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Train in valley in West Coast Franz Josef Glacier tour in Christchurch New Zealand.
Train on bridge in West Coast Franz Josef Glacier tour in Christchurch New Zealand.
City view of Franz Josef Glacier in West Coast Franz Josef Glacier tour in Christchurch New Zealand.
Bridge pass in West Coast Franz Josef Glacier tour in Christchurch New Zealand.
Building used in West Coast Franz Josef Glacier tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

3-Day Trans-alpine Rail Journey with Guided Glacier Tour

By Canterbury Leisure Tours
Features
  • Printed voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview
  • Scenic coast-to-coast rail journey over the Southern Alps
  • Traveling over Arthur’s Pass & along the Waimakariri river
  • Exploring the quaint town of Franz Josef
  • Touring & photographing Lake Matheson & Franz Josef Glacier
  • 4-star accommodations in a picturesque mountainside hotel

Activity location

    • Franz Josef, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Christchurch - Hotel/Motel pickups
    • Cathedral Square
    • 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Check availability


Sorry this activity isn't available on Thu, 28 Mar
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedGuided tour of Lake Matheson and the Franz Josef Glacier
  • What's includedWhat's includedAdmission Fees
  • What's includedWhat's includedBreakfast on day 2 and 3
  • What's includedWhat's includedRoundtrip transportation to and from your Christchurch hotel
  • What's includedWhat's includedLive tour commentary provided in English
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedBeverages, bottled water, and snacks not listed as inclusions

Know before you book

  • Children 2 and younger are complimentary provided they do not occupy their own seat.
  • Hotel pickup is available from most centrally located Christchurch hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation.
  • Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
  • If you are a lone traveler, please select the single supplement option.
  • Independent Touring - this is not a Group Tour - we use local suppliers and you will have a different coach & driver each day

What you can expect

Outside the panoramic window of your train car, bright yellow grassland crashes into the impenetrable grey rock of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Continuing east, you meet snow-strewn mountain passes and say goodbye to the dry, arid east coast. Ahead, dense rainforests and monumental glaciers await.

At 4.5 hours in length, your journey to Greymouth isn't designed to be quick, but you still wish it was longer. Follow the Waimakariri River as it winds toward the mountains you’ll soon pass over. Flanked by beech forests and farmlands, the river beckons your train over viaducts and through tunnels before sending you over craggy peaks.

Break through the west coast’s dense rainforests and arrive in the coastal town of Greymouth. Comfortable coach buses take you to the nearby township of Franz Josef for a rest in 4-star accommodations.

Awake refreshed and ready to tour the 7.5 mile (12 km)-long Franz Josef Glacier. Hike and photograph the glacier while experienced guides inform you of its history. From the glacier, embark on a tour of Lake Matheson, whose mirror-like surface reflects Mt. Cook to create a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset. After you’ve got the perfect picture, ride back to your hotel in Franz Josef for a restful night’s sleep.

On Day 3, return to Greymouth and meet up with your train for the return journey to Christchurch.

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures
  • High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected
  • Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
Social distancing
  • Contactless ticket redemption
  • Social distancing measures in place
  • Protective shields in place at main contact areas
Safety measures
  • Hand sanitiser provided
  • Individually wrapped food options available
This information is provided by our partners

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Franz Josef, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEChristchurch - Hotel/Motel pickups
    • Cathedral Square
    • 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand