Is train travel included?

Yes, the tour includes the TranzAlpine scenic train journey across the Southern Alps, with one meal served on board.

Is this tour escorted or independent?

It is a fully guided escorted tour with an experienced tour director throughout.

The TranzAlpine, which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps.

What hotels are included?

3-4 star hotels for 6 nights, twin share, with 1 night each in Christchurch, Greymouth/West Coast, and Franz Josef, and 3 nights in Queenstown.

When does this tour run?

Departures run from September 2026 through May 2027, with 20 scheduled departures, priced from NZD 4,999 (about USD 2,854).

What is not included?

Airport arrival transfers are not included, and the optional Queenstown excursions (Milford Sound, TSS Earnslaw cruise, horse trekking, gondola, wine tasting) are not listed as included.

Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour

Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour

Guided 7-day South Island NZ rail tour, Christchurch to Queenstown

Great Journeys New Zealand, which operates New Zealand's KiwiRail network, runs this 7-day escorted tour across the South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown. An experienced tour director travels with the group throughout, and the trip opens with a night in Christchurch before the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps through the Otira Tunnel and Arthur's Pass, stopping at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks on the way to the West Coast. After a night near Franz Josef, where free time allows a view of the glacier, a scenic coach crosses Haast Pass and pauses at the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown before settling into Queenstown for three nights. Those final days are left open, with optional trips to Milford Sound, a steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu, horse trekking, or wine tasting in Gibbston Valley. It suits travellers who want a guided introduction to the South Island's mountains, glaciers, and coastline without planning the route themselves.

What to know before you look closer

Private coaches and shuttles are included between tour stops, but airport arrival transfers are excluded.
Days 5 and 6 are unguided free days built around optional excursions such as Milford Sound, the TSS Earnslaw cruise, horse trekking, and wine tasting, none of which are listed under what's included.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Christchurch (1 night)
Welcome to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City. Check into your hotel, wander Riverside Market and the Botanical Gardens. Tour begins this evening with a welcome reception.
Day 2railovernight: Greymouth / West Coast (1 night)
The TranzAlpine scenic train
Board the TranzAlpine at Greymouth Railway Station, crossing the Southern Alps via the Otira Tunnel and Arthur's Pass, with a Punakaiki Pancake Rocks excursion en route to the West Coast.
Day 3overnight: Franz Josef (1 night)
Explore the West Coast
West Coast Tree Top Walkway and cafe, continue to Franz Josef with free time to view the glacier or visit the local hot pools.
Day 4overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)
Exploring the South
Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way, visiting the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown.
Day 5overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)
Explore Queenstown
Free day; optional excursion to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, or a TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Day 6overnight: Queenstown (3 nights)
The close to an adventure of a lifetime
Personalise the day: Walter Peak horse trekking, gondola views, or wine in Gibbston Valley. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 7
Departing Queenstown
Tour ends after a final breakfast with fellow travellers.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps through the Otira Tunnel and Arthur's Pass, with a stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks on the way to the West Coast.
Day 3Free time to view the Franz Josef glacier or visit the local hot pools after the West Coast Tree Top Walkway.
Day 4A scenic coach crosses Haast Pass and stops at the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown before reaching Queenstown.
Day 5A free day in Queenstown offers an optional trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi or a TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Day 6Travellers personalise the day with options like Walter Peak horse trekking, gondola views, or wine tasting in Gibbston Valley before a farewell dinner.

Included

Experienced tour director
TranzAlpine scenic train journey
Free time and optional excursions
6 breakfasts
2 dinners
1 meal on the train
3-4 star hotel accommodation, 6 nights, twin share
Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
Porterage

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes, the tour includes the TranzAlpine scenic train journey across the Southern Alps, with one meal served on board.
Is this tour escorted or independent?: It is a fully guided escorted tour with an experienced tour director throughout.
Which train is used?: The TranzAlpine, which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps.
What hotels are included?: 3-4 star hotels for 6 nights, twin share, with 1 night each in Christchurch, Greymouth/West Coast, and Franz Josef, and 3 nights in Queenstown.
When does this tour run?: Departures run from September 2026 through May 2027, with 20 scheduled departures, priced from NZD 4,999 (about USD 2,854).
What is not included?: Airport arrival transfers are not included, and the optional Queenstown excursions (Milford Sound, TSS Earnslaw cruise, horse trekking, gondola, wine tasting) are not listed as included.