Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour meets in Queenstown and concludes with drop-off in Christchurch at a hotel or Christchurch Airport.

Are accommodation and meals included?

Accommodation and meals are not included by default; they can be arranged for an additional cost on request.

Can activities like heli flights be booked through the operator?

Yes—operators can assist booking optional activities such as scenic helicopter flights and guided glacier walks, typically at additional cost.

How long is driving each day?

Day one and day three include longer driving segments with planned scenic stops; the itinerary prioritizes flexible sightseeing over rushed travel.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 48+ hours before departure receive a full refund; 12–24 hours receive 80%; cancellations within 12 hours or no-shows are non-refundable—confirm details when booking.

Is this suitable for families with children?

Yes—families are welcome. Tailor activities to children’s ages and fitness; some glacier activities have age or safety restrictions.

Queenstown to Franz Josef and Christchurch: Private 3-Day South Island Scenic Drive

This private 3-day scenic tour runs across New Zealand’s South Island, beginning in Queenstown in the Otago Region and finishing in Christchurch on the east coast. Designed for travelers who value views over schedules, it threads alpine passes, glacial valleys, rainforest, and clear mountain lakes into a single route. The trip highlights include Lake Wanaka, the Blue Pools, Franz Josef Glacier, Haast Pass and the cross-island ride over Arthur’s Pass. Departure and meeting point: Queenstown.

Day one moves fast with a purposeful early start out of Queenstown toward Wanaka. Stops at Lake Wanaka offer wide-water perspectives and photo-friendly shorelines; an optional detour to the Blue Pools rewards with short, easy walking and hymn-like streams tumbling through native beech forest. As the van drops toward the West Coast the landscape flips from schist mountains to dense temperate rainforest and long, glacial-fed rivers.

Franz Josef sits at the heart of day two: a flexible, choose-your-own-adventure day where guests can book a scenic helicopter flight to see ice-carved crevasses, join a guided glacier walk, soak in hot pools, or opt for quiet rainforest trails. Franz Josef Glacier is one of the few temperate glaciers that descends from high peaks into lowland forest, which creates dramatic contrasts in light, texture, and vegetation that photographers and naturalists prize.

On day three the drive climbs Haast Pass, passing waterfalls and alpine viewpoints before cutting across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass. Optional stops include Castle Hill’s sculpted rock outcrops and short riverside walks that break the long-haul drive to Christchurch. The final drop-off can be arranged at a Christchurch hotel or Christchurch Airport for traveler convenience.

Practical details are straightforward: the operator will confirm pickup and final arrangements prior to travel. For booking or questions contact +64 22 684 7294 or email [email protected]. The tour emphasizes scenery over speed; expect a relaxed itinerary, flexible time for activity bookings, and opportunities to tailor accommodations and excursions at an extra cost.

Why book it? The route compresses a broad swath of South Island geology and ecosystems into three manageable days, offering glacier viewpoints, high mountain passes, and coastal rainforest without the logistics of driving yourself. It’s an excellent fit for couples, photographers, families, and travelers who want a private, guided introduction to the dramatic contrasts that define New Zealand’s South Island.

Accommodation is arranged separately and can be upgraded to boutique lodges or family-friendly hotels on request; meals are generally at guests' expense so plan for lunch stops in Wanaka and dinner in Franz Josef. Cancellation terms follow the operator policy with partial refunds for late cancellations; confirm specific terms when booking. Drivers are professional locals who know back roads and will tailor scenic stops to weather conditions.

About Scenic Drive Queenstown

Scenic Drive Queenstown is a Queenstown-based tour operator in the Otago Region that offers private, flexible sightseeing and transfer services across New Zealand.

Specializing in door-to-door private tours and transfers, the company provides a range of vehicles and itineraries tailored for families, couples and small groups. Popular offerings include same-day private tours using 4-seater SUVs and 9–12-seater vans for exploring lakes, mountains, coastlines and national parks; wine tours via Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn with tastings and relaxed winery lunches; and dedicated ski transfers from Queenstown to The Remarkables and to Treble Cone.

Longer private itineraries include a 2-day Auckland–Rotorua–Hobbiton tour showcasing Hobbiton movie set visits, geothermal attractions and Māori culture, a scenic Queenstown to Lake Tekapo route via Mount Cook, a private day tour to Dunedin’s historic and coastal highlights, and a full-day private trip to Milford Sound. Multi-day travel options run from Queenstown to Franz Josef with a two-night stop and finishing in Christchurch.

Tours emphasize flexibility and personalized guidance at a relaxed pace, allowing guests to focus on iconic sights and photography. Services are designed for private groups seeking comfort, convenience and local knowledge during same-day excursions or extended journeys. Scenic Drive Queenstown operates from Queenstown and connects travelers to major South Island destinations and selected North Island experiences, offering tailored itineraries that reflect regional scenery and attractions.

Booking options include same-day departures, multi-day scheduling and vehicle choices such as 4-seater SUVs and 9–12-seater vans to suit luggage and group needs and comfort.

Queenstown to Franz Josef and Christchurch: Private 3-Day South Island Scenic Drive

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