Queenstown to Fox Glacier

See the majestic Southern Alps, picturesque lakes and rivers and the wild beauty of the West Coast on this full-day sightseeing bus tour from Queenstown to Fox Glacier.

Step aboard your luxury sightseeing tour coach and begin your journey with breathtaking scenery of high mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Along the way your driver guide will provide commentary on this unique region. Pass man-made Lake Dunstan outside Cromwell, beautiful Lake Wanaka and its neighbouring Lake Hawea, and take a morning tea break at Makarora, a small settlement at the foot of Mount Shrimpton, where the Otago and West Coast regions meet.

Entering Mount Aspiring National Park, we follow the historic route used by Māori as they travelled across the Southern Alps in search of pounamu (greenstone). Journey through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass between the South Island’s two coasts, enjoying views of native beech forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers.

Arriving on the West Coast, we enter an awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops. As we wind our way along the rocky coastline, the formidable peaks, moody blue rivers and the powerful surf create the perfect escape. Here you will discover an isolated and tranquil part of New Zealand.

Your one-way tour concludes as we reach the small village of Fox Glacier, set against the lush green rainforest and your base for exploration of this fascinating natural phenomenon. The Fox Glacier is a moving river of ice approximately 13 kilometres (8.1 miles) long, enclosed by sheer rock walls and soaring mountain peaks. You can speak to your driver for details about guided tours of the glacier.

For onward travel further up the West Coast to Greymouth and beyond see intercity.co.nz for daily bus connections. InterCity’s daily bus services provide connections linking with the TranzAlpine train service to Christchurch and also further north to Nelson and Picton.