South Island Trip (23 Dec)

Arrival in Christchurch and departure to Kaikoura the day after. Kaikoura is the perfect place for marine life encounters and coastal walks. It's also a world famous location for Whale watching and swimming with Dolphins.

We make our way from Kaikoura to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can simply wile away the evening on the golden sand beach just meters from your accommodation. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park.

Optional activities: Abel Tasmans National park (Walk or Kajak)

Travel through snow-capped mountains and fantastic lakes on your journey towards the wild West Coast.

Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes on the way to Westport so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport..

Free activities:  Nelson Lakes, walk through the Abel Tasman Park, legendary wharf jumping shot

Explore the rugged West Coast of NZ, see the Pancake Rocks and spend the night in a traditional West Coast pub!

Today we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonights unique accommodation is a chance to enjoy a delicious group meal and bond with your bus mates.

Accommodation:  Unique accommodation
Free activities:  Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, Pancake Rocks

Continue along the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand through forests and past the towering Southern Alps to glacier country.

After breakfast at Lake Mahinapua we hit the road on our way to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.

Free activities:  Lake Mahinapua

Take a ride in a Helicopter to the top of the glacier and have the opportunity to walk around the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.

Today is your chance to hike on Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities in New Zealand by Kiwi Experience passengers. You could also enjoy a scenic heli-flight over the glacier! After the glacier hike visit the Spa pools for an overwhelming relaxation.

Accommodation:  Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
Optional activities:  Helicopter ride to top of Franz Josef Glacier, Spa pool

Journey to the magical Southern Lakes region to take the time to chill by beautiful Lake Wanaka.

We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.

Accommodation:  Central hostel.
Free activities:  Mirror Lake walk (Lake Matheson), explore Wanaka.
Optional paid activity: Puzzle World

Adventure capital of New Zealand…and the world! What more do we need to say!

Before we leave Wanaka get your brain working at Puzzling World and then its on to the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. Only the brave will sign themselves up for this iconic NZ activity. On arrival in Queenstown we will head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

Optional activities:  AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Jump, Jetboat

Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots. Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities.

From here we have a number of activities arranged for us. The first of which will involve travel to Milford Sound, a fjord to the South-West that lies within Fiordland National Park Marine Reserve, and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. The trip includes a boat cruise through this pristine water-way, and views of the beautiful mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls that surround it. In 2008, it was judged the world’s top travel destination in an international survey and is acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination.

You will get ample time to experience Queenstown at your leisure. There will definitely be no shortage of fun things to keep you entertained!

Included  activities: Milford Sound Day Trip
Free activities:  Great walks, take in beautiful views from this cool resort town.
Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet-boating (Included if you did not do a bungee), skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…)

Discover the untouched beauty and crystal clear skies in the world's largest dark sky reserve.

We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve..

Free activities:  Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake. 

A day of contrasts from snowy peaks to fertile plains home to the Garden City.

We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. You last night of accommodation will be in Christchurch. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes. Check out the funky Re:Start Mall and keep your eyes peeled for the sweet pop-up bars around the city.