Explore some of the jewels of the south, from the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown to Franz Josef and the famous Franz Josef Glacier before ending your journey in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Leaving Queenstown early, travel through the stunning scenery of the South Island, traversing through Lakes Wānaka and Hawea on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park. You'll then travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the wild West Coast, a remote region of ruggedly beautiful landscapes of vast rainforest, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. See the waves crash against rocky, remote beaches before returning inland, arriving at the quaint village of Franz Josef, from which you can explore the famous Franz Josef Glacier. The following day, after a refreshing night sleep, hop aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train to journey to Christchurch. Considered one of the world's great train journeys, you'll travel through Arthur's Pass National Park, seeing lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps before descending to the windswept Canterbury Plains, finally arriving in the city of Christchurch.
**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.
Independent tour (bus & coach)
This suggested tour costs from NZD$735 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
2 days/1 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 301 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Travel by Coach from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 2: Catch the bus this morning from Franz Josef to Greymouth, then take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Leaving Queenstown early, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver-guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break (at own expense) in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you'll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. You will arrive in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
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.This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman's Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 5, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 6, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 7, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 8, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 9, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 10, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 11, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 12, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 13, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 14, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 15, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 16, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 17, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 18, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 19, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 20, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 21, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 22, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 23, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 24, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 25, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 26, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 27, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 28, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 29, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 30, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Oct 31, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Nov 1, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Nov 2, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Nov 3, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book | ||
Nov 4, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$735 | NZD$895 | Enquire Book |