Glaciers Overnight
Discover the stunning West Coast of the South Island on this perfect overnight escape, travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch. Spend a night amidst the rainforest at Franz Josef, home to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier, before soaking up the dramatic scenery on the renowned TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps to the Garden City.
Independent Tours
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,025 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
2 days/1 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 244 times in the last 7 days
At a glance - Glaciers Overnight
Day 1: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 2: Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Journey across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Enter 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 next base for exploration.
You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.
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.
Day 2 - Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Head north from Franz Josef through to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) 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. 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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Dec 11, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 12, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 13, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 15, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 16, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 17, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 18, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 19, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 20, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 21, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 22, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 23, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 24, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 25, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 26, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 27, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 29, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 | |||
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Dec 31, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,025 | NZD$3,715 |