Itinerary
- Day 1
Lake Tekapo
You'll arrive at Lake Tekapo and get your first look at those turquoise waters. Spend the day however you like - there are local bike trails to check out at your own pace, and the area's pretty great for walking around. Later in the evening, head to the lakeside hot springs where you can soak while looking up at the stars. The Dark Sky Reserve here means you'll see an incredible night sky without much light pollution interfering.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore local bike trails
- Relax in lakeside hot springs
- Stargazing at Dark Sky Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Lake Tekapo Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Day 2
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
This is a travel day through Mackenzie Country. You'll drive through some high country terrain and make your way over Lindis Pass, where the tussock-covered mountains create some nice scenery along the route. By the end of the day, you're settling into Queenstown, which is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and serves as your base for the next few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel through Mackenzie Country
- Travel over Lindis Pass
Landmarks/POIs Mackenzie Country Lindis Pass - Day 3
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is where you'll spend your time on the slopes today. The terrain here works for everyone, whether you're just learning or you've been skiing for years. After you're done for the day, there's plenty to do in Queenstown itself - grab a cold beer, check out the local nightlife, or head to Fergburger for what locals consider some of the best burgers in New Zealand.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- NZ Ski bus and lift pass
Optional Activities
- Skiing or snowboarding at Coronet Peak
- Drink at a bar in Queenstown
- Dine at Fergburger
Landmarks/POIs Coronet Peak - Day 4
The Remarkables
The Remarkables, or 'The Remarks' as locals call it, sits at 1943m and offers a different experience from Coronet Peak. The ski field is set in a natural amphitheatre with wide open runs and plenty of sun throughout the day. You'll find terrain for all skill levels here, plus the snow tends to stay fresh in the protected areas. Views from the top are really nice too.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (1 Group Dinner)
Included Activities
- NZ Ski bus and lift pass
Optional Activities
- Skiing or snowboarding at The Remarkables
Landmarks/POIs The Remarkables - Day 5
Queenstown to Franz Josef
After your time in Queenstown, you'll head to Wanaka for a break, then continue along the coast. The drive itself is quite something - you'll pass rainforests and glaciers along the way, with waterfalls dropping down the mountainside. Haast Pass is the route over, and then you arrive at Franz Josef, which is where glacier country really begins.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop in Wanaka
- Travel over Haast Pass
- Travel along rugged coastline
Landmarks/POIs Wanaka Haast Pass - Day 6
Franz Josef
Franz Josef is all about the glaciers and what you want to do with them. If you like hiking, there are trails that take you close to the ice formations. Helicopter tours are available if you want to see things from above. Or you can try something different like quad biking or kayaking on the glacier-fed lakes. Later, relax in the hot pools with a cold drink and let your muscles recover from the day's activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking on Franz Josef Glacier
- Helicopter tour of Franz Josef Glacier
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike from $469
- Quad biking from $180
- Kayaking from $115
- Glacier hot pools
Landmarks/POIs Franz Josef Glacier - Day 7
Franz Josef to Christchurch
You'll pass through Hokitika, a small township worth a quick stop, then head through Arthur's Pass with those snow-capped Southern Alps surrounding you. From there, it's back to Christchurch where your South Island journey comes to an end. You'll have plenty of memories from these last couple weeks of traveling through New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at Hokitika
- Travel through Arthur's Pass
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Castle Rock Walk
Landmarks/POIs Hokitika Arthur's Pass Church of the Good Shepherd Castle Rock
