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Glaciology and geology: South Island, New Zealand

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+44 (0)203 3089 917

8 November 2024 - 8 days for £3,250

Discover the science of the mesmerizing peaks of Milford Sound, the unique Punakaiki geology, the beautiful twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and the picturesque southern cities. Simply put, South Island will take your breath away.

New Zealands South Island is renowned for beautiful landscapes made up of stunning mountain peaks, scenic lakes and stunning glaciers. Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years ago the landscape of New Zealand’s South Island is one where waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords; where ancient rainforest clings to mountains and where shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did a thousand years ago. 

Set sail and explore the stunning fjords including Milford Sound, an area which scientists and conservationists continue to see as something of a natural wonder. Discover the beautiful twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, both of which descend from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest. Explore the scenic cities of Queenstown and Christchurch. All whilst studying and exploring the significant geological and volcanolgical impact on an impressive scale.

Enjoy the welcoming hospitality of this unique country by luxury coach, boat and train. In addition, we have built-in lots of flexibility with time at leisure and optional experiences, so you decide the pace. 

For anyone looking to extend their time in New Zealand, and explore the north island, please consider our Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: North Island, New Zealand tour, which connects with this south island tour itinerary, it operates before this tour departure. 

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.


DAY 1: QUEENSTOWN, FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK AND TE ANAU

After flying into Queenstown, you will take a 2-hour drive towards Fiordland National Park and Te Anau, an ideal base from which to explore Milford Sound tomorrow. Lake Te Anau is the islands largest lake and an ideal place to experience the friendliness of small-town New Zealand. 

You will check into the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, close to the beautiful lake. In the evening meet John and your tour leader who will brief you on the South Island leg of this tour followed by dinner together in Jimmy Cooks Kiwi Kitchen.

DAY 2: MILFORD SOUND

After breakfast, you will take an extremely scenic 2-hour drive to Milford Sound. Climbing through the Southern Alps, you will enjoy the stunning views over Fiordland National Park, with its ancient rainforests, deep lakes, lively waterfalls and granite mountains.

Once at Milford Sound, you will take a cruise through the fjords carved by glaciers over millions of years and marvel at the wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, hours from the nearest town, Milford Sound is where plunging cliffs and raging waterfalls meet inky dark waters. This is New Zealand's wild side at its absolute best. Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. It is also known as one of the wettest places in the world, so remember your waterproof coat.

In the late afternoon, you will set off for the drive back to Queenstown, where you will check into the Heartland Hotel for two nights.

DAY 3: EXPLORE QUEENSTOWN

Today is a free day in Queenstown but we can arrange a number of different optional activities for you to explore this exhilarating town set next to Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic Southern Alps.

You can take a cruise on the steamboat TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here you can take the steepest gondola in the southern hemisphere, to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy a fantastic view over the surrounding mountains (approximately NZ$108).

Or you can travel up the Skippers Canyon, rich in gold mining history with a trail that was carved out of sheer rock over 120 years ago. Then a jet boat tour, where you can see historic gold mining relics and locations use in filming Lord of the Rings (approximately NZ$178).

DAY 4: HAAST RIVER AND LAKE MATHESON

After a morning driving north along the coasts of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hawea, you will reach the Haast River where you will travel from the ocean to the alps within a UNESCO World Heritage Area aboard a jet boat. The boats are designed to be able to operate in shallow water propelled by a jet of water rather than a propellor. The journey will take you up a remote backcountry river, where you can marvel at the stunning glacial landscape whilst local guides share with you the natural history of the area.

In the afternoon, you will journey on to Lake Matheson Motel and check-in for two nights. From here it’s an hour’s easy walk to the small glacial lake, famous as one of the most photographed in New Zealand due to the calm waters which carry a crystal-clear reflection of Mount Cook and Tasman. There is a café and if you wish to walk further around the lake, it should only take 90 minutes. 

DAY 5: FOX AND FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Of the 3,100 glaciers in New Zealand, most are in difficult to reach regions at high altitudes. Today, you will journey up the coast and visit two unique low altitude examples with experienced local guides.

Fox Glacier, named after a former prime minister, is 12km long, descending from the Southern Alps into the temperate rainforest just 300m above sea level. It’s low location and relative proximity to the sea make it highly unusual. It was first surveyed by geologists in 1865 and has drawn scientists to it ever since. As an optional extra, you can survey the grandeur of the glacier by helicopter (approximately NZ$274).

