Pure Discoveries Matai Tour

Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Get ready to lift off in the safe hands of your pilot, gazing over staggering ice formations and rugged South Island terrain. Then you'll touch down on the snowy glacial plains, inhale the mountain air and take snaps with your chopper before heading back to base. Duration is 20 minutes. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are constantly moving. On this flight, which glacier we land on and where is dictated by daily movement of the ice formations and the weather patterns that these vast areas of ice impact.

Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers! Fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. Duration is 30 minutes with snow landing. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water, before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms. Your excursion duration is approximately 2 hours. Your journey begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before your experienced guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of hundreds of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Afterward, relax on your return cruise to Te Anau.

Fly above Queenstown over the Whakatipu Basin and spend 20 minutes capturing the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and Glenorchy. Experience a serene and remote alpine landing with views of mountaintops, the glacially formed shores and sweeping high country grasslands.

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. Enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride skimming over thrashing rapids in just inches of water through the narrow twisting gorges of the Shotover River. Experience the adrenaline rush as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops and skims around crags and boulders then hold on as the driver spins the boat in the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360-degree spin.

Enjoy a jetboat ride on crystal-clear water in a wild and picturesque landscape, amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests of Mount Aspiring National Park. With unrivalled National Park access, the boats cover up to 90km of river; the longest jet boat ride in the region. This relaxed pace half-day tour is ideal for those looking to take their time and make the most of being in this phenomenal place. Your guides give you their authentic touch, sharing stories of the area's rich history, the Greenstone trail and renowned Maori legends.

Steeped in Queenstown's pioneering history, your experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel's Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After lunch, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration, or take a walk around the beautiful lakeside gardens before the cruise back to Queenstown.

For a dining experience like no other, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the iconic 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. After enjoying the steamship journey and lake views, disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel's Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After dinner, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience  including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the night-time cruise home, enjoy a sing-a-long with the ship's pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the deck as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

For those keen on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, join Nomad Safaris for an unexpectedly delightful journey. Enjoy a half-day tour that visits the spectacular backdrops to much of the action in 'The Lord of the Rings'. This tour is based around several of the specific sites where filming took place. These are real places - there are no film sets - they are areas of outstanding natural beauty. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you through diverse scenery around the Whakatipu Basin while providing an informative commentary along the way. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views from the Skippers Canyon Saddle. Some of the sites you will visit during this tour include 'The Ford of Bruinen' and 'The Pillars of the Kings'.

Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon. The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this one of the most adventurous roads in the world. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery from high above the gorge. The Shotover River was known as the richest river in the world in the days of the gold miners. Gold is still being found today, therefore, you may get lucky and find a pot of gold.

This short scenic option is ideal if you're looking for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight with incredible alpine views. Sweep through the rugged high country landscape of the Ben Ohau mountain range to a landing site in the mountains (snow is subject to seasons). Enjoy the fantastic vista from this alpine setting as you look out to the mountains and glaciers, and down the valleys that were carved out by glaciers centuries ago. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight, you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

Experience 500 year old icebergs up close and join a guided excursion for a memorable encounter with New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Transfer into the Tasman Valley then take a guided 30-minute alpine walk learning about the flora along the way as well as the features and behaviour of the glacier before reaching the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. Board a custom-built MAC Boat and cruise the lake with an experienced guide to explore icebergs and the terminal face of the glacier itself - see the ice melt and hear the moraine rocks splash into the murky waters. This will give a true perspective of how awesome the glacier is.