West Coast Glaciers & Southern Alps Hotels & Resorts

Depart from Queenstown and travel along through the picturesque Southland farming country to Te Anau. Continue to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains and winding rivers. Throughout the journey, there will be multiple stops for photo opportunities, short walks, and the chance to learn about the fascinating local facts and stories. Embark on a nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord.

Admire spectacular alpine scenery and look out for unique wildlife including dolphins and seals, before heading back to Queensland.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7.30am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Journey aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy the magnificent alpine scenery as the train crosses the Canterbury Plains and heads through the Southern Alps where it wind its way through the Waimakariri Gorge. The excursion also operates in reverse or as a return. You can upgrade to the Scenic Plus Dining experience which includes local delicacies which are created on board using the finest farm-to-rail produce.

• Duration: full day
• Times: 8.15am to 7pm
• Departs daily from October to April
• Departs Friday to Monday between May and September
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

This evening experience takes you to the summit of Mount John above Lake Tekapo for guided stargazing in one of the world’s best dark-sky locations. You’ll spend time outdoors and at telescopes with expert astronomy guides, learning how to read the Southern Sky and seeing planets, star clusters and distant galaxies that are usually lost to light pollution.

You travel up to the summit of Mount John, home to the University of Canterbury’s Mount John Observatory and set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no artificial light for miles, the sky here feels noticeably deeper and more detailed than in most places, even before you look through a telescope. 

You’ll spend time observing with the naked eye and through powerful telescopes, which bring planets, star clusters and distant galaxies into sharp view. Between observations, the guides talk about the science behind what you’re seeing, how this region became such an essential site for astronomy, and why protecting dark skies matters more than most people realise.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

The Franz Josef encounter lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes from a whole new perspective. A scenic helicopter flight over lush rainforest and the rugged West Coast kicks things off in style, before venturing to the icy heart of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

​

You’ll fly past historic Almer Hut, the Franz Josef Nevé and Centennial Hut, before touching down on the glacier’s dramatic icefall. Take a deep breath in and embrace every spectacular second as you step out onto the ice. The views here are next level, so keep your camera handy if you want to snap some photos, and listen closely as your expert guide shares fascinating stories that bring the glacier’s rich history to life.

• Duration: 1 hour from check-in to the end of the trip
• Daily departures during the summer
• Group experience

This adventure begins at the Franz Josef Village base, before flying up to the Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. When you land, the glistening glacier awaits. Pull on your glacier boots and crampons and gear up for an icy adventure you’ll never forget. From eye-widening ice formations and pinnacles to the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow, the expedition itself might be two hours long, but the memories will last a lifetime.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Daily departures 
• Operates year round

Soar over the snaking Franz Josef Glacier and get some pretty epic, up-close views of the Southern Alps before dipping down and landing on the snow. You'll step out onto the glacier and take in the landscape as well as capture some envy inducing shots before setting off again for your return journey.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Daily departures
• Operates daily

Good to know
Departures, flight routes and snow landings subject to suitable and safe weather conditions.