Cheeky Kiwi - Christchurch to Queenstown Tour via Franz Josef & West Coast (One Way)

Depart from the vibrant garden city of Christchurch, embarking on our journey towards the tranquil village of Franz Josef.

Roam through the breathtaking limestone rock formations of Castle Hill, naturally sculpted over time by erosion. This iconic landscape, famously featured in films like The Lord of the Rings and Narnia, invites you to explore at your own pace. Take in the dramatic scenery and watch as climbers and boulderers navigate the rugged terrain.

As you approach Arthur’s Pass Village, prepare to be awe-struck by the towering peaks of the majestic Southern Alps. Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to embark on the Devil’s Punchbowl track—a rewarding one-hour hike through lush bushland leading to a breathtaking 131-metre waterfall—or simply unwind in the village. Enjoy a meal, sip on a freshly brewed coffee, and explore the charming local shops, all while soaking in the alpine atmosphere.

Take in the breathtaking views at Otira Viaduct Lookout, famously known as Death’s Corner. This 440-metre engineering masterpiece spans Arthur’s Pass, offering a stunning perspective of the surrounding national park. Don’t forget to capture some incredible photos and keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, New Zealand’s playful alpine parrot. From here, continue your journey to the picturesque village of Arthur’s Pass.

Step into the nostalgic charm of Hokitika, a town rich in history and coastal beauty. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and take a stroll along the dramatic black sand beach, where the rugged coastline meets the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea. With plenty of time to explore, you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere and discover why Hokitika is known as the “cool little town” of the West Coast.

Explore the stunning Hokitika Gorge, a hidden gem famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and native bush. A paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike, this breathtaking spot offers amazing views and a serene escape into New Zealand’s untouched beauty.

When you arrive in Franz Josef, your guide will drop you off at one of the designated locations, including any central hotel or motel in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

Your guide will pick you up from any central accommodation in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. You can either book your stay through Happy Travels when reserving your tour or choose your own—whatever suits you best!

Next, visit a photographer’s paradise—Lake Matheson. On a still day, the lake perfectly reflects the towering Mt Cook, creating a picture-perfect scene. This easy 4.4km (90-minute) walk offers stunning views of the Southern Alps, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.

At Bruce Bay, native rainforest meets the vast, open ocean, creating a stunning contrast of landscapes. This breathtaking spot perfectly captures the wild beauty of the West Coast!

As you head north, where ancient rainforest meets the ocean, you’ll stop at Ship Creek. Sink your toes into the sand and feel the power of the Tasman Sea’s crashing waves. Take a leisurely stroll along a 1km walking track through the dunes, immersing yourself in this rugged coastal beauty.

A short 5-minute walk leads you to a stunning view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-metre waterfall and glacier offers a once in a lifetime natural spectacle.

Nestled in Mt Aspiring National Park, the stunning Blue Pools are a must-see. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the short walk, leading you to the mesmerizing blue waters of the Makarora River.

As you cross the powerful Clutha River, you’ll journey westward, passing the breathtaking Lake Hāwea. You’ll pause for a quick photo at a scenic lookout, offering stunning views between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.

You’ll take a stroll down to the lakeside to capture the iconic shot of the Wānaka Tree. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the expansive lake, framed by the towering Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps—a true photographer’s paradise.

Just on the breathtaking Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic establishments. With its rustic charm, stunning mountain backdrop, and rich history, it’s a must-visit gem in Central Otago.

Your tour wraps up in the stunning city of Queenstown, where your guide will highlight and share fascinating insights into some of the area’s top attractions.

If you’re eager to explore more of the South Island from Queenstown, be sure to check out Cheeky Kiwi’s award-winning Queenstown Day Tours.

CHILDREN’S FARES

Children’s fares: 4 – 14 years inclusive.
Infants fares: under 4 years old.
Children aged 14 or under cannot travel on Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour services without an accompanying adult aged 18 or over.
PRICE INCLUSIONS

All entrance fees for booked activities or destinations (some destinations may have optional extras that must be booked for the activity or extra to be included in your tour).
All meals where indicated.
Snacks and refreshments.
Guided tours through most places of interest.
PRICES

All costs quoted are in NZ$ (unless stated) and include Goods & Services Tax at 15%.
Overnight tour packages must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Quoted prices do not include credit card fees of up to 2.9% of the tour value or a minimum of $3.
CREDIT CARDS

We accept the following credit cards:

Visa
American Express
MasterCard
Personal cheques are not accepted.

