10 Day Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland Independent Coach Tour

Private transfer hotel to Christchurch train station
A private transfer will collect you this morning and deliver you to Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.

Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth
Considered one of the worlds great train journeys, the TranzAlpine scenic train travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers.

Greymouth train station to Franz Josef
Your InterCity coach to Franz Josef Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. 

Glacier Valley shuttle
You will be met at your accommodation by our representative from Glacier Shuttles and Charters and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Shuttles and Charters shuttle.
*Winter hours do not allow the Glacier Valley Shuttle to connect with this tour

Franz Josef is small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice up close walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself or get within 100m you must take a licensed tour. Strap on some crampons and give it a go with Franz Josef Glacier Guides or take the easier option and book in a helicopter landing instead. Whichever way you choose to ascend, once on top you’ll have the chance to explore the crevasses, caves and ice flows.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Franz Josef Glacier Helihike
Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier take a two hour guided trip through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Your guide will choose the route as you go through a wonderland of blue ice and frozen pinnacles. You'll have endless views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest as well as plenty of opportunities to take photographs. Sure to be one of the most memorable experiences you have while you are in New Zealand. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation by the Newmans coach. Please wait in the reception area.

8.00 am The Newmans coach departs from Franz Josef and this morning your journey continues south crossing over many large rivers and through Fox Glacier and other small West Coast townships such as Jacobs River and Bruce Bay.

9.45 am The coach arrives at Paringa. Here you will have a 20 minute break at the Salmon Farm Tearooms. From the building you will be able to view the large salmon swimming in the ponds underneath. The road next takes you past Lake Moeraki and to the coast at Knights Point where on a clear day you receive wonderful views up and down the rugged coastline. From here it just a short journey to reach Haast.

10.55 am. At Haast the coach stops for a lunch stop. Lunch can be purchased at your own expense. State Highway number 6 now turns inland and travels up the wide valley following the Haast River into the Southern Alps. The coach passes over the spectacular Gates of Haast Bridge and across the Haast Pass itself. The Haast Pass is the southernmost crossing of the Southern Alps. The road was completed in 1965 opening a long awaited access route between the east and west sides of the Alps. The region has a high rainfall and consequently the landscape is enhanced by varying shades of lush green vegetation. Enjoy the grandeur of some of the most untouched bush clad mountainous regions of New Zealand as your journey continues.

1.05 pm Near Makaroa the coach stops at The Country Cafe for a rest and refreshment stop.

1.35 pm Depart from Makarora. The landscape now changes as you head into the interior of the South Island. Along the shores of Lake Wanaka, across The Neck to Lake Hawea. Then back onto the shores of Lake Wanaka at the township of Wanaka for a short 10 minute stop. Skiing at the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields is a popular winter pastime and water sports on the lake are just as popular in the summer months. Departing from Wanaka you travel to Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan, a manmade lake formed behind the Clyde Dam. This dam produces a proportion of the electricity for New Zealand's citizens. After departing Cromwell the road winds through the narrow and rugged Kawarau Gorge, past vineyards and the world's first Bungy Jump bridge before entering the Wakatipu Basin.

4.30 pm Arrive into picturesque Queenstown. Queenstown is a popular year round resort, famous for its numerous outdoor adventure activities. During the journey please advise your driver where you are staying in Queenstown.

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown. Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or White Water rafting.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure
Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere - and take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Coronet Peak - one of Queenstown's Ski field.

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise on Milford Sound with return transfers from Queenstown

On boarding 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. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. The Milford Mariner offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience on Milford Sound. On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Accompanied by a nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin. The vessel itself was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage. Departing from the Milford Wharf, the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea leisurely exploring on the way many points of interest, There is plenty of time to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and the experienced nature guide on board will be able to answer any questions you may have. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay.

*Please note this cruise does not operate between May-Sep.

Your Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise returns to Milford at 9:15am.

Return along the wonderful Milford Road by luxury coach passing through Te Anau. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Leaving Queenstown you travel north through the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge and past the famous fruit growing region of Cromwell. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan cross the Lindis Pass to Omarama for morning tea (own expense). Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to Australasia's highest mountain at 3754 metres. Enjoy lunch (own expense) in Aoraki / Mt Cook Village and take in the majestic alpine scenery. While you are at Aoraki / Mt Cook there is the chance to enjoy a scenic flight with The Helicopter Line or Mount Cook Ski Planes over this spectacular alpine region (own expense, this flight can be arranged with your driver/guide). Please note there are no food or shops at Mount Cook you will need to stock up prior to arriving in Mount Cook if you wish to self cater.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Explorer Pass
A tribute to New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary - humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers - the centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region and its people within a comprehensive museum as well as a 126-seat custom-designed theatre and Digital Dome Planetarium.

Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
Experience 500 year old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand - and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier - The Tasman.

Mt. Cook to Christchurch with Great Sights
Today while leaving the heart of the National Park and Mt. Cook Village enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Pukaki and on clear days you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Aoraki/Mt. Cook towering over the lake. Enjoy a short stop at the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, to view one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the Mackenzie high country you will descend into the diverse farmland of the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Private transfer to Christchurch airport
You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.