MONDAY, 13 MAY 2009 : QUEENSTOWN – FOX GLACIER

This morning you will be collected from your hotel by private coach for your journey to Fox Glacier.

From Queenstown travel through the Kawarau River Gorge to Cromwell then alongside Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River to the resort town of Wanaka.

Wanaka with a population of 1130 is located 70km north of Queenstown on the other side of the Crown Range, Wanaka with some of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery surrounds three commercial ski areas. Wanaka offers many adventurous diversions on the glacier-lake and the view of the Alps across the gleaming waters is unparalleled.

From Wanaka the journey heads alongside Lake Hawea then through Mount Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass to the West Coast and Westland National Park before arriving at Fox Glacier.

The two great rivers of ice of Franz and Fox Glaciers are accessible to visitors and are unique in the world in that no other temperate region do glaciers descend to so low an altitude - about 250 metres above sea level.

On arrival at Fox Glacier your coach will drop you at your hotel for check in.

Accommodation: SCENIC CIRCLE GLACIER COUNTRY HOTEL, FOX GLACIER

TUESDAY, 14 MAY 2009: FOX GLACIER

Optional & Extra: Full Day Fox Glacier Walk.
After accessing the glacier via our secret track, your guide will branch off the half-day route, cutting fresh tracks to reach the towering ice pinnacles. There's always something new to discover in the ever-changing world of ice

Accommodation: SCENIC CIRCLE GLACIER COUNTRY HOTEL, FOX GLACIER

WED, 15 MAY 2009: FOX GLACIER – CHRISTCHURCH

.From Fox Glacier travel through the forested Westand National Park and along the coast to Hokitika where there is an opportunity to see beautiful native Greenstone jewellery and artefacts.

Leave Hokitika and travel north to Greymouth. At the mouth of the Grey River, Greymouth is the principal transport and communication centre for the West Coast. Founded by gold miners, coal mining, farming and tourism are now the major industries in the area. Activities include local walks, cave and white water rafting, Hector Dolphin viewing, gold panning, jade craft, horse trekking and fishing.

This afternoon depart Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Train and journey over the majestic Southern Alps, through narrow gorges and over steep ravines to Arthur’s Pass. From Arthur’s Pass descend to the “patchwork quilt like” Canterbury Plains and travel through intensive farmlands to Christchurch.

On arrival Christchurch you will be picked up from the Railway Station and transferred by private coach to the hotel.

Accommodation: COPTHORNE CENTRAL HOTEL, CHRISTCHURCH

THURSDAY, 16 MAY 2009: DEPART  CHRISTCHURCH

Transfer by private coach from your hotel to Christchurch airport for your flight home

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