LANGUAGES

English commentary is provided by your driver/guide on points of interest en route.
Multilingual commentaries (Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Czech) available on selected tours. Refer to fare inclusion. Due to operational reasons this service may not always be available on the selected tour. We recommend contacting us in advance of your tour to arrange.
CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

Cheeky Kiwi Travel reserves the right to alter fares, arrange alternative transport, tour routes, services or accommodation. In the event that Cheeky Kiwi Travel are unable to operate the tour – an alternative operator will be provided. If an alternative is not available, then a full refund will be issued.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour if the tour has not meet the minimum passenger numbers required for the tour to operate. In the event that Cheeky Kiwi Travel are unable to operate the tour – an alternative operator will be provided. If an alternative is not available, then a full refund will be issued. Minimum operational numbers for public tours is usually 4.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel shall not be held responsible for any property loss or damage and/or for any damages resulting in death or personal injury which may arise whilst on tour or when utilising any other service provided by Cheeky Kiwi Travel agents. Some services featured in this brochure or website are not operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
Clients are reminded that optional activities such as Luging, Eco-Zip, Zorbing etc always have an element of risk and clients should note the above clause. Cheeky Kiwi Travel shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage resulting in any activities beyond its control such as fire, machinery breakdown, civil disturbances, theft or any delays or itinerary changes that may include additional expense that have been brought about by circumstances beyond the company’s control.
Refunds cannot be made for unused tour portions.
The operator cannot be held responsible for any personal items or luggage passengers forget to remove from the coach.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel reserves the right to request passengers leave the coach if their behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of other paying passengers. In such circumstances, no refunds shall be given.
At times during busy seasons (usually November to March) accommodation may not be available at some overnight destinations on the tour you have chosen. Should this occur at the time of your booking our reservations staff will suggest reversing your itinerary or date of departure to enable confirmation of the tour you have chosen.
Not all tours operate daily and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
In the event of a coach breakdown, Cheeky Kiwi Travel reserves the right to alter the tour itinerary. Compensation will be considered if the coach is more than 2 hours late.
Should we cancel the tour due to force majeure (i.e political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, acts of god, civil strife, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, adverse weather conditions or similar events beyond Cheeky Kiwi Travel ’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements due to cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure.
CANCELLATION & AMENDMENT FEES:

A minimum cancellation fee of $20 applies to all online bookings at the discretion of the supplier.
7 days or more prior to travel – overnight tours will incur a cancellation fee at the discretion of the supplier.
(day tours/ trips) – 7 days – 48 hours prior to travel – 25% of the total fare at the discretion of the supplier.
(over night or package tours) – 7 days – 48 hours prior to travel – 50% of the total fare at the discretion of the supplier.
Within 24 hours prior to travel – 100% cancellation fee.
An amendment fee of NZ$20 per booking will be charged for any bookings changed 7 days prior to travel. Within 7 days fees will be charged in accordance with the policies of other suppliers.
It is strongly recommended that customers insure themselves against cancellation charges and a possible loss of money or personal belongings.

HEALTH & SAFETY – RISK & DISCLOSURE

All tours have inherent risks involved and can be dangerous. By booking a tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel Limited you agree that you understand and accept the risks of the tour and agree to participate. All tour participants accept that Cheeky Kiwi Travel is not responsible for any injury or damage incurred during Cheeky Kiwi Travel tours or a third parties tour/activity/ attraction either booked by Cheeky Kiwi Travel or that makes up part of a Cheeky Kiwi Travel Tour and agree to participate at their own risk. Many of Cheeky Kiwi Travel tours operate in areas that maybe remote, have rapidly changing and sometimes extreme weather, have difficult to access paths, uneven or steep terrain, moderate to high fitness requirements or be close to or on cold water. While all safety precautions are taken it is the participants responsibly to ensure they have brought with them appropriate clothing and have the appropriate fitness/ skill level for each tour. Participant of Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour must advise Cheeky Kiwi Travel of any health or fitness issues that may affect their ability to participate in their booked tour/activity or may risk a tours timing or operational requirements in writing via the contact us page on our website within 12 hours of booking a tour. Cheeky Kiwi Travel recommends consulting with a team member about any health concerns they may have before booking.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel reserves the right to cancel or alter a participant’s tour if we feel an activity or part of an activity may risk the health and safety of the individual or adversely affect the tour’s operation. No refunds will be given to participates in these circumstances when the participant has not advised Cheeky Kiwi Travel of health issues, have not advised Cheeky Kiwi Travel of the severity of the health issue or have consulted with Cheeky Kiwi Travel about the health issue and decided to continue with the tour anyway.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel is not responsible for health and safety of passengers that are participating in third party activity/ attraction, including third party activities that are booked by Cheeky Kiwi Travel or make up part of a Cheeky Kiwi Travel Tour. Health and safety of passengers participating in a third party activity will be handed over to the company operating the activity or attraction and their guides. Cheeky Kiwi Travel will pass onto the third party guides responsible for health and safety any health and safety concerns that a Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour participant may have. For health and safety disclosures of any third parties activities or attractions that Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour participants maybe participating in the participants are to refer to the third party health & safety information. Upon booking a tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel participants agree to accept any risks that may be present at or during a third party activity or attraction.
LUGGAGE POLICY

