4 Day Rainforest Explorer Exclusive Private Tour

Day 1: Christchurch Arrival

Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
You will be met at the airport by one of our friendly guides. Today you could take a Christchurch city tour. Christchurch is known throughout New Zealand as ‘The Garden City’. This city tour could include a visit to ‘The Sign of the Kiwi’, the most panoramic of Christchurch’s viewpoints, a stroll in the botanic gardens and drive around the bays of Christchurch taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first settlers. With your private driver/guide you could also explore Riverside Market, Cashel Mall, The Christchurch Cathedral and Transitional Cathedral or Christchurch's new shopping precinct. This afternoon you will also partake in one of Christchurch's iconic activities- Punting on the Avon River. This evening you will enjoy dinner in one of Christchurch's favourite local establishments.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 4 star option- Rydges Latimer (or similar)

Day 2: Christchurch to Punakaiki via Lewis Pass

Stop At: Punakaiki, Punakaiki, West Coast Region, South Island
386km, 5 hours driving

Today you will depart Christchurch for your journey through the Southern Alps to the South Island’s west Coast via Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort and the stunning beauty of the native beech tree covered Lewis Pass to Punakaiki.You may wish to take a dip in the thermal waters of Hanmer Springs (at additional cost). In Punakaiki you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. You have the option of enjoying a true blue New Zealand pub meal this evening before calling it a night.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4 star option Punakaiki Resort (or Similar)

Day 3: Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier

Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
217 km, 3 hours driving

Driving South down the coast from Punakaiki, you can stop in Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory, where you can view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. Next up check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. Arrive in Franz Josef Glacier early afternoon, where you will spend the next night in the beautiful town surrounded by rainforest. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you will have the option of a flight over or heli-hike on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world to be flanked by rainforest on both sides (optional – extra cost). Tonight you will have the chance to relax and unwind with a soak in the Glacier Hot Pools, each filled with pure water from the Glaciers (optional – extra cost).

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4 star option- Scenic Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch via TranzAlpine Train

Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury Region, South Island
180 km, 2 hours and 15 minutes driving, 5 hour train journey

This morning you drive north, through Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory where you can view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. Next up perhaps check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. From here you pass through Greymouth (named so for the Grey River flowing through the town) where you can perhaps stop for lunch. Here you will board the Tranz Alpine Train for your journey through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass and Christchurch. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. Arrive in Christchurch in the early evening.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Departure Point :

Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Traveler pickup is offeredAirports

• Christchurch Intl Airport, Christchurch New Zealand

Departure Time :

8:30 AM

Return Detail :

Returns to original departure point

Hotel Pickup :

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.