Christchurch to Franz Josef With TranzAlpine (1 way)

13 hours Free cancellation

Christchurch to Franz Josef With TranzAlpine (1 way), photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s unique West Coast Glacier Country, Franz Josef is only one of two places in the entire world where you can view glaciers surrounded by native alpine forest.

As a popular midpoint for those travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown, this 1 way tour showcases the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast have to offer. So why not join as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s east to west coast. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including transfer from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget!

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At a glance

Duration: 13 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kea Tours

Ages: Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: local snacks for the journey
Included: Bottled water
Included: Lunch
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: 100% Authentic Kiwi Experience
Included: USB charger

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min Admission included

We start our journey towards the West Coast by dropping you off at the Christchurch Railway Station at Tower Junction. It is here that you will catch the TranzAlpine and head towards Greymouth. Enjoy the views from the train’s open air carriage as you travel across braided rivers, past high country stations and alpine lakes, around horseshoe bends, and through the 8km long Otira Tunnel. This ever-changing landscape is beautiful all year round, allowing you to sit back and relax and take it all in.
TranzAlpine Train

5 hours Admission included

Christchurch to Greymouth
Mawhera Greymouth isite Visitor Information Centre

5 min

Upon arrival in Greymouth, our guide will collect you from the Information Centre - conveniently located at the train station. As the largest town in the Westland region, Greymouth, or Māwhera, is home to about 14,000 people. Framed by chiseled cliff tops, wild beaches, the Grey River and the picturesque Grey Valley, this charming destination is not only a beautiful spot, but a key transit hub and community for the West Coast.
Cobden Beach

5 min

*Located just a short drive away from the centre of Greymouth, Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing incredible waves that pound right up against the structure. It’s a rugged but picturesque photo spot.
Hokitika

one hour

Hokitika – Experience the laid-back atmosphere that's sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia once we arrive in Hokitika. Allowing time for lunch and a stroll down Hokitika's 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.
Stop 6

5 min

Surrounded by hills and native podocarp forests with a large flax swamp at its southern end, the lake is an important home for endangered wetland species such as the Great Crested Grebe. Situated in a former glacial trough, the lake is surrounded by a moraine and flows into the Wanganui River via Ianthe Creek. We make a brief stop here for photos before continuing through to Franz Josef.
Franz Josef

30 min

**Upon arriving in Franz Josef Village, you can either be dropped off directly at your accommodation, or continue through to walk towards the famous Franz Josef Glacier and be dropped off after.**

Franz Josef Glacier (30 minutes) - Franz Josef Glacier, or Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, is approximately 12km long. While direct access to the glacier face is not possible, you are able to walk to the lookout and learn more about the amazing history of this piece of natural beauty.

Franz Josef - After a trip to the glacier that bears this town's name, we return to Franz Josef township. Sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring the Southern Alps and West Coast. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks. The Cobden Breakwater stop is subject to timing. If delayed, there may not be time to stop at this location.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

We only pick up from locations we have been notified of. Please make sure you let us know your pick up location will be the bus interchange. Please be waiting at the Intercity Bus Stop on Lichfield Street. It is recommended that you arrive 5 minutes prior to your pick up time.

End point

This tour ends in Franz Josef. Please note that accommodation is NOT included.

Pickup points

Hotel Give
Hotel Elms Christchurch, an Ascend Collection Hotel
The George Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Urbanz
Fino Hotel & Suites
Christchurch City Hotel
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Crowne Plaza Christchurch By IHG
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

and 3 more pickup points

Please note that Sudima Christchurch Airport and Christchurch Commodore Airport are available on request only.

For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.