Franz Josef Tours South Island Tours Tours from Christchurch West Coast Tours

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus)

Name: Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus)
Brand: Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Price: 845 NZD
Availability: InStock

From NZD$845

(33 reviews)

Departs from: Tours from Christchurch

Duration: 12 hours

Start Booking Now

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 1

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 2

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 3

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 4

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 5

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 6

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train (Scenic Plus) — photo 7

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, starting with an upgraded TranzAlpine Scenic Plus rail experience. Relax in spacious seating, soak up panoramic alpine views, and enjoy regionally inspired food and drinks as you glide through the Southern Alps. Meet your Cheeky Kiwi guide on the West Coast and continue deep into glacier country, where turquoise gorges, wild black-sand beaches, and rainforest-fringed lakes steal the show. With small groups, passionate guides, and unforgettable landscapes, this is the West Coast done right.

Why you'll love this tour

Ride the world-famous TranzAlpine for unbeatable alpine views in Scenic Plus

Experience the dramatic shift from mountains to wild coastline in one day

Explore hidden West Coast gems most travellers miss

Enjoy relaxed stops with time to wander, photograph, and soak it all in

Travel small, personal, and fully guided with local storytelling

Finish the day in magical Franz Josef Glacier Country

Itinerary

What’s Included

TranzAlpine scenic train journey

Complimentary bottled water and snacks

Comfortable, luxury and modern mini-coach transport

Local knowledge, legendary guides and an incredible exprience

Exclusive Scenic Plus carriage with panoramic views and inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the train journey

Lunch - seasonal menu inspired by the mountains and rivers of the world-famous TranzAlpine train journey

Why choose us

Famously passionate tour guides

Our guides share stories, laughs, and Kiwi charm on every journey.

Travel in comfort

Small groups, big comfort. Relax in our modern Mercedes minibuses with style and space.

Award-winning tours

Thousands of five-star reviews and top travel awards - experiences loved worldwide.

Kiwi owned. Kiwi operated

Proudly local and passionate about sharing authentic New Zealand with every traveller.

Stories worth sharing

10/7/2026

Relaxed and enjoyable West coast intro.

Janis was friendly, cheerful, and informative. We had a great time, learnt a bit and saw some spectacular scenery. Well run trip. Easy booking and communication. Would highly recommend.

PeterQ

4/5/2026

Brilliant day, great scenery, fab guide

Excellent day across South Island with our great guide Joel. Whole trip very well organised, starting with collection from our Christchurch hotel and transport to the station.. Our luggage remained on the minibus - which met us off the train in Greymouth which was so much better than having to take them on the train. The scenery was great although weather was a bit mixed. Once we passed the main divide it became sunny and warmer. Lunch was very good right by the station and then Joel drove us to Hokitika town and then gorge for a lovely walk. Finally dropping us at our hotel in Franz Josef. Joel was super friendly and knowledgeable - keeping us well informed and entertained. Thank you Joel and Cheeky Kiwi Travel for a brilliant day trip/tour.

Alison S

4/3/2026

Amazing views an excellent journey

An excellent train journey with incredible views of the south island, food and drink available, café restaurant and multiple outdoor viewing platforms, bring your coat for these as it was cold out there. Seat was comfortable seat and all set up for excellent views of the stunning scenery rolling out before you.

MrsBB2000

3/22/2026

Christchurch to Franz Joseph tour.

Great experience. Stunning scenery everywhere. Logan was friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great day.

Brian F

3/4/2026

West coast covered

Train trip with amazing views and then bus trip with informative and friendly driver. Pick up and drop off service good too.

Sandra R Kerr

2/9/2026

Great train journey and one way trip down the coast

The TranzAlpine was a lovely and scenic rail journey. Joel was an engaging guide and the trip was well-organized. Great scenery and convenient for a one way trip down the coast.

Lake J

1/28/2026

Luxury travel at its finest!

Luxurious and scenic! Didn’t expect such a delightful and tasty trans-alpine transit. Do it! Elegant and tasty, plus a sunny day helped!

Gayle N

1/3/2026

Recommended if you don’t want to drive.

The chauffeur was friendly and reliable. If you’re taking the train exchange the phone numbers with the chauffeur, make’s it easy when you get off the train.

Elvin

1/2/2026

Excellent experience and beautiful scenery

The experience was very pleasant. Rosie picked us up in time and left us in time to catch the train. The train ride was spectacular and then the car ride was good, making an excellent stop for walking in Hokitika.

JP Ortega

12/29/2025

Great tour

The journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef with TranzAlpine train was an outstanding experience, made even better by Shar’s excellent guidance throughout the day. Shar was a confident and safe driver, which made the long scenic journey comfortable and relaxing. He was friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trip. The route itself was breathtaking, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the changing landscapes along the way. Importantly, the day was well paced, allowing us enough time to reach Franz Josef and fully enjoy seeing the glacier at the end of the day. Overall, it was a memorable and well organised trip.

Jessica F