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Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka

Nov-Apr

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from
NZ$290
per adult
Woman standing at a scenic viewpoint on the Alex Knob Track looking towards the Franz Josef Glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Experiences

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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Finish: Franz Josef
Location: Queenstown
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 12 hours

Details

Scenic South Island Adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka

This immersive day tour blends lakeside serenity, alpine passes, and lush rainforest into a truly iconic South Island experience. Starting in Queenstown, you'll head through the stunning Cardrona Valley, stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel, and take in unforgettable views over Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea. With a friendly local guide and a relaxed pace, each stop is enriched with stories and scenery.

As you cross Haast Pass and follow the coastline north, the tour takes you to natural gems like Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, and Lake Matheson. With lunch, bottled water and snacks included, you're free to enjoy every moment without worrying about the details. End your day in Franz Josef village, nestled beneath glacier-covered peaks, and ready for whatever adventure comes next.

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Golden autumn leaves lining Lake Wānaka with the famous Wānaka Tree standing in the water under overcast skies
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Lone tree in Lake Wānaka with snow-capped Southern Alps and golden autumn leaves
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Tourists standing on swing bridge above Blue Pools in Haast
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Hiker standing near Blue Pools with swing bridge in background
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Crystal-clear Blue Pools and suspension bridge along Haast Pass on New Zealand’s South Island
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Thunder Creek Falls cascading through lush rainforest in Haast Pass on New Zealand’s West Coast
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Aerial view of the bridge crossing the Arawata River with turquoise water and alpine ranges in the background
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Ship Creek lookout tower on a coastal walk with dune views and native bush, West Coast New Zealand
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Ship Creek’s easy boardwalk trail winds through coastal forest and wetlands, making it an ideal nature stop along the West Coast.
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Scenic boardwalk trail through moss-covered forest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
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Bruce Bay with wild beach and coastal forest on New Zealand’s West Coast
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Sunset light on Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Southern Alps reflected in the still waters of Lake Matheson near Franz Josef
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Snowy Fox Glacier flowing between rugged mountain peaks, viewed from the valley floor on a clear day
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Kea flying over the ice of Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s West Coast
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Snow-capped Southern Alps rising behind Franz Josef Village under a clear blue sky

Highlights

  • Cardrona Valley Pub
  • Lake Hāwea
  • Lake Wānaka (including the Wānaka Tree)
  • Blue Pools (Temporarily Closed)
  • Thunder Falls
  • Ship Creek
  • Bruce Bay
  • Lake Matheson

Inclusions

  • Small Group
  • Fully Guided Tour
  • Lunch
  • Water available & snacks provided

Age Information

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

Cancellations & Refunds

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

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

  • Queenstown
    Your journey starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will share insights about the local landmarks and set the scene for your adventure, highlighting the area’s top features as we travel.
  • Cardrona Hotel (10 min)
    Our first stop is the historic Cardrona Hotel, nestled on the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka. This iconic New Zealand hotel, known for its rustic charm and picturesque mountain setting, offers a great spot for a photo break.
  • Wānaka (15 min)
    Next, we head to the beautiful town of Wānaka. Here, you’ll have the chance to take that famous photo of the Wānaka Tree, with Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps providing a stunning backdrop for your lakeside stroll.
  • Lake Hāwea (10 min)
    Crossing the Clutha River, we continue westward past the spectacular Lake Hāwea. We’ll stop at a lookout for a quick photo op where you can take in the beauty of both Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka.
  • Blue Pools
    Normally, we’d stop for a short 3km round trip to the Blue Pools, located in Mt Aspiring National Park, to witness the brilliant blue waters of the Makarora River. This section is temporarily closed.
  • Thunder Creek Falls (20 min)
    We’ll enjoy a short, easy 5-minute walk to Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-metre waterfall, a spectacular remnant of ancient glaciers, cascades down from a hanging valley and is a sight to behold.
  • Hard Antler, Haast (45 min)
    Next, we stop at the Hard Antler in Haast, where you’ll have 45 minutes to relax and enjoy your lunch in this charming West Coast town.
  • Ship Creek (30 min)
    Continuing north, we arrive at Ship Creek, where lush rainforest meets the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea. You’ll have time to dip your toes in the sand and take an easy 1km walk through the dunes.
  • Bruce Bay (10 min)
    At Bruce Bay, dense native rainforest lines the rugged coastline. We’ll make a quick stop to admire this wild and beautiful stretch of the West Coast.
  • Lake Matheson (1 hr)
    Our next stop is Lake Matheson, a photographer’s paradise. If the weather is calm, you’ll have the chance to capture stunning reflections of Mt Cook mirrored in the lake. This easy 90-minute walk offers magnificent views of the Southern Alps.
  • Franz Josef
    We’ll pass through scenic glacial river valleys as we travel past Fox Glacier and reach Franz Josef. Your guide will drop you at your chosen accommodation in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, and if you're continuing to Christchurch the next day, they'll pick you up to continue your journey.

Departure Dates

November to April only

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