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7 Day Glaciers, Lakes & Alps NZ Tour

7 Day Fly & Tour Holiday discovering New Zealand's South Island, from glaciers and lakes to vineyards and towns set under the spectacular Southern Alps.

  • Return Flights Included
  • Bonus Savings | $1000
  • Travel in Mar 25 - Apr 25

Book By 30 September 2024

Select Dates Mar 2025 - Apr 2025

Product Code: MT-1722

7 Day Glaciers, Lakes & Alps NZ Tour

7 Day Fly & Tour Holiday discovering New Zealand's South Island, from glaciers and lakes to vineyards and towns set under the spectacular Southern Alps.

  • Return Flights Included
  • Bonus Savings | $1000
  • Travel in Mar 25 - Apr 25

Package Inclusions Open All

Return flights to Christchurch, returning from Queenstown, New Zealand

Discover the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this breathtaking journey through the stunning Southern Alps. Venture through the majestic Arthurs Pass, where stunning landscapes await at every turn, and take in the awe-inspiring sights of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Behold the magnificent Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki, Mt Cook are laid out before you. Wander through some of Otago’s most charming historic townships and taste the unique flavours of the wine region experiencing world-famous pinot noir, before arriving in Queenstown, the jewel in the crown, nestled on the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu, to a backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range. This tour delivers a stunning scenic adventure, filled with natural beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.

Tour Inclusions

  • Flights to Christchurch, returning from Queenstown
  • 6 Nights in hand-selected 3.5/4 star accommodation
  • Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
  • Expert Tour Leader from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Guided sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
  • Deluxe coach transportation with modern amenities onboard
  • Max group size of 32 passengers for ample space on the coach

Tour Highlights & Exclusive Experiences

  • Embark on a breathtaking journey through the majestic Arthurs Pass
  • Overnight stay in Franz Josef, home to lush rainforests and Franz Josef Glacier
  • Stroll around Lake Matheson for spectacular views of Fox Glacier and Mt Cook
  • Savour the unique flavours of Central Otago, home to world-famous pinot noir
  • Wander through the charming tree-lined streets of the historic Arrowtown
  • Admire the picturesque town of Wanaka and the remarkable Wanaka Tree
  • Stay two nights in the heart of Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

Itinerary Map
Itinerary Map

Open All

 
Arrive Christchurch

Haere Mai (Welcome) to New Zealand!

Experience the warm embrace of New Zealand hospitality as you arrive in Christchurch, a colourful city renowned for its green spaces, shopping districts and culinary delights. Take time to explore the city’s charms before settling into your group hotel where check-in commences from 3:00pm.

Note: Christchurch Airport transfers are not included. Taxis/shuttles are readily available upon exiting the arrivals halls and takes only 20mins to reach the city centre at an average cost of $40 NZD per vehicle.

Meals: None

 
Christchurch - Hokitika - Franz Josef

Today, you’ll embark on a journey across the vast Canterbury Plains, winding along rivers fed by ice and crossing through the majestic Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass. Keep a lookout for the playful Kea, an alpine parrot known for its sandwich-stealing antics.

Stop in the beautiful beachside town of Hokitika, renowned for its pounamu (greenstone) and rich gold mining history. Continue to the charming village of Franz Josef, nestled near the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Take advantage of this evening’s leisure time to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the surrounding natural beauty, to unwind and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Franz Josef - Wanaka - Cromwell

This morning, journey south along the coast and make a captivating stop at Fox Glacier to explore the stunning Lake Matheson. This serene lake, nestled amidst ancient forest, offers mesmerising reflections of New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Indulge in the awe-inspiring journey through Haast Pass, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Revel in the sights of verdant native forests on one side and the untamed Tasman Sea on the other, creating a truly breathtaking experience.

Nestled amidst the stunning Southern Alps, arrive at the enchanting town of Wanaka. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming surroundings including its iconic lake, adorned with the famous ‘Wanaka Tree’.

This evening you will arrive at Cromwell. Once a hub for gold miners, it now thrives as the heart of New Zealand’s stone fruit industry. Get ready to savour the charms of Cromwell during your two-night stay, discovering its rich history and delectable local produce.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Central Otago Wine Region

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating Central Otago region, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage—a destination that embodies the warmth of Kiwi hospitality. Your adventure begins with breathtaking views from the Clyde Dam lookout, followed by a visit to Omakau, a quaint former gold mining settlement teeming with historic charm and friendly locals.

As you venture further to Lauder, immerse yourself in the authentic rural lifestyle amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. Explore the fascinating history of St Bathans, formerly known as Dunstan Creek, before delving into the expansive goldfields of Naseby.

Indulge in a delectable lunch at the Chatto Creek Tavern, nestled in the charming town of Ophir. Overflowing with character and serving mouthwatering cuisine, this country pub epitomizes the renowned southern hospitality.

Afterwards, soak up the ambiance of the Clyde heritage precinct, admiring its original stone buildings and embracing the town’s rich gold mining legacy before returning to Cromwell.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Cromwell - Arrowtown - Queenstown

Bid farewell to Cromwell and set your sights on the charming town of Arrowtown.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and enriched by its intriguing past rooted in the gold mining era, Arrowtown invites you to explore its charming streets lined with cozy cafes and charming shops—a wonderful opportunity to savour lunch (at your own expense) or simply wander and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Continue your voyage along the shores of Lake Wakatipu until you reach the picturesque alpine paradise of Queenstown. After settling into your accommodation, take the afternoon to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Queenstown or opt to join one of the optional sightseeing experiences offered by your Tour Leader in New Zealand. A popular choice among travellers is an evening cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship, which gracefully glides across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can watch farm activities and enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Queenstown or Milford Sound Optional

Queenstown boasts a plethora of experiences, from indulgent food and wine tastings to thrilling outdoor adventures such as jet boating, bungy jumping and gondola rides. With ample leisure time today, it’s the ideal destination to tailor your day to suit your desires. Take an optional Full Day Tour to the magnificent Milford Sound, or you can opt to explore the region independently at your own pace.

