4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch, Christchurch

About this activity

This sweeping four-day circuit showcases the absolute best of the South Island by seamlessly connecting dramatic alpine landscapes with premium guided transport. What makes it genuinely special is the combination of small-group road touring through rugged glacier valleys with a majestic cruise on Milford Sound and a world-class rail journey. It delivers maximum scenic reward, taking travellers effortlessly from striking turquoise lakes to deep fiords and wild coastlines without the stress of navigating.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Rail Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 4 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–3
Guide: English
Operated by: Discover New Zealand

Ages: Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Visit to the Blue Pools
Included: 3 nights accommodation
Included: Led by passionate, expert guides
Included: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Lunch
Included: TranzAlpine Train
Included: Milford Sound Cruise day tour
Included: Stop at Mt Cook National Park
Included: Visit Lake Matheson

Not included

Not included: Meals unless specified
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Pre and post tour accommodation
Not included: Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Itinerary

Day 1 · Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and Tekapo

Christchurch

30 min

This tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As you drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Geraldine

20 min

Departing Christchurch you will make your way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way to Geraldine. Arriving in this quaint town you will stop for a quick morning tea.
Lake Tekapo

10 min

Exiting Geraldine you head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo and as you come over the hill you will be stunned by amazing views of the lake. Once in the township of Tekapo you will have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie sheep-dog and get those Instagram worthy shots of Lake Tekapo before continuing on to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Lake Pukaki

Passing by

On the way to Aoraki National Park, take in views of Lake Pukaki, one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

2 hours

While in the national park you have 2 hours free time to enjoy free walks and hikes or one of the extra optional activities. One recommendation during your free time is the Tasman Glacier Lake walk and viewpoint. Icebergs can usually be seen floating in the lake in summer, and in winter, the lake freezes over. The track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines with amazing views of the glacier, river and lake. Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, you should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.
Queenstown

one hour

Farewelling Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and making your way back to Queenstown you will stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand. From here you will be climbing in altitude, through the Lindis Pass, which has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. Nearing Queenstown you then make your way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. From here it just a 20 minute ride into Queenstown CBD where you will be dropped at your accommodation.

Your choice of a Premium Motel or 4-Star Hotel

Day 2 · Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Coach from Queenstown

Milford Sound

12 hours

Hop on board a Real NZ 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 while the coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau (own expense), the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road where there is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board your Milford cruise 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.

Your choice of a Premium Motel or 4-Star Hotel

Day 3 · Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wānaka

Wanaka

15 min

Departing from Queenstown, this journey takes you to the historic Cardrona Hotel, renowned for its rustic charm and spectacular mountain setting. In Wānaka, you'll capture the iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree with Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps in the background.
Franz Josef Glacier

12 hours

Continuing past the Clutha River, you'll enjoy scenic stops at Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls, and Ship Creek, where the rainforest meets the ocean. The tour concludes at Franz Josef, after passing glacial rivers and the picturesque Lake Matheson, a photographer's paradise.

Your choice of a Premium Motel or 4-Star Hotel

Day 4 · Franz Josef to Greymouth and take the famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Greymouth

one hour

Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
Stop 2

5 hours Admission included

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

Passing by

Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island. Boasting a plethora of activities both inside and outside the town centre.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Make your way to the Christchurch Bus Interchange and wait at the InterCity Stop on Lichfield Street, outside the Bus Interchange.

Hotel pickups are also available from selected Christchurch hotels. Please provide your accommodation details when booking.

End point

Using your ticket

You will receive a printable itinerary prior to travel. This will be sent to you electronically through Discover New Zealand. Please get in touch via the booking portal if you have not received this within 7 days of your tour departure date. Exact tour departure times will be listed on this itinerary.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.