The 10 Best Tours in Franz Josef, South Island

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Travel New Zealand in luxury with an experienced local guide. We pick you up from any airport or Cruise Ship Port and take you on a private trip for your group. Let us make an itinerary for you or plan your own and tell us where you would like to go. Book 1 day or multiple days, we will stay with you throughout your vacation and give you an authentic unforgettable Kiwi experience.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Light refreshments, Snacks, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Accommodation, Meals

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Inclusions: Round-trip shared transfer from booking office to airport, Tea and Coffee, Use of helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit, Use of skydive equipment, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Photo and Video options (available to purchase), T-shirt and Hoodies (available to purchase)

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

See the best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island on this unforgettable 8-day tour! Traveling by private luxury vehicle you’ll visit all the highlights of this amazing destination on an counter-clockwise route from Christchurch. Explore Arthur’s Pass, see West Coast rainforests from Franz Josef Glacier, and visit Mount Cook and Queenstown. Customize your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities (own expense) including helicopter rides, mountain walks, bungee jumps and more! The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip. With a round-trip transfer from Christchurch Airport or your local hotel plus seven nights of accommodation included, this adventure-laden tour enables you to see the South Island with ease.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver), Transport by private vehicle and all fuel charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip airport transfer (Christchurch), 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper Franz Josef icefall or on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Inclusions: Hiking boots and crampons are provided, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Step into a haven of tranquility. Nestled among the lush native rain-forest in the heart of Franz Josef, the Glacier Hot Pools provide a truly unique setting for absolute relaxation. The pools are located in the heart of Franz Josef township and are walking distance from most accommodation. Our Private Pools are surrounded by majestic rain-forest and offer total seclusion, naturally. Your Private Pool experience includes private changing facilities with towels and complimentary entry into the Main Pools. After your 45-minute private pool experience, you can shower and change or head out to main pools. Alternatively, you are also welcome to enjoy the main pools before your private booking. The private pools were gifted their names by the local Maori tribe, Te Runanga o Makaawhio: Te Wai Whakahaumanu (reviving waters), Te Wai Whakawai (easing waters) Te Wai Taurima (tending waters). There are spa and massage treatments available onsite as well as a licensed café.

Inclusions: Complimentary entry to the three main pools , Access to Private Cabana and changing facilities, Use of towels, Private Hot Pool for 45 Minutes

Exclusions:

A paddleboard experience like no other! A comfortable scenic boat ride before an Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure! SUP amongst the giant rainforest trees amidst the Jurassic rainforest of a kiwi conservation area with Glaciers and Alps as your backdrop.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Free Photos

Exclusions:

Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified