Getting From Christchurch to the Glaciers
Christchurch is approximately 330 kilometres from the Franz Josef/Fox Glacier region via Arthur’s Pass (SH73 to Hokitika, then SH6 south) — about 4.5–5 hours by road. The alternative route via Mount Cook and Haast Pass is longer (approximately 7–8 hours) but includes New Zealand’s highest peak and the Tasman Glacier. Both routes are among the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
Route Options
Via Arthur’s Pass (SH73) — the direct route, crossing the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass National Park. The drive transitions from the flat Canterbury Plains through the forested Waimakariri Gorge, over the alpine pass (920 metres), and down into the grey, rain-soaked West Coast. Arthur’s Pass village has short walks and a historic railway viaduct. The Otira Viaduct (a dramatic concrete highway viaduct through the steep Otira Gorge) is the engineering highlight of the route.
Via Mount Cook and Haast Pass — the longer route (7–8 hours) but includes Lake Tekapo (Church of the Good Shepherd, dark sky reserve), Mount Cook Village (Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Lake), and the Haast Pass descent to the West Coast. This route combines the glaciers of the east (Tasman) with the glaciers of the west (Franz Josef, Fox) and is the most comprehensive scenic option for visitors with time.
Pre-booked transfers handle the driving — private vehicles with drivers who know the routes, the stops, and the conditions. Scenic transfers include stops at the major viewpoints and short walks.
Rental car is the most flexible option. Both routes are sealed, two-lane roads in good condition. The Arthur’s Pass route involves mountain driving with steep gradients and potential winter conditions (ice, snow — carry chains June–September).
The TranzAlpine train (Christchurch to Greymouth, approximately 4.5 hours) is one of the great train journeys of the world — crossing the Canterbury Plains, ascending through the Waimakariri Gorge, traversing Arthur’s Pass, and descending to the West Coast. From Greymouth, a rental car or bus connection continues south to the glaciers (approximately 2.5–3 hours). The train is a scenic experience in its own right and can be combined with a road transfer for the final leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Christchurch to Franz Josef?
Via Arthur’s Pass: approximately 4.5–5 hours. Via Mount Cook and Haast Pass: approximately 7–8 hours. The Arthur’s Pass route is direct. The Mount Cook route is longer but includes additional mountain and glacier scenery.
Should I take the TranzAlpine train?
If you enjoy scenic rail journeys, yes — the TranzAlpine is consistently rated among the world’s best train rides. The trade-off is that the train terminates in Greymouth (2.5–3 hours north of the glaciers), requiring a rental car or bus connection for the final leg. The combination (train to Greymouth, car to glaciers) takes a full day but covers extraordinary scenery.
Which route is more scenic?
Both are spectacular. Arthur’s Pass is alpine drama — mountain pass, deep gorge, viaduct engineering. The Mount Cook route is glacier and high-country scenery — turquoise lakes, New Zealand’s highest peak, and the Tasman Glacier. If you can only do one direction by road (flying the other), choose the Mount Cook route for the greater variety.