Christchurch was seriously damaged by earthquakes a couple of years ago. Today the city is undergoing an impressive transformation. It offers nothing but potential.

 

We will explore the iconic downtown area. We will find out in which amazing ways the whole city has reunited to rebuild their place. You will find many quirky shops, specialised cafes and characteristic spots to dine. Not to mention the young fun Kiwi culture! Christchurch is hot!

 

We will then leave Christchurch and make our way to Tekapo. One of New Zealand’s most famous lakes. The bright turquoise Lake Tekapo, surrounded by the jagged Southern Alps, will most certainly take your breath away. 

 

How could a lake possibly be so bright blue? Minerals left by ancient glaciers are the cause of its magical turquoise-coloured water. And that is not all! Towering mountains and pink and purple Lupin flowers along its banks make the lake almost seem surreal. 

 

After sunset, it gets even better. The area around Tekapo is known as a "Star Reserve" thanks to its incredibly clear skies. It is the ultimate place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies. Watch the stars appear over the lake from the hostel that’s just a few feet from the shore.

 

Available activities

 Scenic Flight $370

The road to Queenstown (passing plenty of glacial blue lakes, soaring mountains and green valleys) is almost as beautiful as the city. Taste some splendid wines in the famous region of Otago, or explore some of the local salmon farms. Grasp this unique opportunity to see a more diverse side of the South Island. 
 
Queenstown is the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand. You cannot miss out on visiting this stunning place when travelling around the Southern Island. The city is surrounded by the awe-inspiring Remarkables. Some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in NZ. Lake Wakatipu is another must-see miracle. Postcard photo alert! 
 
The Gondola will carry us high up above Queenstown. There is nothing like watching the sunset over New Zealand’s prettiest city with new friends before experiencing the famous nightlife in town.
 
We will be spending the night at Haka Lodge in Queenstown. There we can cook some meals together, and chill out in the luxury hostel lodge. The next day is going to be packed with activities, so be sure to get a good night's rest!

 

Available activities

•  Scenic Flight $370
•  Kawarau Bridge Bungy $195

You will have a full day in Queenstown. Include as many bucket list activities and things to do, as you wish. Choose for paragliding, bungy jumping or mountain biking while your Haka friends cheer you on. Or how about horse riding through breath-taking Lord of the Rings locations in Glenorchy. Or swinging Tarzan-style through a canyon with a new friend. Queenstown is the highlight of any trip to New Zealand. No doubt about it! 
 
Did you know that Queenstown is also home to the most famous burger in New Zealand. Grab a yummy 'Fergburger' as you explore the town! 

Are you into hiking? Then why don't you try out New Zealand’s Great Walks and conquer part of the Routeburn track? Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Driving into the park is amazing. And wait until you get on the water! Sail around the fiords passing thundering waterfalls and mighty cliff faces. You will find out why this is one of the most spectacular spots in New Zealand.
 
Milford is universally loved by all, no matter if it rains or if the sun shines. Experience it from the decks of a boat or kayak around the steep cliffs. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea lion or dolphin popping up to say hello. Magical! 

 

Available activities

•  Paragliding $219
•  Canyon Swing $229
•  Skiing/Snowboarding Day at The Remarks $160
•  Canyoning Queenstown (October - April Only)$199
•  Nevis Bungy $50 - $275
•  Kawarau Bridge Bungy $195
•  Extreme Jet Boating $145
•  Horse Trekking at Glenorchy $165
•  Heli-Mountain Biking $425
•  Milford Sound Trip $125 - $499
•  Skydiving over The Remarks $339 - $439
•  Middle-earth Tour in Queenstown $185

Get ready for a spectacular drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. Great views, beautiful stops and plenty of surprises! We will stop in the beautiful historic Arrowtown. Get your exploring shoes on and go out to discover the town. 
 
Then we are off to Wanaka. We will stop at New Zealand’s oldest pub for a drink or two in Cardrona. Then we continue our journey towards Wanaka, a stunning lakeside holiday town.
 
