Tranz-Alpine Express & 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 directly to Christchurch. On arrival, board the bus to Cathedral Junction and enjoy free time to explore the charming Christchurch laneways or the historic New Regent Quarter. Built in the 1930s, New Regent Street is famous for its pastel façades and Spanish Mission-style architecture, beautifully restored after the 2011 earthquakes. Relax with afternoon tea at a local café or take a scenic 50-minute loop on the heritage tram. Tonight, we stay at Chateau on the Park, ideally located opposite Hagley Park. We will get to know each other over a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before settling in for a restful night.

DAY TWO                                                                B, D

Enjoy a spectacular journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train as you travel through the breathtaking Southern Alps to Greymouth. Relax with morning tea and take the opportunity to purchase lunch on board while admiring the stunning alpine scenery. Upon arrival, we board a comfortable coach and journey through the scenic Grey Valley, passing through charming towns before stopping at the Brunner Mine Historic Area for a short walk across the historic bridge over the Grey River. Continue along the wild West Coast to Punakaiki, where we’ll visit the Punangairi Visitor Centre and experience the captivating Paparoa Experience—an interactive exhibit showcasing the fascinating geology of the Pancake Rocks and surrounding landscapes. End the day in Punakaiki, with time to explore the beach or simply take in the dramatic coastal views that make this region so unforgettable.

DAY THREE                                                            B, D

After breakfast, we travel to Charleston to board the Nile River Rainforest Train for an open-carriage ride through lush native forest. Midway, a short walk leads to a suspension bridge with breathtaking views before we return to the station. In Westport, enjoy a free-range lunch, followed by a visit to the award-winning Museum of Kawatiri. We then ascend to the historic Denniston Plateau, once the heart of the 1880s Denniston Mine. Perched high above the rugged West Coast, this former coal-mining settlement offers captivating stories of the miners and families who lived here, along with remnants of the mine and dramatic landscapes that inspired Jenny Pattrick’s Denniston Rose. The day concludes with travel to our Westport accommodation and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

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 make our way to the airport, taking in the final glimpses of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes along the way. As we board our flights home, we’ll carry with us fond memories of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and warm Kiwi hospitality—a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable journey.