Christchurch to Queenstown with TranzAlpine, and West Coast Glaciers
Departing from Christchurch, you’ll cross the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train. On reaching the ruggedly beautiful West Coast you’ll follow the coastline south to Franz Josef, where you’ll spend the next 2 nights. Your base in Franz Josef will allow you time to explore the pristine wilderness of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the lush forests, and the stunning glaciers of the area. On day three, you'll depart the glacier region and continue south through the stunning Haast Pass to the Southern Lakes region, eventually concluding your journey in the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ Queenstown.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
Independent tour (bus & coach)
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,175 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown
3 days/2 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 256 times in the last 7 days
Tour Inclusions
At a glance - Christchurch to Queenstown with TranzAlpine, and West Coast Glaciers
Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 2: Explore the West Coast Glacier region
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Your coach to Franz Josef Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. The journey to the Glaciers is southward through the lush bush covered landscape at the base of the Southern Alps. A refreshment stop in Hokitika allows you to stretch your legs around the town centre. Further south you pass through the township of Ross which was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields in the late 1800s. Further along, travelling down the West Coast enjoy the beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains before arriving into the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
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.
After a thrilling scenic flight, high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier, ready to undertake a 2.15 hour guided glacier hike. Your...
Read moreAfter a thrilling scenic flight, high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier, ready to undertake a 2.15 hour guided glacier hike. Your friendly guide will lead you through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacial scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity prior to travel. For more information please see here.
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.
Glide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the g...
Read moreGlide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika. Paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
HideYour accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Travel from the isolated beauty of Franz Josef to the exciting resort town of Queenstown.
Leave the small village of Franz Josef, access point to the world famous Franz Josef Glacier, and journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. This is New Zealand at its purest and most untamed, see moody mountain ranges, thick native rainforest and wild rocky shores as you travel in comfort. Cross over to the East Coast through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps. On the other side, enjoy picture-postcard views of vibrant blue lakes like Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Lake Dunstan as you make your way into scenic Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon.
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Nov 30, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 1, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 2, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 3, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 4, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 5, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 6, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 7, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 8, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 9, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 10, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 11, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 12, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 13, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 14, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 15, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 16, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 17, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 18, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 19, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 20, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 21, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 22, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 23, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 24, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 25, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 26, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 27, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 28, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 29, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 | |||
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Dec 30, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,175 | NZD$1,600 |