Small Group Tour & GuideLunch (sit down - free choice from set menus)Bottled Water & SnacksNot Included:Accommodation in Franz Josef

Adult: 15 years +Children: 4-14 yearsInfants: Under 4 years

Overview Itinerary Departure Dates Book now

2 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Tour via Franz Josef (No Accommodation)

South Island

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South Island

Start: Christchurch

Finish: Queenstown

Location: Christchurch

Duration: 2 days

2 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Tour via Franz Josef Small Group Tour

This two day Christchurch to Queenstown tour via Franz Josef showcases some of the South Island’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes. The journey travels from the Canterbury Plains across the Southern Alps, along the wild West Coast and through glacier country before crossing Haast Pass into Central Otago. Travelling in a small group allows for a relaxed pace, regular stops and time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Designed for travellers wanting a deeper West Coast experience without self driving, this guided tour balances iconic highlights with lesser-known stops. Knowledgeable local guides provide insight throughout the journey, while included lunches and comfortable transport keep the experience seamless. The tour finishes in Queenstown, ready for onward adventures.

Historic stone buildings of Christ’s College in Christchurch, showcasing Gothic Revival architecture

Cardboard Cathedral with colourful stained glass panels in Christchurch city centre, New Zealand

Otira Viaduct stretching through steep alpine terrain in Arthur’s Pass National Park on the South Island

Native kea parrot perched on a rock with snowy mountains in the distance

Arthur’s Pass village store with visitors and a snowy mountain backdrop

Lone tree in Lake Wānaka with snow-capped Southern Alps and golden autumn leaves

Crystal-clear Blue Pools and suspension bridge along Haast Pass on New Zealand’s South Island

Bruce Bay with wild beach and coastal forest on New Zealand’s West Coast

Scenic boardwalk trail through moss-covered forest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Thunder Creek Falls cascading through lush rainforest in Haast Pass on New Zealand’s West Coast

Kea flying over the ice of Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast

Ship Creek lookout tower on a coastal walk with dune views and native bush, West Coast New Zealand

Tourists standing on swing bridge above Blue Pools in Haast

Hiker standing near Blue Pools with swing bridge in background

Ship Creek’s easy boardwalk trail winds through coastal forest and wetlands, making it an ideal nature stop along the West Coast.

Lake Matheson is famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki / Mount Cook — a photographer’s dream near Franz Josef.

Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown before sunset with soft light over the mountains and trees

Couple enjoying wine and food at a lakeside restaurant in Queenstown with mountain views

Couple walking along Queenstown Bay Beach during autumn in Otago

Aerial view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu with snow-covered Remarkables mountain range at sunset in winter.

Small Group Tour & Guide
Lunch (sit down - free choice from set menus)
Bottled Water & Snacks

Not Included:

Accommodation in Franz Josef

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef

Departure begins in Christchurch, travelling west across the Canterbury Plains toward the Southern Alps. Stops along the way include Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill, Arthur’s Pass Village, the Otira Gorge lookout and an optional walk to Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. These alpine highlights provide insight into the dramatic terrain shaping the South Island.

The journey continues to the West Coast, with time in Hokitika to explore the beach, town centre and local jade craftsmanship. Coastal scenery, rainforest and waterfalls line the route south toward Franz Josef. Arrival in Franz Josef Village includes drop-off at accommodation and time to relax or prepare for optional glacier activities.

Day 2: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Day two begins with a scenic drive through Haast Pass, one of the South Island’s most impressive alpine crossings. Short walks and stops at Lake Matheson, Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools and Ships Creek showcase glacial rivers, rainforest and mirror-like lake reflections. These stops allow time to stretch the legs and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The journey continues past Lake Hawea before stopping in Wanaka, including time to photograph the famous Wanaka Tree. A brief visit to the historic Cardrona Valley Pub adds a final character stop before descending into Queenstown. Arrival in Queenstown includes drop-off at accommodation, marking the end of the tour.