Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, combining the legendary TranzAlpine train with a fully guided West Coast road trip. Glide through the Southern Alps by rail before meeting your Cheeky Kiwi guide and heading deep into glacier country. From turquoise gorges and wild black-sand beaches to rainforest-fringed lakes, this day is packed with bucket-list scenery. Small groups, passionate guides, and unforgettable landscapes, this is the West Coast done right.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining time is spent travelling between locations
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
TranzAlpine Train
Your adventure begins with a transfer to Tower Junction to board the TranzAlpine. Settle in and enjoy panoramic carriages as you journey through river valleys, alpine passes, and the heart of the Southern Alps.
Greymouth
Meet your Cheeky Kiwi guide and continue west by road. Greymouth is the Coast’s main hub and your gateway to wild beaches, rainforest and glaciers, where you'll stop for lunch. Note: As the train is operated by a third party, delays of up to 30 minutes are possible.
What‘s Included
Picnic lunch
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Tranzalpine Train
Water available & snacks provided
Coffee and/or Tea
Drop off in Fox Glacier
Restroom on board
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine
Pickup included
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant day, great scenery, fab guide
Sightsee52136584213,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day across South Island with our great guide Joel. Whole trip very well organised, starting with collection from our Christchurch hotel and transport to the station.. Our luggage remained on the minibus - which met us off the train in Greymouth which was so much better than having to take them on the train. The scenery was great although weather was a bit mixed. Once we passed the main divide it became sunny and warmer. Lunch was very good right by the station and then Joel drove us to Hokitika town and then gorge for a lovely walk. Finally dropping us at our hotel in Franz Josef. Joel was super friendly and knowledgeable - keeping us well informed and entertained. Thank you Joel and Cheeky Kiwi Travel for a brilliant day trip/tour.
Amazing views an excellent journey
MrsBB2000,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent train journey with incredible views of the south island, food and drink available, café restaurant and multiple outdoor viewing platforms, bring your coat for these as it was cold out there. Seat was comfortable seat and all set up for excellent views of the stunning scenery rolling out before you.
Christchurch to Franz Joseph tour.
Brian F,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Stunning scenery everywhere. Logan was friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great day.
West coast covered
Sandra K,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Train trip with amazing views and then bus trip with informative and friendly driver. Pick up and drop off service good too.
Early departure from...
David W,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Early departure from Christchurch to take New Zealand Transalpine train to Greymouth. The views were great but unfortunately our train manager got injured so we had to wait 2 hours for new train manager to resume. Fortunately our driver guide waited for us at Greymouth and we abbreviated tour into Franz Josef Glacier which is breathtaking.
Great train journey and one way trip down the coast
Lake J,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The TranzAlpine was a lovely and scenic rail journey. Joel was an engaging guide and the trip was well-organized. Great scenery and convenient for a one way trip down the coast.
Luxury travel at its finest!
gaylen2026,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luxurious and scenic! Didn’t expect such a delightful and tasty trans-alpine transit. Do it! Elegant and tasty, plus a sunny day helped!
Recommended if you don’t want to drive.
Traveler02509711317,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The chauffeur was friendly and reliable. If you’re taking the train exchange the phone numbers with the chauffeur, make’s it easy when you get off the train.
Excellent experience and beautiful scenery
José Pablo O,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was very pleasant. Rosie picked us up in time and left us in time to catch the train. The train ride was spectacular and then the car ride was good, making an excellent stop for walking in Hokitika.
Great tour
D2405AKjessicaf,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef with TranzAlpine train was an outstanding experience, made even better by Shar’s excellent guidance throughout the day. Shar was a confident and safe driver, which made the long scenic journey comfortable and relaxing. He was friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trip. The route itself was breathtaking, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the changing landscapes along the way. Importantly, the day was well paced, allowing us enough time to reach Franz Josef and fully enjoy seeing the glacier at the end of the day. Overall, it was a memorable and well organised trip.
From NZ$550.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel