Tour 4 Day Southern Loop Including Alpine Train

Others

Shuttle to Glacier Valley (may not be available May-Sep). TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch.

Transport

Coaches throughout tour. TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch.

Guide

English commentary on tourist coaches and commentary on train.

Accommodation

1 night in a twin-share room a Franz Josef motel 1 night in a twin-share room at a motel in Christchurch. 1 night in a twin-share room at a Mt Cook motel. This accommodation be upgraded - contact us for more information.

Not included:

Others

Arrival and departure airport transfers. Tipping. Other meals, snacks and drinks. Pre and post tour accommodation. Single supplement (Mandatory).

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Flights

International and domestic flights not included.

Meals

Meals are not included to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat.

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Day 1 Day 1: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier By Greatsights Coach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier By Greatsights Coach

Queenstown to Franz Josef with GreatSights

From Queenstown to Franz Josef discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver-guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 2 Day 2: Franz Josef To Greymouth Train Station, Tranz Alpine Train To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Franz Josef To Greymouth Train Station, Tranz Alpine Train To Christchurch

Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with GreatSights

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman’s Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand’s richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Greymouth to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You’ll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

On arrival into the Christchurch Train Station you will be met by a private transfer driver and taken to your accommodation.
Day 3 Day 3: Christchurch To Mt Cook National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Christchurch To Mt Cook National Park

Christchurch to Mount Cook with GreatSights

Depart Christchurch in the morning and travel through the lush farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd as it stands in solitude next to the vibrant blue waters. Leaving Tekapo, continue into the Southern Alps towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Along the way, your driver guide will keep you entertained and informed with commentary on the area’s history and sites of interest. The tour concludes on arrival at Mount Cook Village, where you can explore and soak up the views of Aoraki / Mount Cook as it towers above.
Day 4 Day 4: Mt Cook To Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Mt Cook To Queenstown

Mount Cook to Queenstown with GreatSights

Depart Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in the afternoon and head south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Omarama. Crossing the Lindis Pass this is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres, you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. Approaching Queenstown the impressive Remarkables mountain range come into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu as you head towards the adventure and activity capital of New Zealand. Tour concludes this evening on arrival into Queenstown.

4 days tour

4 Day Southern Loop Including Alpine Train

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 4 Day Southern Loop Including Alpine Train

Day 1: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier By Greatsights Coach

Day 2: Franz Josef To Greymouth Train Station, Tranz Alpine Train To Christchurch

Day 3: Christchurch To Mt Cook National Park

Day 4: Mt Cook To Queenstown

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