Recently Viewed
West Coast Adventure: Scenic New Zealand Tour
5.0
32 Ratings
Christchurch
Embark on a bucket list adventure from Christchurch to Franz Josef via TranzAlpine. Discover hidden gems, scenic roads, and breathtaking landscapes.
Embark on a bucket list adventure from Christchurch to Franz Josef via TranzAlpine. Discover hidden gems, scenic roads, and breathtaking landscapes.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- TranzAlpine Train - Begin the journey with a transfer to Tower Junction to board the TranzAlpine. Relax in the panoramic carriages as the train travels through river valleys, alpine passes, and the heart of the Southern Alps.
- Greymouth - Meet the Cheeky Kiwi guide and continue westward by road. Greymouth serves as the main hub of the Coast…
- TranzAlpine Train - Begin the journey with a transfer to Tower Junction to board the TranzAlpine. Relax in the panoramic carriages as the train travels through river valleys, alpine passes, and the heart of the Southern Alps.
- Greymouth - Meet the Cheeky Kiwi guide and continue westward by road. Greymouth serves as the main hub of the Coast and is the gateway to wild beaches, rainforests, and glaciers, where a lunch stop is planned. Note: As the train is operated by a third party, delays of up to 30 minutes may occur.
- Cobden Beach - Enjoy a brief coastal stop where crashing waves meet the iconic breakwater, perfect for capturing dramatic ocean photos.
- Hokitika - Experience the relaxed atmosphere of Hokitika. Walk along the wild black-sand beach and admire the famous Hokitika sign with the Tasman Sea as a backdrop.
- Hokitika Gorge Walk - Head inland to the stunning Hokitika Gorge. With its bright turquoise water, swing bridges, and native bush, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
- Lake Ianthe - Make a tranquil roadside stop at Lake Ianthe, surrounded by podocarp forest and wetlands teeming with birdlife.
- Franz Josef - Arrive in Franz Josef, where the guide will assist with accommodation drop-off. The glacier country adventure is just beginning. Drop-off is available to central Franz Josef accommodations only.
What's Included
- Tranzalpine Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
- Guided bus tour: Greymouth to Franz Josef
- Water available & snacks provided
- Lunch
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
- Tranzalpine Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
- Guided bus tour: Greymouth to Franz Josef
- Water available & snacks provided
- Lunch
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
What's Not Included
- Drop off in Fox Glacier
- On-board restrooms
- Drop off in Fox Glacier
- On-board restrooms
Additional Information
The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore.
Join us as you hop on the train…
The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore.
Join us as you hop on the train towards Greymouth in the morning offering views only possible through the Tranzalpine, this allows a panoramic landscape of the Majestic Southern Alps up close.
Upon collection, our guide will take you the rest of the way in this small group tour to Franz Josef.
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Location
Bus Interchange (Intercity stop)
PICKUP TIME: 7:08am. Please meet your guide at the InterCity Bus Stop on Litchfield Street, outside the bus interchange.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(32 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
John_h
Apr 13, 2026
The best way to get from Christchurch to Franz Josef - The start of this full day experience was a spectacular trans alpine train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth. The spectacular scenery was never ending and for everyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island it is a must. It starts early so it was great that the on board cafe had good coffee and breakfast stuff! ( Also a nice glass of wine just before arrival at Greymouth. Lunch at the pub was very good and then motoring down to Franz Josef with our lovely guide gave us a great variety of sights and experiences. Highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Sightsee52136584213
Apr 5, 2026
Brilliant day, great scenery, fab guide - Excellent day across South Island with our great guide Joel. Whole trip very well organised, starting with collection from our Christchurch hotel and transport to the station.. Our luggage remained on the minibus - which met us off the train in Greymouth which was so much better than having to take them on the train.
The scenery was great although weather was a bit mixed. Once we passed the main divide it became sunny and warmer. Lunch was very good right by the station and then Joel drove us to Hokitika town and then gorge for a lovely walk. Finally dropping us at our hotel in Franz Josef.
Joel was super friendly and knowledgeable - keeping us well informed and entertained. Thank you Joel and Cheeky Kiwi Travel for a brilliant day trip/tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrsbb2000
Apr 3, 2026
Amazing views an excellent journey - An excellent train journey with incredible views of the south island, food and drink available, café restaurant and multiple outdoor viewing platforms, bring your coat for these as it was cold out there. Seat was comfortable seat and all set up for excellent views of the stunning scenery rolling out before you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian
Mar 21, 2026
Christchurch to Franz Joseph tour. - Great experience. Stunning scenery everywhere. Logan was friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandra
Mar 4, 2026
West coast covered - Train trip with amazing views and then bus trip with informative and friendly driver. Pick up and drop off service good too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_w
Feb 27, 2026
Early departure from... - Early departure from Christchurch to take New Zealand Transalpine train to Greymouth. The views were great but unfortunately our train manager got injured so we had to wait 2 hours for new train manager to resume. Fortunately our driver guide waited for us at Greymouth and we abbreviated tour into Franz Josef Glacier which is breathtaking.
Review provided by Viator
Lake
Feb 9, 2026
Great train journey and one way trip down the coast - The TranzAlpine was a lovely and scenic rail journey. Joel was an engaging guide and the trip was well-organized. Great scenery and convenient for a one way trip down the coast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gaylen2026
Jan 27, 2026
Luxury travel at its finest! - Luxurious and scenic! Didn’t expect such a delightful and tasty trans-alpine transit. Do it! Elegant and tasty, plus a sunny day helped!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler02509711317
Jan 3, 2026
Recommended if you don’t want to drive. - The chauffeur was friendly and reliable.
If you’re taking the train exchange the phone numbers with the chauffeur, make’s it easy when you get off the train.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
José
Jan 2, 2026
Excellent experience and beautiful scenery - The experience was very pleasant. Rosie picked us up in time and left us in time to catch the train. The train ride was spectacular and then the car ride was good, making an excellent stop for walking in Hokitika.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
