Others

The activities below are usually chargeable but are included free with your tour: WINE TASTING - try some of NZ’s finest grapes in the beautiful Marlborough region - this round is on us! Glow worm walks Heaps of free hikes Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Seal spotting Abel Tasman National Park walks Lake Matheson mirror lake Tekapo Church of Good Shepherd Access to National Parks (Paparoa, Abel Tasman, Fiordland, Aoraki etc) Use of sports equipment on board (bodyboards, frisbee and more dependant upon bus) Amazing sunrises and sunsets at beautiful beach side campsites, and more.

Meals

We make an effort to include tasty, healthy meals on all our trips. Be prepared for tasty treats including fresh coffee, freshly caught fish and our legendary pancakes. We include more meals than other tours leaving you with more spending money and dining together is the perfect way to get to know your fellow passengers.

Guide

There are TWO great guides on every trip to ensure you are well looked after. Flying Kiwi have one of the best guide to passenger ratios in New Zealand!

Accommodation

It’s staying in amazing locations on these trips that makes them so unique. We camp out in beautiful locations, away from the tourist crowds, by lakes, mountains and oceans. You will wake up to amazing sunrises, views of snow capped peaks and the sounds of the ocean. If you fancy a break from the canvas then cabin upgrades are also available for a small fee - all are located in the same location as the tents so you’re still totally involved.

Transport

We travel in custom built, private vehicles.

Not included:

Flights

Flights not included

Insurance

Insurance not included

Others

Optional

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: The activities below are additional to your trip cost and can be booked as you travel (we have only listed the most popular ones here and others will be available on your trip). All are optional and there are always free alternatives. SAILING - great sailing options in both the Abel Tasman KAYAKING - plenty of options to take to the water through the national park rainforest at Paparoa or along the hidden coves of the Abel Tasman national park BUNGY JUMPING - for those that want to take the leap NZ is the place to do it. There are all kinds of ways to take the jump in Queenstown. SWIM OR VIEW DOLPHINS - take a dip with inquisitive dolphins in the Pacific Ocean at Kaikoura WHALE WATCHING - see the magnificant sperm whales of Kaikoura breach in the open ocean WHITE WATER RAFTING - ride the rapids in Queenstown and Rangitata (near Christchurch) MILFORD BOAT CRUISE - discover the "eight wonder of the world" in magnificant Fiordland National Park GLACIER HIKES - heli-hike on the fascinating ice structures of Fox Glacier HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING - see Queenstown from a new perspective with these spectacular ariel options CANYONING - access places that others cant reach with as much adrenalin as you can handle JETBOATING - enjoy high speed water thrills through huge carved canyons HORSE RIDING - take a ride through the hills of Queenstown, the beach of the Abel Tasman or the rainforest of the West Coast CANYON SWING - if jumping off things is for you then we have found the answer - adrenalin fix guaranteed! LORD OF THE RINGS TOUR - Visit Lord of the Rings locations, plus experience unparallelled scenic vistas RIDE THE LUGE - a thrilling ride suitable for everyone, steer your way through tunnels and dips!

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Christchurch – Lake Tekapo

Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! Your tour begins in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations which has been rebuilding since the infamous earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now home to great shopping, cool laneway bars and amazing eateries. You’ll meet your group and Guide at 2pm outside the Rydges Hotel and then continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights camping.

Meals included: Dinner

Walks: Explore Christchurch City

Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front
Day 2 Lake Tekapo And Trip To Aoraki/Mt Cook
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lake Tekapo And Trip To Aoraki/Mt Cook

This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.

We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Walks: Mt John walkway, Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley

Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle

Activities (own cost): Scenic Flight, Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing
Day 3 Lake Tekapo To Oamaru
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lake Tekapo To Oamaru

Today we’ll spend the morning in Lake Tekapo before departing this afternoon to travel back towards the Pacific coast. We’ll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Explore the Moeraki Heritage Trail

Bike rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride
Day 4 Oamaru To Te Anau
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Oamaru To Te Anau

If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities.

Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island’s second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island’s largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city

Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)

Activities (own cost): Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Day 5 Fiordland National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fiordland National Park

Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the ’eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you’ll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp

Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+)

Optional Activities: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Day 6 Te Anau To Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Te Anau To Queenstown

After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.

Meals included: Breakfast

Walks: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)

Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Day 7 Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Queenstown

With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).

Meals included: Breakfast

Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond

Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)

Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Day 8 Queenstown – Lake Hawea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Queenstown – Lake Hawea

This is our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in one more walk or bike ride before we wave farewell to those finishing their tour and welcome new travellers joining us here. Leaving at 10:00am, after the thrills and spills of Queenstown we’ll travel past mountains and on towards stunning glacial lakes and calmer shores.

On the final stretch to camp we’ll get views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Hawea is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our next wilderness camp at Lake Hawea where we can enjoy great views of the lake and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Multiple walking options

Bike rides: Hawea River Track (12 km), Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea (30km)

Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Day 9 Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier

We’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp and then we’re continuing north through Mt Aspiring National Park. Before we reach the West Coast, we’ll stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, then head through the dramatic Haast Pass, on roads woven over braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it’s possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we’ll stay in the iconic Fox Glacier on the wild west coast.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Walks: Blue Pools, Ship Creek

Bike rides: Gladstone Track (13kms Return from Lake Hawea Camp), Fox Glacier Cycle Way (12kms Return from Fox Glacier Holiday Park)
Day 10 Fox Glacier - Punakaiki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fox Glacier - Punakaiki

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – the Franz Josef Glacier. This staggeringly beautiful work of nature descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier via a stunning walk through the main valley. We also recommend taking a walk to Peter’s Pool for another incredibly scenic view. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we’ll take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Next, we’ll board the bus and continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home of the Greenstone and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir. Passing through Greymouth we’ll keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape as huge limestone cliffs appear and Nikau Palm trees become abundant. Our beach camp for tonight offers great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. This evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark and then enjoy a beverage at the local tavern. 

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Sunrise Lake Matheson

Bike rides: Trail to Lake Matheson (4.3kms one way), Bullock Creek trail (15 km)

Optional Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blowholes (free)
Day 11 Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park

Before leaving Punakaiki we’ll take some time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park, walking along the Pororari river or cycling up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we’ll travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Situated in one of the sunniest areas of the country and home to heaps of beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Truman track        

Bike rides: Bullock Creek, Coastal ride to camp and Kaiteriteri bike park, Great Taste Trail

Optional Activities: Skydiving
Day 12 Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Abel Tasman National Park

Take time today to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) and for those seeking a thrill, join the one in a lifetime canyoning experience!

Meals included: Breakfast

Walks: Abel Tasman National Park track     

Bike rides: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park

Optional Activities: Kayaking, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk
Day 13 Abel Tasman National Park – Picton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Abel Tasman National Park – Picton

Today is the final day of your tour. We’ll take a trip to Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park

Take time today to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) and for those seeking a thrill, join the one in a lifetime canyoning experience!

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner

Walks: Abel Tasman National Park track     

Bike rides: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park

Activities (own cost): Kayaking, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk
Day 15 Day 15: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton

Today is the final day of your tour. First, we head to sunny Nelson, one of the sunniest areas of NZ and home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts. Relax and enjoy the sunshine and café culture before we depart for wine country – Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

Meals included: Breakfast

+12

13 days tour

Summer Blast From Christchurch - Top Rated By National Geogr

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Summer Blast From Christchurch - Top Rated By National Geogr

Christchurch – Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo And Trip To Aoraki/Mt Cook

Lake Tekapo To Oamaru

Oamaru To Te Anau

Fiordland National Park

Te Anau To Queenstown

Queenstown

Queenstown – Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier - Punakaiki

Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park – Picton

Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park

Day 15: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania