6 Day Trains Fiords and Glaciers - Independent Coach

Dunedin Accommodation to Coach Stop Transfer

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Queenstown by InterCity Coach

Your coach trip today takes you through the Otago Goldfields of yesteryear. The townships of Lawrence, Roxburgh and Alexandra were once booming gold rush towns, with populations many times more than their current small town image would imply. Alexandra and Roxburgh in more recent times have become well known for the delicious stone fruit that is grown here. The road follows the South Island's longest river, the Clutha River, and at Clyde you will see one of the largest hydro power stations harnessing its energy. The Kawarau River carves a steep and rugged gorge through to Gibbston where some of the finest Pinot Noirs can be sampled. It's also the home of the world's first commercial bungy jumping operation at the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and a great viewing platform. Continuing through Lake Hayes you soon arrive into the bustling alpine adventure town of Queenstown.

Stay 3 nights Queenstown

Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls.

Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline. Journey through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain. Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.

At Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level. Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary. Your cruise will take place on a modern, purpose-built catamaran with large viewing windows, outdoor decks, panoramic views and warm indoor seating. 

After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour.

The West Coast encapsulates five National Parks, covering an array of scenic highlights including New Zealand's highest mountain, longest caves and famously it's lowest and most accessible glaciers. Step aboard your tour coach and begin your journey with breathtaking scenery of high mountain peaks and the stunning blue lakes of Dunstan, Wanaka and Hawea. You continue through to Haast Pass - the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. Arriving on the West Coast you enter an awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops. Winding your way through the spectacular rugged West Coast your journey concludes on arrival into the small village of Fox Glacier.

Fox Glacier Valley Shuttle
Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you south from Fox Glacier Township to the Fox Glacier carpark. The drive along the access road takes you through regenerating forest and over a small ford before entering the valley proper. From the carpark follow the trail that leads over the glacial moraines to the glacier valley barrier. From here you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Fox Glacier terminus with the Fox River flowing from under the ice wall of the glacier face. The Fox Glacier is the largest and longest of the West Coast glaciers and as unusual in that it ends a mere 250 metres above sea level and just 12km from the coastline.

Stay 1 night Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier to Greymouth Train Station
This morning travel northwards through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari.A stop at the Bushman’s Centre for a 20-minute refreshment stop where you can purchase morning tea here if required. We pass through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival at Hokitika at there is a further 35-minute break in your journey. This allows time to purchase lunch, walk around the town centre, to view the greenstone factories, visit the woodworking studio, or relax and have a refreshment stop. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. At approximately 1:15pm you arrive into Greymouth. The coach will take you to the Railway Station where you need to report for your train journey on the world famous Tranz Alpine Express.

Tranz Alpine Scenic train Greymouth to Christchurch
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island through the Arthur's Pass National Park from the west coast to the east.

From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

You will need to stay at least for a night in Christchurch after this tour.