Wanaka is a year round destination, surrounded by majestic mountains and a glacial blue lake. There is a thriving young vibe in the town and plenty of things to do. In the warmer months, you can do tons of lake activities. Go for a swim or try out waterskiing, wakeboarding or kayaking. Or how about a beautiful hike or bike ride. Go all around the lake and admire its surrounding natural beauty. 
 
In winter, Wanaka is one of the most popular snow sports destinations in New Zealand. There are several great ski fields close to the town. At the end of an active day, you can hit the cafes on the lakefront and enjoy a well-deserved drink with the group.

 

Available activities

•  Paragliding $219
•  Canyon Swing $229
•  Canyoning Queenstown (October - April Only)$199
•  Nevis Bungy $50 - $275
•  Kawarau Bridge Bungy $195
•  Extreme Jet Boating $145
•  Horse Trekking at Glenorchy $165
•  Skydiving over Southern Alps $339 - $439
•  Heli-Mountain Biking $425
•  Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride $299
•  Skydiving over The Remarks $339 - $439

Is there a better way to start your day than with a thrilling skydive over Wanaka? Take in the stunning glaciers. Later in the day, you can admire the same glaciers from a different viewpoint. We will even get to see Mr. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Or how about going back in time? Take a flight over the town and lake in a vintage Tiger Moth biplane.
 
You can also mountain bike along the lake or climb up the iconic Mt. Iron in town for some nice views. If you want to keep your day less adventurous, you can visit the iconic Puzzling World. Have some fun and try out all the games and activities.
 
We will then head towards the wild west coast of the South Island. We will be crossing the beautiful mountains in Haast and get a good view of the sea.

 

Get excited for one of the most iconic and scenic road trips around New Zealand. Apart from the stunning west coast views, there are plenty of other surprises and secret spots to dsicover today.
 
The whitebait season is between September and December. Whitebait is a small fish that is a delicacy in New Zealand. They serve it fried up with eggs and on toast. It is a local treat that you definitely have to try! We will stop at one of the secret local spots to try it out.

 

Available activities

•  Skydiving over Southern Alps $339 - $439
•  Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride $299

A South Island trip is not complete without seeing at least one of the glaciers. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are world-famous. They are relatively easily accessible and descend to a low level. Nevertheless, they no longer extend far enough down their valleys to reach the forest.

 

A very popular way of visiting the glacier is by helicopter. There are also some Heli-hike options. We really recommend a Heli-hike if you can afford it. It brings you to the most amazing blue ice! Unfortunately, the Half Day Glacier Hike is currently not available. The bottom of the glacier is too unstable.

 

Trekking on the glacier is doable and not as challenging as it sounds. If the trekking still does not really appeal to you, the guide can bring you as close to the bottom of the glacier as possible. In the afternoon, you can take part in adventurous quad biking (booked on the day). Or go horse trekking, relax in the spa pool or TV lounge of the hostel or enjoy a drink in the bars and cafes. 

 

As it is our last night of the South Island tour, we often celebrate all the good times we have had with a farewell party.

 

Available activities

•  Heli-Experience with Snow Landing $240
•  Kayak in Glacier Country $115
•  Heli-Ice Explorer $379 - $409
•  Glacier Heli Hike $449
•  Quad Biking $160

Our last day will be there before we know it! After having breakfast, we will continue along the beautiful west coast. Get ready for one of the most stunning drives in the world. A rugged landscape of green rainforest against breath-taking ocean waves and beaches.

 

We will be passing through Ross. An ancient gold-mining town. During the gold rush era in the second half of the 19th century, the west coast was opened up more and more for settlement. Before, a small number of Maori were searching the area for greenstone, or Jade. We also have the chance to stop at Hokitika. There we can visit a greenstone factory to see how it is used for jewellery and other ornaments. You can even buy some of them as a souvenir.

 

If there is enough time, we can visit the National Kiwi Centre. The centre has a nocturnal house with rare Kiwi birds that can be viewed.

 

On the way back to Christchurch, we will take the breath-taking Tranz Alpine Train Crossing. We will travel across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass. We will arrive back at Christchurch by 6:05 pm to say our final goodbyes and go our separate ways.

 

No extra add-ons available