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4-Day Glacier, Queenstown & Milford Sound Highlights

Customisable Itinerary
4.8 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Embark on this South Island itinerary which begins with the world-famous train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train!

You'll then hit the wild West Coast and spend some time exploring Franz Josef Glacier before heading to Lake Wanaka, Hawea, the Gibbston Valley and Queenstown.

After a day cruising on the glorious Milford Sound, you'll embark on one last scenic journey by coach from Queenstown through the Mount Cook National Park all the way to Christchurch.
Outdoors & Nature
Cruising
Wellness

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Itinerary

Day 1

TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth & Scenic Journey to Franz Josef

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TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth & Scenic Journey to Franz Josef

Today, two epic journeys of New Zealand are on offer. You'll begin with the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's greatest training journeys, from Christchurch to Greymouth. 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. From Greymouth, you'll board an InterCity coach to Franz Josef, enjoying the scenery on the way and diving into the relaxing hot pools on arrival.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

    Greymouth to Franz Josef with Intercity

    Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Greymouth

    West Coast

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 2

Travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown

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Travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown

Today on this South Island itinerary, you'll travel from the isolated beauty of Franz Josef to the exciting resort town of Queenstown through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. You'll see moody mountain ranges, thick native rainforest and wild rocky shores. You'll cross over the Haast Pass and arrive into Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. You'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.

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    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Franz Josef to Queenstown with Intercity

    QueenstownOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Queenstown

Day 3

Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown

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Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown

You'll embark on a return luxury journey by coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a one hour and 40-minute cruise along the full length of the fiord. You will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside of Te Anau. At Milford Sound, you'll board the modern vessel for a leisurely cruise on the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time to enjoy the many waterfalls, rainforest views, mountains and wildlife.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Southland

Day 4

Scenic Journey from Queenstown to Christchurch

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Scenic Journey from Queenstown to Christchurch

Today, you'll travel to the foothills of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, on a full-day sightseeing tour from Queenstown to Christchurch. Setting off from Queenstown, you'll travel through the ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. You'll enter the amazing Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to take in the amazing alpine scenery. In the afternoon, you'll travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Queenstown to Christchurch with GreatSights

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Christchurch

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What’s included?

  • 3 nights accommodation
  • 6 activities
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

What’s not included?

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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