Tranz-Alpine Express & Wild West Coast Discovery Tour

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

DAY ONE                                          D   

Welcome to the first day of your TranzAlpine train tour! After being picked up from your home, you'll travel to the airport and fly to Christchurch via Auckland. Upon arrival, board a bus for a city tour, where you'll visit iconic landmarks like the Christchurch Cathedral and hear about the community’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize the city. Learn about the innovative solutions for a safer, more sustainable future. After the tour, check in at the Rydges Latimer Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, offering the region's finest cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. After dinner, settle into your cozy room for a restful night’s sleep, preparing for the adventures to come. 

DAY TWO                                          B, L, D   

We begin with a short journey to the Rail Station, where we board the modernized Tranz Alpine Train for a scenic ride through the Southern Alps. Relax in luxury as we travel past the Torlesse Range, Waimakariri River, Arthur’s Pass, Lake Brunner, and more, arriving in Greymouth on the West Coast. The train offers a cafe carriage, luxury seating, informative commentary, and outdoor viewing. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the famous Monteith Brewery for lunch, followed by a tour and tasting. Afterward, we’ll drive through the Grey Valley, passing the Brunner Mine site and, if time allows, take a walk across the bridge to explore. We’ll then head to the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, located near the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. After check-in, we’ll enjoy dinner at the on-site seaside restaurant, Jacobs Grill. 

DAY THREE                                      B, D  

This morning, we’ll take a short walk around the Pancake Rocks before heading to Charleston. There, we board the Nile River Rainforest Train for an open carriage ride through the rainforest. At the halfway point, we’ll take a short walk to a suspension bridge with stunning views before returning to the train for lunch. Afterward, we climb to the summit of the Denniston Plateau, home of the 1880s Denniston Mine. We’ll learn about life on the plateau, made famous by Jenny Patrick’s Denniston Rose. We’ll then travel to Westport for a guided tour of the award-winning Museum of Kawatiri. Afterward, we’ll return to our accommodation in Westport and enjoy a lovely dinner. 

DAY FOUR                                          B  

We begin the day with a visit to the award-winning Museum of Kawatiri. Then, we follow the scenic Buller River to Murchison, passing through the mountain beech forests of Brunner Range and Kahurangi National Park. After stopping for an early lunch in Murchison, we continue along the Hope River, through Hope Saddle, and into the Wai-iti Valley. We then travel to Nelson, where you'll have free time to explore the city. You may want to visit the Nelson Classic Car Museum, home to over 150 immaculately preserved cars. Afterward, we'll head to the airport to catch our flights home.