Franz Josef to Queenstown small group tour (One-Way)
Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago, Queenstown
Explore the beautiful and famous West Coast via Wanaka on a fully guided small group tour from Franz Josef. There is no better way to see the area.
Franz Josef to Queenstown Guided Small Group Tour via Wanaka
This fully guided one-way tour travels from Franz Josef to Queenstown, suited for small groups and nature lovers seeking a scenic journey through West Coast beaches, alpine lakes, and historic sites.
Tour Highlights
- Stops at Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, and Lake Matheson
- Views of Blue Pools and Thunder Creek Falls
- Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, including the famous Wanaka Tree
- Visit to the historic Cardrona Valley Pub
Tour Description and Itinerary
The tour begins in the village of Franz Josef and travels south along the West Coast beaches, across the Haast Pass, then past the lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before reaching Queenstown. It is led by knowledgeable guides who share stories and local history, using modern minibuses equipped for comfort and safety.
- Franz Josef: Start your journey south from Franz Josef village.
- Lake Matheson: Enjoy a 4.4km (90-minute) easy bushwalk with views of Mt Cook reflected in the lake on calm days.
- Bruce Bay: See where native rainforest meets the Tasman Sea on a wild beach.
- Ship Creek: Explore a 1km walking track along dunes where forest meets ocean.
- Thunder Creek Falls: A 5-minute walk leads to a 28-meter waterfall descending from a hanging valley.
- Blue Pools: In Mt Aspiring National Park, a 3km return walk reveals vivid blue river waters.
- Lake Hawea: Quick photo stop at a lookout between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
- Wanaka: Walk to the lakeside for the iconic Wanaka Tree with alpine mountain backdrop.
- Cardrona Hotel: Visit this historic pub on Crown Range Road, known for its rustic charm and mountain setting.
- Queenstown: The tour concludes in Queenstown with a brief local highlights overview before drop-off at central accommodation.
Includes
- Fully guided small group tour
- Lunch
- Snacks and water provided
Excludes
- Optional extra activities
- Shoes and wet weather gear
- Walking poles
Important Information
- This is a one-way tour.
- Guests may bring one large and one small piece of luggage each.
- Please advise of any dietary requirements prior to the tour.
- Children under 8 must use a booster or safety seat. Rental seats are available for NZ $20 each.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book in advance to secure your spot. Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The best time to visit is during dry conditions for optimal views at Lake Matheson and Blue Pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes stops at Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, Lake Matheson, Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka with the Wanaka Tree, and the historic Cardrona Valley Pub.
The tour starts in Franz Josef village and ends in Queenstown.
The tour duration varies depending on stops, but it generally takes a full day to travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown.
Yes, this is a small group tour, so solo travelers can join and be grouped with others.
While the tour focuses on scenic stops, you may spot native birds and wildlife along the West Coast and around the lakes.
Food and drink are not included, but there are stops where you can purchase refreshments, including at the Cardrona Valley Pub.
The tour uses a comfortable vehicle suitable for small groups, typically a minibus or van.
The tour operates year-round, but weather conditions can affect accessibility, so check the website for current details.
Yes, there are short walks to viewpoints like Blue Pools and around Lake Matheson.
This tour is designed as a guided experience with stops; one-way transfers without stops are not available in this package.
