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Day 1: Greymouth to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles, Glacierland
South Island · Independent coach travel (self guided)

Glacierland Package

  • 8 days, 7 nights
  • Starts and ends in Christchurch
  • Motels
FromNZ$4,950per person, twin share

Where you will go

5 places you sleep in over 7 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.

Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the wayScheduled coach, no guideStarts and ends in Christchurch. 5 overnight stops across 8 days, about 1,530 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.

Overview

Independent coach travel (self guided). You travel on your own on scheduled coach services. Your seats and hotels are reserved; no guide travels with you. You are not left to it: your whole trip is in a travel app, and our New Zealand support team is a message or call away, seven days a week.

Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. 8 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth, Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour with Altitude Tours, Te Anau to Dunedin with Iconic. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 4 included activities
  • 1 meal included
  • 2 optional experiences

Explore more:South Island toursMilford Sound and FiordlandRail and scenic trainsFamily holidaysTours for seniorsSolo travellersQueenstown tours

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • 7 nights of accommodation, motels
  • Scheduled coach travel between destinations, seats reserved
  • Scenic rail sectors with seats reserved
  • 4 included activities and entries along the way
  • A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
  • Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
Included activities
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour with Altitude Tours
  • Te Anau to Dunedin with Iconic
  • Castle to Cruise Tour
  • Dunedin to Christchurch by InterCity Coach

Not included

  • International flights to and from New Zealand
  • Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
  • Meals other than the 1 meal listed in the itinerary
  • 2 optional experiences, each priced, which you can
  • Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included

Anything here can be added. Extra nights, room upgrades, more activities or a different vehicle: tell us what you would change and we re-quote, no obligation.

Day by day

Christchurchview on Google Maps

You will be met at the Greymouth Train Station by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and driven to your accommodation in Fox Glacier.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

The early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, it travels between the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, 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. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur’s Pass National Park before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.

ChristchurchTourism New Zealand
TonightLake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel offers comfortable units in a peaceful garden location only 400 metres from the Fox Glacier Village and its cafes and restaurants and activities.

Lake Mathesonview on Google Maps

The mighty Fox Glacier is the largest and longest of the stunning West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in a temperate rainforest just 250 metres above sea level, only twelve kilometres from the sea. The valley at the glacier’s head boasts more peaks than any other in New Zealand. Like all glaciers, the Fox Glacier advances and retreats, with its latest surge evident in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides offers access to the lower part of the glacier via a hidden track that winds through regenerating native forest, providing stunning views of the glacier’s upper reaches. Fox Glacier Township, often described as the more "laid-back" of the twin Glacier Country townships, is celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent cafés, and a variety of accommodation options. The township also enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand’s tallest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. For an unforgettable experience, take a helicopter ride to admire the glacier from above or opt for a heli hike to get up close to its icy formations. Nearby, Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror-like reflections, is just a five-minute drive west of Fox Township. A short 25-minute drive further west takes you to historic Gillespie’s Beach, famous for its crashing surf and views of distant snow-capped mountains.

Fox Glacier Valley E-bike & Hike with Fox Glacier GuidingOptionalNZ$225 pp

Explore the untamed natural wilderness of the Fox Glacier Valley, tracing the steps of a retreating glacier, with our Fox Glacier Valley E-Bike & Hike. Ride through ancient podocarp rainforest on E-bikes and hike a secret track. Grab stunning photos of the Fox Glacier that is sure to impress family and friends. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Queenstownview on Google Maps

Set off from the small village of Fox Glacier and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as you continue through to New Zealand’s 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.

Queenstown Skyline Gondola RideOptionalNZ$69 pp

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.

TonightBella Vista Queenstown

Bella Vista Motel Queenstown is an easy 3-minute walk to Queenstown centre. Offering mountain views and great facilities for visitors to the alpine resort town.

Queenstownview on Google Maps

Discover the very best of the Whakatipu Basin on this relaxed and premium half-day sightseeing experience. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour takes you beyond the bustle of the Queenstown town centre into a world of dramatic scenery, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Marvel at breathtaking panoramic viewpoints high above Queenstown, before exploring Ayrburn, the region’s newest destination, complete with a complimentary barista-made beverage. Step back in time in historic Arrowtown to try your hand at gold panning, and conclude your journey by savoring world-famous Central Otago wines paired with a delicious cheese platter at a local boutique vineyard.

Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna is celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital'. Though Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Whether you are looking for a scenic short walk or a longer one, you will find the perfect hike or bike trail in Queenstown. Explore Queenstown Gardens, or try out more challenging trails up to Ben Lomond Walkaway or Queenstown Hill Walking Track. Enjoy iconic views and take Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, or ride on the 100-year-old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and al fresco restaurants, try out the famous Fergburger, or grab a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.

Te Anauview on Google Maps

This small group Milford Sound day tours allow you to escape the crowds and offers a truly unique tour showcasing this spectacular and world famous region. Experience a stunning two hour small boat nature cruise on the fiord, see waterfalls, fur seals and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, as well as enjoying lots of fun and informative commentary from the local guide, and plenty of off the beaten track visits away from the crowds.

TonightBella Vista Te AnauLunch

Bella Vista Te Anau is located on a quiet street just a short walk to Te Anau lakefront and restaurants. Offering Qualmark 4 Star rated, fully serviced accommodation in a variety of studios including spa bath units and 1 bedroom units.

Dunedinview on Google Maps

Journey away from Fiordland today and toward the rolling hills of the east coast, passing through lush Southland farmland and back into the Otago region.

TonightBella Vista Dunedin

Bella Vista Dunedin is centrally located and offers clean, modern, self-catering accommodation. The perfect base for exploring Dunedin, enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Dunedin CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.

Dunedinview on Google Maps

Journey back in time into the rich, turbulent and scandalous lives of the Larnach family with you enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of New Zealand’s only castle, built in 1871. You will have the opportunity to climb the parapets for 360° views, and enjoy the beauty of the gardens of international significance. Following the guided tour, take some time to personally explore or re-visit areas of the castle before meeting back with your guide and continuing along the scenic Otago Peninsula roads. Time to hop on to your Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Heads, the world’s only mainland nesting place of Royal Albatross. Cruise into the stunning Lighthouse Bay and watch as NZ Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, then head out to sea where you can spot up to 20 species of rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, you may even see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Oamaruview on Google Maps

The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand’s longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island’s famous braided rivers.

Dunedin Accommodation to Coach Stop Transfer with Iconic

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

Keep this itinerary

Email yourself the day by day to read later or pass on, or with every day open.

Optional experiences

2 available

Not in the price, listed under the day each one happens. Tick any you want and every price on this page updates; your quote comes back with them costed. Or leave them and decide once you are here.

Day 2 · Lake Matheson
  • Explore the untamed natural wilderness of the Fox Glacier Valley, tracing the steps of a retreating glacier, with our Fox Glacier Valley E-Bike &…

Day 3 · Queenstown
  • Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this…

Nothing added yet.

Good to know

Departures

This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.

Make it yours

Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.

Never travelling alone

Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.

Who you are booking with

Operator
This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
Silver Fern Travel
Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Prices
Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
Paying
A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.

Watch: Milford Sound on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Something not answered here? , no quote attached.

Still deciding? Worth a read: Is the TranzAlpine worth it? A straight answer · The Cook Strait ferry, without the surprises

FromNZ$4,950per person, twin share
Per day
NZ$619planning included
Travelling solo
NZ$8,550single occupancy

No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourism

Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.

Request a quote for this trip

No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.

When would you like to travel?

You will hear back within one working day. Quotes are free and there is no obligation to book.

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.

How your money is protected

A firm quote within one working day

Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.

No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire

Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.

One person, before and during your trip

The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.

Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.

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