Overnight Glacier Adventure
Queenstown to Christchurch
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

Overnight Glacier Adventure

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.

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**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.

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Quick Itinerary Details

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

Tour at a glance

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

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 2 day tour starting in Queenstown

Day 1 - Travel by Coach from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Overnight Glacier Adventure - Day 1
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Gray Line

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.

Glacier Valley Shuttle

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.
Day 2 - Catch the bus this morning from Franz Josef to Greymouth, then take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Overnight Glacier Adventure - Day 2
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Gray Line

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.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth 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.

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Overnight Glacier Adventure

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Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

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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
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