Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

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.

Itinerary

1. 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. (5h 0min) Admission included
2. 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. (1h 0min)
3. A quick coastal stop where crashing waves meet the iconic breakwater. A favourite for dramatic ocean photos. (5 min)
4. 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 min)
5. Venture inland to the jaw-dropping Hokitika Gorge. Bright turquoise water, swing bridges, and native bush make this a photographer’s dream. (1h 0min)
6. A peaceful roadside stop at Lake Ianthe, surrounded by podocarp forest and wetlands rich with birdlife. (5 min)
7. 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 min)

Meeting & end point