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New Zealand South Island Express

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Tour Overview

This is the New Zealand you’ve always heard about – endless lakes, snow-capped mountains and pristine glaciers. Spend nine days discovering the best of the South Island with a passionate local leader at the helm. Encounter creativity and resilience in Christchurch, gaze up at the stars in Lake Tekapo, get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown, take your time in postcard-pretty Wanaka and see the mighty Franz Josef glacier. With thrilling activities available around every corner, this adventure is sure to get your heart racing (and that’s just from the views!).

Map Image

Trip Code: PHRS

Start

Christchurch

End

Christchurch

Destination

New Zealand

Meals

0 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Basic hotel (2 nights), Cabins (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Basic rooms (2 night), Motel (2 nights)

Days

9

Max Group Size

Min 1 - Max 16

Min Age

18

Style

Basici

Physical

2i

Trip Highlights

Why you'll love this trip

  • Stand in awe of the epic Franz Josef Glacier – choose how you want to experience this incredible landscape, including the option to kayak over a glacial lake.

  • Dive straight into the adrenaline pumping activities of Queenstown (calling all adventure seekers!) or sit back with a glass of world-class local wine.

  • See the stars of Lake Tekapo – this gorgeous bright blue lake is a designated Dark Sky Reserve. Maybe watch the sky change colour at the Church of the Good Shepherd for one of the most gorgeous backdrops in the country!

  • Soak in the beauty of Wanaka – this pretty little spot has so much to offer and you’ll explore the lake, surrounding mountains and the iconic Wanaka Tree.

  • Wander around Arrowtown – a living historic gold mining town that’s perfect for exploring on foot. See cute cafes, boutique stores and scenic landscapes (including snowy peaks during winter and a landscape of colour in autumn).

Day by Day Itinerary

Itinerary

Trip route map

What's Included

Inclusions and activities

Meals

0 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Basic hotel (2 nights), Cabins (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Basic rooms (2 night), Motel (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Christchurch - City Tour
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge
  • Arrowtown - Village visit
  • West Coast - Haast Pass

Optional activities

    Is This Trip Right for You?

    Is this trip right for you?

    • There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

    • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

    • Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

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    PHRS · 9 days

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