Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll land in Christchurch and get oriented to the South Island's main city. There's plenty to see around the creative rebuilding work that followed the 2011 earthquake, particularly the famous cardboard cathedral that's become an icon of the city's recovery. Your welcome meeting happens at 6 pm, so you'll meet your leader and the rest of the group then. After that, you'll head out for dinner at one of the local restaurants to kick things off.
Included Activities
- Christchurch City Tour
- Visit Christchurch Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks Christchurch Cathedral - Day 2
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Starting the day with your local leader, you'll drive to Lake Tekapo, which sits in a designated Dark Sky Reserve. The water has this striking bright blue color, and the surrounding mountains create a nice backdrop for photos. You'll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd while you're there. If conditions cooperate in the evening, you'll get a chance to do some stargazing since this area ranks among the country's top spots for it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Christchurch exploration with local leader
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
Optional Activities
- Grand Traverse Scenic Flight - NZD415
- Stargazing at Lake Tekapo
Landmarks Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo 
- Day 3
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
There's an optional early hike available up Mt John summit for views across the Southern Alps, though you can also catch views from lower elevations if that suits you better. From there, you'll drive through the Mackenzie Basin's tussock lands and past snow-dusted peaks, with stops to take photos. You'll pass through Kawarau Gorge where bungy jumping is an option if that interests you. By evening you'll reach Queenstown for a two-night stay in this adventure-focused town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Mackenzie Basin
- Pass Kawarau Gorge
Optional Activities
- Hike up Mt John - Free
- Kawarau Bridge Bungee - NZD215
Landmarks Mt John Mackenzie Basin Southern Alps Kawarau Gorge 
- Day 4
Queenstown
This entire day is yours to shape. If you're after adrenaline, you can try paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, or bungy jumping. For something different, consider a Milford Sound day trip to see the mountains and waterfalls, or if you're into Lord of the Rings, there's a 4WD adventure hitting filming locations. Wine enthusiasts should check out the region's famous wineries. There's really something for each interest here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Canyoning - NZD230
- Shotover Jet Boat - NZD167
- Paragliding - NZD261
- Heli-Mountain Biking - NZD482
- Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD236
- Horse Trek Lord of the Rings - NZD205
- Canyon Swing - NZD261
- Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Package - NZD557
- Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD156
- Skydiving - NZD389
- Nevis Bungee - NZD289
- Kawarau Bridge Bungee - NZD215
- Wine tasting at local wineries
Landmarks Milford Sound - Day 5
Queenstown to Wanaka
Morning time to finish up anything from yesterday, then you'll cross the scenic Crown Range. After that, you'll stop in Arrowtown, a charming gold-rush town with historic buildings lining the main street. Take a walk around and soak in the atmosphere before continuing to Lake Wanaka, where mountains surround the area. You'll have the evening to settle in and explore by hitting some hiking trails, renting a bike, or just finding a cozy cafe to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Arrowtown village visit
Landmarks Crown Range Arrowtown Lake Wanaka 
- Day 6
Wanaka to Franz Josef
You'll have the morning free to explore Wanaka on your own schedule. Consider biking along the lake shores, paddling out to Mou Waho Island, or checking out local hiking trails. The famous #thatwanakatree is worth finding if that appeals to you. In the afternoon you'll drive north through scenic country, with stops at lookout points over Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea depending on what conditions allow. You'll pass through Haast Pass waterfalls and impressive coastal scenery before your leader points out special stops. By evening you'll arrive in Franz Josef village.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Lake Hawea Lookout
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike Tour - NZD158
- Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk - NZD251
- Skydiving - NZD387
Landmarks Lake Wanaka Mou Waho Island Lake Hawea Haast Pass 
- Day 7
Franz Josef
You'll explore Franz Josef, where glaciers and tall peaks create a striking landscape. This region is Te Wahi Pounamu to Maori culture, meaning 'the place of greenstone.' Visit a local gallery to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its cultural importance. In the afternoon, you'll have options to get closer to the Franz Josef Glacier itself, like kayaking over a glacial lake if that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Carve your own Pounamu Necklace
Optional Activities
- Glacier Kayaking - NZD121
- Quad Biking - NZD189
- Glacier Heli Hike - NZD509
- Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD294
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 8
Franz Josef to Christchurch
You'll travel up the wild West Coast where high rainfall creates intensely green landscapes contrasting with ocean blues. There's a kiwi centre where you can see kiwi birds in a nocturnal house, though this depends on timing. Later you'll drive through Arthur's Pass with mountain scenery and photo stops along the way. By evening you'll be back in Christchurch for dinner and drinks with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Arthur's Pass
Optional Activities
- Kiwi centre visit
Landmarks West Coast Arthur's Pass - Day 9
Christchurch
Your New Zealand adventure wraps up this morning. If you're not ready to leave, contact your booking agent beforehand to arrange extra nights in Christchurch.
Optional Activities
- Additional accommodation in Christchurch (upon request)
