Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey through rainforests, mountain passes, alpine villages, and glacier country while your guide brings the landscapes to life with stories and local insight.
This route is one of New Zealand’s most scenic, showcasing the best of the South Island from rugged beaches to the snowcapped Southern Alps.
Additional Info
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
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
The tour duration includes travel time
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
Not recommended for travelers confined to a wheelchair
Kindly advise dietary requirements. Food options include; Vegan, Gluten Free and Dairy Free options.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Franz Josef
Depart the peaceful township of Franz Josef and begin your journey east across the South Island.
Stop for a quick photo at this serene lake surrounded by forest and wetlands, home to rare native birdlife.
What‘s Included
Lunch
English Speaking Guide
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Water available & snacks provided
Restroom on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)
Pickup included
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice ride
tirupathip2026,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice trip,enjoyed the ride driver was friendly
Awesome journey
308dheerajs,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an incredible experience. From pickup to drop, we all enjoyed the ride. The stops that were made were beautiful to explore and the driver was very nice, courteous and knowledgeable. Cheers to him.
Pleasant ride from West to East
julianea967,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's was a very nice day trip, quite thoughtful and beautiful stops in between. Also Renee, our driver of the day, was a relaxed and competent driver.
Jannes is the best
johnsD5377VU,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver and local guide, James, was very helpful and knowledgeable. He shared local experience and history along with colorful stories about the raw natural beauty and history of Arthur’s Pass, the coal mine, punchbowl falls, and castle hill. Jane’s was the best.
I would give more than 5...
Folu F,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I would give more than 5 stars if I could! The weather was awful and a major road through Arthur’s Pass was closed so we were stranded, but Cheeky Kiwi took great care of me. They sorted me alternative accommodation and transport to Greymouth so I could continue my trip as planned. Yanis was a great tour guide and great company during all the delays. The tour did not go according to plan and yet it was one of the best I’ve been on, thank you!
An enjoyable day out amongst the mountains.
Q4500joyb,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Greymouth to Christchurch portion of this tour and loved it. We enjoyed Paul's friendly commentary and his flexibility approach. We also appreciated how well he was able to keep on schedule.
Excellent experience
José Pablo O,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience from start to finish. Our guide, Joel, was extraordinary, showing us beautiful places on our way to Christchurch and telling us more about life in New Zealand. I would certainly repeat the experience.
Good Trip, Nice Tour Guides
F1995ETseanl,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This route, going from Queenstown along the West Coast to Christchurch, was completely worth it just to see the blue water of the Hokitika River, rocks of Castle Hill and magnificent Arthur Pass. Both of our tour guides, Christina(1st day) and Logan(2nd day) are professional and friendly, and specifically came over to talk simpler vocabulary to us as non-native English speakers. We have enjoyed an unforgetable trip.
Great guide and comfortable bus
B9089RNangelaa,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful guide and great group of people to travel with. Managed to see what was planned and some extra places cos the group is small.
Just great
P3895KUbiancaw,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were only two of us and still had our tour to Franz Josef. Polly was the best. She showed us a lot and explained everything. It was really fun
From NZ$290.00
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel