Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

Itinerary:

1.    Franz Josef - Your tour starts in the stunning village of Franz Josef. We will be heading south down the coast on our fully guided adventure to Queenstown.   

2.      Lake Matheson -This spot is every photographer's dream. On a calm day, you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km / 90-minute easy bushwalk will reward you with breathtaking views across the southern Alps.   

3.      Bruce Bay -  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.  

4.      Ship Creek – As we make our way south along the border 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. 

5.      Thunder Creek Falls – This easy 5-minute walk will reward you with the spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-meter waterfall is the remnant of a once great glacier that pours from a hanging valley into the Haast River below.

6.      Blue Pools – 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.

7.      Lake Hawea –  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.    

8.      Wanaka – 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!

9.      Cardrona Hotel – 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.

10.      Queenstown - Your tour concludes in the stunning town of Queenstown. As we drive into the town, your guide will point out key sites and any local highlights before dropping you off at your central Queenstown accommodation.