Christchurch to Queenstown 2 Day Tour via Franz Josef (One Way)
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48 giờ
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thông tin khác
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
The tour duration includes travel time between attractions
Drop off off in Fox Glacier is not avaialble - we reccomend booking accommodation in Franz Josef
Lunch will be free choice from a set menu
Chính sách hủy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cần Quan Tâm
Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika
Đồ ăn và uống
LUNCH
Lunch
Christchurch
Upon collection in Christchurch, your journey begins as we depart the garden city
Castle Hill
Weathered limestone rocks sit proudly on the tussocky hills and were once in the ocean! Over time they eroded away and started forming these amazing unique shapes you’ll see today. You might recognize this landscape from movies such as Lord of the Rings and Narnia! That’s right. Not only that, but while you walk amongst the rocks you will also see climbers and boulderers! This place is a magnet for thrill seekers. This is not a guided walk so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own.
On the way through you will be able to see the beautiful backdrop of the majestic Southern Alps up close. Once we arrive you will have the opportunity to either walk the Devils Punch Bowl or spend this time walking around the local shop.
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
This optional walking track is approx. 1 hour with a gradual incline including steps towards a ferocious 131-meter-tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and forest.
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Also known as Deaths Corner! The Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the national park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason driving Arthurs Pass is possible! It’s huge at 440 Meters long and is a great spot for a photo of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. A little bonus too, you might see a wee Cheeky Kea! The sneaky Alpine Parrot of NZ. We then embark on the next adventure towards the gorgeous town of Hokitika.
Greymouth
Located in the heart of New Zealand South Island, Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast Region, with a population of around 14,000 people. This charming town is not only a beautiful spot, but also a key hub for connecting via tthe renowned TranzAlpine train service. Here we stop for lunch, you will have free choice from a set menu.
Cobden Beach
Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing standout waves that break right up against the structure. This picturesque spot is a photographer's paradise, with a stunning backdrop that's sure to capture breathtaking images.
Hokitika
Enjoy some free time to explore this charming coastal town. Walk along the black sand beach, see the iconic Hokitika sign, and browse local art shops.
Hokitika Gorge Walk
We venture towards a stop hidden away on the West Coast, Hokitika Gorge is a treasured gem that consistently inspires awe, with its striking turquoise waters radiating an otherworldly beauty. Nestled amidst a lush canopy of native bush, this enchanting gorge is a magnet for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who flock to capture its unique essence and unforgettable vistas. After getting those Instagram worthy shots we head to our final destination for the day, Franz Josef.
Lake Ianthe is surrounded by hills and podocarp forests, with a large flax swamp at its southern end. The lake is home to a diverse array of wetland birds, including the endangered Great Crested Grebe, which has one of the largest populations in New Zealand. The lake is situated in a glacial trough, surrounded by a moraine and flows into Wanganui River through Ianthe Creek.
Franz Josef
Arriving in Franz Josef Village we will drop you off at your accommodation where you can some time to relax. (drop off in Fox Glacier not available)
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka
Đồ ăn và uống
LUNCH
Lunch
Franz Josef
Day 2 begins with collection from your accommodation in central Franz Josef, as we make our way South along the West Coast.
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.
Ship Creek Walks
As we make our way south along the boarder where ancient rainforest meets the ocean we will make a stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relenting waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track.
Time to stop for lunch!
Thunder Creek Falls
This easy 5 minute walk will reward you with the spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28 meter waterfall is the remanence of a once great glacier that pours from a hanging valley into the Haast River below.
Lake Hawea Lookout
As we leave the national park behind make sure to keep your eyes open as we make our way westwards and past stunning Lake Hawea. We will stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Wanaka
Stretch your legs take a walk down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wanaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps. This is truly a photo opportunity that you do not want to miss!
Cardrona
From Wanaka we head over the Crown Range Road that connects Queenstown and Wanaka. We do a quick stop here to see the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must see while in Central Otago.
Queenstown
Your tour concludes in the stunning town of Queenstown. As we drive into the town your guide will point out key sites and any local highlights before dropping you off to your central Queenstown accommodation.
Bao gồm
Fully guided small group tour
Water & snacks
Accommodation
Restroom on board
Drop off in Fox Glacier
Điểm đón
Chọn điểm đón
Tùy chọn
Christchurch to Queenstown 2 Day Tour via Franz Josef (One Way)
Pickup included
Đánh giá
11 đánh giá
Tổng số đánh giá và xếp hạng từ Viator & TripAdvisor
Amazing time
Ian L,,8 thg 2, 2026
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Great fun lots of walks Rosie and Colin were amazing very knowledgeable interesting we had the best time
Great 2-day tour along the remote and beautiful west coast.
hazelrabbit,,9 thg 1, 2026
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00We spent 3 weeks in New Zealand and had planned to do a lot of travelling by bus since we were not confident to drive on the right side of the road. This 2-day tour was a great choice and gave us more than we expected for the cost. First off, the bus we rode in is really a well-fitted and comfortable van which had 10 guests on our tour. The driver is also the tour guide and ours was very good at sharing both insight and humor about New Zealand’s indigenous and Euro-Asian history. Each day includes up to 10 stops along the route that takes you through the remote and less populated west coast of the South Island (and there's an option to take the Trans Alpine train to the western side of the island, which is a separate cost and skips the Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass visits). Some stops on the route are only for 5-10 minutes to grab a picture and stretch your legs but several stops are up to an hour in length including Castle Hill, a site that is sacred to the Maori tribes, Arthur's Pass village and the Devil's Punch Bowl walking track, and the Hokitika Gorge walk, which was stunning. We ended day 1 in the town of Franz Joseph. Keep in mind this is not a stop on the glacier, which we couldn’t even see. But after the long day of travel it was a great place to stop and spend the night. Plan to visit the local grocery store before grabbing dinner at one of numerous restaurants on the main route. The next day kicked off with a morning visit to Lake Matheson, which was stunningly beautiful and the coffee at the local bakery was delicious. After a couple more stops lunch was at the Hard Antler, an unexpected treat with interesting history. I recommend trying the Sammy. The afternoon included 4 more stops before ending up in Queenstown, which was our final destination. All in all a great day trip and I would do it again.
