10-Day South Island Adventure from Christchurch

10-Day South Island Adventure from Christchurch

This 10-day small-group tour, will take you on a remarkable adventure around the lower South Island of New Zealand with a knowledgeable local guide. Guaranteed to take you further off the beaten track, the "Haast" tour journeys down the wild west coast of New Zealand, visiting Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Wanaka and the vibrant lakeside town of Queenstown. Visit Fiordland, revered as one of New Zealand's most scenic national parks and enjoy a boat cruise through Doubtful Sound. Return north via New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook, and visit turquoise Lake Tekapo on the way back to the 'Garden City' Christchurch, where the tour finishes.

Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef

Travel over the famous Arthur’s Pass to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth and then down onto the West Coast. You will visit Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade), en route to Franz Josef, home of the mighty glacier.

Accommodation: Lodge in the rainforest

Day 2: Free day in Franz Josef

The day is spent in Franz Josef, a World Heritage area. As well as the glacier, the area is famous for its excellent walking trails. There are many great options, but a guided trip (at passenger's own expense) will enable you to get closer to the glacier.

Accommodation: Lodge in the rainforest

Day 3: Franz Josef to Wanaka

Depart early to visit Lake Matheson for a walk at this amazing mirror-like lake, stop at Fox Glacier for pickups, and then travel through the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon.

Accommodation: Central Hostel

Activities: Walk Lake Matheson, visit Blue Pools, explore Wanaka.

Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown

Take a scenic bike ride around the lake before we depart Wanaka and cruise down to the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site, where you can bungy if you dare! Then, it’s on to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World!’, the vibrant lakeside town of Queenstown.

Accommodation: Central Hostel

Activities: Scenic bike ride (suitable for all levels)

Days 5, 6 & 7: Queenstown

With so much to see and do in and around Queenstown, you need three full days to take it all in! You'll also get to experience the exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride (Day 5) and take a day trip to the spectacular Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park (Day 6). Other optional activities are at your own expense.

Accommodation: Central Hostel

Activities: Shotover Jet, Doubtful Sound day trip

Day 8: Queenstown to Mt Cook

Tonight we stay at the base of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook. Head out on a hike among awe-inspiring scenery. It's the perfect place for stargazing too!

Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge.

Day 9: Mt Cook to Rangitata

We make our way through the 'Lord of the Rings' landscape past turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating, snow tubing or a swim at the hot springs. After lunch, we will continue to our overnight stop in Rangitata Peel Forest.

Accommodation: One of Canterbury's original sheep stations

Day 10: Rangitata to Christchurch

This morning, you will have the opportunity to sign up to a Lord of the Rings tour or to explore the stunning Peel Forest scenery on horseback. We’ll arrive in Christchurch late afternoon. We hope you had a blast!