Optional Sightseeing: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise with Lunch from $299 AUD
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound on this full-day tour. Starting at 6:30 AM, travel by coach through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Once you arrive, embark on a scenic cruise through what is often called the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch onboard as you glide past towering rock faces, watch for local wildlife, and marvel at the thundering waterfalls. The tour concludes as you return to Queenstown by approximately 8:00 PM, having created unforgettable memories.

Meals: Breakfast

 
Depart Queenstown

Enjoy breakfast before bidding a fond farewell to your Tour Leader and fellow travel companions. Your arrangements will conclude upon checkout at 10am.

Note: Airport transfers are not included. The hotel can assist with arranging a taxi or shuttle to meet your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on tours starting:

  • 6 March 2025
  • 27 March 2025

Extra charges apply for:

  • 17 April 2025 ($100pp)

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

  • Brisbane ($100pp)
  • Adelaide ($300pp)
  • Perth ($700pp)

Day 6 – Milford Sound Coach & Cruise with Lunch from $299 AUD
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound on this full-day tour. Starting at 6:30 AM, travel by coach through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Once you arrive, embark on a scenic cruise through what is often called the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch onboard as you glide past towering rock faces, watch for local wildlife, and marvel at the thundering waterfalls. The tour concludes as you return to Queenstown by approximately 8:00 PM, having created unforgettable memories.

All other Optional Sightseeing will be payable directly to your Tour Leader in New Zealand. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is complete or enjoy the free time.

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $900 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.

Itinerary

Our multi-stop tours in New Zealand are meticulously planned to highlight the awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural diversity of each region. Each day presents a varied schedule, featuring scenic coach journeys necessary for reaching certain destinations. This tour provides a perfect balance of guided sightseeing and leisure time, allowing you to fully engage with the magnificent scenery and vibrant local culture.

Pace

The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several regions in New Zealand and involves some early starts and some long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the day by day travels on the premium coach.

Fitness

A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain.

Transfers

Airport transfers are NOT included.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach.

Christchurch: 4* Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar
Franz Josef: 4* Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar
Cromwell 3.5* Cromwell Harvest Hotel or similar
Queenstown 4* Peppers Beacon Hotel or similar

The accommodation mentioned above is subject to change. Please refer to your confirmed Hotel List provided to you at the time of Final Documentation sent no later than two weeks prior to departure. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking.

Important Information 

Exclusions

Meals not stated, drinks on meals, airport transfers, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), visas (if required), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Fitness

A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the
required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

Pace

The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several regions in New Zealand and involves some early starts and some long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the day by day travels on the premium coach. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional sightseeing (at your own expense).

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $900 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation

Pre-tour accommodation in Christchurch with breakfast in the same tour hotel, can be added for one or two persons subject to availability. The bed and breakfast rates are below:

  • Travel from 01 Oct 2024 to 31 Oct 2024 – Rate is $350 per room per night
  • Travel from 01 Nov 2024 to 30 Nov 2024 – Rate is $450 per room per night
  • Travel from 01 Dec 2024 to 30 Apr 2025 – Rate is $350 per room per night

Due to availability , no post tour accommodation is available. You may wish to extend and book your own accommodation in Queensland – subject to additional flight costs/deviation fees.

Child

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 8 years of age. Children 8 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Amendment

Each amendment is subject to a fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Cancellation

Cancellation is subject to a fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from thirdparty suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Deviation

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Passport

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa

A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting New Zealand for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Health

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Transfers

Airport transfers are not included.

Meals

Breakfast is offered by the accommodation and is typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation

Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the hotel. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am.

Tipping

Tipping in New Zealand is not mandatory however it is recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided by your Tour Leader/local guides.

Flights

Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.

Fuel

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Group Size

You will meet like-minded travelers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of 12 passengers and a maximum group size of 32 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit. The operation of optional programs is subject to a minimum group size. If the minimum number for optional programs is not reached, you will be refunded.

Optional Sightseeing

Day 6 – Milford Sound Coach & Cruise with Lunch from $299 AUD
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound on this full-day tour. Starting at 6:30 AM, travel by coach through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Once you arrive, embark on a scenic cruise through what is often called the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch onboard as you glide past towering rock faces, watch for local wildlife, and marvel at the thundering waterfalls. The tour concludes as you return to Queenstown by approximately 8:00 PM, having created unforgettable memories.

All other Optional Sightseeing will be payable directly to your Tour Leader in New Zealand. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is complete or enjoy the free time.

Itinerary

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed no later than two weeks prior to departure.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great
coverage options.

Force Majeure

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.

Product Code: MT-1722

From $3,499 *pp
Valued at $3999
Book By 30 September 2024

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Your Enquiry.

7 Day Glaciers, Lakes & Alps NZ Tour


Enquiry Details.

Days 7

Adults 2

Children 0

Departure Point Sydney

Preferred Departure Date 06-03-2025


From $0.00

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