Christchurch to Greymouth by Rail
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With spectacular glaciers, coastlines and a mountain railway, New Zealand’s South Island promises adventures at every turn. Ride on the world-famous TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Come face-to-face with a dramatic glacier. And discover the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Soak up the breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s most famous railway journey
- Drive the rugged and untamed West Coast
- Discover spectacular Franz Josef Glacier
- Sign up for an adrenalin rush in Queenstown
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive Christchurch
Transfer to your luxury boutique hotel just steps away from the vibrant cultural precinct.
Accommodation: The George
Day Two
Franz Josef
Travel on one of the world’s most famous train journeys, the TranzAlpine. Ride the rails through the vast Canterbury Plains and spectacular gorges and river valleys. Climb the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park, then descend through lush beech rainforest to Greymouth. Collect your rental vehicle and head south down the Great Coast Road alongside ancient limestone cliffs and untamed native forest to glacier country. Stop in the historic village of Hokitika with its fascinating heritage of shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu (jade) hunters. Arrive at your forest retreat just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Day Three
Franz Josef
Head out on the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, which follows the glacier’s path. Learn about the history of this unique glacier and its dramatic impact as you gaze over this natural wonder – a view not to be missed. Choose a helicopter-hike for a more thrilling experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Day Four
Queenstown
Take to the road and discover rugged wilderness along the highway to Queenstown. Pass waterfalls and river scenery as you leave the coast and wind your way to the lakeside resort town of Wanaka and onwards to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, you’ll find sanctuary in Eichardt’s Private Hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown’s historic district.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Day Five
Queenstown
Explore Queenstown your way. Every type of adventure awaits in this world-famous alpine resort. From bungy and jet boating to horse trekking, rafting and quad biking. Or venture out to Milford Sound and marvel at the fiord cliffs rising from the deep waters below.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Day Six
Queenstown
Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. Get up-close with nature as you gently paddle a Funyak (inflatable kayak) down the glacier-fed Dart River. Glide through the hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms that provided the backdrop to Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies. Return on a back-country route through Middle Earth and spot familiar scenes from the movies.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Day Seven
Depart Queenstown
Farewell the adventure capital and transfer to Queenstown Airport for your outbound flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $5,365
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel. Single Supplement rates are available on request.
Important Terms
- Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
- Single Supplement rates are available on request.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
The George, Christchurch
Located in the heart of Christchurch, The George Hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel just minutes from the city centre and main attractions. Having survived devastation in 2011, Christchurch’s most exclusive hotel offers supreme comfort in all of its 53 rooms complete with all modern amenities necessary and views overlooking Hagley Park or Avon River. The warm and welcoming staff make for a truly memorable stay.
The George is home to two award-winning restaurants; signature restaurant Pescatore offers a minimalist dining concept with a wine list showcasing many of the region’s best wines, while 50 on Park puts a modern twist on classic bistro dishes. Facilities include a library, private garden, fully equipped off-site gym and complimentary use of the hotels mountain bikes.
Eichardts Private Hotel
This historic Queenstown icon, situated in a premium lakefront position, provides fine accommodation in seven luxurious hotel suites at the heart of the vibrant café and restaurant precinct. Eichardt’s sets its own standard for gracious, luxury accommodation with the confident strokes and flawless symmetry that is the hallmark of New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher, married seamlessly with every amenity you would expect in a world-class hotel. The hotel’s parlour offers guests the ideal setting for breakfast, with awe inspiring views over Lake Wakatipu. Evening cocktail service with complimentary whiskey selection is enjoyed amidst a background of exquisite antiques and objets d’art.
A further four apartment suites and a three bedroom Residence (each just moments away from the main building) offer superb flexibility in accommodation for families, groups or couples. For those who demand the height of excellence, The Penthouse is the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounds, The Penthouse tops the iconic Eichardt’s Private Hotel in pure indulgence. Eichardt’s iconic Bar and newly opened The Grille complete the offering in the elegant style associated with the various accommodations. Having Queenstown’s best loved dining destinations onsite will satisfy even the most discerning foodie or cocktail buff!
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef
Hidden among the South Island’s west coast wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat truly is a sanctuary for the soul. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind. 100 generously sized rooms are split across four wings – Kahikatea, Totara, Rimu and Matai – and linked by covered walkways amid the lush rainforest. Te Waonui’s environmentally friendly design utilises the most innovative of sustainable building techniques while energy efficient materials ensure minimal impact on its surrounds. From deluxe soundproofing technology between rooms to the five-course degustation menu featuring local cuisine, every detail you can imagine has been thought out and developed.
Local activities range from adrenalin-pumped rock-climbing, Okarito kayaking and heli-hikes to a relaxing trip to the Amaia Luxury Spa. Within walking distance of the retreat are the Glacier hot pools; open until 10pm, we recommend an evening visit to help heal weary muscles before snuggling down in your room’s soft woollen underlays and plush down duvets.
