6. Milford, Mt Cook & Arthur's Pass: 3-Day Tour ex-Queenstown
Embark on one of the best possible itineraries to explore few of the major attractions of New Zealand's South Island in just 3 days, allowing you time to immerse yourself in the serenity of each place. Finish your trip in Christchurch. Day 1: Queenstown - Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Milford Sound - Te Anau/Queenstown Be picked up from your accommodation in Queenstown in a comfortable car and relax on the scenic transfer to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Purchase a ticket to the cave to admire a cave that is lit by thousands of blue bioluminescent glowworms. Venture to the sparkling waters of Milford Sound which is surrounded by lush rainforests, rushing waterfalls, and towering peaks. Have the chance to purchase a cruise to explore this breathtaking area. Return to your accommodation in Te Anau/Queenstown (depending on the activities you undertake) for the night. Day 2: Te Anau/Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook (Hooker Valley Track & Tasman Glacier View Track) - Lake Tekapo Start with pickup from your hotel in the morning and pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake. Admire the highest mountain in the country, Aoraki Mount Cook. Either hike through rugged mountain terrain to soak up the area's wild beauty on the Hooker Valley Track and Tasman Glacier View Track or engage in other activities like a helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions. Visit the renowned 'Church of the Good Shepherd' in Lake Tekapo. Take a brief leisurely walk along the picturesque Lake Tekapo. Check-in to your accommodation in Lake Tekapo. At night, grab the opportunity to engage in stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the biggest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Day 3: Lake Tekapo - Lake Lyndon - Castle Hill - Arthur's Pass Village - Arthur's Pass National Park - Otira Viaduct Lookout - TranzAlpine Train Experience - Christchurch Start another beautiful day with pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Take a break at Lake Lyndon on the way to Castle Hill. Visit Castle Hill and enjoy the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations featured in famous Hollywood movies before arriving at Arthur's Pass Village. Explore Arthur's Pass National Park with a walk along the Devil's Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur's Pass Walking Track. Admire the views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at Arthur's Pass and admire the scenic views, before disembarking at Christchurch Railway Station, where you will be picked up and transferred to your Christchurch hotel. This is a private experience, so there will be stops as needed for food and rest breaks. Our enchanting journey concludes as we bid you farewell at your preferred location in Christchurch. May the memories of these spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty stay with you always.