One-way TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth.Scenic Plus carriage with panoramic windows and hosted table service.Regionally inspired meals and selected drinks during the rail journey.Guided minicoach transport from Greymouth to Franz Josef.Bottled water and snacks.Lunch.Stops at Cobden Breakwater, Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge and Lake Ianthe.Local guide commentary during the road portion.Accommodation drop-off in Franz Josef. What to bring: comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a rain jacket, your booking confirmation and a camera or phone. A warm layer is useful if you plan to spend time in the TranzAlpine’s open-air viewing carriage.

Adult: 15 years +Children: 4-14 yearsInfants: Under 4 years

Christchurch to Franz Josef via TranzAlpine (Scenic Plus Upgrade)

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$845

per adult

Book Now

TranzAlpine train crossing Waimakariri River on a clear day

Experiences

Train & Rail Journeys

Transfers and Shuttles

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Christchurch

Finish: Franz Josef

Location: Christchurch

Travel Time: 12 hours

The Christchurch to Franz Josef TranzAlpine Scenic Plus tour is a one-way journey of about 12 hours combining the TranzAlpine train, Scenic Plus dining and a guided West Coast minicoach trip. Travel from Christchurch through Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth, then continue via Hokitika and Hokitika Gorge to Franz Josef. The rail service currently runs daily except Christmas Day, with tour availability subject to your travel date.

The first part of the journey crosses the South Island from Canterbury to the West Coast aboard the TranzAlpine. From Christchurch, the train travels across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps, calling at Arthur’s Pass before descending towards Lake Brunner and Greymouth. Scenic Plus passengers travel in a dedicated carriage with panoramic windows, hosted table service and food and drinks served during the journey.

At Greymouth, meet your local guide and continue south by minicoach. Stops include the Tasman Sea coastline around Cobden, Hokitika’s black-sand beach, the turquoise water and native bush of Hokitika Gorge, and Lake Ianthe. The journey finishes in Franz Josef, with an accommodation drop-off in the village.

TranzAlpine train boarding at Christchurch Station platform

TranzAlpine train at Springfield Station with Southern Alps behind

Friends dining in Scenic Plus carriage aboard the TranzAlpine

Breakfast service in Scenic Plus carriage on TranzAlpine train

Evening dining experience in Scenic Plus on TranzAlpine train

Woman enjoying breakfast on Scenic Plus train

Hokitika River Bridge with the Southern Alps in the background on a clear day

View from TranzAlpine Train of sheep near Crooked River

Scenic view of Hokitika River Bridge with snow-capped Southern Alps in the background

Hokitika Clock Tower and Mountain Jade building under a clear blue sky

View of Hokitika Gorge with turquoise river, lush forest, and a swing bridge in the distance

Group of people crossing the swing bridge over Hokitika Gorge with turquoise water below

Visitors crossing the suspension bridge over the striking blue water of Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast of New Zealand

Two people at a lookout overlooking the turquoise Hokitika Gorge and swing bridge

Hiker views Franz Josef Glacier through native forest on the Alex Knob Track

Snow-capped Southern Alps rising behind Franz Josef Village under a clear blue sky

Franz Josef village main street with views of the Southern Alps on the West Coast

Woman standing at a scenic viewpoint on the Alex Knob Track looking towards the Franz Josef Glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Tour Highlights

Cross the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine, including the high-country scenery around Arthur’s Pass.
Visit Hokitika and Hokitika Gorge before travelling further south through the West Coast’s rainforest and lake country.
Combine almost five hours of scenic rail travel with a guided road journey to Franz Josef in one one-way itinerary.

One-way TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Scenic Plus carriage with panoramic windows and hosted table service.
Regionally inspired meals and selected drinks during the rail journey.
Guided minicoach transport from Greymouth to Franz Josef.
Bottled water and snacks.
Lunch.
Stops at Cobden Breakwater, Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge and Lake Ianthe.
Local guide commentary during the road portion.
Accommodation drop-off in Franz Josef.

What to bring: comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a rain jacket, your booking confirmation and a camera or phone. A warm layer is useful if you plan to spend time in the TranzAlpine’s open-air viewing carriage.

This booking includes Scenic Plus, rather than the standard Scenic class. Scenic Plus adds dedicated carriage seating, hosted table service, regional dining and included drinks. Seating is allocated for the rail journey and may involve sharing a table with other guests.

The journey is one way from Christchurch to Franz Josef. At Greymouth, you leave the train and connect with the guided road portion of the tour; you do not return to Christchurch.

For Scenic Plus, the rail operator currently allows two checked bags up to 23 kg each, plus one wheeled or hard-sided cabin-size bag up to 7 kg, which must also be checked into the luggage carriage. One small day bag may be taken aboard.

Food and drinks are served during the Scenic Plus rail journey. Advise dietary requirements when booking; the rail operator recommends confirming special meal requests at least seven days before travel.

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

More than 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you’re welcome to bring luggage! Each guest can bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag on all tours.

If you need to bring extra luggage, no worries—it’s just $40 per additional item. Just make sure to arrange this with us ahead of your tour day.

Please note we can’t accommodate oversized items like bikes, surfboards, or pets.

Scenic Class provides panoramic windows, reclining seating and access to the train's viewing and café facilities. Scenic Plus adds a premium hosted experience in a dedicated carriage, with regional food prepared for the journey and meals and selected drinks served at your seat.