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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 need to book accommodation in Franz Josef, Cheeky Kiwi makes it easy to add accommodation to your booking – just select this option when you book your tour with us.

Discover the breathtaking Hokitika Gorge, a hidden gem renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and lush native bush surroundings. This picturesque location is a haven for nature lovers and photographers, offering stunning vistas that captivate the soul.

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of Hokitika. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and stroll along the wild black sand beach, where the rugged coastline meets the Tasman Sea. Our guides provide ample time to explore this “cool town” and its unique offerings.

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Otira Viaduct Lookout, also known as Death’s Corner. This engineering marvel, stretching 440 metre, allows us to traverse Arthur’s Pass. Capture stunning photos of the viaduct and surrounding national park, and keep an eye out for the playful Cheeky Kea, New Zealand’s Alpine Parrot. We then head towards the picturesque village of Arthur’s Pass.

Witness the majestic Southern Alps up close as we approach Arthur’s Pass Village. Once there, you can choose to hike the Devil’s Punchbowl track, a one-hour walk with a gentle incline leading to a powerful 131-metre waterfall, or explore the local shops and cafes.

• Devil’s Punchbowl: A moderate hike through bush and forest, culminating in a spectacular waterfall view.
• Arthur’s Pass Village: Enjoy a meal, grab a coffee, and browse local shops, immersing yourself in the village’s charm.

Wander among the striking limestone rock formations at Castle Hill, sculpted by erosion over time. This iconic landscape has been featured in movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Narnia’. Explore at your own pace and watch climbers and boulderers tackle the rugged terrain.

As we arrive into the vibrant garden city of Christchurch, your guide will point out some of the city’s highlights before we say our goodbyes.

If you want to explore more of the South Island while you’re in Christchurch, check out Cheeky Kiwi’s day tours from Christchurch.