Queenstown to Franz Josef small group tour (one-way)

Traveling from Queenstown to Franz Josef is an adventure many New Zealand explorers dream about. While there are plenty of ways to get between these two iconic destinations, this particular small group tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel offers a well-balanced mix of scenic stops, local stories, and comfortable transport. We’ve reviewed the experience based on detailed feedback, and here’s what you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

What we appreciate most about this tour are the stunning vistas along the West Coast, the knowledgeable guides who bring the journey to life, and the value-packed itinerary that hits all the highlights. However, it’s worth noting that, as a fully-guided day trip, it doesn’t include optional activities like helicopter hikes or glacier landings. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, informative, and scenic journey rather than a physically demanding adventure.

Key Points

• Beautiful Stops: Includes Lake Wanaka, Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, and Lake Matheson.
• Comfort and Convenience: Modern minibuses with amenities and a small-group setup enhance the experience.
• Engaging Guides: Guides like Jonathan are praised for their local knowledge and storytelling.
• All-Inclusive Value: Lunch, snacks, and water are provided, making it a hassle-free day.
• Duration & Timing: Lasts approximately 12 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• Limited Activities: Focuses on sightseeing and storytelling, not on glacier or helicopter activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour takes you on a 12-hour journey through some of the most iconic landscapes of the South Island, starting from Queenstown. The route is thoughtfully designed to maximize sightseeing and comfort, with many stops for photos and rest.

First Stop: Historic Cardrona Valley Pub
While the original summary mentions it as a highlight, the tour tends to focus more on scenery and lakes, so the pub may be a quick photo stop or a place to stretch legs. Still, the charm of this historic site adds a layer of Kiwi character early on.

Wanaka and Lake Hawea
We loved the way this tour captures the serenity of Wanaka’s famous lake, including the Wanaka Tree, often seen as one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. The stops here are well-placed for photos and allow a peaceful break from driving.

Lake Wanaka & Lake Hawea
Expect to see stunning lakes with clear waters and mountain backdrops. Reviewers mention the leisurely pace, giving plenty of time to absorb the scenery—”a quiet, leisurely journey, with several stops for photos and rest,” as one traveler puts it.

Blue Pools & Thunder Creek Falls
These natural highlights are real gems. The Blue Pools are famous for their brilliantly colored, crystal-clear waters, perfect for photos and a short walk. Thunder Creek Falls offers a dramatic view of rushing waters cascading down rocky cliffs, which makes for memorable photos and a chance to stretch your legs.

Ship Creek, Bruce Bay & Lake Matheson
Further along the coast, stops at Ship Creek and Bruce Bay showcase wild, rugged beaches with powerful surf, giving visitors a taste of New Zealand’s untamed West Coast. Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook (visible on clear days), is a peaceful spot to end the day’s sightseeing.

Transportation & Group Size

Travel is in a modern, comfortable minibus equipped with amenities, ensuring a smooth ride through winding roads and scenic passes. The small group size, typically around 12 travelers, is a clear advantage—more personalized attention from guides and less time waiting for others.

Traveling in a smaller group elevates the experience because you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd and more likely to get tailored stories and attention from your guide. The reviews repeatedly praise guides like Jonathan, who brings enthusiasm, local insights, and a knack for answering questions.

The Guides & Local Knowledge

Guides are a standout aspect of this tour. Reviewers mention guides who are “very attentive and well-informed,” with one traveler calling Jonathan “an excellent guide, very attentive and caring,” adding that he was always ready with stories and answers. This personal touch turns a simple scenic drive into an engaging experience, full of interesting facts and Kiwi humor.

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Food & Beverages

The tour’s included lunch, snacks, and water make the day more enjoyable and stress-free. You won’t need to worry about packing too much or searching for food along the way. Reviews mention that the snacks and lunch were well thought out, offering enough energy for the day’s sightseeing.

Practical Details & Considerations

The price of $170 per person offers solid value when you consider the included meals, the guided experience, and the multiple sightseeing stops. It’s a full-day tour, and the timing is flexible, with departures typically starting in the morning.

What to bring is simple: a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and maybe a camera for those picture-perfect moments. It’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for people with back problems or those requiring non-folding wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs, as these are not accommodated.

Additional tips include advising you to select your pickup location in advance, as the tour offers pickups only from specified spots. Also, if your accommodation isn’t confirmed yet, The Station Home of Adventure is a suggested meeting point.

The Experience from a Traveller’s Perspective

Several reviews highlight the authentic Kiwi experience this tour offers. For example, “Jonathan drove us through all the major highlights and was always ready to give us information and answer questions,” said a traveler from Greece. Others appreciated the leisurely pace and well-placed stops for photos and rest, making the entire day feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Some travelers pointed out the safety and comfort of the vehicle as a plus, especially given the winding roads of the Haast Pass and coastlines. The overall tone from past guests is one of satisfaction—highlighting the knowledge of guides and the stunning scenery as the main draws.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer sightseeing over physically strenuous activities. If you enjoy relaxed, scenic drives with plenty of photo stops and engaging storytelling, you’ll find this trip ideal. It’s also suitable for those who want a small-group, personalized experience, avoiding the crowds often found on larger tours or self-drive adventures.

However, those looking for active glacier hikes or helicopter flights should consider additional or alternative excursions, as this tour focuses mainly on sightseeing and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This Queenstown to Franz Josef tour offers a well-rounded day of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and comfortable travel. It’s a practical choice for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple stops or navigating unfamiliar roads. The small-group format, combined with knowledgeable guides like Jonathan, makes for a personable and memorable trip.

At $170, including lunch, snacks, and multiple scenic stops, it provides excellent value for travelers keen on experiencing New Zealand’s West Coast in a relaxed, informative way. It’s best suited for those who prioritize comfort, storytelling, and a leisurely pace over adrenaline-fueled activities.

If you’re after a day that combines breathtaking landscapes with engaging guides and a lot of photo opportunities, this tour will suit you perfectly.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the scenic stops along the route at a relaxed pace.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from specified locations. If your accommodation isn’t listed, you can choose a nearby meeting point, such as The Station Home of Adventure.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the guided tour, lunch, snacks, and water. It does not include activities like heli hikes or glacier landings.

Can I bring my luggage?
Guests are permitted to bring 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person, which is suitable for a day trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 need a car seat, which costs $20 if rental is needed. The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A modern, comfortable minibus equipped with amenities suitable for a full day of travel.

Are there any restrictions?
Non-folding wheelchairs, alcohol, drugs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
It may not be ideal for guests with back problems or certain mobility restrictions, as the stops involve walking and uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
A reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Can I cancel easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

This tour strikes a fantastic balance between scenic beauty, engaging guides, and hassle-free logistics, making it a smart choice if you’re eager to see the highlights of the West Coast of New Zealand without sacrificing comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: