4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights
Christchurch to Christchurch
Breadcrumb
New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the world's most breathtaking scenery! This 4 day tour starting and finishing in Christchurch is from the comfort a coach, so you can sit back and take it all in. Highlights include: The world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, visits to Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.

Currency selector
All prices are in
Tour summary and feature
Quick Itinerary Details

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,880 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

4 days/3 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 278 times in the last 7 days

Tour at a glance

Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth by Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 3: Day tour to Milford Sound including a cruise
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 4: Queenstown to Christchurch

Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights - Day 1
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

Your 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 Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. 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. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps 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.

Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef with Hokitika Scenic Tours

Leaving Greymouth, you will head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and continue on through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several buildings still remain intact. As you travel further down the coast you’ll also go through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash landed. Follow the coast through several small towns before catching a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive into the town centre.

Glacier Valley Shuttle

You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.

Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights - Day 2
Franz Josef to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles

Set off from the small village of Franz Josef, set at the edge of Franz Josef Glacier (one of the world's most accessible glaciers), 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.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights - Day 3
Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown

Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown or Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and the wildlife. During the cruise your friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights - Day 4
Queenstown to Christchurch Transport via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Tour quick quote rework

Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour

4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights

Step 1:
Step 2: Select number of passengers and room configuration

Enter phone number to get a call from a travel planning expert within in 24 hours

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails about special offers
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us

Your quote for this tour:

Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:

Total cost for ALL guests on this tour package is:

NZD$0

or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

NOTE: Quotes are subject to availability of specific accommodation and other inclusions. Our NZ touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than New Zealand dollars (NZ$) are based on todays exchange rate and is subject to change.Terms and Conditions apply

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Tour departure list
See all departure dates & prices
Departure dates and prices
This tour has 283 departure dates.
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Starts Status Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Mar 24, 2024
(Sunday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 25, 2024
(Monday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 26, 2024
(Tuesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 27, 2024
(Wednesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 28, 2024
(Thursday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 29, 2024
(Friday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 30, 2024
(Saturday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Mar 31, 2024
(Sunday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 1, 2024
(Monday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 2, 2024
(Tuesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 3, 2024
(Wednesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 4, 2024
(Thursday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 5, 2024
(Friday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 6, 2024
(Saturday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 7, 2024
(Sunday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 8, 2024
(Monday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 9, 2024
(Tuesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 10, 2024
(Wednesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 11, 2024
(Thursday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 12, 2024
(Friday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 13, 2024
(Saturday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 14, 2024
(Sunday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 15, 2024
(Monday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 16, 2024
(Tuesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 17, 2024
(Wednesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 18, 2024
(Thursday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 19, 2024
(Friday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 20, 2024
(Saturday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 21, 2024
(Sunday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 22, 2024
(Monday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
Apr 23, 2024
(Tuesday)
was NZD$3,000
now NZD$2,880
was NZD$4,950
now NZD$4,830
save
NZD$120
Enquire Book
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Contact form
Send enquiry about this tour
Your contact information
Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas
Tour recommendation

Some similar tours to this one

4 days Map
4 day Glacier, Queenstown and Milford Sound highlights
View Tour
 
4 days Map
4 day Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Mt. Cook
View Tour
 
4 days Map
South Island Gems Highlights
View Tour