Itinerary
The West Coast, or 'the Coast' as locals call it, is an untamed natural wilderness of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures and this trip gives you an opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to mankind.
“Haere Mai” Welcome to Christchurch – the Garden City! After you have arrived at your centrally located accommodation its time to take it slow and sit back and relax while punting down the River Avon through the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train**, considered one of the world’s great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
On arrival into Greymouth you will collect your rental car and head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and be sure to take a detour to the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, a turquoise coloured river surrounded by native bush-clad cliffs.
Continue on through Ross, Hari Hari, and other several small towns before catching a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive into the town centre.
** Note TranzAlpine is running on a limited schedule (Fri-Mon) and resumes daily departures from 20 Sep.
Today it is a chance to experience one of our customers biggest highlights of their visit Franz Josef and do the world-renowned Glacier Heli Hike.
Your journey starts at our glacier base in Franz Josef Village where the team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing.
From here, your guide will lead you on a short walk through native forest to the heli pad and get you ready to board your helicopter. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board your helicopter and our highly trained pilot then whisks you away over the jaw dropping landscape – an opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of Franz Josef Glacier.
Your pilot will land you high up on the glacier itself, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.
During your hike your guide will share with you the story of this spectacular glacier, their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight on why Franz Josef is so unique. You’ll come away from your trip not only with a sense of awe at this majestic beauty, but a whole new understanding of why this precious landmark is so special.
Time to say goodbye to Franz Josef and head to Lake Brunner which is a great spot for a spot of fishing or the opportunity to stretch those legs and do many of the local walks in the area which range from 20 mins, 1 hour or 2 hours return.’
Hotel Lake Brunner offers excellent accommodation, great facilities, fabulous food, and so much to see and do, along with the added bonus of spectacular views of Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps from your room.
Today you leave Lake Brunner and head back to Christchurch, return your rental car and head back home.
