Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour

Duration: 5 Days

Price: from $2,359

Departure From: Christchurch

Departure Date: Flexible Dates

Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Tour Operator: LOCO Journeys

Meal Plan: No meals included

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Our Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour offers an unforgettable adventure that combines the luxury of the TranzAlpine train with the natural beauty of Franz Josef Glacier and the world-renowned Milford Sound.

New Zealand offers some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, and the journey from Christchurch to Queenstown is no exception. Over five days and four nights, you’ll experience the South Island’s magnificent landscapes, from alpine forests and mountain ranges to rugged coastlines and crystal-clear lakes.

This carefully designed tour will take you on an unforgettable journey aboard the TranzAlpine train, followed by an exploration of the West Coast to Franz Josef and an immersive experience in Queenstown, including a trip to the iconic Milford Sound. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax, this tour promises a diverse blend of experiences.

LOCO Journeys can tailor-make this tour to a journey that delivers you to your desired destinations, your time, budget and the train timetable.

Fully Flexible Tour
Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour
Your Christchurch to Queenstown independent tour is fully flexbile.

Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour Highlights

  • TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch to Greymouth via the majestic Southern Alps
  • Native forest hot tub experience in Franz Josef Glacier
  • Explore the South Island’s famed West Coast
  • Enjoy the journey through the Southern Lakes district
  • Spend time in Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier visit destination
  • Delight in a Milford Sound Day tour to Fiordland National Park.
South Island LOCO Journeys
A day trip to stunning Milford Sound is included in your journey.

Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour Optional Excursions

Each option on our is highly recommended to make the most of your Christchurch to Queenstown train tour. Ask at the time of booking.

Twin Glacier Helicopter Ride from Franz Josef – Fly over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you.

4WD Skippers Canyon Half Day Excursion (f – Join a Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this an exciting adventure the whole family will enjoy. Hotel pick up and drop off included.

Half Day Bike The Wineries Tour – This half day self-guided tour begins with an afternoon pick up from central Queenstown and a scenic transfer to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, the home of bungy and the beginning of the Gibbston Wine Region. After bike fitting, helpful winery and trail information from your knowledgeable driver, you’re free to set off riding the Gibbston River Trail at your leisure using our informative trail map with exclusive offers to visit as many of the amazing wineries, a cheesery and brewery linked throughout this section of easy riding trail. You will be picked up from the Gibbston Tavern (or another prearranged point in the valley) for your relaxing vehicle transfer back to Queenstown. Total biking distance is 5-12 kms depending on how many wineries you wish to visit.

TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise – Voyage across the pristine Lake Wakatipu with its stunning mountain backdrop for a sumptuous BBQ dinner at Walter Peak and a steamship cruise.

South Island New Zealand
A ride on the TSS Earnslaw steamship and BBQ dinner simply should not be missed. It’s a real highlight of Queenstown.

Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour – Your Scenic Train Trip

New Zealand’s scenic trains are travel experiences that are guaranteed to move you. The TranzAlpine will offer a picture-perfect journey through the heart of New Zealand as you relax into your Christchurch to Queenstown train tour.

From quaint rural farmsteads to snow-capped mountains, enjoy the best of New Zealand’s famous scenery to your window while you sit back and relax.

Inspirational Alps
TranzAlpine Train Scenery, The Southern Alps

The TranzAlpine offers two distinct service levels to choose from on your Christchurch to Queenstown train tour. Both classes are worthy of what you pay, and both a thoroughly enjoyable way to make the most of your TranzAlpine train experience.

Scenic Class Experience

Glide through the heart of New Zealand’s beautiful scenery in Scenic Class carriages, with epic landscape views filling your window while you relax in your seat.

In Scenic Class you’ll experience spacious reclined seats with generous amounts of legroom and comfort, panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights. And to heighten your comfort, state-of-the-art airbag suspension has been used to guarantee a smooth ride across our rugged New Zealand terrain.

While onboard, you might like a stroll to the Scenic Cafe carriage where you’ll find a great selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams. Indulge in a freshly brewed specialty tea or barista coffee married with a sumptuous cake? Or perhaps toast your special journey with a bottle of bubbles?

The Scenic Cafe opens for coffee and breakfast before the train departs and continues serving throughout the day. You can take a seat in the Scenic Cafe carriage and feast upon the views whilst eating. But you are also welcome to return to your seat to dine and drink if you would prefer. The day is yours to do as you choose! 

During the hot summer months, the Open-air Viewing Carriage is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors while on the move. You can whittle away the hours chatting and gazing out upon spectacular scenery and wildlife. It is also that perfect place for capturing those magical views on camera.

Learn the stories of our land while you travel by plugging into the Scenic Class Audio Commentary at your seat. The commentary provides a seamless stream of stories, narratives and facts about the places outside your window and is available on all three Scenic Class services, including the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.

Scenic Plus Premium Experience

Inside the refined Scenic Plus Class carriages, it’s more than just a journey. You’ll be treated to fresh food, captivating commentary, great hosting and spectacular views, all delivered to your seat while you ease back and enjoy the journey. There really is no better way to discover New Zealand. 

At the heart of the Scenic Plus experience is the refined Scenic Plus Class carriage, with huge panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights, bathing you in those gorgeous coastal and mountain landscapes. 

