10 Day Fiords, Glaciers & Mountains Family Adventure

Welcome to Christchurch

Private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your hotel

On arrival into Christchurch you’ll be met by a private driver and taken to your accommodation.

Christchurch — The Garden City

Christchurch is lovingly known as New Zealand’s garden city. With wide, tree‑lined streets, vibrant new precincts, and leafy parks it’s a wonderful place to begin your adventure. A great way to explore is by riding the historic tram into the Botanic Gardens and checking out the unique Transitional Cathedral — a striking structure made from cardboard!

Collect your rental vehicle

Your tour includes an intermediate‑sized car, but you’re welcome to upgrade from economy hatchbacks to SUVs or premium options to suit your family’s needs.

Christchurch → Akaroa via Banks Peninsula

Set off across the Port Hills to the scenic Banks Peninsula. Rolling farmland gives way to winding coastal roads and one of New Zealand’s most beautiful harbours. Akaroa was founded by French settlers in the 1840s, and that charming heritage lives on today with French‑inspired street names and annual celebrations.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat

Cruise through this sheltered harbour in search of wildlife including the tiny Hector’s dolphin, rare little penguins, playful fur seals and many seabirds. You’ll also admire towering volcanic cliffs including the dramatic Cathedral Cave.

Drive inland across the wide Canterbury Plains and into Mackenzie Country. Stop in Geraldine or Lake Tekapo for refreshments and spectacular alpine views. Follow the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with mountain vistas leading you into Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park.

Glacier Explorers Tour

Board a specialised boat to explore the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Get up close to ancient icebergs, towering ice cliffs and pristine glacier waters — a unique experience not found in many places worldwide.

Today’s drive takes you over the Lindis Pass through tussock‑land and into Central Otago. Pass historic gold‑rush towns and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown — the adventure capital.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak BBQ Dinner

Cruise across beautiful Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm with local produce, dessert and a sheep‑dog demonstration. Return as the evening lights of Queenstown shimmer on the lake.

Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour with Nomad Safaris

Hit iconic Middle‑earth filming locations on rugged 4WD tracks. Explore scenery from The Lord of the Rings films, try gold panning and soak up dramatic panoramic views — perfect for fans and adventure seekers alike.

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Experience a high‑speed jet boat ride through narrow canyons on the Shotover River with tight turns and thrilling spins — a true Queenstown highlight.

Depart by luxury coach from Queenstown through beautiful countryside to Manapouri. Cross Lake Manapouri and travel over rainforest‑covered Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound. Board the catamaran for a 3‑hour cruise through the fiord’s deep waters, waterfalls and towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, fur seals and native birdlife, and enjoy the peaceful “Sound of Silence”.

Today you’ll traverse the Crown Range — New Zealand’s highest sealed road — to Wānaka. Drive along stunning lakeshores and through Haast Pass into the West Coast rainforest. Catch glimpses of wild beaches and alpine scenery as you head north to Franz Josef.

Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers before landing on a high‑altitude snowfield. Experience dramatic aerial views of ancient ice and rugged valleys — a truly unforgettable moment.

Suggested activity — Okarito Lagoon Kayak Tour

(Additional, family‑friendly option) Glide through peaceful waterways and explore New Zealand’s largest unmodified coastal wetland. Keep your eyes peeled for white heron, spoonbills and rainforest views.

Return north along the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika for greenstone (pounamu) and seaside views. Drop off your rental car at Greymouth Train Station.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Board one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travel eastward through ancient beech forest, deep river valleys and the Southern Alps before descending to the Canterbury Plains and returning to Christchurch.

Shared transfer to your Christchurch hotel

Private transfer from your hotel to Christchurch International Airport

It’s time to say farewell to Aotearoa New Zealand. Take home incredible memories of spectacular fiords, mountain peaks, wildlife encounters and family adventures. In Māori, mā te wā — not goodbye, but see you again soon!