2 Day West Coast Glaciers and TranzAlpine Train: Christchurch to Queenstown

A great way to experience the extraordinary TranzAlpine train journey and visit the West Coast glaciers. Hailed as one of the greatest train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine train journey will take your breath away! Scenic highlights include views from the train, the wild West Coast, visiting Franz Josef Glacier, seeing Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and of course arriving at bustling Queenstown!

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Itinerary

Day 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth and continue on to Franz Josef

Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train 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.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
On arrival into Greymouth, it’s a short walk to the bus stop, where you’ll board your coach to Franz Josef. Travel down the West Coast, enjoy the beautiful landscape of vast rain forests, 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.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and Charters 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 Shuttles and Charters shuttle.
*Winter daylight hours may not allow time for this tour.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choose from either a Premium Motel or 4-Star Hotel accommodation.

Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

Stop At: Haast Pass, New Zealand
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. Cross over to the East Coast through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.