Tours/Queenstown/Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef 2-Day Tour (One Way)
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef 2-Day Tour (One Way)

4.9(10)Queenstown1 hour
VIATOR5.0(4)TRIPADVISOR4.8(6)

Description

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to the vast open spaces of the Canterbury Plains. Travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch with plenty of scenic stops, stories and memorable experiences, this journey captures the true spirit of Aotearoa. With friendly guides, comfortable transport and time to explore at your own pace, it is the perfect way to discover the heart of the South Island in one unforgettable trip.

Tour Options

2-Day, 1-Way Tour
  • Duration: 2 days: Overnight in Franz Josef (accommodation not provided) Lunch x 2: Ordered on the day by your guide Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans Pickup included

Highlights

Water & Snacks
Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
Fully guided small group tour

What's included

Included
Water & Snacks
Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
Fully guided small group tour
Not included
Restroom on board
Christchurch & Franz Josef accommodation - at customers own cost
Hotel drop off in Fox Glacier - tour on day two departs from Franz Josef only
Children below 8 are required to travel in a booster/safety seat. Hire for NZ$20 or provide your own

Pickup Locations & Times

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (The Station - Home of Adventure). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
10 reviews
5
9
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
  • Hotel drop off/pickup in Fox Glacier - we reccomend booking accommodation in Franz Josef
  • If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking

Reviews(10)

8
891lindsaye
July 11, 2026
Highly Recommend Cheeky Kiwi Tours!

We had a wonderful experience on both legs of our journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef and from Franz Josef to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi tours. Both of our guides, Jannis and Kristina, were wonderfully kind, entertaining, and informative. The tours allowed us to see parts of the South Island we would have otherwise not been able to reach while also providing very convenient transportation between our accommodations. Both Jannis and Kristina went out of their way to teach us about New Zealand's unique flora, fauna, industry, and cultures, while also just being extremely kind and conscientious, going out of their ways to make sure everyone had a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. They were also both extremely good drivers! We would definitely use Cheeky Kiwi tours again when we return to New Zealand!

Operator response

Thanks so much for the feedback! Jannis and Kristina are awesome guides and totally passionate about sharing the South Island on the Queenstown to Christchurch Tour. At Cheeky Kiwi we're proud to have the best tour guides in the industry. We're stoked you had such a wonderful trip and hope to see you back again :)

P
philipbF7542BH
April 27, 2026
Personalised attention and flexibility

I'm not sure whether we were just lucky on our trips but we went on two trips with Cheeky Kiwi and both trips only had a handful of travellers. This led to very relaxed, informal, and flexible trips, greatly enhanced by the tour guides (special shout-outs to Lynette and Martin), who were both absolutely fantastic. We could really pick our stops, side trips and timing, which was great. I suspect that whether there were 5 people or 12, these guides would still ensure that you felt special and do their best to be flexible.

Operator response

We are so pleased that our drivers looked after you so well and that you had such enjoyable trips. We hope you can join us again one day. Thank you for travelling with Cheeky Kiwi

B
Beth_M
March 29, 2026
This was a great way to...

This was a great way to see lots of different sites and enjoy the country while someone else does the driving. Sadly for us the weather didn't cooperate with us on the second day, with rain and wind causing some of the walks to be cancelled. We were all okay with that. Both our guides, Colin on the first leg and Logan on the second, were fun, personable, and informative. Would definitely recommend.

Operator response

Thank you for your nice feedback. The West Coast can almost be guaranteed to rain on you. But is is also lovely in the rain. So glad you enjoyed your trip so much and thank you for travelling with us.

A
angelag988
March 27, 2026
ROAD TRIP!!!

We spent 3 weeks in NZ. Why fly from Queenstown to Christchurch, when you can see the sights on along the road! This was a great way to see more of NZ. There were about 8 of us in the journey. We had many different stops that weren't just hop out for a picture. We got to spend time to go along some hiking trails/treks. The first half was to Franz Joseph with Jonathan. He was full of dad jokes and was terrific. At Franz Joseph, we were picked up by Joel for the 2nd half of the journey. Joel was young but he was easy going and had some great local information. He'll pickup some dad jokes later. The only thing I would change in this trip would be to allow us at least one full day at Franz Joseph. We arrived there about dinner time, with very little time before the sunset.... then we left Franz Joseph bright and early at 8am the next day. It was such a beautiful place and a shame that we couldn't explore the place. Since it is a new guide and 2nd part of the journey, Cheeky Kiwi could have picked up a day later, allowing us to explore Franz Joseph for a day. No tour guide would be needed. All in all, this was a great road trip!

Operator response

You are right it is really worth travelling in a small tour. You get to experience the real New Zealand at a leisurely pace. I believe it is possible to book with a day in between at Franz Josef as the two tours are separate. We hope we see you again some day so you can explore Franz Josef and all it has to offer. Helicopter rides are popular there. Thank you for travelling with us.

W
winlui
March 19, 2026
Great Tour option for those who don't want to drive themselves.

This tour is a great option for those who don't want to drive themselves. It takes you from one province to another and includes visits to worthwhile scenic spots along the way, offering opportunities for hiking and getting close to nature. The driver also provides plenty of local information and interesting anecdotes. It's an excellent tour choice, and I highly recommend it to all travelers who prefer not to drive. Though it's marketed as a two-day tour, it's actually two separate day tours combined, with two different driver-guides.

P
Pamela_H
February 10, 2026
Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Joseph (Town)

A well organized and interesting tour which we enjoyed tremendously. Our drivers Colin and Rosie were very informative about the region. They were flexible with group requests and provided a safe and fun experience.

Operator response

Thank you for your nice words. Our guides love to make your trip memorable with little facts and experiences. Thank you for travelling with us.

Y
Yanbo_Z
December 23, 2025
Fantastic experience over...

Fantastic experience over 2 days with our guides Holly and Joel that takes you to a large proportion over the west coast and also various mountains. Incredible views are offered all along the trip with live commentary from the guides that cover history, geography, wildlife, amongst other things. The trip is set up as two separate tours so you have the opportunity to meet new people on each day, albeit some people do both days. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thank you so much for choosing Cheeky & for sharing your holiday with us! We're thrilled to hear that both Holly & Joel delivered such a great experience :)

G
Go826491
November 8, 2025
Interesting and fun time on 2 day trip Christchurch to Queenstown

This trip was excellent, just what worked for me travelling on my own.... The group was small so lots of personal interaction with guides and along the travelers. The stops along the way we're interesting and the guides provided excellent infhionraí and support. They catered for all levels of mobility with humour and patience. The pick ups were extremely prompt and efficient. A special word of praise to our excellent guides, Rosie and Lynette!!

Operator response

Thank you so much! We're really delighted that Rosie & Lynette looked after you so well on our lovely West Coast! Thanks again for choosing Cheeky :)

L
Lakshmi_V
March 10, 2025
Cheeky Kiwi did fantastic...

Cheeky Kiwi did fantastic job breaking down this long road trip with many interesting stops. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

L
Louisa A
December 26, 2024
Great day!

Cheeky kiwi has a gem in Collin, what an informative, kind and great tour guide. He went out of his way to be helpful and share what he knew. A big thank you from Canada and the u.k

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