4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights
Christchurch to Christchurch
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Thrifty Tours

4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights

From Christchurch and back this tour encapsulates the best of New Zealand's South Island. Visiting Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Queenstown and the West Coast. You will travel in small groups with trusted, experienced tour providers who will give you a great understanding of the area its cultural and natural history.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,760 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

4 days/3 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 149 times in the last 7 days

Tour at a glance

Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 2: Milford Sound day tour with Real Journeys
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 3: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 4: Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 4 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights - Day 1
Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki/Mount Cook & Tekapo - Includes Lunch

What better way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown than a small group, fully-guided day trip that combines all of the key southern highlights such as magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The 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.

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.
Day 2 - Milford Sound day tour with Real Journeys
4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights - Day 2
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.
Day 3 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights - Day 3
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Glacier Shuttles

Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.

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.
Day 4 - Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights - Day 4
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours

Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

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4 day Queenstown, Milford & Glacier Highlights

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

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Oct 5, 2023
(Thursday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 6, 2023
(Friday)
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Oct 7, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 8, 2023
(Sunday)
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Oct 9, 2023
(Monday)
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Oct 10, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 11, 2023
(Wednesday)
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Oct 12, 2023
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Oct 13, 2023
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Oct 14, 2023
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Oct 15, 2023
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Oct 16, 2023
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Oct 17, 2023
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Oct 18, 2023
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Oct 19, 2023
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NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 20, 2023
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NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 21, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 22, 2023
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Oct 23, 2023
(Monday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 24, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 25, 2023
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NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 26, 2023
(Thursday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 27, 2023
(Friday)
NZD$3,035 NZD$4,955 Enquire Book
Oct 28, 2023
(Saturday)
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Oct 29, 2023
(Sunday)
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Oct 30, 2023
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Oct 31, 2023
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Nov 1, 2023
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Nov 2, 2023
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Nov 3, 2023
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Nov 4, 2023
(Saturday)
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