New Zealand - Peaks, Fjords & Glaciers

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1-2 • Christchurch

  Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

• Day 3 • River Stargazing Experience in Lake Teka

  Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure.

• Day 4-5 • Braemar Station Mount Cook Tour

  Experience the remote high country of Braemar Station and unique M Cook landscapes on this backcountry tour. Travel through stunning tussock grasslands and enjoy the most outstanding views in the Mackenzie Country. Private access to Braemar Station's High Country provides the best views of unique landscapes and incredible scenery, including Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Lake Pukaki and the Ben Ohau mountain range. Journey along remote 4WD tracks and glacial moraines to experience the heart of Tekapo's backcountry landscapes at their finest. This wonderful tour from Lake Tekapo will take your breath away.

• Day 6-8 • Wanaka & Roby Roy Glacier Guided Walk

  Stay at Alpine Resort Wanaka for 3 nights. During the summer tour, guides will collect you from your accommodation before driving you along the western shore of Lake Wanaka and then journey along the scenic Mt Aspiring Rd, discovering its rich history along the way. After crossing several fords, arrive at Raspberry creek where the road ends and walk begins. You make your way across the open farmland of Mt Aspiring Station, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park on well-formed trails alongside the beautiful, glacial blue Matukituki River. Then you cross a swing bridge to enter the Rainforest and walk on the Rob Roy Track, with several glacier viewpoints along the way. Passing beside the Rob Roy stream we enter the fern glades on way to the Alpine zone at the head of the valley lunch with the breath-taking glacier opposite and above. Chunks of the glacier often fall whilst sit safely on the other side of the valley. Returning to the valley with glacial air in lungs.

• Day 9-10 • Te Anau & Milford Sound Cruise

  Stay at Te Anau Lodge for 2 nights. Introducing Pure Milford's premium cruise vessel providing year-round day cruises in Milford Sound. The premium cruise vessel is an impressive 29m, three-level catamaran that has been specifically designed to capture the views of Milford Sound with its unique glass roof and large viewing decks. Relax and enjoy the comfortable booth seating with stylish decor, ambient lighting and quality food and beverage options. As well as extensive indoor and outdoor viewing options, the premium Milford Sound cruise vessel is fitting with high-definition cameras projecting outdoor footage live onto TV screens throughout the vessel, so no matter where you are, you won't miss a thing.

• Day 11 • Queenstown

  Stay at Rendevouz Heritage Queenstown for 4 nights

• Day 12 • Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

  Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in your back pocket, you will not be able to access Pigeon Island. These Islands are fantastic places with wildlife, beaches surrounded by mountains, and away from the crowds.

• Day 13 • Queenstown

  Enjoy a day at leisure - relax or explore, the choice is yours!

• Day 14 • Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

  Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance. A sensational photo opportunity at 5,000 feet.

• Day 15-16 • Fox Glacier Nature Tour

  This eco-tour is more challenging than Franz Josef Nature Tour, but still suitable for beginner walkers. Will drive to the Fox Glacier (30 mins from Franz Josef, 5 mins from Fox Glacier township). This beautiful trail runs through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with focal points of huge rata, rimu trees and moss and views of upper Fox Glacier, the Fox neve and Mt Tasman - one of New Zealand's highest peaks. Receive information on glaciation, thermology (including a geothermal spring to dip your hand in), geology, flora and fauna, history of the area and local stories. Head back in the van to your accommodation with a drop off in Fox Glacier at 05:00 pm, or accommodation/or the office in Franz Josef at 05:30 pm. Local knowledgeable guide with small groups (1:10). Suitable for reasonably fit people, not suitable for small children or those who don't do any walking.

• Day 17 • TranzAlpine - Greymouth to Christchurch

  Experience one of the world's great train journeys as you travel between Christchurch and Greymouth. Crossing the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine showcases dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine villages, river valleys and lush West Coast scenery.

• Day 18 • Depart

  Today your tour comes to end. Pack up your bags & memories and journey home.