Christchurch to Franz Josef With TranzAlpine (1 way)

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.

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.

*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 – 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.

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.

**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.