from $2299.00

New Zealand—South Island Encompassed

Tour Map

Tour style - Chill out & Beach, Active & Adrenaline

15 days

Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand’s South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier treks and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you’re not moving; accommodations include an authentic bush camp and a wilderness lodge deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
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Or call 800.781.4040

  • Day 1 Christchurch

    Arrive in Christchurch at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to explore the 'garden city' of New Zealand.

  • Day 2 Kaikoura (1B,1D)

    Early start to drive the scenic coastal road to Kaikoua. The views are breathtaking in this small town where the mountains meet the ocean. This area is well-known as one of the primer spots in the world to go Sperm Whale watching. A free afternoon can also be spent swimming with dolphins, visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area. Hikers can opt to go on several day hikes in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains, part of the Southern Alps range, that provide an excellent backdrop to the town's picturesque landscape. On of the most popular routes is climbing Mt. Fyffe for panoramic views of the peninsula. Estimated travel time: 3 hours Travel distance: 200 km

  • Day 3 Picton (1B)

    Picton is a town set on a harbour surrounded by green mountains and an important port for the ferries running in between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It is a jumping off point to explore the coves and waterways of Marlborough Sounds and offers a number of hikes of varying lengths and degrees of difficulties. Mountain biking and kayaking are available for those wanting to get a bit more active, or perhaps you'll choose to kick up your feet with a glass of the region's Sauvignon Blanc wine and take in the beautiful views. If you're interested in maritime history, check out the ship-turned-museum Edwin Fox, the oldest surviving merchant ship. Please note that after the day's travel from Kaikoura, your CEO will help you to orientate yourself with Picton and its offerings before continuing on to the North Island with members of the group who booked onto a longer tour that combines both islands. You will be met by another CEO on Day 4 who will travel with you for the remainder of your tour. Estimated travel time: 2 hours Travel distance: 150 km

  • Day 4-5 Abel Tasman National Park (2B,2D)

    Meet your new CEO and enjoy a scenic drive through the Malborough region before arriving to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches. Board a water taxi to transfer our home in the middle of the National Park. Depending on weather conditions the night will be spent on a floating boat hostel or in a local campsite. Spend Day 5 exploring Abel Tasman National Park by following the various walks throughout the park. Walk along a coastline track to one of the world's most scenic golden sand beaches. Overnight in an eco-lodge located at the edge of the park. Estimated travel time: 3 hours drive, 30 min boat Travel distance: 200 km drive

  • Day 6 Punakaiki (1B,1D)

    Morning drive through the stunning Buller Gorge to the West Coast of the South Island. Visit the Cape Foulwind seal colony, then follow the stunning coastal road down to our beach camp in Punakaiki for the night. Opt to kayak the river into the Paparoa National Park or stick to the local trails for some day hikes. The evening offers an opportunity to express our cooking skills and create a group meal together! Estimated travel time: 4 hour drive, 30 min boat trip Travel distance: 250 km

  • Day 7-8 Franz Josef (2B,1D)

    Trek the famous Punakaiki 'Pancake Rocks' walk and continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night. Day 8 is a free day for optional activities. Options include a self guided glacial valley walk to the base of the glacier or experience the thrill of taking a helicopter ride over the glacier on a helihike that also visits glacier hot pools, highly recommended. Estimated travel time: 4 hours Travel distance: 220 km

  • Day 9-11 Queenstown (3B)

    Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some small walks and waterfall visits. Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site. Opt to take the plunge or simply observe the site where it all started while getting some great pictures of those who do decide to jump. Days 10 and 11 are free days to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boating outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless. Three nights at a centrally-located hostel means that fitting everything in won't be too hard. Estimated travel time: 5 hours Travel distance: 365 km

  • Day 12 Doubtful Sound (1B,1L,1D)

    Travel to Fiordland National Park, one of the most stunningly rugged places on earth - think 'Lord of the Rings' country. Take a boat across Lake Manapouri to meet the local kayaking guides. Spend the afternoon on a guided 3 hour interpretive bush walk in deep cove with a visit to Helena Falls. The night is spent in a lodge on the edge of Doubtful Sound. The following day we engage in a 4-5 hour kayaking trip through the national park below towering cliffs and waterfalls while admiring the wild rainforest terrain. Spot dolphins, seals and penguins as the abundant birdlife surrounds you. Note: Depending on weather the walk and kayak may be reversed to fall on different days. Estimated travel time: 4 hours Travel distance: 250 km

  • Day 13-14 Central Otago (2B,1D)

    Spend the morning paddling back to the wharf, then transfer by bus to the historic central Otago mining counry. Overnight in a historic miners hotel. Day 14 drive to one of the best starting points of the Historic Otago Rail Trail. Spend the better part of the day cycling (easy gradient) through stunning scenery along 35km of the old rail trail. In the evening opt to try your hand at luging and/or curling at the only year-round curling facility in Australasia. Estimated travel time: 5 hours Travel distance: 350 km

  • Day 15 Christchurch (1B)

    Drive through breathtaking central Otago, stopping at historic towns to buy supplies for a picnic lunch. Arrive to Christchurch in the early afternoon, stretch the legs with a short walk through Hagley park to the downtown district. Tour ends shortly after arrival in Christchurch. Estimated travel time: 5 hours Travel distance: 400 km

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