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2 Days
Glacier Valley Shuttle
You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.
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Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef with Hokitika Scenic Tours
Depart Greymouth, and head south through Hokitika and towards Glacier Country. Pass through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several old buildings remain intact. Travelling further down the coast drive through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash-landed. Follow the coast through several small towns including Whataroa, the only home to the Kōtuku-White Heron which is showcased on the New Zealand $2 coin. From there it is a short drive and on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive in the town centre.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
The 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 the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, Greymouth. From your carriage, you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur's Pass National Park 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.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Addon - KiwiRail
Feel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check-in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy personal service with panoramic windows, spacious carriages and comfortable seating. The exclusive open-air viewing carriage is available if you feel like capturing the ultimate photo or simply wish to experience the great outdoors whilst travelling through the Southern Alps. Your food is prepared exclusively in a kitchen carriage, with paired drinks and a paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu all your senses will be fully engaged on this journey.
Accommodation
Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
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Franz Josef to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles
Set off from the small village of Franz Josef, set at the edge of Franz Josef Glacier (one of the world's most accessible glaciers), and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wānaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.