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Offered languages
- English
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.
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.
Drop off to central Franz Josef accommodations only
Itinerary
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1TranzAlpine Train
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.
5 hours • Admission ticket included -
2Greymouth
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Cobden Beach
A quick coastal stop where crashing waves meet the iconic breakwater. A favourite for dramatic ocean photos.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Hokitika
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Hokitika Gorge Walk
Venture inland to the jaw-dropping Hokitika Gorge. Bright turquoise water, swing bridges, and native bush make this a photographer’s dream.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6Lake Ianthe
A peaceful roadside stop at Lake Ianthe, surrounded by podocarp forest and wetlands rich with birdlife.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Franz Josef
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.
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
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.
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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