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Budget South Island Explorer

New Tour

14 days

BUDGET TOUR: Enjoy a comprehensive 2-week exploration of New Zealand's South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch. Taste local wine in Marlborough, see Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and spend three nights in the adventure capital, Queenstown. Enjoy day trips to Milford Sound and Golden Bay, see the Franz Josef glacier and relax besides Lake Tekapo. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Christchurch

Ends

Christchurch

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 18

Minimum age

18

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

Hostels & dorm rooms

Countries

New Zealand

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Dinner: 2

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium
Per person from
CAD$5,225.00
Total From
CAD$10,450.00
Deposit From
Final payment
CAD$1,000.00
$9,950.00

Tour Highlights

Christchurch - Start and end your journey in the South Island's largest city, with free time to explore
Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and indulge in cycling, hiking and other optional activities
Queenstown - Spend three nights in New Zealand's adventure capital, with endless possibilities and a day trip to Milford Sound
Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or an optional scenic helicopter flight
Punakaiki - See the famous Pancake Rocks and enjoy free time to explore or embark on optional excursions
Abel Tasman National Park - Take an included day trip to Golden Bay and enjoy a free day for skydiving, canyoning or kayaking
Marlborough - Taste the best New Zealand wines with an included tasting session at a local winery
Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip and enjoy scenic cliff walks along the coast

Included

13 breakfasts & 2 dinners
13 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)
Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
Visit to the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo
Church Of The Good Shepherd
Transport to Milford Sound (cruise optional)
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole walk
Abel Tasman National Park
Golden Bay day trip
Wine tasting in Marlborough
Castle Rock walk
Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colonies
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - Tekapo. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes) at 9:00. Get ready for an amazing first day as we journey to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most Instagram-worthy locations. Discover the local bike trails, then unwind in the lakeside hot springs and enjoy stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Please note: This tour comprises two separate 7-day trips exploring the northern and southern parts of New Zealand's South Island. Some people may leave the tour and others may join on arrival back in Christchurch on days 7-8. Please also be aware that the two segments sometimes run in reverse. So on some departures you will explore the northern part of the island first. Rest assured that all tour inclusions remain the same.

Please also 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!

Overnight: Tekapo

Day 2 - Queenstown

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 ultimate destination for crossing off bucket-list experiences, offering everything from skydiving and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Milford Sound

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.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Queenstown at leisure

It's time to explore Queenstown and check off all those thrilling activities on your bucket list! Your guide will ensure breakfast is ready in your kitchen, so feel free to help yourself, as everyone will be heading out at different times. Known as the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown offers a plethora of heart-pounding activities including bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, jet boating, canyoning, white-water rafting, zip lining, luging, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking, and quad-biking. You should be able to fit in 2-3 of these exciting adventures today, so go ahead and dive into the action! Once the day wraps up, we'll all gather to share our exhilarating experiences over a meal and some drinks!

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Wanaka & Franz Josef

Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. After a break in the picturesque town of Wanaka, get ready to be amazed as we journey along a rugged coastline flanked by ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. We will traverse the Haast Pass, eventually arriving at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.

Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Franz Josef

Prepare your crampons because Franz Josef might just be the most breathtaking destination you'll ever encounter. Discover the spectacular ice formations sculpted over millennia, and choose between hiking, an optional scenic helicopter tour, or both, for an unforgettable experience. Prefer activities at a lower altitude? You can enjoy quad biking, kayaking, or unwinding in the glacier hot pools, then wind down with a refreshing beverage to fully appreciate the scenery.

Please note: There are two 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 can vary by tour and guide!

Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Return to Christchurch

Franz Josef - Christchurch. After a brief visit to the picturesque town of Hokitika, embark on a breathtaking journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the magnificent, snow-capped Southern Alps. Once back in Christchurch, spend your afternoon discovering the unique shops and pop-up cafes at leisure.

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

Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Punakaiki

Christchurch - Punakaiki. As the second week of our adventure begins, we'll traverse one of the three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to reach the west coast. Taking the Lewis Pass, we journey through untouched beech forests, alpine wetlands, and alongside the Lewis River. Although we have a considerable distance to cover, the stunning landscapes and scenic stops along the way will make the trip enjoyable as we head toward the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

Overnight: Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Punakaiki at leisure

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.

Overnight: Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Abel Tasman National Park

Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the wild west coast, making stops to view lighthouses and seal colonies. Heading inland, we'll journey through the picturesque Nelson Lakes en route to Abel Tasman, considered by many to be New Zealand's most beautiful National Park. Spend the afternoon either exploring the quaint town or embarking on an adventure to gather fresh green-lipped mussels.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Golden Bay day trip

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.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Abel Tasman at leisure

Today is completely free for you to relax on the beach or, if you're up for some adventure, explore the pristine natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Have a go at hiking sections of the trail, or rent a kayak to navigate the coastal track. With a bit of luck, you might encounter native wildlife such as the Tui or Tuatara.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Marlborough wine tasting & Kaikoura

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.

