7 Day New Zealand itinerary Queenstown & Glaciers.

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Queenstown and the glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox, are "must see" attractions on any New Zealand itinerary.

Your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Queenstown , known as the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand.
Queenstown picture

Located in a stunning position on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and flanked by towering peaks, Queenstown offers breath taking scenery, and a multitude of things to do.

The twin glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox, are located on the rugged west coast. They offer great photo opportunities, and are best seen up close on a hike or heli flight.

Day 1.

Today you arrive in Queenstown. The flight in is a highlight, as you swing low over the Southern Alps.

Check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 2.

Today you are free to explore Queenstown and surrounds. Queenstown picture

There is so much to see and do in Queenstown. Bungy, parasailing, paragliding, take the cable car up to Bob's Peak for amazing views, take a trip on the historic steam ship the TSS Earnslaw, or perhaps take a jetboat ride. And of course Queenstown is also home to two world class ski fields, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.

But there is one thing that you must do while in Queenstown. Milford Sound , described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is located 4.5 hours drive from Queenstown. Full day bus/cruise/bus tours are available, and if you have the time, do yourself a favour, and book a tour. It's difficult to find the words to describe Milford Sound. You just need to experience it yourself.

Day 3.

Today you travel to Wanaka. Wanaka in winter picture

We recommend using the Crown Range road, as it is shorter than the alternate route through Cromwell, and offers great photo opportunities. The trip over the Crown Range takes around 1 hour. The other advantage of taking the Crown Range road, is that it takes you through the small hamlet of Cardrona, home to the historic Cardrona Hotel. We can vouch for the quality of the food and wine, and the hotel has a lovely, grassy, outdoor eating area, perfect for lunch on a sunny day.

Wanaka picture

Wanaka is a beautiful town, located on the shores of Lake Wanaka (see the picture above). Home to the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields, Wanaka offers the perfect base for your alpine adventures and will be one of your favourite spots on this New Zealand itinerary.

But there is much more to see and do in Wanaka. Fly fishing, a visit to the quirky Puzzling World, a game of golf, or just relax at your accommodation and take in the views and pure alpine air.

Day 4.

This afternoon your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Franz Josef village picture Franz Josef Glacier (around 3.5 hours drive). The drive offers many photo opportunities as you pass vast lakes, towering peaks, and large glacier fed rivers.

We recommend staying in Franz Josef village (pictured above) rather than Fox village, as Franz Josef has more accommodation and dining options.

Franz Josef Glacier is 12 Franz Josef picture kilometres in length, and is located in The Westland National Park on New Zealand's wild West Coast . The glacier terminates about 19 kilometres from the coast, and the area surronding it is a World Heritage Site.

The recommended way to see Franz Josef is by helicopter, landing on the glacier. Flights are popular and very much dependant on the weather, and it is strongly recommended that you book your flights on Day 4, for a Day 5 departure.

Day 5.

Today on your New Zealand itinerary you are free to explore Franz Josef glacier. As mentioned, a heliflight and landing are the best way to see the glacier, but other alternatives are a guided walk on the glacier, or walk yourself from the glacier car park to the face of the glacier (around 45 minutes each way).

Day 6.

Today you drive from Franz Josef to Christchurch (around 5.5 hours drive) through Hokitika and then the rugged Arthur's Pass. Arthurs Pass photo Photo opportunities abound as you cross Arthur's Pass (pictured left).

Hokitika is renowned for its jade, and if time permits, stop off at one of the jade shops in town.

A highly recommended alternative to driving through Arthur's Pass, is to drop your hire car off at Greymouth, and take the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch. The trip is regarded as one of the great train journeys of the world, and travels through the rugged Southern Alps. The trip from the west to east coast takes around 4.5 hours, and takes you over rugged rivers, across gorges, through dense forest, and finally across the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains, as you near Christchurch. Tranzalpine picture

On your trip you will pass through 19 tunnels and over 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase, at 73 metres. A dedicated viewing carriage provides the perfect platform for an endless supply of wonderful photo opportunities.

The trip is the perfect relaxing way to finish off your New Zealand itinerary.

Arrive in Christchurch and check into your accommodation.

Day 7.

Fly home.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end. We hope that you have found this New Zealand itinerary helpful

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Your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the Queenstown and West Coast regions. To learn more about these regions click here.

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