This full day tour departs Christchurch in the morning, and travels through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains before heading inland to the small farming township of Geraldine for a morning tea break. Leaving Geraldine and its rolling green valleys, the tour continues further inland as the road starts to climb and travel across the historic Burkes Pass. The views are breathtaking as you descend towards the stunning, glacial fed Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd standing in picturesque solitude on the foreshores of the lake.

From Tekapo, your coach will travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki at the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook. As you arrive at the Mount Cook village, you will be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding walking tracks or experience an ultimate scenic flight by helicopter or skiplane (scenic flights not included).

On departing Mount Cook, journey further south through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin with its hydroelectric system of lakes and canals. Stop for a short afternoon tea break in the farming community of Omarama before beginning the ascent over the Lindis Pass into the historical gold mining region of Central Otago. On your arrival at the small town of Tarras, transfer to a shuttle service which will take you on the last leg of your journey to picturesque Wanaka, located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka.

After being fitted out with all your equipment at our company office, a ten minute bus ride takes you to within 2.5 kilometer (1.5 miles) of the glacier, where you enjoy a short bush walk through regenerating rainforest, regrouping in the glacier valley.

You then proceed to the front of the glacier (2.5 kilometers), with your guide calling stops along the way to explain the unique features of the glacier and glacier valley.

On the glacier you will learn all aspects of ice-climbing using the front points of crampons and two technical ice axes. Secured by a rope attached to your guide you will safely climb on the soaring ice walls, testing your limits and moving on to progressively harder climbs throughout the day.

Tour Highlights:

• More dramatic terrain of the first ice-fall
• Quality guides commentary
• Getting of the beaten path

Waimak Gorge Jet Boating (3 hours):

Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. Jetboat the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains. You will travel from Christchurch by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps.

As an alternative you can choose the Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari. Travel to the upper Waimakariri Gorge, to areas which are otherwise inaccessible. From its birthplace in the rugged Southern Alps, the snow fed waters of the Waimakariri enter the canyons and gorges where steep rock faces are lined with native forests. The spectacular scenery makes this more than just a jet boat experience.

When time is limited but you still want to experience the thrill of jet boating then this option satisfies those requirements. A thrilling jet boat option in the shallow river flats of the snow fed Waimakariri River. Experience the thrills of jet boating through the shallow, shifting, ever-changing courses of shingle bottom streams.