TranzAlpine Train & West Coast Glaciers

Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, then drive along the West Coast glaciers to Queenstown.

Take the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth on Day 2, pick up your rental car at the station, and explore the Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge, glaciers, and Haast Pass. This half-train, half-drive itinerary saves you from driving over the mountain passes, though a one-way car rental fee applies. This route skips Mount Cook and Milford Sound, making it ideal for travelers who have already seen the lakes or love scenic rail journeys.

Until November 20, 2026, the train is replaced by a bus service west of Arthur's Pass; check operating days before booking.

Day by day

Day 1 · Half Day in Christchurch

Christchurch（Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral、185 Empty Chairs、Quake City、Punting on the Avon）

Drive about 25 minutes from the airport to the city, then explore on foot. No car rental is needed today as you take an early train tomorrow.

Stay: City Centre

Day 2 · TranzAlpine Train to Pancake Rocks

Christchurch（TranzAlpine Train） → Punakaiki & Greymouth（Pancake Rocks and Blowholes）

Take the morning train (approx. 5 hours) to Greymouth, pick up your car at the station, and drive north for about 45 minutes to Punakaiki.

Car rental depots in Greymouth are small; book in advance and confirm the one-way drop-off fee.

Stay: Punakaiki

Day 3 · Hokitika Gorge to Glacier Village

Punakaiki & Greymouth（Truman Track、Hokitika Beach & Township、Hokitika Gorge）

Drive from Punakaiki to Franz Josef (approx. 3 hours), or about 4 hours including the detour to Hokitika Gorge.

Stay: Franz Josef Village

Day 4 · Glacier Valley & Lake Matheson

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers（Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere、Lake Matheson、Glacier Hot Pools）

Use the village as your base for short drives. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Fox Glacier area (round trip on the same day).

Heli-hike glacier trips are weather-dependent; booking the first morning slot is highly recommended.

Stay: Franz Josef Village

Day 5 · Haast Pass to Wanaka

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers（Knights Point Lookout、Ship Creek (Tauparikākā) Walks） → Queenstown & Wanaka（Thunder Creek Falls、Blue Pools）

Drive about 285 km along the Haast Highway to Wanaka (approx. 4.5 hours of pure driving).

The Makarora section is still undergoing repairs following the 2026 landslide; check road conditions before departure.

Stay: Wanaka

Day 6 · Wanaka Lakefront & Hiking

Queenstown & Wanaka（Roys Peak Track、That Wanaka Tree、Wānaka Township & Lakefront）

Short drives within the town and suburbs. Head to the lakefront after completing your hike; no hotel change today.

Roy's Peak is closed for lambing from October 1 to November 10 annually; walk along the lakefront instead during this period.