New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Takapō (Lake Tekapo), Ōhau (Lake Ōhau), Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown), Takerehaka (Kingston), Te Anau, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Tāhuna (Queenstown), Wānaka, Tioripatea (Haast), Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef), Hokitika, Arthur's Pass
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SZCD25
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: Ōtautahi (Christchurch) To Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) Via Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
Location: Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Takapō (Lake Tekapo), Ōhau (Lake Ōhau)
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Christchurch 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. We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. 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, 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: Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) To Te Anau Via Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown) And Takerehaka (Kingston)
Location: Ōhau (Lake Ōhau), Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown), Takerehaka (Kingston), Te Anau
Accommodation: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
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 this historic gold mining town 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 Tāhuna (Queenstown) Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Location: Te Anau, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
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 in all its glory. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
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: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
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: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
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: Tāhuna (Queenstown) To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Wānaka And Tioripatea (Haast)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown), Wānaka, Tioripatea (Haast), Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
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, 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, 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: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Location: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
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: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Via Hokitika And Arthur's Pass
Location: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef), Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Ōtautahi (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.
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Sunday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Thursday - Friday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Sunday - Monday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 28, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Jan 28, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026Sunday - Monday
Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026Thursday - Friday
Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 17, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026Thursday - Friday
Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026Friday - Saturday
May 08, 2026 - May 16, 2026Sunday - Monday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions