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Day 1: Greymouth to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles (photo 3), Glaciers, Mountains & Lakes
South Island · Independent coach travel (self guided)

Glaciers, Mountains & Lakes Package

  • 7 days, 6 nights
  • Starts and ends in Christchurch
  • Hotel 3 star
FromNZ$5,760per person, twin share

Where you will go

5 places you sleep in over 6 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 7 days, about 1,520 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. 7 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience, TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth, Flying Fox Glacier Helihike with Fox Glacier Guiding. 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.

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 5 included activities
  • 1 meal included
  • 1 optional experience

Explore more:South Island toursMilford Sound and FiordlandTours for seniorsSolo travellersFox Glacier toursQueenstown toursTe Anau tours

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • 6 nights of accommodation, hotel 3 star
  • Scheduled coach travel between destinations, seats reserved
  • 5 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
  • Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Flying Fox Glacier Helihike with Fox Glacier Guiding
  • Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride
  • Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour with Altitude Tours
  • Te Anau to Dunedin with Iconic

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
  • 1 optional experience, 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.

Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience

Māwhera Pā in Greymouth is the first location along the Pounamu Pathway touring route to open. This self-guided experience is a historical and creative exploration of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement people, retold by their ancestors. The exhibition will lead you through six different narratives, each tale including a large-scale masterpiece, artistically crafted by Weta Workshop to cultivate an immersive journey of visuals and sound.

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
TonightHeartland Hotel Glacier Country

Heartland Hotel Glacier Country is located right in the centre of Fox Glacier township, putting you in easy reach of the unique experiences available within Westland National Park.

Fox Glacierview on Google Maps

The Fly-In, Fly-Out Helihike offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery, combining thrilling helicopter flights with a guided walk on the Fox Glacier. Flying in grants access to a remote part of the glacier, where powerful ice forces create stunning caves and arches. After an exhilarating flight over the lower and upper icefalls and Victoria Falls, you’ll land in a pristine area of the glacier. Equipped with crampons, follow your guide to explore ever-changing ice formations and caves, capturing incredible photos along the way.

Fox Glacier

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.

Queenstownview on Google Maps

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.

Fox Glacier to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles

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.

TonightCopthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

The Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront is conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of Queenstown and just a few minutes stroll from the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.

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.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ DinnerOptionalNZ$199 pp

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

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.

TonightDistinction Te Anau Hotel & VillasLunch

The Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. Ideally located on the lake front this hotel is just a few minutes stroll from the shops, cafes and many activities Te Anau has to offer.

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.

TonightKingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Located right in the heart of the city, Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin has the CBD right at its doorstep. The Otago Museum is just a stroll away, while the beach is a mere 10-minute drive. This hotel boasts sunny north-facing guest rooms, brimming with amenities. All rooms feature balconies, an excellent vantage point to view the city.

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

1 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 4 · Queenstown
  • Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the…

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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: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here

FromNZ$5,760per person, twin share
Per day
NZ$823planning included
Travelling solo
NZ$9,280single 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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