Queenstown to Franz Josef

We begin our day tour to the West Coast departing Queenstown and driving through breathtaking scenery of high mountain peaks and passing the stunning blue lakes of Wakatipu, Dunstan, Wanaka and Hawea.

We continue through Haast Pass - the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island, before emerging on the West Coast and the awe-inspiring landscape of vast rainforests, crystal clear waterfalls and rugged mountain tops.

Our tour concludes in the afternoon in the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the glacier with one of the many local guiding companies or opt for a flightseeing tour via helicopter or plane.

For onward travel further up the West Coast to Greymouth and beyond see www.intercity.co.nz for coach travel options.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) long and located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The glacier is located about 5km from the village and was named after Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria by the German explorer, Julius von Haast in 1865.