Budget NZ Encompassed From Christchurch

Christchurch - Punakaiki. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes) at 9:00.

Leaving Christchurch, we'll traverse one of three stunning passes across the Southern Alps, heading toward the West Coast. Our route via the Lewis Pass will take us through untouched beech forests, alpine wetlands, and along the Lewis River. Though we have a substantial distance to cover, we'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes and make several scenic stops on our way to the charming town of Punakaiki.

Please note: This tour offers a variety of optional excursions throughout the tour that can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. Sightseeing and activities are generally not included on tour, this gives you the flexibility to shape your own adventure!

Please also note: This tour comprises three separate 7-day trips exploring New Zealand. Some people may leave the tour and others may join on arrival back in Christchurch on days 7 and 14. And others may join on day 8 in Christchurch and day 15 in Auckland. Please also be aware that the two sections of our tour on the South Island sometimes run in reverse. This means that on some departures you will explore the northern part of the island first, and on some the south. Rest assured that all tour inclusions remain the same.

This charming coastal village is the ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration. It's renowned for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from rock formations that resemble stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon visiting these geological wonders, exploring lush coastal forests, stunning limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.

Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Today after breakfast we travel along the untamed west coast, making stops for breathtaking lighthouse views and to observe seal colonies. Heading inland, journey through the picturesque Nelson Lakes on our way to Abel Tasman National Park, often considered one of New Zealand's most stunning natural reserves. You can spend the afternoon discovering the quaint town or embark on an adventure to gather fresh, green-lipped mussels.

Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Bay - Abel Tasman National Park. Today, we journey to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit, along with breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife. Prepare for an adventure as we explore the Ngarua Caves, followed by a walk around Te Waikoropupu Springs, renowned for its remarkably clear water. Lastly, we'll follow the track to Wharariki Beach, the northernmost point on the South Island. After our day of exploration, we return to Abel Tasman for the night.

Today you have the flexibility to explore Abel Tasman in various ways: kayaking, sailing, hiking, canyoning, or even skydiving! For a more relaxing experience, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach and find out why we believe this National Park boasts some of New Zealand’s finest beaches. With a bit of luck, you might also encounter some of New Zealand’s fascinating native wildlife, such as the Tui and the Tuatara.

Abel Tasman National Park - Marlborough - Kaikoura. As we leave town, we head to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region. Driving through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, we'll make a quick stop in Picton before arriving at one of our favorite wineries. Here, you can enjoy a sip or two of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc with an included tasting and capture some Instagram-worthy shots in the vineyards.

Our next destination is Kaikoura, one of the few places in the world that can boast such natural wonders both by land and sea. As we approach the town, you'll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs at its edge, which are just as impressive as the whale watching and dolphin swimming opportunities.

Please note: There are three included group dinners on this tour. These will take place at a favourite spot of your guide, and the day on which they take place will vary by tour and guide!

Kaikoura - Christchurch. Spend the morning completing the rest of your bucket list, whether it's spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. Following a morning of adventure, we'll hit the road for our drive back to Christchurch. The rest of today is free to head out and explore this quintessentially British city.

Please note: Some travellers may leave the tour in Christchurch, and others may join for the next part of our journey. Your tour guide and vehicle may also change.

Christchurch - Tekapo. We set off from Christchurch once more, this time heading south, to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. This is one of New Zealand's most picturesque destinations. You can start by exploring the local bike trails, then unwind in the lakeside hot springs and enjoy stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Tekapo - Queenstown. Today, we’re off to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure hub! Before we depart, you'll have some free time to squeeze in a few more activities or finish up any walks you may have missed yesterday. Once we arrive, we'll settle you into your accommodation for the next three nights before you can head out to explore.

Queenstown is the perfect place to tick off items on your bucket list, with everything from skydiving and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining on offer.

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown. We'll be starting early today, with a 7:00 departure for Milford Sound, often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Don't worry; breakfast will be provided on the vehicle. This journey features one of the most stunning drives in New Zealand, and we'll be making several photo stops as we enter Fjordland. You'll get to see the breathtaking Mirror Lakes and many other crystal-clear lakes along the way. Upon arriving in Milford Sound, you can opt for a cruise that navigates through the sound itself, or explore the surrounding area. If you prefer to spend an additional day in Queenstown for adventure activities, just let your guide know and this can be arranged.

