South Island Adventure

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch Arrival

   This evening is a great opportunity to get to know each other a little better in a relaxed atmosphere, over food and drinks. After dinner you can wander around the city and bars to familiarise yourselves with the diverse and eclectic night life. Or, have an early night to prepare for the journey the next day!
   

   • Christchurch hostel
2. Day 2Christchurch to MacKenzie Country

   This morning you’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is totally inspirational.

   After lunch, you will leave the city behind and head for Lake Tekapo. The lake’s breathtaking turquoise color and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true.
   
   The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, it’s a spectacular church and is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides – couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!

   Tekapo has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve and the super clear skies make it the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy gazing up at the constellations and the Milky Way above.
   

   Included activities:
       Christchurch Tour
       Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
       Experience Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Tekapo Springs Hot Pools   
   

   
   
   

   • Local hostel
   • Breakfast

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     Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

     Visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, nestled into the shores of Lake Tekapo

3. Day 3MacKenzie Country to Queenstown

   Feeling energetic? You can hike up to the summit of Mt John and enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps at sunrise. You’ll feel on top of the world!
   

   Today you'll drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, and it’s quite the showstopper. From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where the epic battles from Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, the views seem too beautiful to be true.

   You'll stop just outside of Queenstown at the Kawarau Bridge, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump which has been attracting thrill seekers since 1988! You can jump yourself or just enjoy watching the jumpers in awe as they plummet 43m towards the river below.

   Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With two nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this alpine town certainly knows how to live life to the max!
   
   Included:
       Hike up Mt John (optional)
   
   

   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Kawarau Bridge Bungy

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Queenstown hostel
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Queenstown

   You'll have a full day in Queenstown and there is a myriad of different ways you can spend it! You can paraglide over the Lake Whakatipu, swing through a canyon, jump out of a plane, hike some of New Zealand’s most picturesque trails or rent a bike and head out on a day mission to seek solitude away from the hustle and bustle!

   If you can, it's recommended to schedule in a full day to visit Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi. Whether you fly or drive, the scenery en route is as awesome as the destination. Once in Milford, sailing beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces, you’ll understand why it's been famously dubbed the “8th Wonder of the World”.

   Queenstown comes alive at night! Choose from a heap of bars and tasty restaurants all scattered around the town center. Our guides will be more than happy to make some recommendations and can point you in the direction of a good party!
   

   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Shotover Canyon Swing
   Nevis Bungy Jump
   Canyoning
   Dart River Funyaks
   Kawarau Bridge Bungy
   Kjet
   Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour
   Milford Sound Packages
   Shotover Jet Boat
   Skydive
   Time Tripper - Underwater Experience
   

   
   
   
   

   • Queenstown Hostel
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Queenstown Canyoning

     Climb, swim and float through an awe-inspiring world of sculpted rock, crystal pools and crashing waterfalls - all in beautiful natural surroundings over half a day

   • 

     Are you brave enough for New Zealand’s highest bungy jump?

     At 134 meters you will experience 8.5 seconds of adrenaline pumping free fall on this truly exhilarating bungy jump over the Nevis River Valley.

   • 

     Dart River Funyaks

     Try the funyaks on the beautiful Dart River on day 4

5. Day 5Queenstown to Wanaka

   You'll wake up in Queenstown and have one last morning to explore, or tick something off your bucket list! The choice is yours.
   
   Later in the day you'll head on over the Crown Range to Wanaka, a mere one-hour drive away. You'll stop at Arrowtown en-route, a charming, gold rush town seeped in character and beauty. Stepping foot in Arrowtown’s main street is like stepping back in time, be mesmerized by the old, hand painted shop fronts and antique relics, and you can imagine horse and carts trotting down the road 150 years ago. Its heritage buildings paired with the ever-changing colours on the surrounding peaks makes Arrowtown truly quaint, it’s no wonder it has won New Zealand’s ‘Most Beautiful Small-Town Award” multiple times!
   
   Shortly after leaving Arrowtown, you’ll journey through the Cardrona Valley, a stunning bus ride which provides beautiful vistas of the Gibbston Valley wine region below. Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns. There are lots of accessible trails which are suitable for hiking and bike riding, catering for a mix of ability levels. It’s the perfect destination to relax and soak up serenity.
   
   Included:
   Visit Arrowtown – a charming and historic gold rush village

   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Shotover Canyon Swing
   Nevis Bungy Jump
   Canyoning
   Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour
   Shotover Jet Boat
   

   
   

   
   

   • Wanaka Hostel
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Queenstown Canyoning

     Climb, swim and float through an awe-inspiring world of sculpted rock, crystal pools and crashing waterfalls - all in beautiful natural surroundings over half a day

   • 

     Are you brave enough for New Zealand’s highest bungy jump?

     At 134 meters you will experience 8.5 seconds of adrenaline pumping free fall on this truly exhilarating bungy jump over the Nevis River Valley.

6. Day 6Wanaka to Franz Josef

   This morning you can explore Wanaka; in whatever way you like! If you are looking to book onto an activity there are plenty of options – take a flying lesson, go skydiving, or take a lake cruise and enjoy a nature walk over on Mou Waho Island. You guide will be able to provide recommendations or can point you in the direction of some beautiful walks.
   
   The journey to Franz is another stunner – many of the guides rate it as their favorite drive in New Zealand. As you hit the road, you’ll stop at one of the favorite lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option. From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way.
   
   You will roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5 kilometres from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.
   
   Included:
       Lake Hawea Lookout
       Haast Pass
   
   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Flying Lesson
   Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk
   Skydive
   Waterfall Climbing

   
   

   
   
   

   • Franz Josef Hostel
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk

     Enjoy a luxury boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve, home of the lake, on an island, in a lake!

7. Day 7Franz Josef

   With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand. Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, is famous for the spectacular Franz Josef glacier which is located just 5 kilometres from town.
   
   Te Wāhi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Today you have the special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery, it’s a very special experience.
   
   Although they are weather permitting, there are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers, kayak on a glacial lake or just take a walk in the National Park, the choice is yours. Later in the evening you may even like to take part in some group karaoke… or maybe just watch!

   
   Included:
   Carve your own pounamu necklace

   Optional activities you can add to this day:
   Glacier Country Kayaking
   Glacier Heli Hike
   Heli Experience with Snow Landing
   Skydive

   
   

   
   
   
   
   

   • Franz Josef Hostel
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8Franz Josef to Christchurch

   After breakfast we head further along the beautiful west coast on another one of the most spectacular drives in the country (or some might say, the world). The West Coast is a rugged, primeval landscape of lush rainforest in contrast against breathtaking beach and ocean waves.
   
   You will stop at Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, you may also visit the National Kiwi Centre where there is guaranteed viewing of rare kiwi birds in their nocturnal house.
   
   You'll traverse the South Island on the stunning Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch, arriving at your accommodation in the early evening. It’s the last night together so feel free to party hard, or head on out to one of Christchurch’s many restaurants and bars to enjoy each other's company and to reflect on the amazing adventure had together.

   Included:

   Visit Hokitika Greenstone Factory
   
   

   
   
   
   

   • Christchurch Accommodation
   • Breakfast
9. Day 9Departure

   Today you will check out of the accommodation and head on your way.