Tour Overview
Experience the wonder and sights of the South Island with it's glaciers, mountains, fjords and wild west coast. See stunning tree studded river valleys, hike age-old glaciers, paddle over tranquil water and mountain bike, jet boat, bungee and paraglide in New Zealand's extreme sport capital.

Flexible Itineraries
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions. Early or late season treks can be affected by extreme weather.

Accommodation
Accommodation will be cabin and lodge style generally on a 4 share single sex room basis. In some areas we may need to use larger rooms. Double rooms can be obtained at extra cost depending on availability. This must be requested at the time of booking.

Note: You will need to bring a sleeping bag on our New Zealand tours as bed linen is not always available at all cabins.

Tour Description

Day 1: Christchurch - Hokitika
Today we drive from the east to the west coast crossing over great plains then over the dividing mountain range before entering the lush sub tropical rain forests of the stunning west coast. We stop for short walks at beautiful hidden locations along the way

Day 2: Hokitika - Franz Josef Glacier
The drive down the coast today is stunning. We stop for a break at deserted beaches and exquisite hidden lakes then pull in to Franz Josef Glacier for a view of the glacier before night falls.

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier
Today we have many options. There are spectacular flights available in both helicopters and ski planes. The flights offer unequalled views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers and there is the option of a snow landing depending on the trip you pick. There are also guided walks onto the glacier and excellent light hikes available in the valley.

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
We drive the remainder of the west coast and climb up through the Haast pass into the Southern Alps. This is a stunning drive with fantastic views of the mountains, rivers and lakes. Lots of great stops to take photos today. Tonight we arrive in Queenstown for three full days of fun and activities.

Day 5 - 7: Queenstown
Over these three days you have the chance to see and experience the extreme activity capital of the world. There is simply no end to the fantastic line up of activities including, bungy, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boats and paragliding. There is also a huge variety of shops, restaurants and fun things to see in town. On day one in Queenstown we will do a tour of the area in the bus to orientate you on Queenstown and to show you the outer areas like Arrowtown which is a quaint old gold mining town with lots of history. After that you have two days free to enjoy the area and do your own thing. An unforgettable place.

Day 8: Queenstown - Milford Sound
We drive through to Milford Sound to go aboard the Milford Wanderer floating hotel fjord cruiser for your overnight cruise through the fjords. This place is stunning with tall mountain peaks, waterfalls and crystal clear water. You get to paddle a kayak over the tranquil waters and to see fantastic marine life. During the winter months of May to September this is a day trip only without kayaking. We also offer the awe-inspiring Dart River Jet Safari as an alternative to Milford for those who would prefer this in winter.

Day 9: Milford Sound - Omarama / Mount Cook Nat'l Park
After returning to dry land we drive up to Omarama near the foot of New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. The drive is over expansive high country farmland with views of the Alps, rivers and lakes. Here we have a last night with all the gang before returning to Christchurch. This night will be spent in Mt Cook National Park whenever possible.

Day 10: Omarama/Mt Cook- Christchurch
We swing into Mt Cook and hope to catch a view of this spectacular mountain. There are wonderful lake views and photo opportunities galore. From there we continue on to Christchurch and say our goodbyes.

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