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Day 1: Glacier Valley Shuttle (photo 2), Glaciers and TranzAlpine Adventure
South Island · Independent coach travel (self guided)

Glaciers and TranzAlpine Adventure

  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • Queenstown to Christchurch
  • Motels
Fromper person, twin share

Where you will go

2 places you sleep in over 2 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.

Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the wayScheduled coach, no guideStarts in Queenstown, ends in Christchurch. 2 overnight stops across 3 days, about 720 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.

Overview

Independent coach travel (self guided). You travel on your own on scheduled coach services. Your seats and hotels are reserved; no guide travels with you. You are not left to it: your whole trip is in a travel app, and our New Zealand support team is a message or call away, seven days a week.

Journey from Queenstown through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and the breathtaking Haast Pass, leading to the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. 3 days through the South Island, running Queenstown to Christchurch. Along the way: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch, Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours, Franz Josef. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 1 included activity
  • 3 optional experiences

Explore more:South Island toursQueenstownSolo travellersHokitika toursFranz Josef Glacier toursQueenstown toursChristchurch tours

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • 2 nights of accommodation, motels
  • Scheduled coach travel between destinations, seats reserved
  • 1 included activity along the way
  • A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
  • Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
Included activities
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
  • Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours

Not included

  • International flights to and from New Zealand
  • Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
  • Meals, unless a day in the itinerary lists one
  • 3 optional experiences, each priced, which you can
  • Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included

Anything here can be added. Extra nights, room upgrades, more activities or a different vehicle: tell us what you would change and we re-quote, no obligation.

Day by day

Queenstownview on Google Maps

You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.

Queenstown to Franz Josef with Glacier Shuttles

Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Journey across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Enter the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your next base for exploration.

QueenstownTourism New Zealand
TonightPunga Grove Motel & Suites

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.

Franz Josefview on Google Maps

Franz Josef is a small yet lively town in the heart of New Zealand’s West Coast, best known for its spectacular 12 km-long glacier. The township is surrounded by lush, rainforest-clad mountains and has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to explore. A variety of scenic walking trails offer incredible views of the glacier, but for a truly up-close experience, a licensed helicopter tour is the only way to set foot on the ice. Beyond the glacier, unwind in the rejuvenating Hot Pools or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to spot rare kiwi birds. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed day, the township is home to charming souvenir and gift shops, as well as great dining spots like SnakeBite Brewery and King Tiger. Whether you’re chasing adventure or relaxation, Franz Josef is a stunning blend of wild beauty and welcoming hospitality.

Half Day Lake Matheson Eco TourOptional pp

Nature has combined three ingredients to create the stunning vista of Lake Matheson. Explore the crystal clear waters and learn about the flora, fauna, glaciation, geology, and natural history of this beautiful area. Enjoy the stunning Lake Matheson, where you’ll walk the 3km gentle track that follows the lake edge. Along the way, you’ll take in the reflective qualities of the lake and the surrounding lush rainforest, which make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter LineOptional pp

A spectacular scenic flight soaring over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Landing at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. It is important to read and understand the risks associated with this activity. A full risk disclosure can be found here.

TonightPunga Grove Motel & Suites

Hokitikaview on Google Maps

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

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.

Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours

Head north from Franz Josef through to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Addon - KiwiRailOptional pp

Feel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check-in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy personal service with panoramic windows, spacious carriages and comfortable seating. The exclusive open-air viewing carriage is available if you feel like capturing the ultimate photo or simply wish to experience the great outdoors whilst travelling through the Southern Alps. Your food is prepared exclusively in a kitchen carriage, with paired drinks and a paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu all your senses will be fully engaged on this journey.

Keep this itinerary

Email yourself the day by day to read later or pass on, or with every day open.

Optional experiences

3 available

Not in the price, listed under the day each one happens. Tick any you want and every price on this page updates; your quote comes back with them costed. Or leave them and decide once you are here.

Day 2 · Franz Josef

  • Nature has combined three ingredients to create the stunning vista of Lake Matheson. Explore the crystal clear waters and learn about the flora,…

  • A spectacular scenic flight soaring over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Landing at the head of one and view the…

Day 3 · Hokitika

  • Feel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check-in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy…

Nothing added yet.

Good to know

Departures

This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.

Make it yours

Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.

Never travelling alone

Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.

Who you are booking with

Operator
This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
Silver Fern Travel
Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Prices
Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
Paying
A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.

Watch: Franz Josef on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Something not answered here? , no quote attached.

Still deciding? Worth a read: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here

Fromper person, twin share
Per day
NZ$742planning included
Travelling solo
single occupancy

No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourism

Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.

Request a quote for this trip

No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.

When would you like to travel?

You will hear back within one working day. Quotes are free and there is no obligation to book.

How it works

How your money is protected

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.

How your money is protected

A firm quote within one working day

Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.

No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire

Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.

One person, before and during your trip

The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.

Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.

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