Day 1   Arrive Christchurch Airport.

Transfer by private car and driver from  Christchurch Airport to your hotel. 

Located in Central Christchurch just minutes from CBD dining, shopping and entertainment, Crowne Plaza Christchurch offers modern accommodation and dining options for the business or leisure traveller. Overlooking historic Victoria Square and the iconic Avon River, you’ll be in the perfect spot to connect with the Christchurch, or meet with colleagues, clients or friends in Market Place Restaurant and Bar, Café 1851 or The Social Cafe & Bar.

 Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Christchurch (2 nights)

Superior Room

Includes: Full Breakfast

 Day 2  Christchurch

Included today is an all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram so you can enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. Knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks and local sights. Your day-long ticket allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you please!   The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour. Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street are just some of sights to be seen from the comfort of your tram, or accessed from the 17 stops en route.

Board at any of the 17 Tram stops and get on and off with your ticket throughout the day.

 Day 3   Christchurch / Greymouth / Franz Joseph

Breakfast at your accommodation.

Transfer from the hotel to the Christchurch Railway Station by private car and driver.

Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth by TranzAlpine – 

Enjoy one of the worlds great train journeys

On arrival, Collect a Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar intermediate automatic from Budget Rent A Car. Includes hire, unlimited kilometres and standard motor vehicle insurance and GST.

Airport Collection/Drop / Interislander Ferry Collection/Drop Fee applies (NZ$51.75 – pay direct). One-way hire applies (NZ$57.50 – pay direct). Late ferry fee will apply for vehicle collection from a ferry location after 1830 hours (NZ$57.50 - pay direct). Please discuss insurance buy-down options with Budget staff at time of collection and pay direct for excess reduction should you choose this option. Rental vehicle hirers will be required to put down a security deposit by credit card issued in their name (minimum NZ$100 + credit card fee). This will not be activated if the vehicle is returned undamaged, on time, to the pre-arranged depot with a full tank of gas.

Travel down the coastline with the Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps rising in the east. Along the coast the attractions include Shantytown, a reconstructed gold mining town (extra cost), the Pounamu (greenstone jade) studios of Hokitika and beautiful Okarito Lagoon, nesting area of the Kotuku White Heron. Continuing south the landscape is dominated by the national park's two largest glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, the only glaciers in the world that descend into lowland rainforest.

The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is situated in the village of Franz Josef on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, making its location just moments from one of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offers quality accommodation in well-presented guest rooms, located in two separate hotel ‘wings’ within Franz Josef village. The hotel is close to all visitor amenities in the village and close to local attractions.

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (2 Nights)

Run of House

Includes Breakfast

Day 4     Franz Joseph

Breakfast at your accommodation.

 Day at leisure – there are guided walks to the glacier (reasonable level of fitness required), scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers with snow landings, walks around the shores of Lake Matheson (known for its near perfect reflections of the mountains) or enjoy a lagoon cruise to see the White Heron Colony at nearby Whataroa.   Alternatively there are boat cruises and kayaking trips on Lake Mapourika, hot pools surrounded by bush to soak in and 4 wheel quad bike trips which drive across stony braided riverbeds then though dense rain forest. Activities available at extra cost.