In just two days, you’ll explore Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, and Franz Josef, with the unforgettable TranzAlpine Scenic Train as a highlight. Travel through the stunning Gibbston Valley, picturesque Lake Hawea, and the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Whether you’re adding this to an existing itinerary or expanding it into the trip of a lifetime, our team of travel specialists is here to help you create the perfect journey.
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,975 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
2 days/1 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 223 times in the last 7 days
Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Journey across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Enter the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your next base for exploration.
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: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Head north from Franz Josef through to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
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.
Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Dec 10, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 11, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 12, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 13, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 15, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 16, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 17, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 18, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 19, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 20, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 21, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 22, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 23, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 24, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 25, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 26, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 27, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 29, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Dec 31, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 1, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 2, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 3, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
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Jan 4, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 5, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 6, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 7, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 8, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 | |||
|
Jan 9, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,975 | NZD$3,610 |
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