Small Group Tour & GuideLunch (please advise of dietary requirements)Bottled Water & SnacksAccommodation is NOT included

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

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

South Island

Experiences

Transfers and Shuttles

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Finish: Christchurch

Location: Queenstown

Duration: 2 days

Explore New Zealand’s West Coast and Southern Alps on Scenic Tour

This 2-day small group tour takes you from Queenstown to Christchurch via the stunning West Coast and Southern Alps. Travel through iconic locations like Franz Josef, Lake Matheson, and Hokitika Gorge with plenty of photo stops and scenic walks along the way. It’s a relaxed yet adventure-filled way to experience the best of the South Island.

With comfortable transport, a friendly local guide, and thoughtful inclusions like lunch and snacks, everything’s taken care of. Stop at places like Wanaka, Arthurs Pass, and Castle Hill, each offering unique landscapes and stories. Ideal for those wanting to soak up New Zealand’s natural beauty without the stress of planning.

Hiker in red jacket standing on rocks beside the bright blue water of Hokitika Gorge, surrounded by native forest

Visitors crossing the suspension bridge over the striking blue water of Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast of New Zealand

Historic Hokitika Clock Tower with Southern Alps in the background

Otira Viaduct spanning a steep mountain valley with a stream below in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Couple enjoying the view from Devil’s Punchbowl lookout at Arthur’s Pass waterfall

Field of purple lupins in Arthur’s Pass National Park with forest and Southern Alps mountains in the background

Limestone boulders at Castle Hill reflecting in a shallow pool under a bright sky in Canterbury, New Zealand

Couple sitting beside the Avon River in Hagley Park, Christchurch

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

Tourists standing on swing bridge above Blue Pools in Haast

Small Group Tour & Guide
Lunch (please advise of dietary requirements)
Bottled Water & Snacks
Accommodation is NOT included

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

More than 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: Queenstown to Franz Josef

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

Your adventure begins in Queenstown, where you'll meet your friendly travel guide and fellow travellers. The first stop is the historic Cardrona Hotel, perfect for a photo opportunity. Next, you'll visit the scenic town of Wanaka, where you can take a peaceful stroll along the lakefront and snap a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree. As you continue the journey, you'll stop at Lake Hawea lookout, Thunder Creek Falls, Bruce Bay, and Ships Creek before arriving at Lake Matheson. On calm days, you can capture a stunning reflection of Mt Cook in the lake. This scenic walk rewards you with incredible views of the Southern Alps.

Finally, you’ll reach Franz Josef, where you’ll check into your accommodation surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views. The evening is yours to enjoy—take a dip in the hot pools or savour a meal at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Tourists walking through Arthur’s Pass village with mountains in the background

The next day, you’ll head north to Hokitika Gorge, where the turquoise waters are truly breathtaking. Afterwards, you'll visit Hokitika, known for its gold mining history and greenstone carving. Take time to explore local shops and pick up a unique souvenir.

Continuing the journey, you'll stop at Otira Gorge before arriving in Arthurs Pass Village. Here, you can grab a bite, shop, or take a low to moderately challenging walk to the 131-metre Devil's Punch Bowl waterfall. The final stop is Castle Hill, where you can explore the impressive limestone rock formations that were once part of the ocean, before arriving in Christchurch to conclude your tour.