The Snow & Rail Explorer is a New Zealand winter rail and ski tour that combines iconic train journeys, alpine landscapes and self-drive freedom. Beginning with the famous TranzAlpine train crossing the Southern Alps, this itinerary blends rail travel with scenic winter driving through glacier country and the South Island high country. It’s designed for travellers who want variety, comfort and unforgettable winter scenery in one seamless journey.
Along the way, you’ll experience Franz Josef Glacier, stay beneath Aoraki / Mt Cook, and enjoy skiing in Queenstown and at Mt Hutt with lift access included. Carefully paced overnight stops allow time to explore, ski and relax, without feeling rushed. This winter explorer itinerary delivers a balance of rail, road and alpine experiences unlike any standard ski holiday.
Code: SB2511NSRE
Arrive in Christchurch and make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. The afternoon and evening are free to relax after your flight or explore the revitalised city centre, riverside precincts and dining scene. This easy first day allows you to settle in before the journey begins.
Board the iconic TranzAlpine train and travel through the Southern Alps, crossing dramatic gorges, river valleys and alpine passes.
After arriving in Greymouth, collect your hire car and continue south along the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef. The scenery shifts quickly from alpine peaks to rainforest and coastline, making this one of the most varied days of the tour.
Included: TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Spend the day exploring Franz Josef at leisure, surrounded by rainforest and glacier-carved valleys. Optional experiences such as a Franz Josef Glacier heli hike offer an unforgettable way to access the ice (weather permitting). Alternatively, enjoy short walks, local hot pools or simply relax and take in the dramatic West Coast scenery.
Depart Glacier Country and journey south through Haast Pass, one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine routes. Travel alongside rivers, lakes and mountain ranges, passing through Makarora and Lake Hawea before arriving in Queenstown. This is a longer driving day, but the ever-changing scenery makes it a highlight of the itinerary.
Enjoy a full ski day in Queenstown using your NZ Superpass, redeemable at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Both fields offer varied terrain and spectacular alpine views, suitable for a range of abilities. After skiing, return to Queenstown for après-ski dining and lakeside relaxation.
Depart Queenstown and detour via Wanaka, stopping for a lakeside walk past the famous Wanaka Tree. Continue through the Mackenzie Basin to Mt Cook National Park, where snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape. Arrive in time to settle in and enjoy the alpine setting beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Spend the day exploring Mt Cook National Park at your own pace. Choose from scenic walks, optional glacier flights, stargazing experiences or simply enjoy the dramatic alpine views. This rest day provides a slower pace and a strong contrast to the ski-focused days elsewhere in the itinerary.
Travel north through the Mackenzie region and across high-country landscapes towards Methven. This small alpine town sits at the base of Mt Hutt and is well positioned for skiing. The afternoon is free to relax, prepare gear or enjoy the town’s cosy mountain atmosphere.
Enjoy a full day skiing at Mt Hutt, frequently rated among New Zealand’s best ski resorts. The mountain offers wide-open terrain, reliable winter conditions and sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains. Return to Methven in the afternoon for a relaxed evening.
Depart Methven and drive back across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. The remainder of the day is free to unwind, explore the city or enjoy a final evening in the South Island’s largest city.
Enjoy a classic city experience aboard the Christchurch Tram, combining heritage commentary with sightseeing through the city streets. Afterwards, relax on a punt along the Avon River, gliding past the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
In the afternoon, encounter some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, including native species such as kiwi, kea, takahē, tuatara and pūkeko. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre to see little blue penguins, husky dogs and experience the Antarctic storm room, before finishing the day with panoramic city views from the scenic chairlift at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Drive from central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport to return your hire car before departure. Your Snow & Rail Explorer tour comes to an end after a diverse winter journey combining rail travel, glaciers, alpine scenery and skiing.
Yes – most major car rental companies in New Zealand offer ski racks as an optional add-on during the winter season. If you're heading to the snow with skis or a snowboard, it's worth requesting a ski rack when booking your rental, especially if you're travelling in a group or have bulky gear.
However, not all vehicle types can be fitted with ski racks (e.g. some compact cars or campervans), so it's best to check with the rental provider in advance. Larger SUVs and 4WDs are the most common vehicles equipped for ski racks and are ideal for accessing alpine roads to places like Cardrona, The Remarkables, or Mt Hutt.
Tip: Ski racks often book out quickly during peak season (July–August), so reserve early to avoid missing out.
Yes – if you're driving up to ski fields in New Zealand, carrying snow chains is highly recommended, and sometimes legally required. Most ski areas like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Mount Hutt, and Turoa have alpine access roads that can be icy, snowy or steep – especially during winter (June to August).
Even if you're in a 4WD, ski field operators or road signs may still instruct you to fit chains before ascending, depending on conditions. It's common to see checkpoints or signs that say “Chains must be fitted beyond this point.” If you don’t comply, you can be turned around or fined.
Tip for Car Rentals: Hire cars often don’t come with snow chains by default – ask for them when booking and make sure you know how to fit them before you head up the mountain.
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