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Offered languages
- English
The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore.
Join us as you hop on the train towards Greymouth in the morning offering views only possible through the Tranzalpine, this allows a panoramic landscape of the Majestic Southern Alps up close.
Upon collection, our guide will take you the rest of the way in this small group tour to Franz Josef.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select the Christchurch Bus Interchange (Intercity stop on Litchfield Street) for now. You can update this later. - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this 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. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.
PICKUP TIME: 7:08am. Please meet your guide at the InterCity Bus Stop on Litchfield Street If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select the Christchurch Bus Interchange (Intercity stop on Litchfield Street) for now. You can update this later.
We can drop off to most centrally located hotels upon arrival in Franz Josef.
Itinerary
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1
We start our journey towards the wild west coast by dropping you off at Tower Junction to catch your train towards Greymouth via the Tranzalpine. This journey offers open viewing carriages for you to enjoy the scenery through the panoramic windows.
5 hours • Admission ticket included -
2
Here your guide will be waiting to meet you to continue your journey to Franz Josef. Greymouth is located in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region, with a population of around 14,000 people. Nestled amidst chiseled cliff tops, wild beaches, and the picturesque Grey Valley, this charming destination is not only a beautiful spot itself, but also a key hub for connecting via the renowned TranzAlpine train service. **Please note the train is a third-party company in conjoined with our tour, there may be train delays of up to 30 minutes meaning you might not be able to have time for the views in Cobden. Please be aware of this and be patient if this occurs.**
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing standout waves that break right up against the structure. This picturesque spot is a photographers paradise, with a stunning backdrop that's sure to capture breathtaking images.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Experience the laid-back atmosphere thats sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia once we arrive in Hokitika. Allowing time for lunch and a stroll down Hokitikas wild beach, where black sand meets the rugged coastline. Our guides give you the time needed to enjoy this “cool town” and a little teaser of what it has to offer.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Why not join the group on an excursion towards a stop hidden away on the West Coast, Hokitika Gorge, a treasured gem that consistently inspires awe, with its striking turquoise waters radiating an otherworldly beauty. Nestled amidst a lush canopy of native bush, this enchanting gorge is a magnet for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who flock to capture its unique essence and unforgettable vistas. After getting those Instagram worthy shots our driver will collect you as we head towards Franz Josef.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6
Lake lanthe is home to a diverse array of wetland birds, including the endangered Great Crested Grebe, which has one of the largest populations in New Zealand. The lake is situated in a glacial trough, surrounded by a moraine and flows into Wanganui River through Ianthe Creek.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Franz Josef Glacier
** There will be two options once you arrive in Franz Josef Village. Please let your guide know if you prefer to be dropped straight at your accommodation or if you want to do the walk towards the famous Franz Josef Glacier and be dropped off after. ** New Zealand's West Coast Glacier Country is one of the only two locations in the world where you can view glaciers flowing into rainforests. Despite minimal snowfall in the towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, the surrounding high mountains receive plenty of snow, ensuring the glaciers remain icy. While direct access to the glacier face is not possible, you are able to walk to the lookout and read up about the amazing history behind this scenic attraction.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
In the quiet town of Franz Josef, this treasured gem in New Zealand offers an array of thrilling hikes with awe-inspiring views and backdrops, as well as unique local experiences. But the real piece of history is the chance to marvel at the majestic glaciers up close, whether by exploring the icy terrain on foot or taking to the skies for a bird's-eye view.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
- The remaining time is spent travelling between locations
Show 1 more
Additional info
- 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
- The remaining time is spent travelling between locations
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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