From Queenstown you’ll travel via the Kawarau Gorge and spectacular Haast Pass to the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. With 2 nights in Franz Josef you'll have time to enjoy the lush forest and glacier landscape, or even a glacier adventure of your choosing (scenic flight, anybody?) On day three, depart Franz Josef and continue north on the rugged West Coast road to Greymouth, where you’ll catch the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train to 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$970 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
3 days/2 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 356 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 2: Explore the West Coast Glacier region
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 3: Franz Josef to Greymouth, then take the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Leaving Queenstown early, travel by 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 stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.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.
A spectacular scenic flight soaring over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Landing at the head of one and view the incre...
Read moreA spectacular scenic flight soaring over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Landing at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys.
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.
Let us take you on an amazing, guided off-roading adventure, ride through a beautiful rainforest, splash through rivers, and explore an ancient glacie...
Read moreLet us take you on an amazing, guided off-roading adventure, ride through a beautiful rainforest, splash through rivers, and explore an ancient glacier riverbed while being blown away by the breathtaking scenery including the spectacular Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier. Your guide will kit you out with wet weather gear and gumboots and teach you how to ride our off-roading vehicles. They will entertain you and amaze you with beautiful Maori Legends and local history while refining your skills and giving you new challenges to conquer. Either take a single quad bike all to yourself or take a double quad bike or buggy and bring a passenger along for the ride or take one of our three-seater buggies that can fit two adults and one child.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
HideYour accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village 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. 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 14, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 15, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 16, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 17, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 18, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 19, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 20, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 21, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 22, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 23, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 24, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 25, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 26, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 27, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 28, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 29, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 30, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Dec 31, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 1, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 2, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 3, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 4, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 5, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 6, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 7, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 8, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 9, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 10, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 11, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 12, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 | |||
Jan 13, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$970 | NZD$1,280 |