Franz Josef Tours
Explore ancient glaciers, lush rainforest & breathtaking alpine views
Journey into the heart of Franz Josef, where ancient glaciers carve through vibrant rainforests and rugged mountains rise dramatically against the sky – a landscape of striking contrasts and raw natural power.
Our curated small group tours provide seamless travel between Queenstown, Wānaka, Christchurch and Franz Josef with the unique option to journey all the way from Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef. The route between Christchurch and Franz Josef features the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of world’s most breathtaking rail journeys.
Once in Franz Josef, choose from thrilling off-road adventures to peaceful glacier cruises and immersive nature walks. Led by expert local guides, each experience connects you deeply with Franz Josef’s unique wilderness.
Why Book Franz Josef Tours With Us
Only The Best
We handpick only the best tours with consistently excellent reviews
Trusted Local Operators
We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers
Guided Small Group Tours
Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems
Easy & Secure Booking
Book with confidence - safe payments and friendly support
Getting There
Franz Josef may feel remote, but our handpicked tours on Retreats Abroad make the journey part of the experience. Surrounded by rainforest, rivers and the mighty Franz Josef Glacier, this West Coast gem is reached by some of the most scenic routes in New Zealand.
From Christchurch, you can join the Christchurch to Franz Josef Small Group Tour via Hokitika including TranzAlpine Train. This seamless rail-and-road experience is one of the most spectacular ways to reach Franz Josef, combining the world-famous TranzAlpine train with a small group road journey along the rugged West Coast.
From Queenstown, the Queenstown to Franz Josef Small Group Tour takes you over the dramatic Haast Pass, through native forest, waterfalls and alpine valleys, with thoughtful stops to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Each tour is carefully selected for its quality, comfort and exceptional reviews – so wherever you start, you can travel with confidence knowing you’re on one of the best journeys to Franz Josef.
Tours In Franz Josef
Expertly curated tours in Franz Josef
Off-Road Adventure Tour In Franz Josef
Explore Franz Josef’s wild backcountry on a guided off-road adventure - weaving through rainforest, riverbeds and glacier valleys on a thrilling ride against the spectacular backdrop of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier.
- Location: Franz Josef
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From $220 NZD per adult
Scenic Cruise In Franz Josef
Glide across Lake Mapourika, the largest lake in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, aboard the purpose-built Hannah-K. With both covered seating and open viewing decks, you’ll take in panoramic views of the Southern Alps, mirrored waters and untouched rainforest. The cruise also ventures into the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary’s estuaries - a haven for native birdlife and home to New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, the Rowi.
- Location: Franz Josef
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From $125 NZD per adult
Cruise & Nature Walk In Franz Josef
Begin with a tranquil cruise across Lake Mapourika, enjoying views of the Southern Alps and the wildlife-rich bays of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. From there, step ashore for an exclusive guided walk through ancient rainforest - a Jurassic world of towering trees, native bird calls and the chance to glimpse the habitat of the rare Rowi kiwi. This unique combination of lake and land reveals the wild heart of Franz Josef.
- Location: Franz Josef
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From $149 NZD per adult
Tours To Franz Josef
Scenic small group tours departing from Christchurch, Queenstown & Wānaka
Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika Small Group Tour including TranzAlpine Train (One Way)
Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef in unforgettable style. Ride the world-famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, then continue by small group tour along the rugged West Coast, with scenic stops and an expert guide that make the journey as extraordinary as the destination.
- To: Franz Josef (one way)
- From: Christchurch
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $550 NZD per adult
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef in comfort on a fully-guided small group tour through Wānaka and over the dramatic Haast Pass. With stops at alpine valleys, waterfalls and glacial rivers, it’s a spectacular way to link two of the South Island’s most iconic destinations.
- To: Franz Josef (one way)
- From: Queenstown
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Wānaka to Franz Josef Small Group Tour (One Way)
Connect Wānaka with Franz Josef on a small group road journey through the Haast Pass. Along the way, you’ll pause at tumbling waterfalls, wild river gorges and rainforest trails, making the transfer a scenic adventure in itself.
- To: Franz Josef (one way)
- From: Wanaka
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Tours From Franz Josef
We craft unforgettable tours tailored to give you the ultimate experience
Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika Small Group Tour including TranzAlpine Train (One Way)
From Franz Josef, travel north along the rugged West Coast before boarding the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Crossing the Southern Alps, this seamless road-and-rail connection takes you to Christchurch with landscapes that will stay with you long after.
- To: Christchurch (one way)
- From: Franz Josef
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $550 NZD per adult
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Head south from Franz Josef through rainforest and alpine valleys, crossing the Haast Pass before arriving in Wānaka and onward to Queenstown. Led by a passionate local guide with scenic stops and small group comfort, this is one of the most memorable ways to travel between the glacier country and New Zealand’s adventure capital.
- To: Queenstown (one way)
- From: Franz Josef
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Franz Josef to Wānaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Experience the ultimate adventure from Franz Josef to Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes.
- To: Wanaka (one way)
- From: Franz Josef
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Latest Franz Josef Updates 2025:
New small group tours launched in 2024 now connect Franz Josef with both Queenstown and Christchurch, making the West Coast more accessible than ever. These scenic routes also offer travellers a flexible alternative to journey between Queenstown and Christchurch – turning the transfer into a highlight in itself.
West Coast visitor numbers continue to rise, especially during the busy peak season (November to February).
Book early to secure your preferred tour time and avoid missing out during popular travel periods.
Why Retreats Abroad
Curated Experiences You Can Trust
We only feature top-rated experiences run by trusted hosts
Small Groups Led By Expert Guides
Explore deeper with local experts and like-minded travellers
Easy & Secure Booking
Secure your spot quickly and confidently
Restore While You Explore
Discover the perfect balance of wellness and adventure
How We Select Our Tours
Book now to secure your spot on our top-rated Franz Josef Tours