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Franz Josef to Queenstown Tour via Wanaka (One-Way)

Franz Josef to Queenstown Tour

Looking for the ultimate way to get from Franz Josef to Queenstown? Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a fully-guided, small group tour and truly discover the epic beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Led by our famously passionate guides, you’ll explore rugged landscapes, spectacular natural wonders and the rich cultural heritage of the West Coast.

Lake Matheson Sunset
Ship Creek Beach Lookout Tower
Thunder Creek Falls
Blue Pools Track
Wanaka Willow Tree
Queenstown

Key details

Tour overview

Destination Highlights: Lake Matheson, Bruce Bay, Ship Creek, Thunder Falls, Blue Pools, Lake Hāwea, Lake Wānaka, Cardrona Pub.

Tour starts icon
Starts Franz Josef
Ends Queenstown
Tour Duration Icon
12 hours approx
Tour Inclusions Icon
Lunch & snacks included
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Add-ons available 
All Ages Tour
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
Cheeky Kiwi Travel Tour Bus

Tour itinerary

1. Franz Josef

Your tour starts in the stunning village of Franz Josef. We will be heading south down the coast on our fully-guided adventure to Queenstown.

2. 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.

3. Bruce Bay

Here, thick native rainforest meets the seemingly endless open ocean. Bruce Bay truly showcases the best of the West Coast!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Queenstown

Your tour concludes in the stunning town of Queenstown. As we drive into the town, your guide will point out key sites and local highlights before dropping you off to your central Queenstown accommodation.

Planning an onward journey from Queenstown? Explore our tours from Queenstown to destinations like Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo and Christchurch.

Why book with Cheeky Kiwi Travel?

TripAdisor Traveler's Choice

Top rated tours

1,500+ five star reviews on TripAdvisor

Tour Group

Small group size

Enjoy a more interactive & personalised tour experience

Famously Passionate Guides

Famously passionate guides

Our authentic & knowledgeable guides go the extra mile to make you smile

Comfortable tour buses

Equipped with WiFi, USB charging ports & on-screen entertainment

Extra Surprises on Tour

Extra surprises

Surprise stops, wildlife viewings & other little delights along the journey truly set our tours apart

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Customisable NZ tour packages

Explore our full-range of tours and add-ons to customise your New Zealand adventure

About Our Guides

About our guides

At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, our famously passionate guides are the heart of your adventure. Each guide brings rich local knowledge, genuine enthusiasm and a personal touch to your 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.

Guest reviews

Smaller and more intimate

“This was one of the highlights of my trip to New Zealand. I’m glad I specifically went with this tour as it is smaller and more intimate. Driver Ben was hilarious, informative and enthusiastic throughout the entire day.”

Ryan F

Knowledgeable and very passionate

“Such a great tour guide, extremely knowledgeable and very passionate about his country, people and culture. Absolute champion.”

Fiona S

Fantastic day trip

“We had a fantastic day trip with Cheeky Kiwi. From pick up to drop off we never felt rushed. We enjoyed sitting back and relaxing while our trusted driver took us on our very long journey.

Leanne C

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