South Island Highlights: 9-Day New Zealand Adventure
Christchurch Central City, Queenstown
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 clear night skies
- Discover Wanaka’s lake and the iconic Wanaka Tree
- Explore historic Arrowtown’s cafes and gold-mining heritage
Description
This multi-day tour starts in Christchurch, New Zealand’s South Island largest city, suited for travelers interested in culture, nature, and adventure. After the 2011 earthquake, the city was creatively rebuilt, featuring landmarks like the Cardboard Cathedral. Meet your tour leader and group before exploring Christchurch’s dining options for dinner.
On day two, enjoy a morning city tour before heading to Lake Tekapo, a designated Dark Sky Reserve known for brilliant blue waters and mountain views. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a famous photographic location. Evening stargazing is offered weather permitting. Optional activities include Tekapo Springs Hot Pool or the Summit Experience.
Day three offers an optional early morning hike up Mt John with views of the Southern Alps. Travel through the Mackenzie Basin to Queenstown, with photo stops and a visit to Kawarau Gorge where bungy jumping is available. Arrive in Queenstown for a two-night stay.
Spend the next day in Queenstown choosing from activities such as paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, bungy jumping, or scenic tours like Milford Sound or a Lord of the Rings 4WD tour. Wine tasting at local vineyards is also an option.
On day five, enjoy a free morning before a scenic drive across Crown Range to Wanaka. Stop in Arrowtown, a historic gold-rush town with heritage facades and cafes. Continue to Lake Wanaka, ideal for walking, biking, or relaxing at a cafe. Optional Happy Hour on the lake is available.
Day six offers a free morning to explore Wanaka with activities like lake biking, a cruise to Mou Waho Island, or visiting the Wanaka Tree. Depart north, stopping at Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea lookout, then pass Haast Pass waterfalls before arriving in Franz Josef village.
On day seven, explore Franz Josef, where glaciers meet soaring peaks. Visit a local gallery to carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant and learn about its Maori cultural significance. Optional glacier lake kayaking is available.
Day eight travels along the West Coast’s wet rainforest and ocean views. Possible visits include a kiwi nocturnal house. Drive through Arthur’s Pass with mountain photo stops, then return to Christchurch for an evening farewell dinner option.
The tour concludes on the final morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged if needed.
Includes
- 7 breakfasts
- Transport by private vehicle
- Multi-share hostel accommodation (8 nights)
- Visits to Church of the Good Shepherd (Lake Tekapo), Christchurch city tour, Kawarau Gorge (Queenstown), Arrowtown village, Haast Pass and Lake Hawea lookout (West Coast), Franz Josef glacier area
- Greenstone pendant carving activity in Franz Josef
Excludes
- Optional activities at additional cost
Important Information
- Meet your leader and group at 6:00 PM on Day 1
- Small group size: 1 to 16 travelers
- Pricing per adult based on twin-share accommodation. Private room upgrades unavailable
- Optional activities can be booked separately
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are well catered for in New Zealand
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 56 days in advance to receive an 80% refund.