I love these one-way NZ...
Michael M,,8 thg 1, 2026
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00I love these one-way NZ tours by Cheeky Kiwi. And to do it over 2 days made it spectacular. You get to see so much along the way and with more time and stops to soak in. The landscape is beautiful as you travel and you learn so much from talking to the guides (Rosie - day 1, and Noah - day 2) and the other passengers.
Great way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown (or reverse)!
Jennifer C,,2 thg 1, 2026
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00On the first day of our tour, Rosie was fantastic! Punctual, conscientious, and determined to keep us on track to arrive at Franz Josef at 6:30PM. The van was a very well-appointed Mercedes sprinter and was in excellent shape for a tour van -- clean, leather seats, good intercom, outfitted with all the latest safety features including wind assist (which Rosie definitely ended up needing). Rosie was a very safe driver despite extremely windy & rainy conditions. We also did all the stops and were pretty fortunate to arrive at breaks in the weather for Castle Hill (used for Narnia movie scenes), the waterfall at Arthur's Pass, Hokitika Gorge, etc. Rosie was a font of knowledge and strove to be engaging with NZ facts on geography, history, flora & fauna, culture, and politics -- all whilst driving a van in inclement weather for 7 hours! On the second day, Kristina was a wonderful guide who kept her energy up for a long day of driving and chatting. Our stops included a variety of locations: lakes w/ beautiful reflections, glaciers, beaches, waterfalls, and other scenic vantage points. Lunch was arranged at a decent restaurant along the way. There is only one major road along the west coast of NZ, and this was a great way to see the change from temperate rainforest to the interior land in the range's rain shadow. The scenery and road all felt very remote, so it was nice to see this part of the country with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Kristina remained focused and willing to engage but also allowed time for us to just enjoy the scenery and listen to her playlist of NZ artists. Overall this whole trip was a great way to get to Queenstown from Christchurch and see some great scenery and absorb some local knowledge at the same time. Well worth it! Oh, this particular tour only runs in the summer when the pass over the mountains is reliably accessible.
This is the best way to...
Mylene B,,16 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00This is the best way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown. My guides, Carl and Linnette, were amazing. Both are very knowledgeable. I really recommend this tour.
Good and organized trip
cavincarmen1208,,9 thg 11, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00The two days were actually split between two guides. The trip was well organized. On the first day on our way to Franz Josef, there were only 2 of us to Greymouth as the couple in our group took the train, so it became a private tour for the first part. Our guide was nice. He gave us flexibility on the things we wanna do and the time to spent at each point. The next day to Queenstown there were still only 4 of us in total. It was a good experience overall.
Highly recommend - an epic trip!
harrietl43,,19 thg 9, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience and was the perfect way to see all the sights. Both guides were super knowledgeable about everywhere we went. Absolutely a must-do!!!
Cheeky but consummate professionals - book them, you won't regret it
atexine,,23 thg 4, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00We did 3 separate tours with Cheeky Kiwi (Christchurch to Franz Josef; Franz Josef to Queenstown; Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt. Cook) - some of these were partnered/split with a partner, so this may be a mixed review of both companies. It doesn't matter because all the experiences were EXCELLENT. Kudos to all the drivers who were SAFE, organized, thorough and knowledgeable about everywhere we went. I hope I have all their names right: Mark, Jonathan, Greg, and Joseph. The logistics of the company are frankly, impressive. I communicated with them a few times on booking changes for pickups/dropoffs when our itinerary was thrown into chaos from a late ferry, and they never dropped the ball with our bookings. Each tour had multiple built in touring stops that were well-planned and timed almost perfectly to the minute. We hiked waterfalls, lakes, saw glaciers, made some museum visits - and in-between learned lots of interesting facts and stories about the areas. Drivers were very flexible - on the second leg of our Franz Josef to Queenstown, one of the attractions was closed off, and we pivoted easily to see other things. My only critique is that the vans are inconsistent in terms of amenities. Not all have WiFi or even USB chargers, but this wasn't a make-or-break deal for us. Just something to keep in mind when you are on the road for hours at a time and using your phone cameras heavily. In vans without multiple USB ports, the driver was always happy to use the front driver's seat charger. In summary, Cheeky Kiwi is a great way to get from point-to-point between major sights on the South Island if you're not driving. A much better option than the Intercity Bus System (which we used on occasion) and well worth the cost when you consider the built-in touring stops and snacks. We checked nearly everything off our South Island bucket list with their help.
Our tour guides Clive...
Brenda C,,11 thg 3, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Our tour guides Clive from Christchurch to Franz Josef and Lynette from Franz Josef to Queenstown were both awesome. Very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend this tour......
South Island trek
Susan J,,20 thg 2, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00They are full two days. 12 hours a day. Be prepared for winding roads. Average about 6 hours driving and 6 hours exploring on your stops. Book your accommodations early. Shout out to Hannah and Albert. Out tour guides and drivers.
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