7-Day Ultimate South Island Alpine, Glacier & Fjord Adventure
$189,25/Person
Discover the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this 7-day journey, featuring dramatic alpine passes, wild West Coast beaches, ancient glaciers, cinematic landscapes, and iconic fjords. This tour combines breathtaking scenery, optional adventure activities, relaxed sightseeing, and unforgettable natural experiences from Christchurch and back.
Highlights
- Scenic Southern Alps drive via Arthur’s Pass
- Pancake Rocks & blowholes at Punakaiki
- Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike (optional)
- Epic road trip from glaciers to Queenstown
- Lord of the Rings filming locations
- Milford Sound cruise with waterfalls & wildlife
- Hikes in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
- Turquoise lakes of Tekapo & Pukaki
- Christchurch city, culture, and beaches
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city or agreed locations
- Flexible sightseeing stops as per the itinerary and time availability
- Bottled water during the tour
- Entry tickets or admission fees for any attractions or activities
- Charges for optional experiences such as cruises, adventure activities, or guided attractions
- Meals, snacks, and personal refreshments
- Accommodation and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Any activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
Day 1: Christchurch → Greymouth
- Travel west through Canterbury farmland
- Stop at Sheffield for artisan pies
- Explore Castle Hill, a Māori sacred site & filming location
- Cross Arthur’s Pass and visit Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall
- Arrive in Greymouth through lush rainforest
Day 2: Greymouth → Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit Pancake Rocks & blowholes at Punakaiki
- Stop at Hokitika Gorge with its turquoise waters and swing bridge
- Scenic drive along the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier
Day 3: Franz Josef → Queenstown
- Optional heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier
- Stop at the Blue Pools for crystal-clear waters
- Visit Wanaka beside its tranquil lake
- Cross Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road
- Arrive in Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown & Lord of the Rings
- Explore Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown highlights
- Skyline gondola ride for panoramic views
- Wander historic Arrowtown
- Visit nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations
Day 5: Queenstown → Milford Sound → Queenstown
- Drive along Milford Road via Te Anau
- Stop at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and Monkey Creek
- Scenic Milford Sound cruise beneath towering cliffs & waterfalls
- Return to Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown → Lake Tekapo (via Mount Cook)
- Depart via Cromwell and Lindis Pass viewpoints
- Lunch stop in Omarama
- Explore Aoraki / Mount Cook: Tasman Valley & Mueller Lookout
- End the day at Lake Tekapo, famous for turquoise waters & night skies
Day 7: Lake Tekapo → Christchurch
- Breakfast stop in Fairlie
- Scenic drive through rural Canterbury
- Explore Christchurch: Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, Cardboard Cathedral, Avon River stroll
- Finish at Sumner Beach
