Queenstown to Franz Josef Day Tour
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
December 2024
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.
Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Pass tree-fringed lakes and stop at a boutique salmon farm on the Paringa River for afternoon tea, before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
The German explorer Julius von Haast named the Franz Josef Glacier after Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, it is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long. During your tiem in Franz Josef you can explore its spectacular scenery with one of the many local guiding companies or opt for a flightseeing tour via helicopter or plane.
Location
What you need to know
- West Coast scenery
- Haast Pass
- South Island lakes
- Free WiFi and onboard USB charging docks
- Driver commentary
- Premium coach with onboard toilet and leather reclining seats
- 8:10 am: Depart from Athol St car park, Queenstown
- 11:00 am: Morning tea stop, Makarora
- 2:15 pm: Afternoon tea stop, Paringa Salmon Farm
- 4:15 pm: Arrive at Franz Josef Bus Stop, Main Rd
- South Island Lakes
- Haast Pass
- West Coast scenery
- Free Wi-Fi available on coach
- Hotel drop offs available in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
- Departs Queenstown at 8:10am
- Please allow minimum 8.5 hours for this experience
- This experience departs from Athol Street in the middle of the car park
- A complimentary hotel-pick up is included in this day tour. At the time of booking, please select your designated accommodation property to book this in and obtain your pick-up time. Please ensure you are waiting 10 minutes prior at your designated pick-up location
- Select your hotel name and pick up time from the location drop down list provided. If your hotel is not listed, select an alternative hotel in close proximity and make your way to that hotel on the day of the tour. Alternatively, choose Athol Street from the location drop down list and make your way to that location on the day of the tour, as this is the main departure point
- Select Athol Street or Franz Josef Bus Stop from the location drop down list provided as this is the main departure point for the tour. Once your hotel arrangements have been finalised, you can contact the local tour operator to change your pick up details. Local tour operator's contact details will appear on your tour voucher
- Select Athol Street or Franz Josef Bus Stop location from the drop down list provided as this is the main departure point for the tours. Make your way to this location at least 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Need help?
- Email us at enquiry@experienceoz.com.au
- Help code: D2B-6705
- This experience is supplied by Fox Glacier Tours to and from Queenstown
