Board the iconic TranzAlpine for a spectacular rail journey across the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Stay overnight in Franz Josef Glacier Country. A private transfer then takes you through the Haast Pass and past pristine lakes, arriving in Queenstown ready for your next thrill.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,150 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown
2 days/1 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 248 times in the last 7 days
The early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Considered one of the world's great train journeys, it travels between the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, Greymouth. 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. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur's Pass National Park before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Feel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check-in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy personal service with panoramic windows, spacious carriages and comfortable seating. The exclusive open-air viewing carriage is available if you feel like capturing the ultimate photo or simply wish to experience the great outdoors whilst travelling through the Southern Alps. Your food is prepared exclusively in a kitchen carriage, with paired drinks and a paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu all your senses will be fully engaged on this journey.
Depart Greymouth, and head south through Hokitika and towards Glacier Country. Pass through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several old buildings remain intact. Travelling further down the coast drive 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 including Whataroa, the only home to the Kōtuku-White Heron which is showcased on the New Zealand $2 coin. From there it is a short drive and on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive in the town centre.
You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Set off from the small village of Franz Josef, set at the edge of Franz Josef Glacier (one of the world's most accessible glaciers), and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wānaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Dec 10, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 11, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 12, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 13, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 15, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 16, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 17, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 18, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 19, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 20, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 21, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 22, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 23, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 24, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 25, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 26, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 27, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 29, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 | |||
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Dec 31, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,150 | NZD$3,900 |
At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
Put simply - we have something for everyone and we are confident you will not be left disappointed.
In summary