New Zealand: Sweet As South

4.9Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Christchurch, New Zealand

Ends

Christchurch, New Zealand

Highlights

Hokitika: The South Island is home to Pounamu (greenstone) – so special the island’s even named Te Wai Pounamu, the greenstone waters. In Hokitika, we’ll meet a local Māori guide from the region, who’ll share the history, sacred sites and cultural significance of this treasured stone. Then it’s off to see if we can spot some Pounamu. All of this, while supporting the local trust that keeps the river healthy.

Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.

Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.

Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown.

Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!

Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.

Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.

Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!

Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.

Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.

Itinerary

Picture yourself soaring above the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Cook, then diving into Queenstown’s legendary adrenaline scene—this is just the start of the "New Zealand: Sweet As South" tour package. Designed for adventurous young adults, this 9-day group trip through New Zealand’s South Island combines outdoor thrills with stunning natural landscapes. Beginning and ending in Christchurch, you’ll journey through highlights like Franz Josef and Wellington, with all accommodation, transport, and meals included.

Kick off with a breathtaking scenic flight over Mt. Cook, capturing panoramic views that set the tone for what’s to come. Queenstown awaits as your playground: try bungy jumping or opt for a serene cruise through the majestic Milford Sound. In Franz Josef, an unforgettable glacier hike lets you tread across ancient ice, creating memories few travelers ever experience. The trip culminates back in Christchurch, giving you a taste of urban Kiwi culture to round out your adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? It’s the seamless blend of heart-pounding activities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and easy camaraderie of traveling in a group—all curated for those hungry for adventure. If you crave a trip that delivers both iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path excitement in New Zealand’s spectacular South, this is your ticket to the ultimate Kiwi experience.

day 1 - Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika

Christchurch (tautahi) what's up? New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Mori guide wholl teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. Well learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Mori people. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and thats saying something). We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef (K Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Meals:Dinner

Location Visited:Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef

Accommodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

day 2 - Franz Josef

This morning we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Mori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Mori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Franz Josef

Accommodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

day 3 - Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wnaka

With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.We'll stop for lunch in Wnaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown (Thuna)! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG. Please Note: The Free Time Add-Ons which take place in Queenstown can be booked for any day you are there. Just let your Trip Manager know, and they'll arrange this for you.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Franz Josef, Haast, Wānaka, Queenstown

Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)

day 4 - Queenstown

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Queenstown

Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)

day 5 - Queenstown

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out Dates & Pricing to see these "Special Departures".

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Queenstown

Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)

day 6 - Queenstown

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Queenstown

Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)

day 7 - Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) in all its glory. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

Accommodation:The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)

day 8 - Te Anau to Lake hau via Kingston and Arrowtown

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston (Takerehaka) for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their field just by turning up. We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (K Muriwai) before heading onto Lake hau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake hau (hau), with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Te Anau, Kingston, Arrowtown, Lake Ōhau

Accommodation:Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)

day 9 - Lake hau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

We're moving on to Christchurch but not before one final stop.Well kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo (Takap), admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Mori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Mori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Lake Ōhau, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

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What's Included

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat (or similar) HotelLylo (or similar) HotelThe Village Inn Hotel (or similar)Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar) Hotel

Meals

Dinner (x3)Breakfast (x8)

Transport

Travel by coach

Guide

Experienced Driver Guide

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.9

based on 13 reviews

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Highlights

Itinerary