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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Upon arrival in Franz Josef, our guide will drop you off at our designated drop-off points. We can take you to any central hotel or motel in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

Need to book accommodation in Franz Josef? You can easily add this on when you book your tour on our website.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your tour concludes in the stunning city of Queenstown. As you arrive into Queenstown, your guide will point out and provide insights into some of the area’s top highlights.

If you’re looking to explore more of the South Island from Queenstown, check out Cheeky Kiwi’s award-winning Queenstown Day Tours.