Today is free for you to explore Queenstown and tick off some more thrilling activities. Your guide will leave breakfast in your kitchen, so feel free to help yourself, as everyone will start their day at different times.

Known as the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown offers a wide range of adventures to suit every thrill-seeker. Whether you fancy bungy jumps, canyon swings, or horse riding, there's something for everyone to enjoy! You might choose to try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging, or jet boat up the canyon. You can typically fit in 2-3 activities today, so dive into the excitement!

At the end of the day, we’ll all gather to share our exhilarating experiences over a meal and some drinks!

Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque town of Wanaka for a brief stop. Next, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along a rugged coastline bordered by ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. We’ll traverse the scenic Haast Pass before arriving at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.

Prepare your crampons as you have a full free day to explore Franz Josef, one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see. You can discover the stunning ice formations shaped over thousands of years, with the option to hike, take a helicopter tour or do both!

If you prefer something at a lower altitude, you can go quad biking, kayaking, or simply unwind in a hot tub before relaxing with a cold drink to take it all in.

Franz Josef - Christchurch - Auckland. We depart from Franz Josef and make our way to Christchurch. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a quick stop in the beautiful town of Hokitika before experiencing a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps.

We aim to reach Christchurch Airport by approximately 4 pm, where we'll catch our included flight to Auckland. Your flight is scheduled for either 18:00 or 19:00, and your boarding pass will be provided to you. Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll be transferred to tonight's accommodation.

Please note: Some travellers may be ending their tour in Christchurch, and others may join you in Auckland for our exploration of the North Island. The maximum group size will never be exceeded.

Auckland - Hahei. Today, we begin our journey across the North Island from Auckland. After making several scenic stops on the picturesque drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive at the coastal town of Hahei.

Here, you can explore Cathedral Cove, famously known as the Gateway to Narnia. Spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and then finish the day by watching the sunset from the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach.

Hahei - Rotorua. This morning, after breakfast, we say goodbye to the Coromandel and make our way to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand. On our journey, we'll stop at Hobbiton, where you can opt to explore the world-famous Lord of the Rings movie set.

In the evening, you have the option to visit the magical Mitai Maori Village, where you can engage with Maori culture, enjoy traditional performances, and savour a delicious hangi meal. Rotorua also offers plenty of exciting activities, such as luging, zorbing, and white-water rafting, or you can simply admire the unique geothermal landscape.

Today is completely free for you to enjoy a day full of activities in and around Rotorua. Take a zip line tour, relax with a Polynesian spa, head out on a kayaking adventure or hike the stunning Mount Tarawera volcanic crater.

Rotorua - Taupo. After breakfast, we set off on the next leg of our journey, with our destination being Taupo, the adventure capital of the North Island. We’ll visit the impressive Huka Falls and explore trout-filled rivers before relaxing with a sunset beer by the stunning Lake Taupo. For the evening, you might choose to dine at one of the local restaurants or opt for a scenic evening sailing cruise on the lake.

You'll have the entire day to explore Lake Taupo and its surroundings, whether from the water's edge or from 15,000 feet above! The choice is yours. You can spend the day tackling the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating, sailing, exploring, or bungy jumping, Taupo offers endless options! After an exhilarating day, you can relax with a glass of wine or a craft beer from a local brewery and share your adventures with your fellow travellers.

Taupo - Waitomo - Raglan. We have an early start today and our journey leads to Waitomo, a town famous for its underground wonders. Explore the depths as you crawl, abseil, raft, and navigate tight passages through the dark caverns, illuminated by the soft glow of the native glowworms. We'll spend about 3.5 hours in Waitomo before completing our drive to the surf town of Raglan. Spend your evening unwinding with a cool beer beachside.

Raglan - Auckland. Rise early this morning if you are interested in a surf lesson at this renowned surf beach. After breakfast, we will begin our final journey back to Auckland, departing at around 13:00.

Along the way, we’ll have plenty of photo opportunities and might even stop at New Zealand’s most beloved ice cream spot! We expect to arrive at the airport around 16:00, where we'll bid farewell to some of you. If you're staying in the city, we can provide a drop-off in town (detail in Trip Notes).