Day 1: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch one of the famous ferries across Cook Strait then cruise down the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. Leaving Picton and Blenheim behind brings an exhilarating train ride on the TranzCoastal, edging down the narrow coastal strip, where the surf the sheer Kaikoura ranges. A brief mountain traverse brings you to the dry North Canterbury sheep country. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 2: Christchurch - Glaciers
Leave the city on the TranzAlpine Express train. Cross the Canterbury plains and into the mountains. Arthur's Pass and the Otira tunnel lead to the West Coast. Then by coach along the narrow coastal strip of forest with spectacular mountain backdrops, takes us south to glacier country for 2 nights stay. Overnight at the Glaciers.

Day 3: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Overnight at the Glaciers.

Day 4: Glaciers - Queenstown
Dense rain forests and the abode of the rare and graceful Kotuku (white heron), contrast with rugged coastal vistas as we plunge deeper into South Westland. The Haast River guides us inland to the gates of Haast and then over the Pass to Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Wanaka, Cromwell and the rugged Kawarau Gorge lead us into Queenstown, for 3 nights stay.

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then across country to Fiordland and the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys.  The Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon prelude a cruise on Milford Sound. Return to Queenstown for tonight's stay.

Day 6: At Queenstown
A full day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort- we have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jet boating on the rivers - white water rafting- helicopters through the river chasms - the list is endless. . . Overnight in Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel through the formidable Kawarau Gorge then past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The plains of the MacKenzie Country lie before us and the Southern Alps to our left as we reach the central lakes and into the Mt Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage Hotel, or perhaps a Ski plane flight over the glaciers. Across Burke Pass to Fairlie, Geraldine and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, where your tour ends at approximately 6.15 pm.