2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch
Queenstown, New Zealand

2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch

Outty Ranking 47 3.0 · 3 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $740
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch worth booking?

2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch is a 48-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $740 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
3/5 (3)
Duration
48 hours
From
$740 per person

This two-day tour effortlessly connects Queenstown to Christchurch without the stress of driving or hiring a car. Travelers pass through Wānaka, traverse the dramatic Haast Pass into Westland National Park, and overnight near the frozen ice falls of Franz Josef Glacier. After exploring the jade-rich town of Hokitika, the journey finishes with a scenic rail ride across the Southern Alps aboard the world-renowned TranzAlpine train.

What you get

    About this experience

    This two-day tour effortlessly connects Queenstown to Christchurch without the stress of driving or hiring a car. Travelers pass through Wānaka, traverse the dramatic Haast Pass into Westland National Park, and overnight near the frozen ice falls of Franz Josef Glacier. After exploring the jade-rich town of Hokitika, the journey finishes with a scenic rail ride across the Southern Alps aboard the world-renowned TranzAlpine train.

    What's included

    Included

    • TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
    • Lunch
    • Passionate, expert guides and commentary
    • All transport as specified in this tour package (small group or semi-private tours)
    • One nights accommodation in Franz Josef

    Not included

    • Meals unless specified
    • Pre and post tour accommodation
    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Queenstown

    Departs The Station Queenstown (Shotover & Camp Streets) at 06:45 AM. Arrive 15 minutes early. Major Queenstown CBD hotel pickup is available prior to departure, please advise your accommodation at time of booking.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Standard - Adult Twin Share

      Premium Motel

    • Standard - Adult Single Room

      Premium Motel

    • Superior - Adult Single Room

      4-Star Hotel

    • Superior - Adult Twin Share

      4-Star Hotel

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 3 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Discover New Zealand

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 22 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 32 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 42 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 52 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 62 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    1 mention

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    0
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
    1
    1 star
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    Dan_E · January 2023

    Enjoyable but very expensive.

    The many scenic views of mountains and lakes were enjoyed. Franz Josef Bella Vista Hotel staff were excellent as was our driver Lyall. Alice May Restaurant was excellent with great food and service. We enjoyed the trip however we expected meals to be provided and a better itinerary for a two day one night $4000.00 excursion. I wouldn't recommend for the price paid. The train naration was excellent. My seat head phones didn't work so I had to relocate separately from my wife.

    Response from the operator: Hello Dan_E Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback we really appreciate it. Safe Travels! Marissa

    via Viator

    Victoria_P · February 2020

    Confirmed doesn’t mean confirmed

    My friend and I booked this trip 10 months in advance and were fully confirmed. Three weeks prior to the trip, we were contacted to tell us that they didn’t have train tickets for us even though it had been fully confirmed and that now the train was overbooked. After several days of going back and forth with the tour company, they finally did get us the train tickets, but it took much time and effort on our part to make this right which should never have happened when we were booked so far in advance. In truth, I feel that we should receive a partial refund due to the poor service that we received. During the trip, you spend a lot of time on a bus on both days with few stops which I think is a bit misleading in the description. The glacier was nice to see and the train ride was interesting, but there was a lot of travel time involved.

    Response from the operator: Hi Victoria_P, Thanks for feedback on your recent trip, we have noted your comments as it will be useful for future travellers. The travel distances to the West Coast are quite lengthy as this is a remote area of New Zealand, and the drivers endeavour to give great commentary and keep it interesting, along with the fabulous scenery you will see along the way. That's great to hear you enjoyed the glacier and TranzAlpine train journey. Kind regards, The Discover New Zealand team

    via Viator

    Susan_B · February 2020

    Spectacular Scenery in a comfortable setting

    Beautiful trip. Too bad it was delayed due to heat on the rails which made the trip longer than anticipated. But safety first! Also food was limited and we did not know this prior to getting on board. But we were given complimentary ice cream....gotta love ice cream. Also our seats were double booked which caused confusion at boarding time. Workers tried to help. Commentary was good. We had people around us talking loudly and not listening to the commentary and this made it difficult to hear.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $740 to $1,950
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Discover New Zealand, who run 11 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.9.

    See everything Discover New Zealand runs

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)73
    Review evidence (18% weight)19
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)20
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

    How much does 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch cost?

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    Prices start at $740 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch take?

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    Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.

    Is 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Queenstown?

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    On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Queenstown?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch; Lunch; Passionate, expert guides and commentary; All transport as specified in this tour package (small group or semi-private tours); and One nights accommodation in Franz Josef. Not included: Meals unless specified; Pre and post tour accommodation; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    Departs The Station Queenstown (Shotover & Camp Streets) at 06:45 AM. Arrive 15 minutes early. Major Queenstown CBD hotel pickup is available prior to departure, please advise your accommodation at time of booking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Queenstown. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    Across 3 reviews averaging 3.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, food and drink, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    What booking options are available for 2 Day Glaciers & TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch?

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    There are 4 options to choose from, including Standard - Adult Twin Share, Standard - Adult Single Room, Superior - Adult Single Room, Superior - Adult Twin Share. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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