Just 25 minutes north is the Franz Josef Glacier, the fourth largest in the country. It’s over 10km long and descends from 3000m to just 240. As it has a steeper incline than Fox you will have a better chance of seeing more dramatic formations such as crevices, ice caves and blue ice.

On return to the hotel, you will enjoy a group dinner.

DAY 6: PUNAKAIKI AND THE PANCAKE ROCKS

After breakfast, you will follow the coastline north again to visit Punakaiki set within the Paparoa National Park. Here you will find a luxuriant coastal forest, unusually formed limestone karst cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves and a stunning coastline. The highlight is the limestone Pancake Rocks where columns of seawater shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant layers of pancakes. In many places, erosion deep inside the cliffs, from above and the sea, has created blowholes that hiss, heave and thump to the sound of the high tide forcing compressed air and water through them at great force. The base limestone was formed 25 to 35 million years ago and it has taken millions of years for these features to present themselves.

In the evening you will check into the Punakaiki Resort.

DAY 7: SCENIC TRAIN TO CHRISTCHURCH

After breakfast, you will take one of the world’s great train journeys, travelling on the TranzAlpine train coast to coast across the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Enjoy all this in the comfort of our carriages featuring huge panoramic windows and GPS triggered at-seat audio commentary. 223 kms over 5 very relaxing hours.

Upon arrival at Christchurch Station, you will go on a walking tour, exploring the regeneration following 2010 earthquake. 

After the walk, you will check into the Heartland Hotel Cotswold for your final night and enjoy a farewell meal with John and your fellow guests.

DAY 8: CHRISTCHURCH DEPARTURE

Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. At the relevant time you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight.


If you would like to extend your time in New Zealand and visit the North Island, we suggest our Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: The science of the North Island, New Zealand tour.


Please note: With all tours as exciting as this, we can be at the mercy of prevailing conditions, particularly the weather. So a degree of flexibility and an open-minded attitude are helpful. Should we make any changes, we will ensure you have an equally engaging and insightful experience.

Let's chat. Contact an expert to book your Discovery Tour

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Let's chat. Contact an expert to book your Discovery Tour

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Highlights

  • Set sail and explore the stunning fjords including the picture-perfect Milford Sound.
  • Explore the scenic cities of Queenstown and Christchurch, both surrounded by giant mountain range vistas.
  • Enjoy an exhilarating experience, Jet boating on the Haarst river.
  • Discover the science of how these two amazing glaciers: Fox and Franz Josef, were formed.
  • Accompanied by science expert who will offer insight into the regions geology and volcanology.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Briefings and walking seminars from science expert
  • Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
  • Full touring itinerary including coaches, trains and boats
  • Evening meals and lunch as indicated
  • Entry to all sites and attractions
  • Services of tour leader throughout the tour
  • 24-hour support

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights.
  • Single supplement £445. If you are a solo traveler and don't mind sharing with another solo traveler of the same gender, we can try and arrange this for you
  • Optional extra excursions (approximate prices are given and you will be able to decide during the tour which of these you undertake).

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

Whilst there will be times of mild-exertion during this expedition there will also be plenty of time to relax in the quality accommodation we have chosen and onboard the luxury tour coaches.

As you can tell from the itinerary, you need to be comfortable walking a few miles every day on uneven surfaces, loose underfoot and some inclines. We have made some of the activities optional, which allows you to set the pace of the tour by deciding how much of it you participate in.

Whilst this is not a hiking expedition, because of the location and nature of some the phenomena visited, we strongly recommend good walking shoes. Along with sunscreen, sun hat, a light rain jacket and warm layers. Temperatures can change quickly. Bring a waterbottle, as some of the areas visited are quite remote and a torch for the underground adventures. Plus, a swimming costume if you would like to soak in a geothermal pool (we highly recommend it).

Accommodation

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

A four-star hotel a few minutes walk from Lake Te Anau and an excellent base from which to explore the beauty of Fiordland. There are two restaurants and wifi is free throughout the hotel.

Lake Matheson Motel, Fox Glacier

An understated 4-star low-rise motel owned by same family since it was built in 1988, who are very proud to deliver the basics brilliantly. The motel is just 400m from the main street of the town and a 10-minute drive from the lake and glacier.

Punakaiki Resort 

Just 2-minutes walk to the beach and 3-minutes to the Pancake Rocks, this delightful ocean facing low-rise 4-star resort is built for comfort but next to some amazing phenomena.

Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch

An architecturally Tudor-style hotel reflecting Christchurch’s images as the most English of cities outside England. In a quite location but less than a mile walk to the heart of the city.