Scenic Plus Breakfast
Breakfast is served at your table in the premium Scenic Class Plus carriage.

Your Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour Accommodation

Franz Josef Glacier Village Accommodation

Set in the heart of the Franz Josef Glacier village is the homely Bella Vista Franz Josef. A small, personal accommodation option, Bella vista offers four star quality just a few minutes stroll from local restaurants and activities. Should Franz Josef not be able to accommodate your journey, we do occasionally place people at the Bella Vista in Fox Glacier village instead depending on availability.

Bella-Vista-Franz-Josef

Queenstown Accommodation

The resort town of Queenstown is the perfect destination for your Christchurch to Queenstown train tour. Queenstown offers a heady mix of stunning scenery and activities and adventures for every moment of the day. Breathtaking vistas, epic mountains, and lakes are all accessible from the lakeside town. We have a few different options for accommodation in Queenstown – all of great quality and in central locations.

Queenstown offers a mountainous, lakeside setting where adventures await.

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Christchurch to Queenstown train tour, please see below.

Departures are from Christchurch daily in summer and four times a week in winter

  • The 5 day Christchurch to Queenstown train tour is an Independent Tour and this means a certain level of flexibility can be delivered to make it work. As long as you are flexible, the itinerary can be too. We can be build the tour to match your preferred dates, add days and destinations as long as the train timetable meets your travelling requirements.
  • This tour can also operate in reverse, departing from Queenstown with Christchurch becoming your final destination.
  • If you want to include the wonderful Coastal Pacific train journey that runs from Christchurch to Picton during the summer months from September to early May via Kaikoura and Blenheim, as an optional extra from Christchurch – which will then connect into the ferry where you conclude your journey in Wellington – we can offer this at the time of booking. Please ask.
Coastal Pacific
Take the time and consider adding the Coastal Pacific train journey to your itinerary and finish your tour in Wellington.

Click here for alternate New Zealand tours

Departure Dates & Timetable

  • TranzAlpine operates daily departures during summer from September to early May.
  • The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas day.
  • The train typically operates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during winter months.
  • There is one departure each way on operating days.
  • You must be at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Tour Inclusions

  • All tours, activities as specified within the itinerary
  • 1 nights motel accommodation in Franz Josef Glacier Village
  • Christchurch to Greymouth TranzAlpine one-way train journey
  • Modern air-conditioned coach, scenic shuttle or car-rental
  • 4 nights accommodation in Queenstown
  • Milford Sound day trip including return transport and boat trip on the Sound

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • A single supplement is available
  • Price will vary depending on the date of departure.
  • Price is based on travelling on Intercity on a limited timetable. Other transport operators are available at a higher cost.
  • Please note: The Glacier Valley Shuttle will only be included from Oct-Mar due to insufficient daylight hours on arrival into Franz Josef.
  • Cancellation and amendment charges will be advised at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Christchurch - TranzAlpine Train - Greymouth - Franz Josef Glacier Village
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'll 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 via Arthurs Pass before descending through the lush beech rainforest to the West Coast town of Greymouth before onward travel to the West Coast Glaciers. Your coach to Franz Josef Glacier departs from the Greymouth Railway Station. The journey to the Glaciers is southward through the lush bush covered landscape sandwiched between the base of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. As you travel down the West Coast enjoy the beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains before arriving into the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier. You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles. If you would like to stay an extra night here in Franz Josef, simply let us know.
Another early start allows us to make the most of our day's journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. We cross over to the East Coast through the dramatic Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps. On the other side, enjoy picture-postcard views of vibrant blue lakes like Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Lake Dunstan as you make your way into scenic Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon.
No visit to Queenstown is complete without experiencing Milford Sound, one of the most iconic natural wonders of New Zealand. On Day 3, embark on a day trip to Milford Sound, which is approximately a 4-hour drive each way from Queenstown. While the journey is long, it is absolutely worth it, as you’ll pass through some of the country’s most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes. Look out to the right of your coach you will pass the Kingston Flyer railway lines which runs from the lakeside settlement of Kingston and Fairlight. Your day is a coach-cruise-coach option, where you’ll travel by bus to Milford Sound, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the sound, and then return by bus. Along the way, the route offers stops at key points of interest, such as Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, and the Chasm, all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Once you arrive at Milford Sound, embark on a boat cruise to explore the fjord. The towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls create a surreal atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. The cruise will bring you up close to iconic landmarks, such as Mitre Peak, which rises dramatically from the water, and the Stirling and Lady Bowen Falls. During the boat tour, you may also spot wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and rare birds. After a memorable cruise, return to Queenstown, where you’ll have the evening free to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Queenstown’s renowned restaurants, offering everything from casual dining to fine cuisine, with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. If you want to return to Queenstown by a 40 minute scenic flight, please let us know at the time of booking.
Today you’ll have time to explore more of what Queenstown has to offer. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor activities, Queenstown provides endless options for visitors. You can take a leisurely stroll around the town, visit the Queenstown Gardens, or take a gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Thrill-seekers can opt for bungee jumping, skydiving, or a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more laid-back, take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu or enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Gibbston Valley wine region.
Today your tour ends. Depending on your departure time, you’ll either take a flight from Queenstown or begin your journey back home, enriched by the incredible landscapes and experiences of your journey.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.