Overview
Coach New Zealand Tour - Immerse yourself in everything that is New Zealand. From the inspirational culture, breath taking scenery and array of activities on offer, there is something on this exceptional tour that will appeal to all tastes. Sit back and relax as you are about to be introduced to outstanding New Zealand. You travel independently using scheduled coach, rail and ferry services.
Flexible Itineraries and Daily Departures
Our New Zealand Independent coach tours can be adapted or extended according to your requirements. You can start anytime and if you want to stay longer at any place on the itinerary, let us know, ALL itineraries can be amended.
If you do not find a Tour that suits you, just ask us to provide you with a personalised coach touring holiday.
Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!
Details
Independent Coach Tours, using nationwide bus services, daily departures
Route: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Glaciers, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Dunedin, Christchurch
Start: Auckland
Finish: Christchurch
Includes:
- Accommodation for 12 nights
- All coach tour transport as specified in this tour package
- All breakfasts (4-star accommodation only)
- Air New Zealand Airfare Wellington to Christchurch
- Tranz Alpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola with Maori cultural performance and dinner
- Milford Sound nature cruise
Pricing:
Cost per person (Twin Share)
- Motel (Self Catering): from NZ$3,820*
- 3-Star Accommodation: from NZ$3,875*
- 4-Star Accommodation: from NZ$4,568*
- Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals. Please contact us for Self-Drive option prices.
- Twin share is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one rooms. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.
* Please Note*
Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.
Payment
- Deposit: 20% of the package cost or N$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
- Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
- Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking
Cancellation Charges
- Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking
Overview
Coach New Zealand Tour - Immerse yourself in everything that is New Zealand. From the inspirational culture, breath taking scenery and array of activities on offer, there is something on this exceptional tour that will appeal to all tastes. Sit back and relax as you are about to be introduced to outstanding New Zealand. You travel independently using scheduled coach, rail and ferry services.
Flexible Itineraries and Daily Departures
Our New Zealand Independent coach tours can be adapted or extended according to your requirements. You can start anytime and if you want to stay longer at any place on the itinerary, let us know, ALL itineraries can be amended.
If you do not find a Tour that suits you, just ask us to provide you with a personalised coach touring holiday.
Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!
Itinerary
Open AllYou will need at least a night in Auckland before this your.
Enjoy a tour from Auckland to Rotorua including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving Auckland in the morning you travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will provide a commentary as you travel to Waitomo and point out sites of interest including Rangiriri, the location of a historic Maori land wars battle between forces loyal to the Maori King and the Colonial Government in 1863.
On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. Finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms.
Continue your tour this afternoon by driving to Rotorua, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where the roadside trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery.
Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hour's tribal market place in Rotorua. Includes dinner.
Stay 2 nights Rotorua
Discover Rotorua Morning Sights tour
Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna as well as the New Zealand Kiwi. Then see NZ's agricultural industry in action with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome.
Explore more of Rotorua and surrounds
With so much to do in Rotorua, you really need this second day to fit in all the sights and activities on offer. If you missed out on an encounter with New Zealand’s unique Maori culture, be sure to add this into today’s itinerary. Staring down the challenge of a Maori warrior’s haka is spine tingling and the soulful melodies of ancient Maori waiata are mesmerising.
If you’re after adrenalin rushes, then consider one of the many thrills on offer, from white water rafting to luging to zorbing, there’s something to exhilarate young and old alike. The Rotorua Lakes are worth exploring if you have the time and are a must if you want to try your hand at fly fishing. Rotorua is surrounded by sixteen lakes and eleven of these can be fished. The major fishing lakes are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma. Lake Okataina also has the attraction of sandy shores and clear water making it a great picnic and swimming spot. If all of this just sounds like hard work you can always spend the day soaking in one of the many geothermal pools that are scattered across the city.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Coach Depot.
Rotorua to Wellington
Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions. Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.
You will be met on arrival into Wellington train station and transferred to your hotel.
Stay 2 nights Wellington
Wellington, home to New Zealand’s centre of government has a largely cosmopolitan feel. Often referred to as ‘mini-Melbourne’, this (self described) windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel.
Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay - the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique fashion wander through Cuba St to sample some of the city's best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber.
Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. We recommend a 45 minute guided tour through both the Workshop and Weta Cave. If you're a foodie at heart, a two hour round trip to Martinborough is a must do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country, and be sure to stop in at Martinborough Wines or Ata Rangi Martinborough. For a educational day out, learn about New Zealand's native species at Zealandia - the world's first fully fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds.
You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.
Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Christchurch
On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Christchurch accommodation.
Stay 1 night Christchurch
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 Fox Glacier
Your coach to Fox Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. Please check in at the counter when you arrive at the train station (scheduled arrival by Tranz Alpine train is 12:45pm).
1.30 pm Depart from Greymouth on your InterCity coach. The journey to the Glaciers is southward through the lush bush covered landscape at the base of the Southern Alps.
2:10pm We reach Hokitika. There is 35 minute refreshment stop in Hokitika. This allows you time to either walk around the town centre, view the greenstone factories or wood working studio, or just relax and have a refreshment stop. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. One of the primary industries is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, whitebaiting and eel processing are some of the other major industries.
Further south we pass through the township of Ross which was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial gold fields in the late 1800s.The largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre in 1903. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V.
5:40 pm On arrival into Fox Glacier you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Stay 2 nights Fox Glacier
The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level only twelve kilometres from the sea.
There are more peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand.
The Fox Glacier, like all glaciers, advances and retreats. Evidence of the latest surge forward can be seen in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides has access onto the lower part of the glacier via a secret track that climbs through regenerating native forest. From the track, you will have stunning views into the upper parts of the glacier. Fox Glacier township is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships of Fox and Franz Josef, and people often comment on having chosen Fox for its relaxed atmosphere.
An excellent selection of cafés and a wide range of accommodation complement are available. The township enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks - Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, is a five minute drive west of Fox Township and historic Gillespie's Beach, known for its crashing surf and distant snow capped mountains, is only 25 minutes west by car.
8.30am You will be collected from your accommodation. Please wait in the reception area.
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 Café for a rest & 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.
4.10 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.
Stay 2 nights 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. 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.
Skyline Gondola and Kiwi Haka
Located 450 metres above the heart of Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola complex. Take in the awe-inspiring views as you ride the fully enclosed gondola car to the viewing decks, restaurant and gift shop complex and experience a powerful live Maori cultural performance of traditional Maori songs and dance, in an intimate theatre at the top of the Gondola.
Luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with an extended 2½ hour Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord.
On boarding a 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.
On reaching Milford Sound, you board the Milford Mariner 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. Includes picnic boxed lunch. Return to Te Anau.
Stay 1 night Te Anau
Enjoy this scenic coach trip across the magnificent Southland Countryside to the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin. Your scheduled arrival is approximately 12:40pm so plenty of time this afternoon to explore.
On arrival into Dunedin you will be met from your coach and transferred to your accommodation.
Stay 1 night Dunedin
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.
The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island's famous braided rivers.
Stay 1 night Christchurch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.
Cost per person (Twin Share)
- Motel (Self Catering): from NZ$3,820*
- 3-Star Accommodation: from NZ$3,875*
- 4-Star Accommodation: from NZ$4,568*
- Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals. Please contact us for Self-Drive option prices.
- Twin share is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one rooms. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.
* Please Note*
Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.
Payment
- Deposit: 20% of the package cost or N$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
- Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
- Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking
Cancellation Charges
- Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking
Itinerary
Open AllYou will need at least a night in Auckland before this your.
Enjoy a tour from Auckland to Rotorua including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving Auckland in the morning you travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will provide a commentary as you travel to Waitomo and point out sites of interest including Rangiriri, the location of a historic Maori land wars battle between forces loyal to the Maori King and the Colonial Government in 1863.
On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. Finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms.
Continue your tour this afternoon by driving to Rotorua, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where the roadside trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery.
Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hour's tribal market place in Rotorua. Includes dinner.
Stay 2 nights Rotorua
Discover Rotorua Morning Sights tour
Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna as well as the New Zealand Kiwi. Then see NZ's agricultural industry in action with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome.
