2 Day TranzAlpine Train & Glaciers: Christchurch to Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
All coach tour transport as specified in this tour package
Breif commentary on transport
Shuttle to Glacier Valley (may not be available May-Sep)
One nights accommodation in Franz Josef
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Gratuities
Pre and post tour accommodation
Meals unless specified
Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours
What To Expect
TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth and continue on to Franz Josef
Accommodations
Choose from either a Premium Motel or 4-Star Hotel accommodation.
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.
Greymouth
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.
Franz Josef Glacier
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.
Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Haast Pass
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
Queenstown
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.
Options
Superior
4-Star Hotel
Standard
Premium Motel
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight reel of the South Island
Catherine E,
Feb 21, 2024
- Viator
5.00Marissa our tour operator was so helpful in working with our schedule and finding a solution to meet our scheduling conflicts. The small group tour bus trips to get us from point A to B were a wonderful way to see some amazing sights in the South. All of the drivers Andy, Dave and Margie were so friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We also had the upgraded train car on the tranzalpine which really capped off the experience. This really had to be the highlight of our trip
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Operated by Discover New Zealand