TranzAlpine, West Coast Glaciers, and Queenstown Short Break
Departing from Christchurch, you’ll cross the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train. On reaching the ruggedly beautiful West Coast you’ll follow the coastline south to Franz Josef, where you’ll spend the next 2 nights. From your base in Franz Josef you’ll have time to explore the pristine wilderness of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the lush forests, and the stunning glaciers of the area. On day three, you'll depart the glacier region and continue south through the stunning Haast Pass to the Southern Lakes region, eventually concluding your journey in the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ Queenstown.
**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$860 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown
3 days/2 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 154 times in the last 7 days
At a glance - TranzAlpine, West Coast Glaciers, and Queenstown Short Break
Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then 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 Glacier to Queenstown
Detailed itinerary: 3 day tour starting in Christchurch
Your 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 Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. 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. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps 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.
Your coach to Franz Josef Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. The journey to the Glaciers is southward through the lush bush covered landscape at the base of the Southern Alps. A refreshment stop in Hokitika allows you to stretch your legs around the town centre. Further south you pass through the township of Ross which was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields in the late 1800s. Further along, travelling down the West Coast enjoy the beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains before arriving into the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
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.
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.
Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen ...
Read moreTake a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
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.
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.
Travel from the isolated beauty of Franz Josef to the exciting resort town of Queenstown.
Leave the small village of Franz Josef, access point to the world famous Franz Josef Glacier, and journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. This is New Zealand at its purest and most untamed, see moody mountain ranges, thick native rainforest and wild rocky shores as you travel in comfort. Cross over to the East Coast through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps. On the other side, enjoy picture-postcard views of vibrant blue lakes like Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Lake Dunstan as you make your way into scenic Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon.
TranzAlpine, West Coast Glaciers, and Queenstown Short Break
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Oct 5, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 6, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 7, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 8, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 9, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
|
Oct 10, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 11, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 12, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 13, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 14, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 15, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 16, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 17, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 18, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 19, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 20, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 21, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 22, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 23, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 24, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 25, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 26, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 27, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 28, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 29, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 30, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Oct 31, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Nov 1, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Nov 2, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Nov 3, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book | ||
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Nov 4, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$860 | NZD$1,135 | Enquire Book |