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Explore the untamed beauty of New Zealand's Wild West Coast on this small group, fully-guided tour from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Your journey takes you along the rugged beaches of the West Coast, soaking in the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique. As you traverse the unforgettable Haast Pass, you'll be captivated by the lush rainforests and coastal plains before arriving at the serene, glacier-fed lakes of Wānaka and Hāwea.
Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and enjoy a provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions.
At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart.
We also offer tours from Queenstown to Franz Josef, Franz Josef to Christchurch or Christchurch to Franz Josef.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef for now. You can update this later. - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this 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. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.
PICKUP TIME: 7:00AM If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef for now. You can update this later.
Upon arrival into Queenstown your guide will be able to drop you off at most centrally located hotels.
Itinerary
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1
This spot is every photographers dream. On a calm day you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This easy bushwalk will reward you with breathtaking views across the southern alps.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
2
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
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!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Food options include; Vegan, Gluten Free and Dairy free options.
- Children safety/booster seats are available to hire for NZ$20 per seat
- Kindly advise any dietary requirements
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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