Mountains to Sea - SIC

PLEASE NOTE :  Departures must be Friday, Saturday, Monday or Wednesdayonly to meet the reduced West Coast transport schedule.

DAY 1 Arrive Christchurch (Fri,Sat,Mon,Wed only)

On arrival, you will be met on arrival and privately transferred to your accommodation. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.  Overnight stay in Christchurch

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Christchurch Tram Dinner

DAY 2 Christchurch - Greymouth

Transfer to the Christchurch Railway station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation.  Overnight stay in  Greymouth

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
* Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey
* Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes

DAY 3 Greymouth - Franz Josef

A temperate climate at a low altitude makes Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world.  Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.

Transfer to Franz Josef today and enjoy an afternoon tour exploring Glacier Country and the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest with your guide on a nature tour. Overnight stay in Franz Josef

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Fanz Josef Nature Tour Guided Walk
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * West Coast Wildlife Centre   * Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Day 4 Franz Josef - Queenstown (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat only)

Please Note:This service currently only operates Mon, Tue, Thu Sat.

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown.

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.  Overnight stay in Queenstown.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Gondola Ride

Day 5 Queenstown

The morning is free to become acquainted with Queenstown and perhaps add one of the endless optional activities on offer.   Then make your way to the Station Building, downtown Queenstown for your guided tour to the charming historic Arrowtown and surrounding vistas.  Choose to stay in Queenstown for the evening or return transfer to your accommodation.  Overnight: Queenstown

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Around Arrowtown Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool    * KJet 60-minute Jet Boat ride

DAY 6 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea.  Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore.  After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach's return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Duration: approx.12 hours.  Overnight stay in Queenstown.

DAY 7 Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo - Christchurch

Today’s tour departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and the fruit and wine-growing region of Cromwell.  The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass.   Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time.  Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby.  Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Overnight stay in Christchurch.

DAY 8 Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Antarctic Centre