Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
A quick coastal stop where crashing waves meet the iconic breakwater. A favourite for dramatic ocean photos.
Soak up the laid-back vibe of Hokitika. Stroll the wild black-sand beach and check out the famous Hokitika sign with the Tasman Sea as your backdrop.
Venture inland to the jaw-dropping Hokitika Gorge. Bright turquoise water, swing bridges, and native bush make this a photographer’s dream.
A peaceful roadside stop at Lake Ianthe, surrounded by podocarp forest and wetlands rich with birdlife.
Arrive in Franz Josef, where your guide will assist with accommodation drop-off. Your glacier country adventure is just getting started. Drop off to central Franz Josef accommodations only.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (Intercity Bus Stop, Christchurch Bus Interchange). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 60 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Reviews(32)
The start of this full day experience was a spectacular trans alpine train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth. The spectacular scenery was never ending and for everyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island it is a must. It starts early so it was great that the on board cafe had good coffee and breakfast stuff! ( Also a nice glass of wine just before arrival at Greymouth. Lunch at the pub was very good and then motoring down to Franz Josef with our lovely guide gave us a great variety of sights and experiences. Highly recommended
Excellent 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.
An 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.
Great experience. Stunning scenery everywhere. Logan was friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great day.
Train trip with amazing views and then bus trip with informative and friendly driver. Pick up and drop off service good too.
Early 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.
Hi David, thanks for travelling with us. We are sorry to hear of the delay but we are glad you enjoyed your trip! We hope to See you again!
The 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.
Luxurious and scenic! Didn’t expect such a delightful and tasty trans-alpine transit. Do it! Elegant and tasty, plus a sunny day helped!
The 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.
The 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.
