Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

Outty Ranking 80 5.0 · 62 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $230

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$230
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 62 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) worth booking?

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) is a 12-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $230 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 62 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
5/5 (62)
Duration
12 hours
From
$230 per person

Experience the ultimate adventure along New Zealand's West Coast from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you to the picturesque Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, over the stunning Ha

What you get

  • Booster seat
  • Fully guided small group tour with local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Snacks
  • Lunch

About this experience

Experience the ultimate adventure along New Zealand's West Coast from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you to the picturesque Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, over the stunning Haast Pass and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings, and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions. At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories, and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart.

What's included

Included

  • Booster seat
  • Fully guided small group tour with local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Snacks
  • Lunch

Not included

  • On-board restrooms

What you'll see and do

  1. Cardrona

    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.

    10 minutes here

  2. Wanaka

    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.

    30 minutes here

  3. Lake Hawea

    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.

    10 minutes here

  4. Blue Pools Track

    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.

    60 minutes here

  5. 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.

    20 minutes here

  6. Ship Creek Walks

    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.

    30 minutes here

  7. Bruce Bay

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

    10 minutes here

  8. Lake Matheson Walk

    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 easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

    60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Queenstown

Pickup time: 7:00am.

Hotel pickup

Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

Ends at

This is a one way tour ending in Franz Josef.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users

Photos

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown, photo 2Iconic Cheeky Kiwi Mercedes-Benz MinivanQueenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown, photo 4Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown, photo 5Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown, photo 6Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) in Queenstown, photo 7

Good to know

Duration
12 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$230 to $290
Hotel pickup
Available for selected locations
Booked in 30 days
22
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 80

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
Review evidence (18% weight)53
Booking momentum (14% weight)47
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)97
Local standing (8% weight)65
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way): questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

How much does Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) cost?

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Prices start at $230 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) take?

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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.

Is Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 62 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)?

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Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Queenstown?

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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Queenstown?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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