Glacier & Sounds of Silence
Highlights
Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, relax, soak up the scenery and admire the view. Cruise the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, take in the snow- covered mountains and lakes of Queenstown and Wanaka, and admire the rugged icy formations of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Some of the highlights included are:
- Explore the tranquil river and pretty gardens of delightful Christchurch
- Gaze in wonder at the frozen face of the Franz Josef Glacier
- Savour world-class wines and learn about wine making in Queenstown
- Admire New Zealand’s untouched beauty as you cruise Doubtful Sound
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What's included
- International flights
- 11 nights 4–4.5* hotels
- 12 days car hire
- Glacier Hot Pools visit (private pool)
- Glacier Valley walk
- Wine tour in Queenstown
- 1 night cruise in Doubtful Sound
- Wanaka Highlights Safari
Need to know
- Arrives: Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Time difference: GMT+13
- Visa requirements: British passport holders do not require a visa
- Language: English and Maori
- Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Flying time from UK: around 27 hours
- Plug type: 3-prong flat blade plug
- Voltage: 240 volts/50 cycles
Your route
Itinerary
Fly from UK to
Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, traversed by the pretty River Avon and dotted with parks and gardens. Glide past the delightful Botanic Gardens as you go punting on the river, a relaxed and tranquil experience. Nearby, the Canterbury Museum offers a fascinating insight into Maori culture and is also filled with numerous artefacts showcasing Christchurch’s history, heritage and art. To learn more, head to the International Antarctic Centre, where you can ride on a hagglund (an amphibious, all-terrain vehicle), experience a mock up Antarctic storm and meet the little blue penguins.
4.5* Peppers Clearwater Resort

Franz Josef
See the icy beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier up close on a walk through the verdant glacier valley, right up to the jagged formations of its terminal face. Follow the Waiho River and learn about the Maori myths and legends surrounding the glacier’s formation. With some great views and a relaxed pace, this is a fine way to experience this natural wonder. After your walk, it’s time to relax in the glacier hot pools, found among the ferns and trees of the rainforest. Here you’ll have your own private pool to refresh and rejuvenate.
4* Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Includes a Glacier Valley walk; a bathing experience in a private pool at the Glacier Hot Pools

Queenstown
Taste and sightsee around beautiful Queenstown, sampling the finest wines and admiring the beauty of the vineyards - you can even tour a wine cave. Queenstown’s fabulous location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with a snow covered mountain backdrop, is perfect for scenery gazing. Take the Skyline Gondola up above the town for fine views in all directions, then follow the walking or hiking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the downhill luge tracks too.
4* Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Includes a half-day Original Wine Tour

Te Anau
Lakeside Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the beautiful Milford Sound. Here, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, which are accessed by boat, are a must-see. Gaze upwards to see the cave lit by the eerie light of thousands of glow worms, like green stars above you. There are plenty of walks and hikes to choose from in the area too, of varying length and difficulty. Take a scenic flight, hop in a jet boat, go fishing, kayaking or even diving in this natural wonderland.
4* Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Doubtful Sound
Take a magical overnight cruise through the beauty and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound. Learn about the nature and wildlife you encounter, including fur seals, penguins and, if you are lucky, the resident pod of dolphins. The ship will moor in a sheltered cove where you can decide to explore in more detail by kayak, on the tender boat or just chill out on deck. For the brave you can even go for a refreshing swim, although remember that the water temperature rarely goes above 10 degrees centigrade.
1 night aboard a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise

Te Anau
Return to Te Anau for another night before continuing your Journey. Perhaps visit the popular Redcliff Café for a meal in the large outdoor patio, watching the sun setting behind the mountains.
4* Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Wanaka
Immerse yourself in the panoramic scenery of Wanaka, including the snowy peaks and icy glaciers that surround beautifully blue Lake Wanaka, and various scenic Lord of the Rings filming locations. If you ever tire of the views, head down to the fascinating Puzzling World and become part of the optical illusions yourself, or even try out the super -quirky Cinema Paradiso, where you can catch the latest blockbuster while sipping hot chocolate and sitting on a comfy sofa or in an old Morris Minor.
4* Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort Wanaka
Includes a Wanaka Highlights Safari tour

Christchurch
Drive back up the scenic route to Christchurch, where you’ll have one final night to look back on your New Zealand adventure.
4.5* Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort
