TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer

Duration: 4 Days

Price: from NZ$1949

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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The 4 day TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer is a timeless and enjoyable escape to Lake Brunner, Punakaiki, & Hokitika.

Break free from the ordinary on this exhilarating four-day TranzAlpine West Coast escape, staying in three extraordinary West Coast destinations. Witness an ancient world filled with lush rainforests, curious geological formations, pristine river gorges, and rich cultural history, leaving you rejuvenated, enlightened, and enriched.

If you’re looking for a West Coast adventure on a long weekend or midweek break, where all details are taken care of so that you can just enjoy your time, then this break is for you.

TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer map

Tranzalpine West Coast Explorer Highlights

  • Discover curious limestone formations and blow holes in Punakaiki
  • Traverse the majestic Southern Alps on the world-famous TranzAlpine journey  
  • Soak in a wood-fired hot tub surrounded by natural beauty
  • Travel back to the golden age and learn about West Coast mining history at Shantytown
Hokitika
Visit the wonderful beachfront town of Hokitika

TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer Train Journey

Travelling from Christchurch to the West Coast by train on the TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer 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.

Staircase-Viaduct-TranzAlpine-Train
The TranzAlpine Train

With spacious carriages and huge panoramic windows, you can sit back and enjoy New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and the sociable environment of the train. Spend time with old friends or make new friends and see the best of New Zealand at the same time. Upon your arrival on the West Coast, you’ll be energised and ready to explore.

One unique feature of the great New Zealand rail journeys is the ability to step outside and enjoy the great New Zealand outdoors while you travel in the open-air viewing carriage. Feel the breeze ruffling your hair, the tingling kiss of fresh mountain air. Smell the forest aromas and the cool morning dew. Feel immersed in the landscapes and soak in the views. The open-air viewing carriage brings you true outdoor experiences while you travel through the land.

TranzAlpine Scenic Class
Onboard the TranzAlpine

For a detail itinerary, the TranzAlpine timetable, departure days, and booking conditions, please see below.

Should you wish to add a night or two into your itinerary in Greymouth travel south to Queenstown, let us know at the time of booking. The TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer is fully flexible.

Click here for alternate South Island tours

Tour Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blow holes
  • Shantytown Heritage Park
  • Accommodation in Moana, Punakaiki and Hokitika – 3 nights total
  • Wood Fired Hot Tub & Platter
  • Return travel on the TranzAlpine train incl. onboard meals
  • Breakfast x 3, Dinner x 2
  • Transfers on the West Coast

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

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Christchurch - TranzAlpine Train - Moana (D)
Day one begins with a mesmerising journey high into the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train before descending into the West Coast region. By early afternoon, you'll be stepping off the train in Moana, set on the banks of beautiful Lake Brunner. The rest of the day will be yours to explore and relax in equal measure. Your evening entertainment includes a fresh wood-fired hot tub and evening dinner at the Kingfisher restaurant.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel restaurant, and then the morning is yours to explore or relax as you please. Take a refreshing dip in the stunning water, a leisurely stroll around the lake, or lace up your hiking shoes and explore the local trails. In the afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour of Brunner Mine Site and the Pancake Rocks & Blow Holes in Punakaiki. Your evening entertainment will be at the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, where you'll enjoy an evening relaxing with phenomenal ocean views. This destination has the potential to be the best part of your adventurous escape. Enjoy dinner overlooking a spectacular sunset as the sky glows from orange to purple hues, finishing off with a full tableau of sparkling stars.
After a stunning breakfast overlooking the Tasman Sea at the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Day 3 is a learning journey through West Coast history, both ancient and modern. After an enriching day visiting Shantytown, you'll spend the evening relaxing in the gorgeous Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. We recommend grabbing some fish and chips and enjoying the remarkable view from Sunset Point.
Starting with a relaxing breakfast at the Hokitika Beachfront Hotel, Day four includes a leisurely return to Christchurch aboard the TranzAlpine train with a couple of hours exploring the West Coast town of Greymouth.

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