self drive tours > 8 Day Glacier Country Self Drive Tour

Glacier Country - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1:  Arrive Christchurch Welcome to Christchurch!  On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation.  On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.  You can punt down the picturesque River Avon, visit the Anglican Church in Cathedral Square, visit the city's many museums, art galleries and cafes or maybe even try your luck at the Christchurch Casino! Hotel: Millennium Christchurch - Superior Room B&B: The Charlotte Jane - Luxury Room Boutique: The George Hotel - Premium Executive Room Day 2:  Christchurch, Tranz Alpine Train & Punakaiki This morning you are transferred by private vehicle board the world famous Tranz Alpine Train, which is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world.  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.  You then climb into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.  On arrival in Greymouth you collect your rental vehicle and travel the short distance to Punakaiki, which is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes.  The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay.  When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular. Included for the duration of your rental car is an innovative commentary system.  Imagine driving around New Zealand automatically gaining an in-depth knowledge of the history of the towns and regions you pass through, hearing ancient Maori myths and legends, listening to stories told by the characters that shaped our history, learning of the unique wildlife, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions that you see as you travel.  Packed with over 2,000 audio commentaries, KRUSE® is guaranteed to keep you entertained and informed everywhere you go on your New Zealand self-drive holiday. All: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas - Eco Unit Day 3:  Punakaiki to West Coast Glacier Country Depart today and travel south along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era for the 1800’s, and enjoy views of the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west as you make your way to the Glacier townships of Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers. Hotel: Punga Grove Lodge - Executive Studio (2 nights) B&B: Holly Homestead - Superior Room (2 nights) Boutique: Westwood Lodge - Main House Grand Suite (2 nights) Day 4:  Twin Glacier Flight This morning you will fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier.  Here you can view the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you.  Flight duration is 30 minutes including landings.  Afterwards the day is at your leisure.  Perhaps take a short walk to the terminal of the glacier or travel a short distance to nearby Lake Mapourika where there are kayaks for hire. Day 5:  West Coast to Queenstown Travel further down the West Coast today, alongside braided riverbeds, native forests and roadside waterfalls before climbing up over the Haast Pass and through Mount Aspiring National Park, with its impressive mountains sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Ages.  Then follow the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to the resort city of Queenstown. Hotel: Heritage Hotel Queenstown - Deluxe Room (3 nights) B&B: The Dairy Private Hotel - Premier Room (3 nights) Boutique: Millbrook Resort - Villa Suite Superior (3 nights) Day 6:  Queenstown Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.  Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round. Day 7:  Dart River Jet Safari Today enjoy the true wilderness experience on a journey of discovery, ancient forests, cascading waterfalls and New Zealand wilderness at its best.  Jetboat the full length of the Dart River … and more!  Then journey the back road via Paradise and enjoy an easy walk amidst ancient forests and birdsong – a must for any visitor to New Zealand, a journey to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Awe-inspiring, informative, educational and fun are the words that will describe your day! Day 8:  Depart Queenstown Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Queenstown Airport in time to join your onward flight.  Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This package is also available travelling in reverse.

Package Inclusions 7 nights accommodation of your choice Cooked breakfast included daily Meet & greet at Christchurch airport Transfer by private vehicle from airport to accommodation Transfer by private vehicle from accommodation to train station Tranz Alpine Train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth Transport by your choice of rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance from day 2 KRUSE commentary system for duration of rental vehicle hire Scenic flight over the twin glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef including landing Dart River Jet Wilderness Safari Detailed travel itinerary in both electronic and hard copy format Arrival documents including information on the regions you are visiting Driving directions & maps 24 hour on call assistance during your vacation Optional discounted travel insurance through Comprehensive Travel

Package Prices Valid for travel 01 October 2009 to 30 April 2010 Vehicle Choices   (More Info) Hotel B&B Boutique Intermediate Sedan $2,481 $2,743 $2,839 Full Size Sedan $2,504 $2,766 $2,862 Intermediate 4WD $2,563 $2,825 $2,921 Full Size 4WD $2,742 $3,004 $3,100 Valid for travel 01 May 2010 to 30 September 2010 Vehicle Choices   (More Info) Hotel B&B Boutique Intermediate Sedan $2,144 $2,504 $2,494 Full Size Sedan $2,157 $2,518 $2,508 Intermediate 4WD $2,222 $2,582 $2,572 Full Size 4WD $2,377 $2,737 $2,727 Valid for travel 01 October 2010 to 30 April 2011 Vehicle Choices   (More Info) Hotel B&B Boutique Intermediate Sedan $2,481 $2,798 $2,853 Full Size Sedan $2,504 $2,821 $2,876 Intermediate 4WD $2,563 $2,880 $2,935 Full Size 4WD $2,668 $2,986 $3,041 Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation Single & triple prices available on request B&B properties are not suitable for children   Fully Flexible Holidays! All of our self drive holidays are completely flexible.  Whether you want to mix and match a couple of packages, add some extra nights before, after or during your stay or include some additional attractions or activities, our team of travel specialists are here to assist you.  We're New Zealander's so we have the local knowledge and expertise to tailor a package just for you.  Just let us know when you enquire.

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Tour Details Package Name: Glacier Country Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights From: Christchurch to Queenstown Accommodation Selection: * Hotel Bed & Breakfast Boutique Rental Car Choice: * Intermediate Size Car Full Size Car Intermediate Size 4WDFull Size 4WD Date of Travel: * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Year 2009 20102011 Number of people travelling: * Adults      Children Ages of Children  Is this an Enquiry or Booking? Enquiry Only        I would like to Book Contact Details Title: Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr  First Name: * Last Name: * Email Address: * Re-Confirm Email Address: * Phone Number (inc country code): Nationality: Are you celebrating any special occasions on your holiday? Other Questions Is this your first visit to NZ? Yes   No Do you have any questions about the self drive package or your travel to New Zealand?   How did you hear about Luxury Vacations New Zealand? Official Tourism New Zealand Site (www.newzealand.com) The Best of Golf New Zealand Website Referral by a Friend Google Yahoo Other Search Engine Browsing (Link from Another Website) Subscribe me to the free Luxury Vacations NZ Newsletter! Yes   No  Have you arranged your travel insurance for this trip?   If you haven't have a look at our Travel Insurance page which offers competitive full inbound travel insurance information and quotations.  You can also eaisly purchase your insurance from this page. Is there any other information that you think we should know?      Home | About Us | About NZ | Free Enquiry | News & Events | Specials | Free Newsletter | Travel Insurance | Sitemap Golf | Wine | Honeymoon | Rejuvenation | Fishing | Hikes & Walks | Private Tours | Self Drives | Motorhomes  | Escorted Tours Transport Options | Accommodation | Golf Courses | Wine Regions | Terms & Conditions | Useful Links © Luxury Vacations New Zealand Ltd 2004 1st Floor, 121 Elliot Street, PO Box 39397, Howick, Manukau 2145, Auckland, New Zealand Phone +64 9 537 2325, Fax +64 9 532 8825, Email travel@luxuryvacationsnz.com