TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords

The combination of TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords offers one of the greatest lure’s of travelling in the South Island of New Zealand. The spectacular and diverse scenery around these iconic tourist attractions catches your breathe at every turn.

See our stunning glaciers, be awe-inspired by the rugged and remote landscape of Fiordland National Park, have the option of getting up close to the Glaciers of the Southern Alps, and capture your own moments with New Zealand’s greatest scenic rail journey, the TranzAlpine train.

The TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords round trip self-drive and rail tour begins in the garden city of Christchurch, takes you down to Dunedin where a visit to the grand, architecturally designed railway station is a must-see. Marvel at the mosaic floor and the frieze of Royal Doulton porcelain in the booking hall.

From Dunedin head into the heart of Southland, either via Gore or down through Invercargill to the picturesque lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park where the glorious Milford Sound awaits.

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is full of opportunities for sightseeing along the way. Great photo stops include Mirror Lakes, the Hollyford Valley Lookout, Monkey Creek and the Homer Tunnel.

Once you have arrived at Milford Sound its time to board your 3 hour lunchtime cruise including picnic lunch. On this three hour cruise, you won’t just see Milford Sound, you’ll experience it! Drink glacial water, touch natural artifacts and get under massive waterfalls. It’s the only cruise that includes a visit to New Zealand’s unique floating underwater observatory

Next stop is the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown where you stay for 2 nights. Are you an adrenaline junky or dare to indulge in the gourmet delights of the region? Try your hand at bungy jumping or take a thrill ride on the submersible Hydro Shark as it leaps and dives in the water. Explore the Gibbston Valley Wineries, dine at one of the many eateries and make sure you leave room for a delectable Patagonia ice-cream too. Included in your tour is a trip on the ‘Lady of the Lake’ TSS Earnslaw and a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station.

Leaving Queenstown on a high, a more sedate pace awaits you on the West Coast. On your way to the Glaciers you journey through Haast Pass, a pathway through the Southern Alps used by the Maori in pre-European times, before arriving at Franz Josef, your overnight stop. Included in your tour is a 2 hour scenic landscape and wildlife eco-cruise with the Southern Alps, Glaciers and lush rainforest as a your scenic backdrop. 

After Franz Josef you travel to Greymouth, your point of departure for one of New Zealand’s great train journeys – The TranzAlpine! This journey will take your from lush rainforest into the Southern Alps and down into the Canterbury Plains to arrive into Christchurch.

Please contact LOCO for any pre/post travel arrangements we can help you with beyond your TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords holiday.

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

Fully Flexible Tour

TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords Highlights

• The architectural sights and wildlife interests of Dunedin
• The picturesque lakeside town of Te Anau
• The stunning scenery of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
• A trip on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship on Lake Wakatipu
• The drive through the Haast Pass
• Cruise Lake Mapourika with its rainforest fringed bays which reflect the surrounding Alps and Glaciers.  
• The magnificent ride through the Alps on the TranzAlpine Train

TranzAlpine Booking Classes

The TranzAlpine train has recently brought in two distinct service levels to their train journey. 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 Class 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. 

With freshly prepared food inspired by the fields that glide past your window and regional wines to match, you’ll be immersed in the flavours of our land. As you admire the views our Scenic Plus hosts will recount the stories and histories of the passing landscapes and landmarks. 

When you step off the train, you will have experienced some of the best New Zealand has to offer. 

TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords Accommodation

Your accommodation for the TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords self-drive tour has been based at the high quality, comfortable Bella Vista Motels in Dunedin, Te Anau, Franz Josef and Greymouth where you will receive a warm welcome.

Your stay in Queenstown has been based at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites including breakfast.

For a detailed itinerary, the TranzAlpine timetable, departure days, and TranzAlpine fare conditions, please see below.

Click here for alternate South Island tours featuring the TranzAlpine train.