Budget South Island Explorer

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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.

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!