Queenstown to Franz Josef Tour via Wanaka (One-Way)
Searching for the best way to get from Queenstown to Franz Josef? Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a fully-guided, small group tour to Franz Josef and experience the West Coast’s most unmissable destinations.
Led by our famously passionate guides, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the rugged landscapes, natural gems and rich cultural heritage of the West Coast with multiple stops along the way.
While in Franz Josef, you’ll have the chance to experience heli hikes, scenic flights with glacier landings, hot springs and nature walks, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of this epic region!
Key details
Tour overview
Destination Highlights: Cardrona Pub, Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Blue Pools, Thunder Falls, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay and Lake Matheson
Starts Queenstown
Ends Franz Joseph
12 hours approx
Lunch & snacks included
ADD-ONS: SCENIC FLIGHT & HELI HIKE
ALL AGES TOUR
PRICE $NZD
$290 adult / $250 child
- Fully-guided tour led by an experienced guide
- Small group size for a more interactive experience
- Modern, comfortable minibus equipped with WiFi and USB charging ports
- Thoughtfully planned itinerary featuring stops at listed destinations
- Lunch included – please specify any dietary requirements when booking
- Free snacks and bottled water
- Free cancellation with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice
Tour itinerary
1. Queenstown
Your tour begins in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will set the scene for your journey, pointing out and providing insights into some of the area’s top highlights.
2. Cardrona Hotel
Located on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must-see in Central Otago.
3. Wānaka
We’ll stroll down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake, backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps—a paradise for photographers.
4. Lake Hāwea
Crossing the mighty Clutha River, we’ll head westward past the stunning Lake Hāwea. We’ll stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.
5. Blue Pools
Located in Mt Aspiring National Park, the aptly named Blue Pools are a must-see. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to witness the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River.
6. Thunder Creek Falls
An easy 5-minute walk will reward you with a spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-metre waterfall, a remnant of a once-great glacier, pours from a hanging valley.
7. Ship Creek
As we head north along the border where ancient rainforest meets the ocean, we’ll stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relentless waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track.
8. Bruce Bay
Here, thick native rainforest meets the seemingly endless open ocean. Bruce Bay truly showcases the best of the West Coast!
9. Lake Matheson
We continue to every photographer’s dream: Lake Matheson. On a calm day, you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km/90-minute easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
10. Franz Josef
We’ll pass many glacial rivers as we journey past Fox Glacier to our destination of Franz Josef. Our guide will drop you at any central accommodation in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
If you are continuing your journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch, Cheeky Kiwi has some awesome day tours available – including the option to ride the TranzAlpine train journey en route to Christchurch.
Why book with Cheeky Kiwi Travel?
Top rated tours
1,500+ five star reviews on TripAdvisor
Small group size
Enjoy a more interactive & personalised tour experience
Famously passionate tour guides
Our authentic & knowledgeable guides go the extra mile to make you smile
Comfortable tour buses
Complete with WiFi, USB charging ports & on-screen entertainment
Extra surprises
Surprise stops, wildlife viewings & other little delights along the journey truly set our tours apart
Customisable NZ tour packages
Explore our full-range of tours and add-ons to customise your New Zealand adventure
About our guides
At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, our famously passionate guides are the heart of your adventure. Each guide is an engaging host who brings rich knowledge, enthusiasm and a personal touch to every tour. All Cheeky Kiwi guides have clean, passenger-endorsed driver licenses, are trained in first aid and receive comprehensive training before they hit the road with you. Whether it’s revealing hidden gems, sharing fascinating stories, or ensuring your comfort and safety, our guides go the extra mile to make your journey truly unforgettable.
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