Hokitika Tours from Christchurch Franz Josef Tours South Island Tours

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika

From NZD$290

(16 reviews)

Departs from: Tours from Christchurch

Duration: 12 hours

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Discover New Zealand’s wild West Coast on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day tour from Christchurch to Franz Josef. Journey from the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, and continue along the rugged coastline to the glacier country. With breathtaking scenery, short walks, and authentic Kiwi storytelling along the way, this tour is the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery.

Why you’ll love this

Travel from Christchurch through the Southern Alps on one of New Zealand’s most scenic routes

Explore natural wonders like Castle Hill, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Hokitika Gorge

Experience the wild beauty of the West Coast’s beaches, lakes, and mountain passes

Enjoy a gourmet packed lunch and plenty of scenic photo stops

Small group comfort with expert guides and modern Mercedes Sprinter transport

Itinerary

What’s included

Small group guided tour

Lunch in Greymouth at a local restaurant

Bottled water and snacks

Modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter transport

Expert local guide with live commentary

Optional Extras

Train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass , please visit our Christchurch to Franz Josef including TranzAlpine tour page to book!

Why choose us

Famously passionate tour guides

Our guides share stories, laughs, and Kiwi charm on every journey.

Travel in comfort

Small groups, big comfort. Relax in our modern Mercedes minibuses with style and space.

Award-winning tours

Thousands of five-star reviews and top travel awards - experiences loved worldwide.

Kiwi owned. Kiwi operated

Proudly local and passionate about sharing authentic New Zealand with every traveller.

Stories worth sharing

4/26/2026

Lovely touring day

The itinerary was perfect with just the right amount of stops. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. In particular our guide Jannis was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant, and had a great sense of humor. Would definitely do the trip again.

jeff s

4/25/2026

Amazing day out!

I cannot say enough good things about this tour! Honestly one of my best travel days yet. I was solo, and my guide, Logan was phenomenal. He had incredible knowledge of the areas, was very accommodating, a great conversationalist, and went above and beyond to make it an amazing day. The cherry on top was a sweet gift from his kids- a rose they made from New Zealand flax leaves. I highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi, and if you’re lucky enough to have Logan as your guide, you’re in for a treat!

Becky S

2/26/2026

Lovely way to experience the West Coast!

Grant and Cosmo were amazing guides! So insightful and polite. Felt very taken care of.

Daniel U

2/9/2026

knowledgeable guide in amazing scenery!

Amazing scenery and well-planned stops to enjoy some local delights, scenic walks, quick photo stops, longer walks. Clear explanations or where to meet after the walks. Our guide Grant (?) was an excellent driver, friendly, very chilled, very knowledgeable. Van was very comfortable and spacious for only 6 of us. Lunch was great. Arrived on time in Franz Josef without feeling rushed. We did everything that was planned. Small downside is that the guide was sometimes hard to understand for a non native speaker (strong local accent). Highly recommend the tour! I learned so much and all the stops were great! I particularly liked Castle Hill, Hokitika beach and the gorge.

Marie-Luce C

2/6/2026

Our Incredible New Zealand Highlight!

Joel was our driver from Christchurch to Fran's Joseph. He was outstanding! He was so knowledgeable, professional and he had so many interesting facts on the flora, farming and culture. We think he was one of the best guides we've ever had. Cheeky Kiwi gave us a spectacular and personalized small group experience. The itinerary was wonderful with at least 10 stops along the way and Joel had interesting history and commentary on each. One was better than the next from Castle Hill seeing where Lord of the Rings was filmed, stunning Arthur's Pass, the Devils punch Bowl, and getting my shoes wet by choice in the crystal beach waters of Greymouth. We felt like we had our own little group on a private trip. The small group made new interactions with people from Finland, Germany, Japan, Canada, China and more. Another treat was the great 80's music he had playing in the background! This tour turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire New Zealand trip. We highly recommend Joel and Cheeky Travel!

elyse

1/14/2026

Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi - Yew

Really enjoyed the tour with Logan who filled the day with interesting information and responded to questions but never overdid it. The tour was relaxed, Logan didn’t pressure us to maintain a speed and we were able to enjoy the stops and even used leftover time to visit the Franz Josef glacier. Will highly recommend to friends and family, cheers crew.

Tom F

1/13/2026

The Joy is in the Journey

The trip from Christchurch to Franz Josef was enjoyable and informative. We saw heaps of spots that we would have otherwise missed had we driven, and Paul was an excellent guide. Highlights were the Devil’s Punchbowl for the view and opportunity to elevate the heart rate, and the amazing Castle Hill rocks.

craigsI7954AA

12/26/2025

A Journey Through the Heartland of the South Island

If you are looking for the absolute best way to travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef, look no further. This small-group tour via Arthur’s Pass is not just a transfer; it is a full-day immersive experience that showcases the very best of New Zealand’s rugged natural beauty. What truly elevated this trip from "good" to "unforgettable" was our guide, Joel. From the moment we set off, Joel’s expertise was evident. He managed the day with impeccable timing and planning, ensuring we arrived at every scenic spot—from the majestic Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall to the serene shores of Lake Ianthe—just at the right moment to beat the crowds and catch the best light. Navigating the winding roads of the Southern Alps requires a pro, and we felt completely secure in Joel’s hands. His safe, smooth driving allowed us to relax and soak in the views of the Otira Viaduct and the lush rainforests of the West Coast. Beyond his skills behind the wheel, Joel kept the energy high with endless humor and local stories. He has a gift for making everyone on the tour feel like an old friend, turning a long drive into a day of laughter and discovery. Stopping in Hokitika for lunch and a stroll along the beach was the perfect midpoint. This tour hits the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. If you want a stress-free journey packed with stunning landscapes and great company, book this tour—and hope you get Joel!

Maximus

12/14/2025

Smooth journey from Christchurch to Fran Josef - Cheeky Kiwi guide rocks

Smooth ride, bonus scenic stops, and our guide Yanis was fantastic! A great way to travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef.

Frozzy D

11/27/2025

Magical West Coast

Even though the weather wasn't too good, it still was a beautiful drive. The Gorge is stunning, the drive is nice and we could stop in a few beautiful places that we all loved (like the waterfall!). The tour guide Yanis was very helpful giving us interesting facts about the areas. I totally recommend it.

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