New Zealand South Island 8-Day Glacier Tour (Mandarin)

9:00 AM - Visit Astro Café

After breakfast, take a 15-minute drive to Astro Café, perched atop Mount John. Renowned as one of the best cafés in the world, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and the stunning Lake Tekapo.

12:00 PM - Lunch

Self-catered lunch at your convenience.

1:30 PM - Drive to Mount Cook National Park

Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Mount Cook National Park. En route, stop at Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Farm (30 minutes) to savor or purchase fresh, high-quality salmon.

3:00 PM - Mount Cook National Park Hike

Explore the Kea Point Trail, a picturesque hike featured on the cover of New Zealand's Tourism Board. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mueller Glacier, Mount Cook—New Zealand's tallest peak—and possibly spot icebergs drifting in the glacial lake.

5:30 PM - Dinner at Mount Cook Scenic Restaurant

Relax and enjoy a delightful dinner with stunning alpine views.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch, and restaurant dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Mount Cook region hotel. If fully booked, accommodation will be arranged in a nearby town.

8:00 AM - Drive to Queenstown

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Queenstown, arriving around noon.

12:00 PM - Cromwell Fruit Town (30 minutes)

Stop by Cromwell, renowned for its fresh fruits and delicious fruit-flavored ice creams—perfect for a refreshing break.

2:00 PM - Visit Kawarau Bridge

Experience the birthplace of bungee jumping. Whether you take the plunge or watch others, it's an unforgettable thrill.

3:00 PM - Explore Arrowtown (1 hour)

Discover Arrowtown, a charming town with a rich gold rush history. Stroll through Buckingham Street, home to quaint cafés, restaurants, and unique gift shops. Visit the historic 19th-century Chinese settlement and relive scenes from "The Lord of the Rings."

5:30 PM - Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy a delightful dinner with breathtaking views over Queenstown.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch, and gondola restaurant dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Queenstown hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Queenstown with various activity options (tickets not included):

• Sunrise Balloon Flight (3-4 hours) - Witness breathtaking sunrise views from above.
• TSS Earnslaw Steamship & Walter Peak Farm - Cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a farm tour or lunch at Colonel’s Homestead.
• Nzone Skydive or G-Force Paragliding - Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush.
• Shotover Jet - Enjoy a high-speed jet boat ride through narrow canyons.
• Milford Sound Day Tour - Discover Fiordland National Park and embark on a stunning 2-hour scenic cruise.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch and dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Queenstown hotel.

Spend the day exploring Queenstown at your leisure. Here are some recommended restaurants:

• Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant - Known for its flavorful lamb and chicken curry.
• Fergburger - Famous for its oversized, mouth-watering burgers.
• Boardwalk Seafood - Enjoy delicious seafood with great views, a favorite spot for notable guests like former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch, and dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Queenstown hotel.

8:00 AM - Drive to Lake Wanaka

After breakfast, drive for 1 hour to reach Lake Wanaka, where you can visit the iconic Lone Tree, one of New Zealand's most photographed trees.

2:00 PM - Arrive at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Explore two of the world's closest glaciers to the coast, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Visit the nearby Lake Matheson for a perfect photo opportunity with stunning reflections of Mount Cook.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch and dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Glacier region hotel.

Morning - Helicopter Glacier Tour (20 minutes)

Take a thrilling helicopter ride for a 20-minute tour over the glaciers. Land and enjoy a close-up experience walking on the glacier, marveling at the stunning landscape.

11:00 AM - Lunch

Self-catered lunch at your convenience.

1:30 PM - Visit Shantytown

Explore Shantytown, a gold rush heritage site where you can immerse yourself in New Zealand's colonial history and learn about the country's past during the gold rush era.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch and dinner.

Accommodation:

Stay at a Greymouth hotel.

8:00 AM - Drive to Christchurch

After breakfast, drive for 3.5 hours to reach Christchurch.

11:30 AM - Lunch

Self-catered lunch at your convenience.

1:00 PM - Visit Avon River

Stroll along Avon River, a picturesque waterway running through the city. Afterward, visit the iconic Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of Christchurch's resilience post-earthquake.

2:00 PM - Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Discover the rich Victorian history of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a beautiful and peaceful spot to unwind before concluding your tour.

Meals:

Hotel breakfast, self-catered lunch and dinner.

Accommodation:

Self-arranged accommodation.