Queenstown to Christchurch 2-Day Tour via Franz Josef

FromNZ$580
2 days
Queenstown, New Zealand

About this activity

Embark on a 2-day adventure from Queenstown to Christchurch, traversing the majestic Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps, with comfortable accommodations and guided insights into New Zealand's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Explore Franz Josef Glacier's stunning ice formations
  • Marvel at Aoraki/Mount Cook's towering peaks
  • Experience the Southern Alps' breathtaking vistas
  • Discover the rich Maori heritage of the region
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodations amidst nature

Full description

Set off on an unforgettable 2-day journey from Queenstown to Christchurch, traversing the heart of New Zealand's South Island. Your adventure begins with a guided exploration of the Franz Josef Glacier, where you'll witness its awe-inspiring ice formations and learn about its geological significance. As you continue, be captivated by the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, including the towering Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak. Along the way, delve into the rich Maori heritage that shapes the region's culture and history. Each day concludes with comfortable accommodations, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature's splendor. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour through Franz Josef Glacier
  • Visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • Accommodation in comfortable lodgings
  • Meals and personal expenses

Meeting point

Start Location

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness due to walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Meals and personal expenses are not included; plan accordingly.
  • Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance covering adventure activities.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for glacier terrain.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket and layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.
  • Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and moments.

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

  • Easy Public Transport

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
  • 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

Traveler reviews

4.9
9 reviews
5
8
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

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.

philipbF7542BHApr 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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.

Beth_MMar 29, 2026VIATOR

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!

angelag988Mar 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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.

winluiMar 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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.

Pamela_HFeb 10, 2026VIATOR