Explore more of Rotorua and surrounds
With so much to do in Rotorua, you really need this second day to fit in all the sights and activities on offer. If you missed out on an encounter with New Zealand’s unique Maori culture, be sure to add this into today’s itinerary. Staring down the challenge of a Maori warrior’s haka is spine tingling and the soulful melodies of ancient Maori waiata are mesmerising.
If you’re after adrenalin rushes, then consider one of the many thrills on offer, from white water rafting to luging to zorbing, there’s something to exhilarate young and old alike. The Rotorua Lakes are worth exploring if you have the time and are a must if you want to try your hand at fly fishing. Rotorua is surrounded by sixteen lakes and eleven of these can be fished. The major fishing lakes are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma. Lake Okataina also has the attraction of sandy shores and clear water making it a great picnic and swimming spot. If all of this just sounds like hard work you can always spend the day soaking in one of the many geothermal pools that are scattered across the city.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Coach Depot.
Rotorua to Wellington
Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions. Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.
You will be met on arrival into Wellington train station and transferred to your hotel.
Stay 2 nights Wellington
Wellington, home to New Zealand’s centre of government has a largely cosmopolitan feel. Often referred to as ‘mini-Melbourne’, this (self described) windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel.
Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay - the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique fashion wander through Cuba St to sample some of the city's best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber.
Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. We recommend a 45 minute guided tour through both the Workshop and Weta Cave. If you're a foodie at heart, a two hour round trip to Martinborough is a must do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country, and be sure to stop in at Martinborough Wines or Ata Rangi Martinborough. For a educational day out, learn about New Zealand's native species at Zealandia - the world's first fully fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds.
You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.
Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Christchurch
On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Christchurch accommodation.
Stay 1 night Christchurch
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 Fox Glacier
Your coach to Fox Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. Please check in at the counter when you arrive at the train station (scheduled arrival by Tranz Alpine train is 12:45pm).
1.30 pm Depart from Greymouth on your InterCity coach. The journey to the Glaciers is southward through the lush bush covered landscape at the base of the Southern Alps.
2:10pm We reach Hokitika. There is 35 minute refreshment stop in Hokitika. This allows you time to either walk around the town centre, view the greenstone factories or wood working studio, or just relax and have a refreshment stop. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. One of the primary industries is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, whitebaiting and eel processing are some of the other major industries.
Further south we pass through the township of Ross which was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial gold fields in the late 1800s.The largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre in 1903. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V.
5:40 pm On arrival into Fox Glacier you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Stay 2 nights Fox Glacier
The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level only twelve kilometres from the sea.
There are more peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand.
The Fox Glacier, like all glaciers, advances and retreats. Evidence of the latest surge forward can be seen in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides has access onto the lower part of the glacier via a secret track that climbs through regenerating native forest. From the track, you will have stunning views into the upper parts of the glacier. Fox Glacier township is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships of Fox and Franz Josef, and people often comment on having chosen Fox for its relaxed atmosphere.
An excellent selection of cafés and a wide range of accommodation complement are available. The township enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks - Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, is a five minute drive west of Fox Township and historic Gillespie's Beach, known for its crashing surf and distant snow capped mountains, is only 25 minutes west by car.
8.30am You will be collected from your accommodation. Please wait in the reception area.
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 Café for a rest & 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.
4.10 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.
Stay 2 nights 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. 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.
Skyline Gondola and Kiwi Haka
Located 450 metres above the heart of Queenstown is the Skyline Gondola complex. Take in the awe-inspiring views as you ride the fully enclosed gondola car to the viewing decks, restaurant and gift shop complex and experience a powerful live Maori cultural performance of traditional Maori songs and dance, in an intimate theatre at the top of the Gondola.
Luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with an extended 2½ hour Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord.
On boarding a 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.
On reaching Milford Sound, you board the Milford Mariner 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. Includes picnic boxed lunch. Return to Te Anau.
Stay 1 night Te Anau
Enjoy this scenic coach trip across the magnificent Southland Countryside to the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin. Your scheduled arrival is approximately 12:40pm so plenty of time this afternoon to explore.
On arrival into Dunedin you will be met from your coach and transferred to your accommodation.
Stay 1 night Dunedin
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.
The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island's famous braided rivers.
Stay 1 night Christchurch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.