Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
You'll meet your Flying Kiwi group and guide at 2pm outside the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch. From there, head into the city to check out the rebuilt laneways, grab food at local eateries, and explore some bars. Later that afternoon you'll travel down to Lake Tekapo and settle into camp for your first night in the area.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Christchurch City
- Lake Tekapo Lake Front bike ride
Landmarks/POIs Church of the Good Shepherd Rydges Hotel - Day 2
Lake Tekapo
This is a free day to do what you want around Lake Tekapo. The Mt John Walkway gives you 360-degree views across the Mackenzie Basin if you're up for a hike, or visit the Church of the Good Shepherd if you prefer something quieter. Play frisbee golf, relax at camp, or check out the nearby hot pools in the evening. Since you're in an International Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing at Mt John Observatory is worth doing before bed.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mt John walkway hike
- Walk along the lakefront
- Cowans Hill walk
Optional Activities
- Lake Tekapo Regional Park bike ride
- A2O Cycle bike ride
- Tekapo Hot Pools
- Star Gazing at Mt John Observatory
- Cabin upgrades available subject to availability
Landmarks/POIs Mt John Church of the Good Shepherd Mt John Observatory - Day 3
Lake Tekapo to Oamaru
You'll wake up and head to Aoraki/Mt Cook, then hike through Hooker Valley to the base of New Zealand's highest mountain, crossing swing bridges with views of the glacier and glacial lake. After that you'll bike the 13km Alps2Ocean trail. Later you travel toward the coast and camp near historic Oamaru close to the Moeraki Boulders. By evening, there's a walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean where you might spot Blue Penguins.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to the base of Mount Cook
- Hooker Valley hike with swing bridges
- 13 km Alps2Ocean trail bike ride
- Explore the historic precinct of Oamaru
Optional Activities
- Scenic flights
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Oamaru Penguin Colony
- Cabin upgrades available subject to availability
Landmarks/POIs Aoraki / Mount Cook Hooker Valley Moeraki Boulders - Day 4
Oamaru to Te Anau
Starting with a morning beach walk to see the Moeraki Boulders if weather and tides work out. Then you'll head to Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city, where you can see New Zealand's only castle and walk the world's steepest residential street. The coastline here has rare wildlife to keep an eye out for. After that, travel continues to Te Anau on Lake Te Anau's edge. Evening options include biking the lake to lake trail, a lakefront walk, or visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see endangered Takahē.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- World's steepest street walk in Dunedin
- Explore Dunedin city
- Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+) bike ride
Optional Activities
- Te Anau glowworm caves tour and boat ride
- Moeraki Boulders beach walk
Landmarks/POIs Moeraki Boulders Dunedin Te Anau Bird Sanctuary Lake Te Anau - Day 5
Te Anau to Milford Sound and return
You'll travel along one of the world's most scenic roads heading to Milford Sound, and then take a cruise through dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales show up occasionally. After the cruise you return along the same route back to Te Anau camp. If you're interested, drop-off is available for the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Milford Sound scenic road travel
- Plenty of short walks from camp
- Lake to Lake Te Anau trail bike ride
- Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+) bike ride
Optional Activities
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Te Anau glowworm caves tour and boat ride
- Routeburn Track (must pre-book walk/campsite/return shuttle independently; Flying Kiwi provides guidance)
Landmarks/POIs Milford Sound Fiordland National Park Routeburn Track - Day 6
Te Anau to Queenstown
There's an optional morning bike ride available on the Lake to Lake Trail if you want it. Then you'll travel along the Devil's Staircase heading to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, situated on Lake Wakatipu. Lots of cycle trails and walks are there if you want to explore once you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Lake to Lake Trail bike ride (optional morning option)
Optional Activities
- Routeburn Track (walkers rejoin the group in Queenstown after completing the track)
- Multiple activity options in Queenstown (see website or ask guide for details)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Wakatipu Queenstown - Day 7
Queenstown
You have a full day in Queenstown to do whatever activities appeal to you. If burgers are your thing, Fergburger is famous locally. Tonight the group's heading out to dinner at one of Queenstown's restaurants, a good chance to share a meal together at a place with local character (you'll cover your own costs).
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Queenstown walks
- Ben Lomond walk
- Lake Wakatipu trail (16km) bike ride
- Queenstown trail (48 km) bike ride
Optional Activities
- Multiple activity options (see website or ask guide for details)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Wakatipu Ben Lomond - Day 8
Queenstown
This is your final day to experience Queenstown's activities before your Flying Kiwi tour wraps up. Spend time saying goodbye to the people you've traveled with over the past week.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Multiple walking options
