New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Arrowtown, Kingston, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Haast, Franz Josef
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NSZCDM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Experience the best of South! From Lake Ohau to Queenstown to Christchurch - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Try bungy, or you can opt to take a stunning Milford Sound cruise. In Franz Josef you'll hike a glacier before your tour ends in Christchurch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Lake Ōhau Via Lake Tekapo
Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on. We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō). Here we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution. Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.
Day 2: Lake Ōhau To Te Anau Via Arrowtown And Kingston
Location: Lake Ohau, Arrowtown, Kingston
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.Our next stop today is Kingston 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.Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) 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.
Day 3: Te Anau To Queenstown Via Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to 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. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
Day 5: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Day 6: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
Day 7: Queenstown To Franz Josef Via Wānaka And Haast
Location: Queenstown, Haast, Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, 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 today. 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 away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?
Day 8: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as 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 Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Day 9: Franz Josef To Christchurch Via Hokitika And Arthur's Pass
Location: Franz Josef, Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). NZ - you've been real.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Lake Ohau Lodge, The Village Inn, Jucy Snooze, and Rainforest Retreat.
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Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science, and traditional Maori astronomy.
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Milford Sound Cruise
Take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of Milford Sound by boat.
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Meals
Enjoy included meals throughout the tour.
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Visit to Kingston Farm
Experience an authentic NZ farm where a charity helps local girls learn practical farming skills.
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Visit to Hokitika
Watch authentic carvers work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art.
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Transport
Travel comfortably by coach, making scenic stops at key locations such as Lake Tekapo, Milford Sound, and Franz Josef Glacier.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as guided jet boat trips, glow worm cave tours, bungy jumping, ziplining, and heli rides over Franz Josef Glacier are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Christchurch: What's the diff between Eastbound & Westbound? The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef. For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau.
- Christchurch: Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting? Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings.
- Christchurch: Can I book a twin-share room on this trip? Yep, you’ll be able to book a private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person.
Included Experience
- Lake Ohau: Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ohau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
- 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 Maori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
- 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.
- 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.
- Queenstown: Check out the epic views of the valley from the world's first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
- Wanaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
- Haast: Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
- Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Maori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Maori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Accommodation
Stay at a variety of accommodations including Lake Ohau Lodge, The Village Inn, Jucy Snooze, and Rainforest Retreat, offering comfort and convenience throughout your New Zealand adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the significance of the visit to the farm in Te Anau?
The visit to the farm in Te Anau supports the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in agriculture. Travelers will learn about farming and the foundation's efforts to help local girls gain practical farming skills and qualifications.
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What can I expect from the Milford Sound cruise?
The Milford Sound cruise offers a chance to experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, showcasing a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs, and deep dark waters.
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What cultural experience is included in Hokitika?
In Hokitika, travelers will meet with a local Maori guide to learn about the connection between the greenstone, known as Pounamu, and the Maori people. This includes a unique tour to understand the history and cultural significance of the green stones.
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What is the Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Experience?
The Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Experience is an interactive multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science, and traditional Maori astronomy, teaching about how the Maori people used stars to harvest food and the importance of reducing light pollution.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as guided jet boat trips, glow worm cave tours, bungy jumping, ziplining, and heli rides over Franz Josef Glacier are available but not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.