury coach transport
• 6 nights accommodation
• Milford Sound day excursion
• TranzAlpine train journey

Departures

Departs: Daily from 7.00am from Christchurch Hotels, pick-up time confirmed at time of booking.
Returns: Christchurch

Additional Information

Children: Aged 0-12 years are at the child rate, when using existing bedding and sharing a room with 2 adults
Operated By: Thrifty Tours