Magpie
5.0(3 reviews)

Franz Josef to Wanaka Scenic Tour

FromNZ$290
8 hours
Fox Glacier, New Zealand

About this activity

Experience a scenic journey from Franz Josef to Wanaka, including a guided tour, lunch, and comfortable transport, showcasing New Zealand's natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Explore Franz Josef Glacier's stunning landscapes
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch amidst nature's beauty
  • Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transport
  • Experience a fully guided small group tour
  • Discover the scenic route to Wanaka's attractions

Full description

Join us on an unforgettable journey from Franz Josef to Wanaka, where you'll traverse some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes. This full-day tour offers a fully guided experience, ensuring you don't miss any of the region's hidden gems. Along the way, enjoy a delicious lunch amidst nature's beauty, and travel in comfort with our air-conditioned vehicle. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a photography lover, this tour provides ample opportunities to capture the essence of New Zealand's South Island. Don't miss out on this adventure that combines relaxation, exploration, and the stunning scenery that makes this region so special.

Included / Excluded

  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Fully guided small group tour
  • Accommodation

Itinerary

1

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.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

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

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

As we head south 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.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Here we stop at the Hard Antler where you have 45 minutes to enjoy your lunch

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

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.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Located in the 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.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Heading eastward past the stunning Lake Hawea, we'll stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea before crossing the mighty Clutha River.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

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, before being dropped off at the Wanaka Lakefront Car Park.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour operates in English; please ensure you understand the language.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for a full-day tour.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes along the route.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID for check-in purposes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each

Traveler reviews

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Highly recommend

What a fantastic tour! My guide Lynnette was very knowledgeable and entertaining along the whole journey. I love getting insider knowledge about things we see along the way and getting to see special areas a tourist wouldn’t typically know about. Highly recommend any tour put on by Cheeky Kiwi!

pima32377Mar 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great small tour

Great day! Many beautiful stops along the way. Shura was a great guide, very accommadating and qlot of fun!

Daydream46881769876Mar 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Rainy Day, Amazing Experience

To describe this tour, I only need to say: thank you, Kristine! She helped me so much with an issue I had at the beginning of the tour. Even though it was a rainy day, she still showed us incredible places. Highly recommended!

floraruggieroNov 28, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Infant seats available to hire for $20 NZD Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved. Tour duration includes travel time between locations
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