Franz Josef to Queenstown Small Group Tour via Wanaka 1 -Way
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the untamed beauty of New Zealand's Wild West Coast on this small group, fully-guided tour from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Your journey takes you along the rugged beaches of the West Coast, soaking in the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique. As you traverse the unforgettable Haast Pass, you'll be captivated by the lush rainforests and coastal plains before arriving at the serene, glacier-fed lakes of Wānaka and Hāwea.
Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and enjoy a provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions.
At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart.
We also offer tours from Queenstown to Franz Josef, Franz Josef to Christchurch or Christchurch to Franz Josef.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Food options include; Vegan, Gluten Free and Dairy free options.
Children safety/booster seats are available to hire for NZ$20 per seat
Kindly advise any dietary requirements
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Kindly advise dietary requirements
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Water available & snacks provided
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Lake Matheson Walk
This spot is every photographers dream. On a calm day you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This easy bushwalk will reward you with breathtaking views across the southern alps.
Bruce Bay
At this location you will see where the thick native rainforest meets a seemingly endless open ocean of the Tasman Sea. This beautiful beach really is the best of the west.
Options
Franz Josef to Queenstown Small Group Tour via Wanaka
Pickup included
Winter Franz
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Pickup included
Reviews
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful way to go from FZJ to ZQN
Akshay K,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Jon was great! Very knowledgeable about the area and the geography. He kept us engaged throughout the long trip and kept our spirits high. This is a wonderful way to go from Franz Josef to Queenstown if you don't have a car, since there isn't much by way of public transport in NZ's south island. The drive is breathtaking; there are plenty of stops all around the drive so you never feel like you're in the car too long. Overall, we reached by 6 PM which is really good. A point to note, in the menu offered to us for lunch, there were no chicken options, and we only eat chicken in non-vegetarian options. No biggie, just good to know for next time, please add a chicken option as well (it's on the menu for the Hard Antler)
Less popular route but even more amazing
yy898,
May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was planning from christchurch to Queenstown via franz josef, and happy to find this tour instead of trips of intercity bus. Learnt a lot of the diverse landscape of NZ, particularly its old dense rainforest of west coast. Seen beautiful snowy mountains and calm lake, dolphins racing at the beach, wanaka tree, learnt more local plants. Also lunch included in a pretty good local restaurant! Hanna was a knowledgeable guide and attentive driver. The relevantly quieter of this route provide a more senere atmosphere to enjoy the view. Very recommend!
April 13th tour
rosemarieh983,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing guide, great driver with wonderful knowledge and tips. Tour was well paced with plenty of gorgeous stops and walks. After finding out I'd missed the day before the glaciers he was able to add them onto the itinerary!
This was a great tour. Collin was very knowledgeable about the area. He made us comfortable and put us at ease.
Carolyn M,
Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the short walks that we were able to take along the way. It was a great way to travel between Franz Josef and Queenstown. Take this tour!
A well planned itinerary.
Emem2,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A well planned tour. I enjoyed all the experiences. The Otira Gorge was not much. Arthur's Pass trek was hindered a bit by weather conditions but weather here can change on a daily basis. The guide was excellent, provided anecdotes and information about the places we visited, short historical anecdotes as we drove by and information on flora and fauna.
Happy and safe tour !
brontel948,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both guides Granham and Albert are great ! I enjoyed much in the tour ! safe drive and informative about the places we visited :)
Highly recommended!!
lynneb717,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour! A long day with so much to see. Greg was a fantastic guide - so knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly.
Great way to get from Franz Josef to Queenstown!
Tour02682291686,
Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip from Franz Josef to Queenstown was a 5 hour drive with many stops for beautiful hikes, photo ops, and interesting sites. Our driver Jonathon was fantastic. This is the best way to may this journey. We saw so much of this beautiful country! Highly recommend!
Christchurch to Queenstown
carriesG9707NR,
Mar 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Christchurch to Queenstown This overnight trip was brilliant. Our guide on the first day Mark, has heaps of local knowledge and made lots of stops. Jonathon on the second leg was just as good and was an easy day even though the weather wasn’t kind. Better than self driving 😊
Amazing Experience
I6984XRelizabetha,
Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely amazing time on this tour. Greg, our tour guide, went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy and got to see and experience everything they wanted. He also was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The scenery was breathtaking and there were plenty of stops and photo opportunities along the way. I highly recommend this tour!
From NZ$290.00
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