From Queenstown you’ll travel the Kawarau Gorge and spectacular Haast Pass to the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. 3 days through the South Island, running Queenstown to Christchurch. Along the way: Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours, Explore Franz Josef, TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch. 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
2 included activities
1 meal included
1 optional add-on
Trip highlights
Included in your price
Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Explore Franz Josef
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours
Extras (optional)
Not in your price. Add any of these and we re-quote, or leave them and decide once you are here.
Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
What is included
2 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 3 star
2 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
2 included activities and entries along the way
A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Where you will go
1Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnight1 overnight stop across 3 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.
Day by day itinerary
Your journey:QueenstownFranz Josef GlacierChristchurch
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.
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Unveil the hidden wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley on this immersive, eco-conscious walking journey. Perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages, this tour leads you through ancient podocarp rainforests and along pristine glacial rivers to witness the raw power of the ice from spectacular viewpoints. With a small group guarantee and expert local guides, you’ll discover secret waterfalls, learn the fascinating stories of West Coast glaciology, and enjoy a relaxing break with hot drinks and cookies amidst the Southern Alps.
Explore Franz Josef
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.
Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter LineOptional
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.
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.
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.
Watch: Franz Josef on this itinerary
Asked before booking
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote West Coaster at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
West Coaster runs on scheduled departure dates through the season. Tell us your travel window and we confirm the nearest departures with live availability, usually within one working day.
2 nights in hotel 3 star, with the named property for each night listed in the day by day itinerary above, so you can look every one of them up before you commit. The trip runs one way, Queenstown to Christchurch, so there is no backtracking.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
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.
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.
Insider 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.
