Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
7 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 7-day Budget South Island Adventure in New Zealand, starting and ending in Christchurch. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with highlights including the stunning Lake Tekapo, where you can explore bike trails and unwind in lakeside hot springs under the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. Experience the adrenaline rush in Queenstown, the adventure capital, with activities like skydiving and bungee jumping. Discover the breathtaking Milford Sound with an optional cruise, and marvel at the majestic ice formations in Franz Josef. Enjoy scenic stops in Wanaka and Hokitika, and traverse the rugged landscapes of Haast Pass and Arthur’s Pass. With comfortable transportation, shared dorm accommodations, and an expert local guide, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's spectacular South Island.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Christchurch - Tekapo. You will be picked up in Christchurch at 09:00 (see the Trip Notes for details). We commence our journey from Christchurch to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand's most picturesque destinations. We can explore the local bike trails and then relax in the lakeside hot springs while stargazing in the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Please Note: This tour offers a variety of optional excursions throughout the tour that can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. Sightseeing and activities are generally not included on tour, this gives you the flexibility to shape your own adventure!
Day 2: Tekapo
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tekapo - Queenstown. This morning, after breakfast, you have the opportunity to partake in activities and hikes that we may not have been able to enjoy the previous day. Our journey will continue, taking us from Tekapo to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Once you’re settled in, it’s time to explore! Queenstown is the ideal destination to check off several items from your bucket list, the activities available to be booked and paid locally include skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, and zip-lining.
Day 3: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown. After breakfast, we will journey from Queenstown to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, one of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery here is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', where you can admire colossal waterfalls, ancient forests, stunning mountain landscapes, and playful dolphins. You can book an optional cruise of the Milford Sound Fjord or you can relax with a beer, join a lively gathering, or enjoy New Zealand's famous Fergburger. We return to Queenstown for the evening.
Day 4: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have the opportunity to experience thrilling activities in Queenstown. Whether it’s bungee jumping, canyon swings, or horseback riding, there’s something to suit every level of adventure. You can enjoy one of New Zealand’s most picturesque skydives, explore trails on a bike ride, try your hand at luging, or take a jet boat ride up the canyon.
Day 5: Queenstown
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. Leaving Queenstown this morning, after breakfast, we will make our way from Queenstown to Franz Josef, stopping for a break in the picturesque town of Wanaka.
We will then embark on an amazing journey along the rugged coastline, passing ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls as we traverse Haast Pass. Our adventure will conclude at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.
Please note: There is one included group dinner on this tour. This will take place at a favourite spot of your guide, and the day on which it takes place varies by tour and guide!
Day 6: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare your crampons because Franz Josef might just be the most breathtaking destination you'll ever encounter. Discover the spectacular ice formations sculpted over millennia, and choose between hiking, an optional scenic helicopter tour, or both, for an unforgettable experience. Prefer activities at a lower altitude? You can enjoy quad biking, kayaking, or unwinding in the glacier hot pools, then wind down with a refreshing beverage to fully appreciate the scenery.
Day 7: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Franz Josef - Christchurch. After breakfast this morning, we will depart from Franz Josef and make our way to Christchurch. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a quick stop in the beautiful town of Hokitika before embarking on a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps.
Our adventure around New Zealand’s South Island will then end as we return to Christchurch. You will be dropped off at our pick-up point at approximately 15:00 - 16:00 (more information in Trip Notes).
What's Included
-
6 breakfasts & 1 dinner
Enjoy 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner included in your tour package.
-
6 nights accommodation in shared and mixed-sex dorms
Stay in shared and mixed-sex dormitory accommodations for 6 nights.
-
Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Travel with an expert local driver/guide who will escort you throughout the tour.
-
Transportation in a luxury vehicle
Travel in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system.
-
The world's largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo
Visit the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo.
-
Church Of The Good Shepherd
Visit the iconic Church Of The Good Shepherd.
-
Transport to Milford Sound
Transportation to Milford Sound is included, with an optional cruise available.
-
The rugged west coast township of Franz Josef
Explore the rugged west coast township of Franz Josef.
-
Castle Rock walk
Enjoy a walk at Castle Rock.
-
Tour operated in conjunction with a trusted partner
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, joining travelers from different operators.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
-
Tip for your tour guide / driver
Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler. -
Optional activities and experiences
Optional activities and experiences are not included and can be booked locally.
-
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with transportation provided in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs. Enjoy seamless transfers between destinations, including transport to Milford Sound.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of accommodation in shared and mixed-sex dorms, providing a budget-friendly and social environment for travelers. Experience the camaraderie of fellow adventurers while staying in comfortable hostels throughout your journey.
Age Policy
No official maximum age but these tours are aimed at the 18-30s market. Accommodation is in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. This is a budget, backpacker-type product. Older pax should be steered towards Pure Discoveries product or Wild Kiwi's premium tours.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 6 nights of accommodation in shared and mixed-sex dorms.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
-
Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an expert local driver/guide.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system suitable for road trip singalongs.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are various optional activities available throughout the tour, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, zip-lining, and a cruise through Milford Sound, which can be booked and paid for locally.
-
What is the age policy for this tour?
The tour is aimed at the 18-30s market, with accommodation in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. There is no official maximum age, but older participants might prefer other tour options.
-
What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Christchurch, New Zealand.
-
Is tipping the tour guide mandatory?
Tipping the tour guide is not mandatory; it is an entirely personal gesture. However, it is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026
Saturday - Friday
Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024Saturday - Friday
Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024Saturday - Friday
Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024Saturday - Friday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024Saturday - Friday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024Saturday - Friday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024Saturday - Friday
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024Saturday - Friday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jan 25, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 22, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 03, 2025 - May 09, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 17, 2025 - May 23, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Saturday - Friday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Saturday - Friday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Saturday - Friday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Saturday - Friday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 09, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.