Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

5.0 (33 reviews) 12 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

33 reviews

5.0

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Rail Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Water available & snacks provided
Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
Included: Guided bus tour: Greymouth to Franz Josef
Included: Tranzalpine Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
Included: Lunch: Sit down - free choice from a set menu
Included: Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person

Not included

Not included: Drop off in Fox Glacier
Not included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Itinerary

TranzAlpine Train

5 hours Admission included

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.
Greymouth

one hour

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.
Cobden Beach

5 min

A quick coastal stop where crashing waves meet the iconic breakwater. A favourite for dramatic ocean photos.
Hokitika

30 min

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.
Hokitika Gorge Walk

one hour

Venture inland to the jaw-dropping Hokitika Gorge. Bright turquoise water, swing bridges, and native bush make this a photographer’s dream.
Stop 6

5 min

A peaceful roadside stop at Lake Ianthe, surrounded by podocarp forest and wetlands rich with birdlife.
Franz Josef

10 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Meeting point

PICKUP TIME: 7:08am. Please meet your guide at the InterCity Bus Stop on Litchfield Street, outside the bus interchange.

End point

Drop off to central Franz Josef accommodations only

Pickup points

Hotel Give
Hotel Elms Christchurch, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Merivale Manor
The George Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Urbanz
Fino Hotel & Suites
Christchurch City Hotel
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Sudima Christchurch Airport

and 6 more pickup points

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (Intercity Bus Stop, Christchurch Bus Interchange). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there.

*Pick-ups can begin up to 60 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup 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. We are unable to wait for late guests.

Using your ticket

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

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.