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.
Tour overview
Departs every day - flexible independent travel
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 46 times in the last 7 days
We can customize this tour suggestion to suit you perfectly. Add more time in favourite locations, stay in different accommodations, experience activities that interest you - we can arrange it all. Just get in touch to get your Tailor-Made itinerary
Day 1 - Leave Queenstown and head to Fox Glacier
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. Pass man-made Lake Dunstan outside Cromwell, beautiful Lake Wanaka and its neighbouring Lake Hawea. 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.
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.
Day 2 - Journey up the West Coast before hopping aboard the TranzAlpine Train
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. On arrival into Hokitika there is a 35-minute break in your journey. This allows time to purchase lunch, explore the town centre and relax. 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.
