Queenstown Glacier Express
Departing from Queenstown, you'll traverse the Southern Alps past the vibrant blues of Lakes Dunstan, Hawea, and Wanaka before crossing the dramatic Haast Pass into the West Coast’s ancient rainforests. After a peaceful night nestled near Fox Glacier, your journey continues through historic gold-mining townships toward Greymouth. There, you will board the world-renowned TranzAlpine train to experience a spectacular transcontinental crossing through the soaring peaks of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Finally, descend from the rugged highlands across the vast Canterbury Plains to conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Christchurch.
While this itinerary serves as a great starting point, we invite you to connect with our travel specialists, who can help tailor these experiences into a larger New Zealand journey personalised to your interests.
**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.
Quick Itinerary Details
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$900 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
2 days/1 nights
Hotel 3 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 44 times in the last 7 days
NZD$900
NZD$900
See the majestic Southern Alps, picturesque lakes and rivers and the wild beauty of the West Coast on this journey from Queenstown to Fox Glacier. Along the way your driver guide will provide commentary on this unique region. Pass man-made Lake Dunstan outside Cromwell, beautiful Lake Wanaka and its neighbouring Lake Hawea. Entering Mount Aspiring National Park, follow the historic route used by Māori as they travelled across the Southern Alps in search of pounamu (greenstone). Journey through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass between the South Island's two coasts, enjoying views of native beech forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers. Arriving on the West Coast, you enter an awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops. Here you will discover an isolated and tranquil part of New Zealand. Your journey concludes as you reach the small village of Fox Glacier.
Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country
Heartland Hotel Glacier Country is located right in the centre of Fox Glacier township, putting you in easy reach of the unique experiences available within Westland National Park.
This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Pass through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival into Hokitika there is a short break in your journey. This allows time to purchase lunch, explore the town centre and relax. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Your coach concludes at the Greymouth Train Station.
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.
| Starts | Status | Twin/Double | Single occupancy | You save | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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May 6, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 7, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 8, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 9, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 10, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 11, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 12, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 13, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 14, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 15, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 16, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 17, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 18, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 19, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 20, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 21, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 22, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 23, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 24, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 25, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 26, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 27, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 28, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 29, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 30, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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May 31, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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Jun 1, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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Jun 2, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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Jun 3, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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Jun 4, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 | |||
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Jun 5, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$900 | NZD$1,000 |
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