From Queenstown you’ll travel the Kawarau Gorge and spectacular Haast Pass to the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. With 2 nights in Franz Josef you have time for a glacier adventure of your choosing. From there continue north on the rugged West Coast road to Greymouth where you’ll catch the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch.
Departs every day - flexible independent travel
This suggested tour costs from NZD$860 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Christchurch
3 days/2 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 96 times in the last 7 days
Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. You will pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you'll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast, arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef.
From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles 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 Valley Shuttles.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
Nestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beautiful blue skies or magical misty rain - whatever the weather - you will feel like you are in Narnia or LOTR.
With easy walking at your pace, information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, local legends, history, and small guided groups with fantastic guides, you will experience this glacier in style and in the best hands with the only local company. Wander past glacier rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forest; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild native mushrooms, and dozens of species of native orchids; listen to native bird song and waterfalls; see if you can spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the huge snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea and talking one-on-one with your guide. This tour will be a highlight of your travels in New Zealand.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman's Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre.
Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll 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 (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 22, 2022
(Sunday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 23, 2022
(Monday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 24, 2022
(Tuesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 25, 2022
(Wednesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 26, 2022
(Thursday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 27, 2022
(Friday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 28, 2022
(Saturday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 29, 2022
(Sunday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 30, 2022
(Monday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
May 31, 2022
(Tuesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 1, 2022
(Wednesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 2, 2022
(Thursday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 3, 2022
(Friday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 4, 2022
(Saturday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 5, 2022
(Sunday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 6, 2022
(Monday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 7, 2022
(Tuesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 8, 2022
(Wednesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 9, 2022
(Thursday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 10, 2022
(Friday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 11, 2022
(Saturday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 12, 2022
(Sunday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 13, 2022
(Monday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 14, 2022
(Tuesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 15, 2022
(Wednesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 16, 2022
(Thursday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 17, 2022
(Friday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 18, 2022
(Saturday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 19, 2022
(Sunday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 20, 2022
(Monday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
Jun 21, 2022
(Tuesday) |
Check with us
|
NZD$860
|
NZD$1,095
|
save
NZD$0pp
|
Enquire Book |
3 days, from Auckland to Auckland
3 days, from Christchurch to Queenstown
3 days, from Auckland to Auckland
3 days, from Christchurch to Christchurch