Scenic Plus Train Upgrade: Upgraded carriage with panoramic views, inclusive drinks and dining service

✅ What’s Included
• TranzAlpine train ticket (standard or Scenic Plus upgrade option)
• Fully guided small-group coach tour on the West Coast
• Lunch in Greymouth + complimentary snacks and bottled water
• All transport and luggage transfer
• Local guide with stories and knowledge

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Dinner after drop-off
• Personal purchases
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

The route crosses alpine and coastal areas so conditions can vary.
Summer (Dec–Feb) • Typical daytime: 18–25 °C • Conditions: sunny with possible mountain showers • Practical note: layers and rain jacket
Autumn (Mar–May) • Typical daytime: 15–22 °C • Conditions: mild and clear • Practical note: comfortable walking shoes
Winter (Jun–Aug) • Typical daytime: 8–15 °C • Conditions: cooler with possible snow on passes • Practical note: warm layers
Spring (Sep–Nov) • Typical daytime: 12–20 °C • Conditions: fresh and green • Practical note: light rain jacket

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation

Clothing (layered for alpine to coast)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light layers, hat and sunglasses
• Light rain jacket

Toiletries & First Aid
• Sunscreen and personal items

Electronics
• Charged phone and camera

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Small daypack
• Reusable water bottle

The TranzAlpine is regularly ranked among the world’s greatest train journeys for its alpine scenery.

Hokitika Gorge features striking turquoise waters carved through the landscape.

Franz Josef sits at the edge of one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

The West Coast is known for its wild black-sand beaches, dense rainforest and laid-back towns.

Greymouth is the gateway town after the train, with a rich gold-mining history.

Lake Ianthe offers a peaceful stop with mirror-like reflections in the rainforest.

Small-group travel on this route means more personal stories from passionate local guides.

The dramatic shift from mountains to coast happens in one unforgettable day.

Local hospitality shines through at every stop with genuine Kiwi warmth.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Christchurch Franz Josef TranzAlpine Day Tour: Mountains to Coast

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 180 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Christchurch or Franz Josef pickup points)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 360 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 12-hour full-day tour (approximately 12 hours door-to-door)
• Small group
• Flexible direction: Christchurch to Franz Josef Village or reverse (hotel pickup in Christchurch or station meet in Franz Josef; drop-off at destination)
• TranzAlpine train journey + modern small-group coach
• No accommodation included
• Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant in Greymouth + complimentary snacks and bottled water
• Highlights: Iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps (mountain and river views), West Coast stops (Cobden Breakwater, Hokitika town wander, Hokitika Gorge short walk, Lake Ianthe), local guide storytelling, scenic photo opportunities

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 12 hours (full day)
• Key locations: Christchurch or Franz Josef start/end, TranzAlpine train route through Southern Alps, Greymouth lunch stop, West Coast stops (Cobden Breakwater, Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Ianthe)
• Travel style: Scenic one-way day tour combining iconic train journey and small-group coach with short easy walks
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Christchurch or Franz Josef pickup points is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness.

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus radiative forcing for train operations, well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for long scenic train + coach operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs or optional Scenic Plus upgrade).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 110 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from pickup points (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 25 kg
• TranzAlpine train + modern small-group coach transfers (full scenic route, shared small group): 85 kg – higher-end rail + diesel factor with realistic low-occupancy buffer

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Day tour only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 35 kg CO₂e

• Included lunch at local restaurant + complimentary snacks and bottled water (tourism-level portions and waste): 35 kg

Activities & Excursions – 35 kg CO₂e

• Short easy walks (Hokitika Gorge), photo stops, local guide commentary and interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 180 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset: 2 × 180 kg = 360 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (small groups, low-impact visitation in World Heritage areas, efficient combined transport); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

How long is the tour?
Approximately 12 hours door-to-door.

Is the train included?
Yes – you ride the iconic TranzAlpine in either direction.

What about the Scenic Plus upgrade?
Available as an optional extra for panoramic views and included drinks/dining.

Is lunch included?
Yes – a meal in Greymouth plus snacks and water throughout the day.

Do I need to be fit?
Easy pace with short walks only – suitable for most fitness levels.

Can I travel in either direction?
Yes – the tour operates both Christchurch to Franz Josef and Franz Josef to Christchurch.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes in Christchurch; in Franz Josef it’s a station meet.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, layers, rain jacket and camera for the scenery.

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal?
Limited in some remote areas – best to enjoy being offline.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Most requirements can be met if advised at booking.