Cheeky Kiwi Travel carries checked luggage subject to the below terms and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

All luggage carried must be clearly labelled with the passenger’s name, address, contact details and destination. The size, weight and number of luggage items that can be carried is specified below. If a passenger wishes to travel with more luggage than is permitted, or with oversize items, the item(s) may be refused if there is no available space.
CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE

Up to two pieces per person weighing a maximum of 25 kg each per person. Each piece of luggage should not exceed total dimensions (length + width + height) of 158 cm (62 inches).
If you are travelling with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or baby pushchair that can collapse down to fit within the Checked Luggage size and weight dimensions, it can be counted as one of your two Checked Luggage entitlements. If the item cannot be collapsed down to fit our Checked Luggage size and weight dimensions, it will be regarded as Oversize Luggage.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

Handbags, umbrellas, walking sticks and other aids are permitted.
You are responsible for your carry-on luggage, and Cheeky Kiwi Travel accepts no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage to carry-on luggage.
RIGHT OF REFUSAL TO CARRY LUGGAGE

Cheeky Kiwi Travel has the right to refuse to take luggage if it does not meet the requirements set out in these Terms and Conditions, or if it breaches the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, Part 5, Subpart 1.
If a passenger travels with more luggage than permitted as above, then the additional item(s) may be refused if there is no available space.
Prohibited items are not permitted either on board or in the luggage compartment.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel does not carry unaccompanied parcels under any circumstances. Passengers must never accept luggage or parcels on behalf of someone.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel will not be responsible or liable for any loss or inconvenience if a passenger is refused travel under any of these circumstances.
IMAGE USE/PRIVACY

The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for Cheeky Kiwi Travel/Cheeky Kiwi Travel by itself or through an agent to take photographs, audio or video recordings, or other forms of recordings that capture the passenger’s image, likeness, voice, performance or all of these (“Images”) during the course of this activity / tour. The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for Cheeky Kiwi Travel to receive and use Images of the passenger from other.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel may use Images for marketing and promoting its services. The ways in which the Images will be used for marketing purposes include, but are not limited to, incorporating the Images in print, broadcast, internet media, direct marketing channels, downloadable content and applications, and all other media, platform or technology now known or to be developed for distribution around the world. The Images may be altered, modified, changed, combined or incorporated into other works.
The passenger has a right to request access to the passenger’s Images and to correction of those Images to ensure they are complete and not misleading. However, the passenger acknowledges that if the Images have been incorporated into marketing materials, it may not be reasonably practicable for Cheeky Kiwi Travel to make any changes to the Images. The passenger authorizes Cheeky Kiwi Travel to refuse the request to correction in such circumstances.

If you need help with an existing booking please email us at [email protected] if your enquiry is urgent please follow up your email with a quick call on +61 2 5633 1149 so we can help you.

Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100NZD deposit required).

We endorse the recommendation that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

Absolutely, just let us know your preferred start and finish location and we’ll make it work.

There is definitely no wrong way to travel New Zealand. Depending on what type of traveller you are, you might enjoy a Campervan road trip over the Hop On Hop Off Bus Packages. We recommend booking a free consultation with one our friendly team and they can tailor their recommendation to your personality and  travel plans.

We get it. Life is all about the unexpected, especially when you are travelling. If you are unable to make your pre-arranged tour you will need to reach out to our [email protected] so we can give you a helping hand. In all cases we strongly recommend having a valid travel insurance policy which covers you for unexpected cancellations.

Yes. All of our packages are customisable so if you would like to make any changes please contact our team under [email protected] or our WhatsApp (+64) 3409 0617