Glaciers & West Coast South Island

Of the 140 glaciers flowing from the soaring peaks of New Zealand's Southern Alps, only two get as far as the lower rainforests - one, named after the Austrian explorer and adventurer Franz Josef and the other, just a short distance away called Fox Glacier. Because of huge snowfalls in 2005, Franz Josef is one of the few glaciers in the world that in 2008 continue to grow. The tour we recommend is considered the best of them all, the Twin Glaciers Franz Josef & Fox - it also takes in in Mount Cook and Tasman for an unforgettable experience. A landing on the snow for some magnificent photo opportunities tops off the flight and as a bonus, weather permitting, we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.

From $175 USD per person

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes of the West Coast look like giant pancakes sitting on the sea. These curious limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide in a westerly sea when water is forced through the blowholes and shoots high into the air. They were formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants about a mile below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers and then gradual seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed.

Too many visitors to the West Coast overlook the Jackson's Bay, one of the most isolated and picturesque places on the planet. The drive to the bay is one of the finest on the West Coast with the forest in places growing right down to the edges of the road and the trees almost forming tunnels across the roadway. At Jackson's Bay there are some short relaxing walks to nearby coves and a small caravan parked near the shore has an almost legendary status for the fresh fried 'fish & chips' served 'Kiwi style' wrapped in wax paper. If you select this option we will include it in your suggested West Coast vacation itinerary.

Lake Matheson has a combination of exactly the right ingredients to create truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks - Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. The waters are dark brown, so on a calm day they create an ideal reflective surface. An easy walk passes over the Clearwater River suspension bridge, just a few minutes from the car park, the track continues through ancient native forest, including tall rimu and kahikatea trees, to a pontoon that extends out onto the lake. You will quickly understand why this is probably the most photographed spot in New Zealand

This is an organised tour by boat into the remote bird life sanctuary at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve, where during the summer months, the majestic migratory Kotuku (White Heron) can be seen in all it's pluming glory nesting in the trees on the banks of the Waitangi Roto Stream. The Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill) and the Kawapaka (Little Black Shag) also take advantage of this prime spot to rear their young. There's a huge range of other birds to be seen, or heard, and along the way you will also enjoy beautiful and unique New Zealand scenery.

From $67 USD per person