Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 66 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 $169 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 66 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (66)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Experience a guided one-way journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka, Haast Pass and the West Coast. Travel in a small group capped at 15 travellers, taking in Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, the Blue Pools Track, Thunder Creek Falls and Lake Matheson, with a passionate local guide bringing the journey to life along the way. Enjoy secret stops, wildlife sightings and plenty of surprises along the way, with lunch, snacks and bottled water provided. Travel in comfort in a modern minibus before finishing your journey in Franz Josef.
What you get
About this experience
Experience a guided one-way journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka, Haast Pass and the West Coast. Travel in a small group capped at 15 travellers, taking in Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, the Blue Pools Track, Thunder Creek Falls and Lake Matheson, with a passionate local guide bringing the journey to life along the way. Enjoy secret stops, wildlife sightings and plenty of surprises along the way, with lunch, snacks and bottled water provided. Travel in comfort in a modern minibus before finishing your journey in Franz Josef.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 66 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
66 verified traveler reviews for Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip
Fabulous tour. Nikki our tour guide was amazing, funny, knowledgeable and made everyone feel welcome. Lots to see during the trip and the day went so quickly.
via Tripadvisor
Super awesome trip,stunning views,super friendly guide,diversity of ocean & glacier on the same trip..highly recommended
This particular trip happened on 9th October 2026 starting from Queenstown to Franz Josef via the picture perfect town of Wanaka. The trip started on time and to my surprise, and to some extent excitement also, I was the only traveller that day. Although all the time these kind of small group tours offer you the chance to engage with people from different countries, share your moments and have a great time,however,travelling as the only passenger definitely blessed me with specific advantages,more on this later. We had a quick coffee stop at the iconic cardrona restaurant,soon after that we started piercing through the golden glaze of early morning with the evergreen willows welcoming us alongside the road. Arriving at Wanaka was pretty swift, since I was the only traveller I found myself alone in the shore of wanaka lake..I rushed towards the famous wanaka willow tree, the land of long white clouds truly kept its promise which you can experience from the photos below. The reflecting surface and the heavenly ambience followed by absolute solitude with only birds chirping, made me so excited,for a long time I could not have such joy. God bless this country, its beauty.The dept of conservation is doing fantastic. After Wanaka there are few other stops but the sea was calling me & we arrived at the ship creek. The mighty Tasman sea with its roaring waves and long stretched lonely beach was truly magnificent. But to me the most awaited part was still pending, the Bruce Bay which was among my top 3 attraction in New Zealand, beacuse of its serenity & the legend of ancient Maori landing here,but my guide Jay, from cheeky kiwi travel was generous enough to keep an additional 20 minutes just for Bruce Bay. When I arrived, dont know why tears came out from my eyes, there was almost nobody on the shore, the long stretched beach and the beech trees far stretched as far as eyes can go, was opening a gateway to another dimension. I was hugging the nature and every moment quenched the thirst of my soul. Being a solitude lover, you might guess my ecstasy. After Bruce Bay we said good bye to the west coast and headed inland towards east,within 45 minutes the weather changed drastically as we approached near the fox glacier, eventually stopping at lake Matheson walking track. There is also blue pool and river valley which is depicted well from the photos I captured, like I said, if you love exotic places with nature all around you this trip in New Zealans would be a great "detox" for you. I am especially grateful to Cheeky kiwi, and to my guide Jay, who was kind enough to tolerate constant "chat" with me all the way in many topics, he even offered me a beer during lunch. I am grateful for his hospitality & super friendly gesture. I will remember this trip & all the great moments as an escape from all the stress of life. 100% recommended to everyone. Thank you very much.
via Tripadvisor
Heaven on Earth Queenstown to Franz Josef osef
Fantastic Tour with beautiful scenery and short forest walks, stops at convenience and a nice lunch. Tour Guide Jess is exceptionally good.
via Tripadvisor
A great experience
I am very satisfied with the arrangement of this trip. The tour guide girl explained in great detail. I hope to continue traveling next time.
via Tripadvisor
Terrific tour Queenstown to Franz Josef.
This tour was fabulous, thanks to a great guide, Hanna. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and cheerful. Everything you could want in a tour guide and more. She went above and beyond to inform us all about the history and relevance of every stop of the tour, as well as most of what we were driving past. Our 12 hour tour, from Queenstown to Franz Josef, went by in a flash and we even managed around 16000 steps at the various stops along the way. Plenty of comfort stops, a great lunch at the Hard Antler, in Haast, just added to the value of this tour. Thanks Hanna, and Cheeky Kiwi.. it was a great day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely words about Hanna. She loves to take people on her trips and share our beautiful coastline along the West Coast. It is a world of it's own. We are glad you enjoyed your trip so much.
via Tripadvisor
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
- $169 to $290
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel, who run 51 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.5 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Cheeky Kiwi Travel runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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 $169 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 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 66 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 23 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, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. 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.
What is included in Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)?
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Included: Booster seat; Fully guided small group tour with local guide; Bottled water; Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person; and Snacks. Not included: On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 28 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not rec. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)?
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Across 66 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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