11 One-Way Tours in Franz Josef, With the Price Beside Each

1.Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · from $179Our pick

Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef in a small group of up to 15, with guides such as Kristina or Hanna, a supplied lunch, snacks, water, and luggage space. You’ll see Cardrona, Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, and Lake Matheson, with time for short walks and photos.

“Hanna was so sweet and thoughtful.We were a family of three and thankfully the tour was not called off.West Coast is so beautiful and peaceful.Wanaka,was terrific and photogenic.There were many walking trails in Blue pools walk,Lake Mathson and absolutely loved the experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $179

Travel from Franz Josef to Christchurch in about 12 hours with an English-speaking guide, lunch, snacks, and water included. The route passes Hokitika Gorge, Greymouth, Arthur’s Pass, and Castle Hill, with short walks and photo stops along the way. Guide Nick has earned praise for his friendly driving and care on the road.

“I would give more than 5 stars if I could! The weather was awful and a major road through Arthur’s Pass was closed so we were stranded, but Cheeky Kiwi took great care of me. They sorted me alternative accommodation and transport to Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $341

Start at 7:30 am in Christchurch and ride the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Your Cheeky Kiwi guide then takes you by small-group van to Cobden Beach, Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Ianthe, and Franz Josef. Grant, Yanis, or another guide handles the West Coast drive, with lunch, snacks, water, and central Franz Josef drop-off included.

“Our tour guide(s) Grant and Jannis were amazing hosts. The van is very comfortable, they are very knowledgeable and engaging. They kept our spirits high. The provided lunch was okay; for most people, chicken is better than ham, so perhaRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Franz Josef to Queenstown small group tour (One-Way)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 18 reviews · 12 hours · from $173Best value

Ride from Franz Josef to Queenstown with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Lake Matheson, Bruce Bay, Ship Creek, Thunder Creek Falls, the Blue Pools, Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, and Cardrona Hotel. Lunch, snacks and water are included. Bring walking shoes, a water bottle and only manageable luggage.

“I liked Everything. The best was the professionalism and education of our guide, and the beatifull views of the South Island. Than you!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Queenstown to Franz Josef small group tour (one-way)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 15 reviews · 12 hours · from $173

Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef through Cardrona, Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Haast Pass, and the West Coast. Your English-speaking guide leads short walks and photo stops, with lunch, snacks, and water included. Martin and Christina have guided recent departures. Bring one suitcase, one carry-on, and a reusable bottle.

“Really excellent trip and route. Loads of great stops on the way, felt really safe in the bus. Snacks, water and lunch provided was a nice touch.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 12 hours · from $328

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef in 12 hours by iconic TranzAlpine train and guided minibus. Guides such as Joel, Logan, Rosie, and Willem lead the West Coast road journey, with lunch, snacks, water, luggage space, Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge, and Lake Ianthe included.

“Logan was a great driver and very informative. Enjoyed the breaks for walks along the way. The train ride allowed so really beautiful views.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $179

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef with a guide such as Mark, crossing Arthur’s Pass and stopping at Castle Hill, Hokitika, and Hokitika Gorge. Lunch, snacks, water, luggage handling, and central Franz Josef accommodation drop-off are included. Expect about 12 hours on the road with walks, photo stops, and local stories.

“It was a fun informative trip. We were very well looked after. It felt like travelling with friends.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Queenstown to Franz Josef Tour via Wānaka (One-Way)

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 5 reviews · 1 day · from $173

Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef in a small, comfortable minibus with an English-speaking guide. Stop at Cardrona, Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay, and Lake Matheson. Lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hotel pickup are included, with guide Martin praised for safe driving and local insight.

“Professional and safe driving skills of our driver Martin. In addition to his his good knowledge of area.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Christchurch to Franz Josef Tour with TranzAlpine (1 way)

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4 reviews · 1 day · from $337

Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, then continue by small-group van through Hokitika and West Coast Glacier Country to Franz Josef. Your English-speaking driver provides commentary, lunch, water, Kiwi snacks, WiFi, and USB charging. You can visit Hokitika Gorge and choose a glacier drop-off or your accommodation.

“We took the TranzAlpine as part of our journey to Queenstown - breathtaking views all the way! Unfortunately, we faced a surprising 2-hour delay, which was frustrating. If time allows, consider adding Pancake Rocks near Greymouth/Hokitika to your itinerary (though it's a bit far). Still, the landscapes made it worthwhile for train lovers!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.to Franz Josef via Hokitika 1 Way Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4 reviews · 12 hours · from $173

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef in a small group with a fully guided Cheeky Kiwi tour. You will cross the Canterbury Plains, visit Castle Hill, Arthur's Pass, Devil's Punchbowl, Hokitika, and Hokitika Gorge, with lunch, snacks, water, and luggage space included. The tour ends in central Franz Josef.

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika 1 Way Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 3 reviews · 12 hours · from $173

Ride from Franz Josef to Christchurch in a small-group Mercedes Sprinter, stopping at Hokitika Gorge, Arthur’s Pass, Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, Castle Hill, and more. Your English-speaking guide handles the long route, lunch is included, and you can bring one large and one small bag. Expect a full 12-hour day with walks, photo stops, and changing scenery.

Check availability →Read our full review