One-way guided small-group journey from Franz Josef to Greymouth.Scenic stops at Lake Ianthe and Hokitika.Optional excursion to Hokitika Gorge.Lunch.Bottled water and snacks.One-way TranzAlpine journey from Greymouth to Christchurch.Scenic Plus carriage with panoramic views.Hosted onboard service.Regionally inspired food and included drinks during the train journey.Transfer from Christchurch Railway Station to your Christchurch accommodation.What to bring: Comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and a warm layer or rain jacket are useful for the outdoor sightseeing stops and open-air train viewing carriage. Keep anything you need during the rail journey in a small day bag.

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

Franz Josef to Christchurch via TranzAlpine (Scenic Plus Upgrade)

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

AU$683

per adult

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Woman enjoying breakfast on Scenic Plus train

Experiences

Train & Rail Journeys

Small Group Tours

Transfers and Shuttles

South Island

Start: Franz Josef

Finish: Christchurch

Location: Franz Josef

Travel Time: 12 hours

The Franz Josef to Christchurch TranzAlpine Scenic Plus tour is a 12-hour one-way journey combining a guided West Coast minicoach tour, Hokitika sightseeing and the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train. Depart from Franz Josef, travel north to Greymouth and board the afternoon train to Christchurch. This tour suits travellers wanting to reach Christchurch without driving while seeing key West Coast sights along the way.

The first part of the journey follows the West Coast north from Franz Josef. Pause beside forest-fringed Lake Ianthe before continuing to Hokitika, where black sand meets the Tasman Sea. The route also includes an optional excursion to Hokitika Gorge, known for its turquoise water, suspension bridges and surrounding native bush.

At Greymouth, change from minicoach to rail for the TranzAlpine journey across the Southern Alps. Scenic Plus passengers travel in a dedicated premium carriage with hosted service and regionally inspired food and drinks served at their seats. The train travels via Lake Brunner, Arthur's Pass and the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch at around 7:00 pm, where an accommodation transfer completes the journey.

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

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

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

TranzAlpine train travelling past Mount Binser in Arthur’s Pass

Couple enjoying lunch with views aboard TranzAlpine train

Friends dining in Scenic Plus carriage aboard the TranzAlpine

Smiling woman enjoying the view from TranzAlpine viewing carriage

Breakfast service in Scenic Plus carriage on TranzAlpine train

TranzAlpine train boarding at Christchurch Station platform

Family feeding ducks by the pond in Hagley Park during autumn in Christchurch

Colourful heritage buildings with outdoor seating on Regent Street, Christchurch

Pathway alongside the Avon River in Christchurch with native trees

Illuminated Transitional Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch at night

People walking past The Cooks Pantry organic shop on a main street in Greymouth, West Coast, New Zealand

Aerial view of Greymouth town along the Grey River on New Zealand’s West Coast

Colourful heritage buildings and outdoor dining on New Regent Street, Christchurch

Christchurch cityscape with Southern Alps in the background

TranzAlpine train crossing Waimakariri River on a clear day

Tour Highlights

See the contrasting landscapes of the West Coast and Southern Alps in a single journey, travelling from glacier country to the Canterbury Plains.
Spend time in Hokitika and take the optional excursion to Hokitika Gorge, where turquoise river water flows through dense native forest.
Cross Arthur's Pass aboard the TranzAlpine, travelling from the wetter western side of the Southern Alps into Canterbury.

One-way guided small-group journey from Franz Josef to Greymouth.
Scenic stops at Lake Ianthe and Hokitika.
Optional excursion to Hokitika Gorge.
Lunch.
Bottled water and snacks.
One-way TranzAlpine journey from Greymouth to Christchurch.
Scenic Plus carriage with panoramic views.
Hosted onboard service.
Regionally inspired food and included drinks during the train journey.
Transfer from Christchurch Railway Station to your Christchurch accommodation.

What to bring: Comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and a warm layer or rain jacket are useful for the outdoor sightseeing stops and open-air train viewing carriage. Keep anything you need during the rail journey in a small day bag.

This is a one-way journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch. The first section is by guided minicoach to Greymouth, where you connect with the TranzAlpine for the journey to Christchurch. There is no return journey to Franz Josef included.

This tour includes Scenic Plus, the TranzAlpine's premium onboard experience. Scenic Plus provides a dedicated carriage, hosted service and regionally inspired dining.

Scenic Plus passengers may check two bags weighing up to 23 kg each, plus one wheeled or hard-sided cabin bag up to 7 kg, which must also be checked into the luggage carriage. Dietary requirements should be advised when booking, with special meals confirmed at least seven days before travel.

Food is served at your seat during the afternoon Greymouth-to-Christchurch journey, with the menu designed around ingredients and flavours associated with the regions along the route.

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

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.

Yes. The journey is designed as one-way transport, so you can travel with luggage. On the Scenic Plus train, the allowance is two checked bags of up to 23 kg each plus a wheeled or hard-sided cabin bag up to 7 kg, which must also be checked into the luggage carriage.