South Island Highlights: 9-Day New Zealand Adventure

Christchurch to West Coast Multi-Day Adventure Tour

This 9-day tour from Christchurch suits travelers seeking a mix of city culture, nature, and outdoor activities across New Zealand’s South Island.

Highlights

• Stand before Franz Josef Glacier and carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant
• Experience Queenstown’s adventure options or enjoy world-class wineries
• Stargaze at Lake Tekapo, a designated Dark Sky Reserve
• Explore Wanaka’s lake, countryside, and the iconic Wanaka Tree
• Visit historic Arrowtown with its gold-mining heritage and cafes

Description

Begin in Christchurch, where post-earthquake rebuilding created unique architecture such as the Cardboard Cathedral. Meet your group and guide, then explore Christchurch’s dining scene.

The next morning includes a city tour before traveling to Lake Tekapo, known for its bright blue waters and mountain backdrop. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a popular photography site. At night, enjoy stargazing conditions at the Dark Sky Reserve, weather permitting. Optional activities include Tekapo Springs Hot Pool or the Summit Experience.

Day 3 offers an optional early hike up Mt John for panoramic views before heading to Queenstown via the Mackenzie Basin. Stop at Kawarau Gorge, where bungy jumping is available. Stay two nights in Queenstown.

Spend Day 4 choosing from adventure activities such as paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, bungy jumping, or scenic day trips to Milford Sound or Lord of the Rings sites. Wine tours are also an option.

On Day 5, enjoy a free morning then travel through Crown Range to Wanaka, stopping in Arrowtown—an old gold rush town with cafes and heritage buildings. Continue to Lake Wanaka for exploration by foot, bike, or from lakeside cafes. Optional Happy Hour on the lake is available.

Day 6 includes a free morning in Wanaka with options to bike the lakeside, cruise to Mou Waho Island, or visit the Wanaka Tree. Travel north via scenic lookouts and Haast Pass waterfalls before arriving in Franz Josef village.

Explore Franz Josef on Day 7, where glaciers meet mountains in Te Wahi Pounamu ('the place of greenstone'). Participate in a cultural experience by carving your own pounamu pendant at a local gallery. Optional glacier lake kayaking is available.

On Day 8, travel the wet, lush West Coast, possibly visiting a kiwi centre to view nocturnal kiwi birds. Drive through Arthur’s Pass with photo stops before returning to Christchurch in the evening for an optional farewell dinner.

The tour ends on Day 9 with departure in the morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged if needed.

Includes

• 7 breakfasts
• Private vehicle transport
• Multi-share hostel accommodation with shared facilities (8 nights)
• City tour of Christchurch
• Visit to Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd
• Kawarau Gorge visit in Queenstown
• Arrowtown village visit
• Haast Pass and Lake Hawea lookouts on the West Coast
• Franz Josef greenstone pendant carving experience

Excludes

• Optional activities such as bungy jumping, hikes, hot pools, lake kayaking, and scenic tours

Important Information

• Group meets at 6:00 PM on Day 1
• Small group size of 1–16 travelers
• Pricing is per adult based on twin-share; private room upgrades not available
• Optional activities available at additional cost
• Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free) are well catered for

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 56 days in advance for an 80% refund.

Book early to secure your place. Bring warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn for favorable weather and outdoor conditions.