Multi-day trips Guided tours Nature & adventure Tours Sightseeing

Explore New Zealand's South Island on a 9-day tour from Christchurch. Visit Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Franz Josef. Enjoy optional activities and stay in hostels.

Highlights

• Stand in awe of Franz Josef Glacier and carve your own pounamu pendant
• Experience Queenstown’s adrenaline thrills or relax with world-class wine
• Stargaze at Lake Tekapo, a Dark Sky Reserve with stunning night skies
• Discover Wanaka’s beauty, from its lake to the iconic Wanaka Tree
• Explore historic Arrowtown with charming cafes and gold-mining heritage

Description

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. After the 2011 earthquake, locals creatively rebuilt the city—including the famous Cardboard Cathedral, now one of the city's most interesting architectural features. Meet your leader and group, then explore the city's excellent restaurants for dinner. The next day, enjoy a morning city tour of Christchurch with your leader before departing for Lake Tekapo. This designated Dark Sky Reserve features stunning bright blue waters and surrounding mountains. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd with its world-famous backdrop—a popular spot for wedding photos. After dark, enjoy exceptional stargazing if weather permits. Optional activities include Tekapo Springs Hot Pool or Summit Experience. On day 3, take an optional early morning hike up Mt John for Southern Alps views. Drive through the Mackenzie Basin's tussock lands and snow-dusted peaks to Queenstown, with photo stops along the way. Visit Kawarau Gorge with optional bungy jumping. Arrive in the adventure capital for a two-night stay. Spend the next day experiencing Queenstown's endless activities. Adrenaline options include paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, and bungy jumping. Scenic options include a Milford Sound day trip or Lord of the Rings 4WD tour. Wine lovers can explore world-class wineries. On day 5, enjoy a free morning to finish Queenstown activities before a scenic drive across Crown Range to Wanaka. Stop in historic Arrowtown, a charming gold-rush town with heritage facades, cute cafes, and mountain views. Continue to Lake Wanaka, one of New Zealand's most attractive towns, surrounded by mountains. Explore on foot, bike, or from a cosy cafe. Optional Happy Hour on the Lake. The next day, enjoy a free morning to explore Wanaka—bike along the lake, cruise to Mou Waho Island, or visit the famous #thatwanakatree. Depart north with stops at Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea lookout. Pass spectacular Haast Pass waterfalls and stunning coastline before arriving in Franz Josef village. On day 7, explore Franz Josef, where glaciers meet soaring peaks in Te Wahi Pounamu ('the place of greenstone'). Visit a local gallery to carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant while learning about its cultural significance to Maori. Optional glacier lake kayaking available. The next day, travel up the wild, wet West Coast where high rainfall creates incredibly green landscapes contrasting with ocean blues. Possible visit to a kiwi centre to observe kiwi birds in a nocturnal house. Drive through Arthur's Pass with mountain scenery and photo stops. Arrive Christchurch evening—perhaps join the group for farewell dinner and drinks. On the final day, your adventure ends this morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged if you're not ready to leave.

Includes

Meals - 7 breakfasts Transport - Private Vehicle Accommodation - Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (8 nights) Included activities Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd Christchurch - City Tour Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge Arrowtown - Village visit West Coast - Haast Pass West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace

Important Information

• Meet your leader and group at 6:00 PM on Day 1 Small group size: 1–16 travelers Private room upgrades are not available Optional activities can be booked at an additional cost Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are well catered for in New Zealand

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund