3 day Queenstown via West Coast to Christchurch

Day 1: Queenstown to Glacier Country

Begin your journey from Queenstown, departing from your accommodation. Today's exploration takes you from the vibrant Queenstown back to the captivating Glacier Country. Witness the remarkable landscapes and experiences in reverse order.

Start your day by traveling north from Queenstown, passing through the quaint old gold mining village of Arrowtown. Head over the rugged and remote Crown Range, the site of gold diggings in the 1860s. From Wanaka, follow the road along the shoreline of Lake Hawea, and making a slight turn, rise over a ridge with Lake Wanaka behind you.

After enjoying the scenic lakeside drive, the road climbs over the Haast Pass, transitioning from the drier tussock lands of Otago to the dense rainforest of the West Coast. Observe the dramatic landscape changes as you follow the Haast Highway through the mighty Haast River Valley.

Continue your journey south, passing through Glacier Country, where you marveled at the Franz Josef Glacier pushing into the rainforest—a truly incredible sight. Traverse the West Coast, observing the evidence of the last Ice Age in kettle lakes created by melting ice sheets. A stop will be made in Hokitika, known for its history as the capital of Westland and a roaring gold mining town, now a bustling center of art and craft shops featuring greenstone and gold.

Arrive in Christchurch, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Day 2: Glacier Country

A day to explore the glaciated landscape of the Franz and Fox
Glacier region. Walks are available to the terminal face of the Franz
Josef or Fox Glacier and to a viewpoint to witness the glacier’s
descent down the mountain into the rainforest. Here you can also
experience a guided hike on the glaciers with an alpine guide or
perhaps an exciting helicopter ride to view the Southern Alps with a
snow landing on the upper reaches of the glacier. (Please note that
the optional 'On the glacier hike' and helicopter trips are not
included in the tour cost and are subject to the weather). A beautiful and tranquil walk can be taken around the
edge of Lake Matheson, the “mirror lake”. It is here that
incredible reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman
in the lake can often be seen on a clear day.
Or a visit to Okarito where you can meet some
"coasters" in a village with a population of 18 and
depending on the weather and the tides a nature boat
tour may be done or kayak (own expense) on the
lagoon. Your guide is at your disposal to explore and
enjoy this almost untouched natural playground.

Day 3: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Traverse the West Coast, observing the evidence of the last Ice Age in kettle lakes created by melting ice sheets. A stop will be made in Hokitika, a bustling center of art and craft shops featuring greenstone and gold, once the capital of Westland and a roaring gold mining town.

Continue your reverse journey, observing changes to the rainforest and the rich variety of ferns that dominate the region as you follow rivers flowing to the West Coast. Travel through the Arthur’s Pass National Park once again, marveling at the road as it winds its way down the spectacular Otira Gorge—a Geographer's dream. Depart Westland province for Canterbury revealing great mountain valleys. The route was originally used by the Maori to move greenstone (jade) from the west coast and later as a link to the gold rush fields.

Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park and meet your guide, who will show you some highlights of the national park. Experience the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River and cross the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains on the world-famous TranzAlpine™ train.

Arrive in Christchurch at the end of this extraordinary reverse journey.

Inclusions:
• Travel by deluxe mini-van
• Picnic morning or afternoon teas
• Café lunches on each day
• Guided walks to explore the alpine and rainforest
landscapes (as required)
• TranzAlpine train Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
on Day 1
• Fully escorted with local knowledgeable guide 

Not included:
• Guest accommodations, breakfasts, evening
meals or optional activities 

Depart Christchurch at 7.30am on Day 1, finish in
Queenstown at 5.30pm on Day 3