3-Day Trans-alpine Rail Journey with Guided Glacier Tour



Contact Vincent Vacations to add this to your travel package today!

Duration: 2d
Location: Franz Josef, New Zealand | Franz Josef, New Zealand


Category: Multi-Day & Extended

Highlights:
Scenic coast-to-coast rail journey over the Southern Alps
Traveling over Arthur’s Pass & along the Waimakariri river
Exploring the quaint towns of Greymouth & Franz Josef
Touring & photographing Lake Matheson & Franz Josef Glacier
4-star accommodations in a picturesque mountainside hotel

Inclusions:
Guided tour of Lake Matheson and the Franz Josef Glacier
Admission Fees
Breakfast on day 2 and 3
Roundtrip transportation to and from your Christchurch hotel
Live tour commentary provided in English

Description:

Outside the panoramic window of your train car, bright yellow grassland crashes into the impenetrable grey rock of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Continuing east, you meet snow-strewn mountain passes and say goodbye to the dry, arid east coast. Ahead, dense rainforests and monumental glaciers await.

At 4.5 hours in length, your journey to Greymouth isn't designed to be quick, but you still wish it was longer. Follow the Waimakariri River as it winds toward the mountains you’ll soon pass over. Flanked by beech forests and farmlands, the river beckons your train over viaducts and through tunnels before sending you over craggy peaks.

Break through the west coast’s dense rainforests and arrive in the coastal town of Greymouth. Comfortable coach buses take you to the nearby township of Franz Josef for a rest in 4-star accommodations.

Awake refreshed and ready to tour the 7.5 mile (12 km)-long Franz Josef Glacier. Hike and photograph the glacier while experienced guides inform you of its history. From the glacier, embark on a tour of Lake Matheson, whose mirror-like surface reflects Mt. Cook to create a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset. After you’ve gotten the perfect picture, ride back to your hotel in Franz Josef for a restful night’s sleep.

On Day 3, return to Greymouth and take advantage of a few hours of free exploration before meeting up with your train back to Christchurch and having a welcome rerun of the epic journey that first brought you over the mountains.



Cancellation Policy: 8 days
Know before you book: Children 2 and younger are complimentary provided they do not occupy their own seat., At least 4 people are required for this activity to take place., Hotel pickup is available from most centrally located Christchurch hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation.

European Travel, Adventure Travel, Charter Bus Tours, Charter Cruises, Charter Packages, Church Group Trips, Cruises, Destination Weddings, Discount Travel, Disney Vacations, Dream Vacations, Eco-Friendly Vacations, Escorted Vacations, Exotic Destinations, Family Vacations, Fishing Expeditions, Gift Certificates Available, Golf Vacations, Green Vacations, Rail Trips, Resorts Packages, River Cruises, Road Trips, Safaris, Sightseeing Tours, Ski Vacations, Spring Break Packages, Student Trips, Travel Packages, Wedding Packages, Whale Watching Cruises, Wine Tours, Worldwide Tours, Disney Cruises