NZ Intro South Island
NZ Intro South Island
NZ Intro South Island
9 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NSINT
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
18-45
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
With its breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding thrills, and endless fun, New Zealand’s South Island is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more. From the lively city of Christchurch to the towering peaks of Mount Cook and beyond, you’ll experience the very best of this stunning region, with a few hidden gems along the way. Cruise through the jaw-dropping Milford Sound, jet boat through the epic scenery of Lord of the Rings country, explore the adventure hubs of Wanaka and Queenstown, hike to iconic viewpoints, and so much more! We'll also help you kickstart your adventure with all the essentials, including finding work in New Zealand. With an awesome group leader from the moment your trip starts, an instant group of friends to share your adventure, amazing accommodation and so much included. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive And Meet Your Group
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hostel
Kia ora! Landing in Christchurch, we’ll meet you at our hostel to settle in and refresh. Tonight you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited about all the adventures yet to come in New Zealand!
Day 2 : Christchurch Orientation & Lake Tekapo
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hostel
Explore the lively city of Christchurch, where history and culture come to life around every corner, before heading to the stunning beauty of Lake Tekapo!
Day 3 : Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll take a hike up Mt John where we’ll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps before soaking our tired muscles in some hot pools.
Day 4 : Aoraki/Mt Cook
Location: Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Known for its milky turquoise hue, Lake Tekapo is an alpine oasis! This afternoon we’ll stretch our limbs hiking the iconic Hooker Valley track. This walk winds us through the valley to grant unforgettable views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.
Day 5 : Discover Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll check out the highlights of Wanaka, including going kayaking on the stunning Lake Wanaka and discovering the famous Wanaka Tree. We’ll later hike up Mount Iron for stunning views of the local area including The Pisa range, Upper Clutha Basin and the mesmerising Southern Alps.
Day 6 : Explore Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll travel to the beautiful city of Queenstown. Later, our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs Program.
Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving Queenstown, today we’re heading to the majestic Milford Sound. We’ll hop on a boat to cruise around the fjord, feeling tiny amongst sheer cliff faces, ancient forests, and plunging waterfalls.
Day 8 : Queenstown And Jet Boating
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll show you around stunning Queenstown with an orientation walk. The good news is that our first jolt of adrenaline isn’t far off, as this afternoon we’ll be zipping through Canyons on a jet boat going over 80 km/h. Tonight we’ll get together one last time for our farewell dinner.
Day 9 : Check Out
Location: Queenstown
This morning your Southern Kiwi adventure comes to an end. Prepped and ready for the next leg of your travels along with the new friends you’ve made, we’ll be there for support every step of the way.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Entrance Fees
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Half Board
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner included
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NZ bank account, IRD number, SIM card, NZ Jobs membership, unlimited job finding assistance, 24/7 help & support in New Zealand, help with all onward travel after NZ Intro.
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. We will provide a detailed accommodation list and guide.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. A personal airport pick up from Queenstown Airport is included.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Private rooms can be provided subject to availability at certain locations. Please contact us for more info.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. You will have both a western group leader alongside local guides, who all speak English.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
You will have a dedicated group leader with you throughout the entire tour.
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What is the tipping policy?
No tipping is required, it's all included in the tour price.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. 18+ year olds only.
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
We will contact you with reasonable notice and offer alternative groups or dates. Or potentially operate the tour if no other good option is available for you.
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Company Instant Book
Yes.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Any entry visa costs are to be paid yourself.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. All activities are included, however you will have some free time to explore other places.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. Just let us know at time of booking, and we will pre-book any pre or post nights accommodation at our properties. You can pay for these extras nights on arrival.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
No. However we recommend packing relatively light as we do move around a bit. We suggest anywhere from 10-20 kgs as a good amount.
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What is the maximum age limit for this tour?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. All activities, fees and experiences are included in the price.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
New Zealand Dollar
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low to medium fitness level.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Nice quality budget hostels.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes. Our groups have a mix of nationalities.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
If you intend to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for your Working Holiday Visa. For tourism purposes, you may still need a visa depending on your nationality Please contact us for more information.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this tour. However, a Covid vaccine may be needed to travel freely enough to participate in the tour.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We operate our own socially conscious initiative called Small Change that aims to protect the environment, promote cultural exchange, support local communities and protect animal welfare. We use money a portion of the money you pay for the tour to achieve or goals. We also plant 10 trees for every booking we receive.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
An emailed 'Before you Go' Info pack along with access to the INTRO Travel App, which contains all the destination and tour information you'll need.
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What is the maximum age limit on Intro Travel tours?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
A variety of like-minded travellers from all over the world aged 18 - 40's
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. We pride ourselves on our high standard of accommodation.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
At INTRO we want all group members to feel safe and comfortable whilst travelling with us. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facial coverings, hand sanitisers, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes, as well as social distancing measures will be practised where appropriate or deemed necessary on our tours.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer free date changes up to 30 days before your start date. Within 30 days there may be some small fees incurred.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. Some tours we offer a private room option upon request.
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Free Date Changes
Intro Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intro Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intro travel, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intro Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intro travel charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.