From Franz Josef: 1 Way Tour to Queenstown via Wanaka (Copy) From Franz Josef: 1 Way Tour to Queenstown via Wanaka

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 Joseph to Queenstown via Wanaka. This one way, small group, fully-guided tour takes you along the beautiful beaches of the West Coast, over the Hast Pass, past the stunning lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, plus other must see stops on our way back to Queenstown.

Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Itinerary:

1. Franz Josef - Your tour starts in the stunning village of Franz Josef. We will be heading south down the coast on our fully guided adventure to Queenstown.

2. Lake Matheson -This spot is every photographers dream. On a calm day you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km / 90 minute easy bushwalk will reward you with breathtaking views across the southern alps.

3. Bruce Bay - At this location you will see where the thick native rainforest meets a seemingly endless open ocean of the Tasman Sea. This beautiful beach really is the best of the west.

4. Ship Creek – As we make our way south along the boarder where ancient rainforest meets the ocean we will make a stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relenting waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track.

5. Thunder Creek Falls – This easy 5 minute walk will reward you with the spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28 meter waterfall is the remanence of a once great glacier that pours from a hanging valley into the Haast River below.

6. Blue Pools – Located in Mt Aspiring National Park is the aptly named Blue Pools. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to see the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River.

7. Lake Hawea – As we leave the national park behind make sure to keep your eyes open as we make our way westwards and past stunning Lake Hawea. We will stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

8. Wanaka – Stretch your legs take a walk down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wanaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps. This is truly a photo opportunity that you do not want to miss!

9. Cardrona Hotel – From Wanaka we head over the Crown Range Road that connects Queenstown and Wanaka. We do a quick stop here to see the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must see while in Central Otago.

10. Queenstown - Your tour concludes in the stunning town of Queenstown. As we drive into the town your guide will point out key sites and any local highlights before dropping you off to your central Queenstown accommodation.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.