Overnight: Kaikoura
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 - Christchurch

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 final drive back to Christchurch. Bid farewell to your tour group or persuade them to continue exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Christchurch with you. We will return to our pick up point around 3 pm, where we'll part ways (detail in Trip Notes). Don't be sad - you'll have created memories to last a lifetime!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Tekapo

Surrounded by trees and overlooking Lake Tekapo, this informal resort is a minute’s walk from the lakeshore, a 500-metre walk from the thermal pools at Tekapo Springs, and 1 km from State Highway 8. The simple dormitories offer Wi-Fi access and shared bathrooms, with some featuring verandas. Bed linen is provided. Amenities include a communal kitchen, a lounge with a TV, as well as BBQ and picnic areas. Bike hire and guest laundry facilities are available. Various activities such as cycling, fishing, and hiking can be enjoyed on-site or in the surrounding area. Dining options, including Blue Lake Eatery & Bar, McKenzies Café Bar & Grill, TLV Restaurant & Bar, and Dark Sky Diner, are all within 1.2 km.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Queenstown

Haka Lodge Queenstown Lakefront provides comfortable and affordable mixed dorm accommodation, with modern bunks, privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and shared bathrooms. Communal spaces include a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge and a cozy outdoor deck offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Situated right on the lakefront, the hostel is just a short walk from Queenstown's bustling town centre, with its shops, bars, and restaurants. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. The location provides direct access to the Queenstown Gardens and a short ride to adventure sports hotspots, perfect for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the outdoor adventure capital of New Zealand.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Rainforest Retreat
Franz Josef

Rainforest Retreat offers mixed dorm accommodation in a unique, forested setting. The dorms are cozy and well-maintained, with shared bathroom facilities and personal lockers. Guests can take advantage of communal areas, including a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge with a fireplace, and outdoor hot tubs nestled among the rainforest. Located in the heart of Franz Josef, the retreat is just a short walk from the village’s cafes and shops, and a short drive to the famous Franz Josef Glacier. Free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, and a tour desk help make stays convenient and enjoyable. Surrounded by nature, guests can easily explore local walking trails, soak in the nearby hot pools, or enjoy glacier hikes and helicopter tours to experience the area's stunning scenery.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Punakaiki

Punakaiki Beach Camp provides budget-friendly mixed dorm accommodation for those looking to explore the rugged West Coast. The dorms are simple and comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities. The camp offers communal kitchens, a BBQ area, and a cozy lounge for socializing, along with outdoor picnic spots that overlook the beach. Located just a short walk from the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the camp is set right by the beach, offering stunning coastal views. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, making it easy to explore the shoreline, go kayaking, or try surfing. With the nearby Paparoa National Park offering hiking trails and stunning natural scenery, Punakaiki Beach Camp is an ideal base for nature lovers seeking a peaceful and scenic stay.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Adventure Inn Marahau Backpackers
Abel Tasman National Park

Located in Marahau, just 300 metres from Marahau Beach, Adventure Inn Marahau offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and barbecue facilities. The property features evening entertainment and a communal kitchen, with Porters Beach 1.9 km away. For dining options, Hooked on Marahau is 1.4 km away, The Park Café is 900 metres away, and the Salty Swamis food truck is 1.2 km away. Nelson Airport is the nearest, 62 km from the inn. All rooms at the hostel come with air conditioning and shared bathrooms. Guests can enjoy billiards on-site, and the area is well-known for hiking and cycling.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Dusky Lodge
Kaikoura

Situated in an out-of-town business area, this straightforward roadside hostel is just a minute's walk from Kaikoura's beach and 1 km from Kaikoura Station. The basic dormitories offer free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. Guests at Dusky Lodge Kaikoura can make use of the shared kitchens, while those looking to unwind can relax on the sun decks or seek advice from the tour desk about nearby attractions. Amenities include an outdoor saltwater pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a BBQ area, along with three kitchens and communal areas with TVs, wood-burning stoves, and guest computers. Local dining options, including Strawberry Tree, Kind Tide Eatery, Tipsy Foodies, Cods & Crayfish, and Black Rabbit Pizza, are all within 1.2 km.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms (PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DORM PRICES)! There is also a 'Twin/Double' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
23 Nov - 6 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
30 Nov - 13 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
7 Dec - 20 Dec
$5,225
$6,185
14 Dec - 27 Dec
$5,335
$6,285
21 Dec - 3 Jan
$5,335
$6,285
28 Dec - 10 Jan
$5,335
$6,285
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 17 Jan
$5,225
$6,185
11 Jan - 24 Jan
$5,225
$6,185
18 Jan - 31 Jan
$5,225
$6,185
25 Jan - 7 Feb
$5,225
$6,185
1 Feb - 14 Feb
$5,225
$6,185
8 Feb - 21 Feb
$5,225
$6,185
15 Feb - 28 Feb
$5,225
$6,185
22 Feb - 7 Mar
$5,225
$6,185
2026
Twin/Double
Single
3 Jan - 16 Jan
$5,295
$6,325
10 Jan - 23 Jan
$5,295
$6,325
17 Jan - 30 Jan
$5,295
$6,325
24 Jan - 6 Feb
$5,295
$6,325
31 Jan - 13 Feb
$5,295
$6,325
7 Feb - 20 Feb
$5,295
$6,325
14 Feb - 27 Feb
$5,295
$6,325
21 Feb - 6 Mar
$5,295
$6,325

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