Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience

Duration: 4 Days

Price: from NZ$3,899

Departure From: Christchurch

Departure Date: Flexible Dates

Tour Type: Independent Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Enjoy a heavenly escape into a world filled with fascination and grandeur on this premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience.

Enliven your senses on this four-day escape through towering mountains and lush green valleys to the glacial West Coast.

Experience the grandeur of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Be immersed in glacial views and outstanding personalized service. Relax on an immaculate adventure where all the details are taken care of for you.

If you are looking for a luxurious long weekend or midweek adventure that enlivens your senses and immerses you in the natural grandeur of the West Coast, then this is the escape for you.

Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience Map

Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience Highlights

  • Soar into the Southern Alps on a scenic helicopter flight and land on Franz Josef Glacier
  • Experience the flavours of our land with the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Dining Experience
  • Experience an exclusive interaction with New Zealand’s rarest kiwi bird
  • Soak in the dramatic scenery and stunning blue waters of Hokitika Gorge
  • Relax amidst pure natural luxury at the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat 

Your Premium TranzAlpine Train Journey

Travelling from Christchurch to the West Coast on the premium TranzAlpine train couldn’t be easier or more beautiful. Weaving between the peaks of the Southern Alps, soaring over breathtaking viaducts, meandering along the banks of the braided Waimakariri River, descending through the 8.5km long Otira tunnel into the lush river valleys of the West Coast. It’s all ahead of you and the TranzAlpine train is rated among the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Inspirational Alps
Premium TranzAlpine scenic delights

Premium TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Dining Experience

Your great journey begins aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train where you’ll enjoy the hospitality and flavours of our Scenic Plus dining experience, served in an exclusive carriage, serviced by a unique custom-built kitchen carriage and specially trained hosts.

From paddock to plate, our Scenic Plus dining experience transforms the world you see through your window into a delicious menu of authentic New Zealand dishes.

Beginning with freshly baked breads, local preserves, and barista made coffee, your journey through the flavours of our land starts the moment you take your seat. And while the patchwork paddocks of the Canterbury Plain roll past your window, breakfast will be served.

Enjoy morning tea amongst the mountains of Arthur’s Pass, where the peaks of the Southern Alps pierce the horizon in all directions. Take lunch alongside immaculate Moana, where the forest-clad mountains reflect in the silent waters of Lake Brunner. 

Throughout the journey, as the scenery transforms outside your window, so will the flavours upon your palate. And whenever you wish to complement your visual and taste sensations, you can stroll to the exclusive open-air viewing carriage and feel the touch of fresh mountain air upon your skin and breathe in the aromas of the surrounding world.

Scenic Plus Breakfast
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Premium Experience

Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience – Your Accommodation

Sleep within the rainforest, encircled by native bush. The luxurious and welcoming Te Waonui Forest Retreat harnesses the unique synergy of nature and comfort to create total harmony. 

Your stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat will be a dream. With blissful mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, flora, and fauna all waiting on your doorstep, this is the perfect retreat for your Premium Glacier Escape.

Your five-star Franz Josef accommodation at Te Waonui Hotel

For a detail itinerary for your Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience please see below.

Should you wish to add a night or two into your itinerary either in Franz Josef, add additional stops or extra activities, let us know at the time of booking. The Premium TranzAlpine rail break is fully flexible.

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Tour Inclusions

  • TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Dining Experience
  • Degustation Meal at Canopy Restaurant
  • 40 min Scenic Heli-Tour of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
  • 3 nights at the 5-Star Te Waonui Forest Retreat
  • Tour of Hokitika Gorge
  • West Coast Tree Top Walkway
  • Wildlife Encounter at West Coast Wildlife Centre 
  • Westland Wonderland at Franz Josef Cinema 
  • 1 Dinner, 3 Breakfasts
  • West Coast Transfers
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment date will be advised at the time of booking
  • A single supplement is available or you can choose to match up with another single traveller
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Christchurch - Tranzalpine Train - Hokitika - Franz Josef Glacier (L,D)
Day one begins with a spectacular TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth where our Scenic Plus dining experience will tantalise your taste buds whilst mountain views astonish your eyes. Arriving in Greymouth, you will be greeted by your Scenic transfer to head to Hokitika for an intimate stroll amidst the ancient forest canopy on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. From Hokitika, your scenic transfer continues to Franz Josef where your rainforest accommodation awaits, the five-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Your day will be completed in style, with a phenomenal five-course Degustation Meal at The Canopy Restaurant at the hotel.
Enjoy a stunning breakfast among the trees between at the retreat. Come mid-morning, it'll be time to take flight on a guided Heli-Tour featuring Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and the surrounding mountains. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you please. Investigate the charming town of Franz Josef, book a treatment at Amaia Spa within the retreat, relax with a glass of wine and share all the amazing aerial photos you've just taken. The choices are yours.
Make the most of your rainforest retreat with a leisurely breakfast in the trees (served until 9:30am). When you are ready, it's time to stroll over to the nearby West Coast Wildlife Centre for a fully guided tour with one of the Wildlife Rangers. In the afternoon, head to the cinema to catch a screening of the incredible Westland Wonderland HELIMAX movie. As night falls, dinner is beckoning. Head to Canavan's Restaurant to satisfy your hunger indulging in an array of local flavours.
After an early breakfast, you'll be greeted at the retreat by your scenic transfer. Your first stop is Hokitika, where you'll experience a 2-hour tour of the spectacular Hokitika Gorge. By lunchtime, you'll be checking in at Greymouth Station for the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine. But don't worry about lunch, you'll be spending the afternoon and early evening dining on the train, exploring the flavours of our land with the Scenic Plus dining experience. By early evening, your Premium Glacier Escape will be coming to a close. The journey might be over, but the memories will be with you forever!

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