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

4 day Glacier, Queenstown and Milford Sound highlights

Enjoy a 4 day adventure which starts and finishes in Christchurch. Staying in 4 star accommodation you can be assured after your days of sight seeing you can come back and relax in luxury! Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, Visit Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park.

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

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,150 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

4 days/3 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 428 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: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 3: Day tour to Milford Sound including a cruise
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 4: Queenstown to Christchurch

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 4 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Christchurch to Greymouth by Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Franz Josef Glacier
4 day Glacier, 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.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Day 2 - Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
4 day Glacier, 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Day 3 - Day tour to Milford Sound including a cruise
4 day Glacier, 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Day 4 - Queenstown to Christchurch
4 day Glacier, 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.

Meals included: Breakfast
Tour quick quote
Instant quote or Book this tour

4 day Glacier, Queenstown and Milford Sound highlights

Step 1: Choose a preferred start date here
Step 2: Select number of guests and room configuration
Select the number of adults per room type
Double room (based on 2 adults in 1 room, 1 bed)
Twin room (based on 2 adults sharing 1 room with 2 beds)
Single occupancy (based on 1 adult in one room)
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 is:
NZD$0
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.
Save and send a copy of this quote to
or

NOTE: Instant 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 are  subject to change. Refer to our terms and conditions.
If you have chosen to hire a Budget rental car then you may incur a one way fee if a portion of your hire is under 7 days in total. Your sales consultant can confirm this on booking.

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 390 departure dates.
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Starts Status Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Dec 8, 2023
(Friday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 9, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 10, 2023
(Sunday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 11, 2023
(Monday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 12, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 13, 2023
(Wednesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 14, 2023
(Thursday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 15, 2023
(Friday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 16, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 17, 2023
(Sunday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 18, 2023
(Monday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 19, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 20, 2023
(Wednesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 21, 2023
(Thursday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 22, 2023
(Friday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 23, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 24, 2023
(Sunday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 25, 2023
(Monday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 26, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 27, 2023
(Wednesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 28, 2023
(Thursday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 29, 2023
(Friday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 30, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Dec 31, 2023
(Sunday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 1, 2024
(Monday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 2, 2024
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 3, 2024
(Wednesday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 4, 2024
(Thursday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 5, 2024
(Friday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 6, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 Enquire Book
Jan 7, 2024
(Sunday)
NZD$3,150 NZD$5,150 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 Glaciers, 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