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, you will be met by your driver for a semi-private transfer to Franz Josef. Leaving Greymouth, you will head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and continue on through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several buildings still remain intact. As you travel further down the coast you’ll also go through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash-landed. Follow the coast through several small towns before catching a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive in the town centre.
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
You will be met by our shuttle this morning to transfer you to 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. 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.