Waves rolling beside lush forest at Bruce Bay

Crystal-clear reflection of mountains in Lake Matheson

Watch a beautiful waterfalls at Thunder Creek Falls

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance

4.9 / 5 (284)

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka

Explore the stunning and renowned West Coast via Wānaka on a fully-guided small group tour from Queenstown. Experience the best way to see the area with Cheeky Kiwi Travel!

From: NZ$290.00

Per Person

12 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Fully guided tour & transfer to Franz Josef
Historic Cardrona Valley Pub
Lakes Hawea & Wanaka, including "that Wanaka Tree"
Blue Pools
Thunder Falls, Ships Creek, Bruce Bay & Lake Matheson

Full Description

Itinerary:

1. Queenstown
Your tour begins in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will set the scene for your journey, pointing out and providing insights into some of the area's top highlights.

2. Cardrona Hotel
Located on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting, and rich history make it a must-see in Central Otago.

3. Wānaka
We’ll stroll down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this ex...

Itinerary:

1. Queenstown

Your tour begins in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will set the scene for your journey, pointing out and providing insights into some of the area's top highlights.

2. Cardrona Hotel

Located on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting, and rich history make it a must-see in Central Otago.

3. Wānaka

We’ll stroll down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake, backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps—a paradise for photographers.

4. Lake Hāwea

Crossing the mighty Clutha River, we'll head westward past the stunning Lake Hāwea. We'll stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.

5. Blue Pools (1 Hr)

Located in Mt Aspiring National Park, the aptly named Blue Pools are a must-see. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to witness the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River.

6. Thunder Creek Falls

An easy 5-minute walk will reward you with a spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-metre waterfall, a remnant of a once-great glacier, pours from a hanging valley.

7. Ship Creek

As we head north along the border where ancient rainforest meets the ocean, we’ll stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relentless waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track.

8. Bruce Bay

Here, thick native rainforest meets the seemingly endless open ocean. Bruce Bay truly showcases the best of the West Coast!

9. Lake Matheson

We continue to every photographer's dream: Lake Matheson. On a calm day, you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km/90-minute easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

10. Franz Josef

We'll pass many glacial rivers as we journey past Fox Glacier to our destination of Franz Josef. Our guide will drop you at any central accommodation in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. If you are continuing to Christchurch the next day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to carry on the journey.

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Includes

Fully Guided Small Group Tour at 16 or Less

Bottled water & snacks

Lunch - Please advise of dietary requirements

Meeting Point

The Station - Home of Adventure, corner of Camp & Shotover Street central Queenstown.

Additional Information

We offer pickup from the listed locations only. If your accommodation is not listed, please s-e-l-e-c-t your closest alternative. Pickup time will depend on the location. If you are unsure, please reach out to confirm.

Kamana Lakehouse
Mercure Queenstown
Heritage Hotel
Rydges Lakeland
Hotel St Moritz
Crowne Plaza
Novotel Lakeside
Nomads Hostel
Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Pinewood Lodge
The Station - Home of Adventure
LyLo Queenstown
Sofitel Hotel & Spa
Aspen Lodge
Ramada Queenstown Central
Heartland Hotel
Scenic Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Millennium Hotel
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview
Swiss Belsuites Pounamu
Oaks Shores Resort
The Rees Hotel
Holiday Inn Frankton Road
Sherwood Hotel
Frankton Bus Interchange
Wyndham Garden

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Terms

Children below the age of 4 not permitted to travel.

Guests can bring 1 suitcase & 1 carry on per person.

From

NZ$290.00

Per Person

12 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

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Queenstown, New Zealand, 9300

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Experience the ultimate adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka.

Duration: 12 Hours

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You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour typically start?

The tour begins at approximately 7:00 AM.

Will there be opportunities for short walks during the stops?

Absolutely. The itinerary includes several manageable walking opportunities at scenic points:

Blue pools: Easy 3 km round-trip walk.

Thunder Creek Falls: Very short 5-minute walk to a waterfall lookout.

Ship Creek: Easy 1 km walk through dunes to the beach.

Lake Matheson: Optional 4.4 km walk (~90 min) around an alpine lake.

Wanaka: Short stroll lakeside to see the famous tree.

What should I bring for the tour in terms of clothing and gear?

Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, and camera, and wear warm, layered clothing and a waterproof jacket.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travelers?

Yes, this tour is well-suited for older adults. Its a comfortable journey in a modern minibus, with short and manageable walks, frequent rest spots, and no pushing of pace.

Are there restroom facilities available at the stops?

Yes, restrooms are available at most key stops, including Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, Lake Matheson, and at lakeside or village areas like Wānaka.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

Is there a minimum number of travelers required for this experience, and what happens if it isn’t met?

Yes, a minimum number of travelers is required. If the minimum isn’t met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.

Are young children allowed to travel on this tour?

No, children under 4 years of age are not permitted to travel.

What happens if it rains or the bad weather on that day ?

Poor weather means cancellation or rescheduling, with a full refund offered if conditions are unsafe.

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka

From: NZ$290.00

Highlights

Fully guided tour & transfer to Franz Josef

Historic Cardrona Valley Pub

Lakes Hawea & Wanaka, including "that Wanaka Tree"

Blue Pools

Thunder Falls, Ships Creek, Bruce Bay & Lake Matheson