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Cross the alluvial Canterbury Plains toward the Southern Alps and enjoy the magnificent scenery. You have the option of travelling on the Tranz Alpine to Arthurs Pass (extra cost), a magnificent rail journey with open air viewing carriages providing great photo opportunities. Visit Hokitika and the Glass Blower and Greenstone Factory, before arriving at Franz Josef to visit the Alpine Adventure Centre for a screening of the short film, "Flowing West", a 20min armchair journey through the glacier country shown on the giant Helimax screen. Continue on to Fox and your hotel. You have the opporunity to take a heli-flight or walk to the terminal face of the Fox Glacier (both must be pre-booked). Enjoy dinner tonight at the Cook Saddle Restaurant.
Accommodation |  | | Heartland Hotel Glacier Country – 3.5 Star Rating Situated in the heart of Glacier country at Fox Glacier, it forms the centrepiece of this tiny mountain village. Comfortable en-suite bedrooms with Sky TV, refrigerator, tea and coffee facilities and the country style Sir William Fox Restaurant and Bar area. Whilst this hotel is not as luxurious as all other hotels on the tour, it is comfortable and meets our accommodation standards. |
MealsFull, hot breakfast included. Dinner included (Specialty dinner at Cook Saddle Restaurant)
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Included Activities |
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 | 1: Glass Blower
This studio hosts some of the finest hand-crafted glassware in the world. | | |  | 2: Greenstone Factory
Hokitika is the jade and greenstone capital of New Zealand. At the Greenstone Factory you will find artisans carving jade into carvings of traditional New Zealand or modern designs. A great place to purchase souvenirs and an interesting experience for all ages. | | |  | 3: Cook Saddle Restaurant
Enjoy traditional food, country hospitality and local wines at this country style establishment. | | | Optional Activities |
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 | 4: Fox Glacier Trail Walk
This is an informative and leisurely trip to the dynamic face of the glacier. This trip is for people with limited time or for those who would find the walks onto the glacier too strenuous. Although you will not walk on the glacier your guide will take you to the final resting place of the ice that has travelled 13 kilometres from the base of the Southern Alps, all the way to the river valley floor. This two hour trip is reasonably easy going. About one and a half hours is spent walking over gentle terrain, over a river valley floor, at a speed that almost anyone can manage. There is a strong focus on providing you with quality interpretation so you can learn about the glacier and the surrounding environment. Bookings essential.
| | |  | 5: Fox Glacier Helicopter Ride
Take a helicopter ride to the top of Fox Glacier where you land on the glacier for an awesome snow filled experience. Must be pre-booked (own cost) and is weather dependant. | | |  | 6: Tranz Alpine Express
Board the Trans Alpine Express at Christchurch, regarded as one of the great rail journeys of the world. You will be exposed to excellent viewing as you cross over giant viaducts, dark tunnels and valleys backed by stunning mountain scenery. Follow the Waimakariri River and travel to Arthurs Pass. | | |
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