Price pp from:

$870
A vast, pristine snowfield on the upper reaches of Franz Josef Glacier, with deep crevasses visible on the mountain slopes under a bright sun and wispy clouds. Credit: Fine Tours Group
Scenic Trains

Southern Alps & Glaciers Express

Christchurch

Queenstown

2 days, 1 nights

Self-Guided Coach Tours

From: $870 pp

Trip overview

Begin your adventure on the legendary TranzAlpine, crossing the Canterbury Plains and the dramatic gorges of the Waimakariri River. After ascending the Southern Alps and descending through lush rainforests, you will reach the West Coast and continue by coach toward the icy wonders of Franz Josef. The journey then shifts south through New Zealand at its most untamed, passing moody mountain ranges and wild, rocky shores. You will cross the majestic Haast Pass to witness the vibrant, postcard-perfect blues of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Finally, your expedition concludes with a scenic afternoon arrival in the world-renowned resort hub of Queenstown.

While this itinerary serves as a great starting point, we invite you to connect with our travel specialists, who can help tailor these experiences into a larger New Zealand journey personalised to your interests.

Trip highlights & inclusions

2 days / 1 night

Christchurch

Queenstown

Motels
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef
  • Glacier Valley Shuttle

Make an enquiry about this trip or build a custom quote

Price pp from

$870

Why Discover New Zealand

  • Wānaka-based specialists planning your trip from inside New Zealand.
  • One travel specialist to plan and book every detail from start to finish.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

The 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 the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, Greymouth. 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. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur's Pass National Park 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.

A bright, sunlit view of a steep, snow-covered mountain ridge with blue ice crevasses, set against a vibrant blue sky in the Southern Alps. Credit: Fine Tours Group

Accommodation

Two-story motel building with balconies and parking in front, with a green mountain behind. Credit: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Kiwirail Operating on Certain Days

**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.

Trip highlights

Aerial view of a KiwiRail train on a bridge over river with mountains and clouds at sunset. Credit: Kiwi Rail

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

A sunny, slightly more elevated landscape view of the Franz Josef Glacier valley, featuring a prominent, bright green shrub in the foreground, with the massive, ice-filled valley leading up to snow-capped mountain peaks under a vibrant blue sky with fluff

Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef

A bright, sunlit view of a steep, snow-covered mountain ridge with blue ice crevasses, set against a vibrant blue sky in the Southern Alps. Credit: Fine Tours Group

Glacier Valley Shuttle

A vibrant turquoise river flows through a steep, rocky gorge with a slender green tree in the foreground under a blue sky. Credit: Wirestock Creators -Shutterstock

Franz Josef to Queenstown Day Tour

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

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