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2 Day West Coast Glaciers and Tranz Alpine Train - Christchurch to Queenstown
2 days
By train
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Stop At: TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific, 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 lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
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. 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 National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 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 hours do not allow the Glacier Valley Shuttle to connect with this tour
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a four star hotel or quality motel
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 Mall, Queenstown New Zealand
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.
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Day 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Stop At: TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific, 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 lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
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. 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 National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 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 hours do not allow the Glacier Valley Shuttle to connect with this tour
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a four star hotel or quality motel
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 Mall, Queenstown New Zealand
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.
Included
- Accommodation included: 1 night
- All coach tour transport as specified in this tour package
- Shuttle to Glacier Valley (may not be available May-Sep)
- TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- One night accommodation
- Entry/Admission - TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific
- Entry/Admission - Franz Josef Glacier
Not included
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
50%
Aquatic
30%
Original
30%
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