Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover New Zealand’s wild West Coast on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day tour from Christchurch to Franz Josef. Journey from the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, and continue along the rugged coastline to the glacier country. With breathtaking scenery, short walks, and authentic Kiwi storytelling along the way, this tour is the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour duration includes travel time between attractions
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Drop off in Fox Glacier not available - we reccommend booking accommomation in central Franz Josef
Not recommended for travelers confined to a wheelchair
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Christchurch
Depart the Garden City and head west toward the mountains as your guide shares stories and highlights of the Canterbury region.
Castle Hill
Wander among the dramatic limestone rock formations of Castle Hill, a landscape so striking it featured in movies like Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
What‘s Included
English speaking guide
Lunch
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Water available & snacks provided
Restroom on board
Private transportation
Drop off in Fox Glacier
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika
Pickup included
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
knowledgeable guide in amazing scenery!
347marielucec,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing scenery and well-planned stops to enjoy some local delights, scenic walks, quick photo stops, longer walks. Clear explanations or where to meet after the walks. Our guide Grant (?) was an excellent driver, friendly, very chilled, very knowledgeable. Van was very comfortable and spacious for only 6 of us. Lunch was great. Arrived on time in Franz Josef without feeling rushed. We did everything that was planned. Small downside is that the guide was sometimes hard to understand for a non native speaker (strong local accent). Highly recommend the tour! I learned so much and all the stops were great! I particularly liked Castle Hill, Hokitika beach and the gorge.
Our Incredible New Zealand Highlight!
Voyager38646133954,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joel was our driver from Christchurch to Fran's Joseph. He was outstanding! He was so knowledgeable, professional and he had so many interesting facts on the flora, farming and culture. We think he was one of the best guides we've ever had. Cheeky Kiwi gave us a spectacular and personalized small group experience. The itinerary was wonderful with at least 10 stops along the way and Joel had interesting history and commentary on each. One was better than the next from Castle Hill seeing where Lord of the Rings was filmed, stunning Arthur's Pass, the Devils punch Bowl, and getting my shoes wet by choice in the crystal beach waters of Greymouth. We felt like we had our own little group on a private trip. The small group made new interactions with people from Finland, Germany, Japan, Canada, China and more. Another treat was the great 80's music he had playing in the background! This tour turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire New Zealand trip. We highly recommend Joel and Cheeky Travel!
amazing experience
CELIA T,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing !! Incredible ! the tour was awesome! The guide Nathalie is very amazing, helpful, awesome, always with a big smile, verry kind. I lost my mobile phone and Nathalie and Rosie help me to pick up it. Thank you very much. A must do ! Thanks to Cheeky Wiki Travel, we are so happy to made the tour ! We strongly recommend it !
Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi - Yew
tomfY1161IT,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the tour with Logan who filled the day with interesting information and responded to questions but never overdid it. The tour was relaxed, Logan didn’t pressure us to maintain a speed and we were able to enjoy the stops and even used leftover time to visit the Franz Josef glacier. Will highly recommend to friends and family, cheers crew.
The Joy is in the Journey
craigsI7954AA,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip from Christchurch to Franz Josef was enjoyable and informative. We saw heaps of spots that we would have otherwise missed had we driven, and Paul was an excellent guide. Highlights were the Devil’s Punchbowl for the view and opportunity to elevate the heart rate, and the amazing Castle Hill rocks.
A Journey Through the Heartland of the South Island
Max1368,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for the absolute best way to travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef, look no further. This small-group tour via Arthur’s Pass is not just a transfer; it is a full-day immersive experience that showcases the very best of New Zealand’s rugged natural beauty. What truly elevated this trip from "good" to "unforgettable" was our guide, Joel. From the moment we set off, Joel’s expertise was evident. He managed the day with impeccable timing and planning, ensuring we arrived at every scenic spot—from the majestic Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall to the serene shores of Lake Ianthe—just at the right moment to beat the crowds and catch the best light. Navigating the winding roads of the Southern Alps requires a pro, and we felt completely secure in Joel’s hands. His safe, smooth driving allowed us to relax and soak in the views of the Otira Viaduct and the lush rainforests of the West Coast. Beyond his skills behind the wheel, Joel kept the energy high with endless humor and local stories. He has a gift for making everyone on the tour feel like an old friend, turning a long drive into a day of laughter and discovery. Stopping in Hokitika for lunch and a stroll along the beach was the perfect midpoint. This tour hits the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. If you want a stress-free journey packed with stunning landscapes and great company, book this tour—and hope you get Joel!
Smooth journey from Christchurch to Fran Josef - Cheeky Kiwi guide rocks
frozzyd,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Smooth ride, bonus scenic stops, and our guide Yanis was fantastic! A great way to travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef.
Magical West Coast
Departure42873358156,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though the weather wasn't too good, it still was a beautiful drive. The Gorge is stunning, the drive is nice and we could stop in a few beautiful places that we all loved (like the waterfall!). The tour guide Yanis was very helpful giving us interesting facts about the areas. I totally recommend it.
Wonderful
Natalie H,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fun informative trip. We were very well looked after. It felt like travelling with friends.
Memorable east-west coast tour
Mary C,,Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful east-west journey with Mark. He tailored the trip to our interests, pointing out keas, the large, colorful and cheeky parrots and the kiwi-like weka, as well as explaining the history and ecology of the lakes, many rivers, bush and glacier.
From NZ$290.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel