3 day Glaciers and TranzAlpine Queenstown to Christchurch
From Queenstown you’ll travel the Kawarau Gorge and spectacular Haast Pass to the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. With 2 nights in Franz Josef you have time for a glacier adventure of your choosing. From there continue north on the rugged West Coast road to Greymouth where you’ll catch the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch.
Independent tour (bus & coach)
This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,640 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
3 days/2 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 465 times in the last 7 days
At a glance - 3 day Glaciers and TranzAlpine Queenstown to Christchurch
Day 1: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 2: Explore the West Coast Glacier region
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 3: Franz Josef to Greymouth, then take the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.
You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen ...
Read moreTake a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
HideNestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beauti...
Read moreNestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beautiful blue skies or magical misty rain, whatever the weather - you will feel like you are in Narnia or LOTR.
With easy walking at your pace, information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, local legends, history, and small guided groups with fantastic guides, you will experience this glacier in style and in the best hands with the only local company. Wander past glacier rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forest; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild native mushrooms, and dozens of species of native orchids; listen to native bird song and waterfalls; see if you can spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the huge snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea and talking one-on-one with your guide. This tour will be a highlight of your travels in New Zealand.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Nov 27, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Nov 28, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Nov 29, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Nov 30, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 1, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 2, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 3, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 4, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 5, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 6, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 7, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 8, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 9, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 10, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 11, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 12, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 13, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 14, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 15, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 16, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 17, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 18, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 19, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 20, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 21, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 22, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 23, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 24, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 25, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 26, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 | |||
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Dec 27, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,640 | NZD$4,295 |