Documentation pack and support: We've got you covered!
When you touch down in New Zealand your detailed documentation pack will be hand-delivered by one of our trusted representatives. You'll find everything you need in one handy place: your personalised itinerary, clear instructions and maps, and reservation details for your accommodation and activities.
24 Hour Assistance: We’re just a free phone call away if you encounter any issues while you're on the road - at any time of day or night. Don’t waste your precious vacation time stressing - First Light Travel are here to help you quickly when every second counts.
What's also included?
| Dedicated Travel Consultant | Detailed Daily Itinerary and Vouchers |
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| Full 24 Hour Support | 50 Page Essential New Zealand Guide |
1
Welcome to Christchurch
‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!
Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. You will be transferred from the airport to your Christchurch hotel. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch, see the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
Some Suggested Activities Options for Christchurch
Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night
2
Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable.
Heading South from Mount Cook, pass through the high country towns of Twizel and Omarama before entering the beautiful Lindis Pass, the pass offers a unique mountain and tussock grassland scenery - Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve was formed in 1976 and was one of the first tussock reserves in New Zealand.
Relax as you take in the spectacular scenery that changes from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge before emerging into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights
3
Majestic Milford Sound Cruise
With camera batteries fully charged, we set out on an unforgettable journey into a World Heritage Site of absolute majesty. The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls and glaciers.
The light at the end of the Homer Tunnel marks the final reaches of this amazing roadway and our arrival at Milford Sound. Following a boat cruise of the sound, you will understand why this place was once described as the '8th natural wonder of the world'. From the spectacular scenes of Milford Sound, you will travel back to Queenstown.
4
Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Today you will continue to Franz Josef by coach. Franz Josef is in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour!
Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:
| Glacier Hot Pools | Glacier Scenic Flight | |
| Walk to Glacier Face | Glacier Heli-hike |
Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights
5
Franz Josef at Leisure
Today is a free day to explore the region around Franz Josef. You are in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour!
Simply relax in the Glacier Hot Pools or if you are feeling adventurous take a Glacier Heli Hike and land on the glacier with an experienced guide to explore the towering peaks and ice formations.
Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:
| Glacier Hot Pools | Glacier Scenic Flight | |
| Walk to Glacier Face | Glacier Heli-hike |
6
Franz Josef - Greymouth - Christchurch
This morning you will travel by coach to Greymouth. Then you will board the Tranzalpine to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night
7
Bon Voyage!
"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!
Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.
Notes
What is an Independent Coach Tour?
Tour Inclusions
- 4.5 Star Accommodation
- Experienced Driver Guides
- Detailed and informative commentary
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach
- 24 Hour Assistance
- Return airport transfers - flight details to be provided 14 days prior to travel
What natalie@firstlighttravel.com says about this tour: I recommend this tour to clients as it is a great way to experience the landscapes of the South Islands alpine, glacier and fiords. The accommodation is a very high standard and with free time in Franz Josef and the amazing Tranz Alpine train journey - this tour is a winner!
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