Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days

Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days

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7 Days From

$1965

Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days

7 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From: $1965

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Lake Tekapo - Explore local bike trails and unwind in lakeside hot springs, stargazing in the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve

  • Queenstown - Experience the adventure capital of the world with activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, and ziplining

  • Milford Sound - Join an optional cruise through the UNESCO-listed fjord, admiring colossal waterfalls, ancient forests, mountain landscapes, and playful dolphins

  • Franz Josef - Take in stunning ice formations via hikes or helicopter tours, or opt for quad biking, kayaking, or relaxing in hot tubs

  • Wanaka - Enjoy a scenic stop before journeying along rugged coastlines, rainforests, glaciers, and waterfalls travelling through Haast Pass

  • Hokitika - A quick stop in this beautiful town before embarking on a journey through Arthur's Pass, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book 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.

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