Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Transport

Others

Christchurch: What’s the diff between Eastbound & Westbound? The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef. For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau. Christchurch: Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting? Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings. Christchurch: Can I book a twin-share room on this trip? Yep, you’ll be able to book a private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person. Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers. Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You’ll soon see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown. Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too! Lake Tekapo: We’ll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ’s astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away. Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display. Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves. Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.

Meals

3 Dinner (D) 8 Breakfast (B)

Accommodation

4 nights in Hostel, 3 nights in Lodges, 1 night in Hotel

Not included:

Flights

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Day 1 Day 1: Tautahi (Christchurch) To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Arthur’S Pass And Hokitika
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tautahi (Christchurch) To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Arthur’S Pass And Hokitika

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. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. 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. Back on the coach, we’re coastline bound to one of the island’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and that’s saying something). We’ll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Day 2 Day 2: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)

This morning 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 3 Day 3: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tāhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wānaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tāhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wānaka

With a new appreciation for frozen water, we’ll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.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 towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.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.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4 Day 4: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.
Day 5 Day 5: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

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 guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It’s your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you’re here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out ‘Dates & Pricing’ to see these "Special Departures".
Day 6 Day 6: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

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.
Day 7 Day 7: Tāhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Tāhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)

Alright, it’s time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and 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. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it’s a pretty exhilirating 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 8 Day 8: Te Anau To Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Te Anau To Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown)

So long, Te Anau. It’s been fun. Our first 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. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ōhau. For our last night, we’ll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we’ll spend our final night by Lake Ōhau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!
Day 9 Day 9: Hau (Lake Ōhau) To Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hau (Lake Ōhau) To Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapō (Lake Tekapo)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it’s time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we’ll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important. And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there’ll be some sadness, but that’s normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

9 days tour

New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

Day 1: Tautahi (Christchurch) To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Arthur’S Pass And Hokitika

Day 2: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)

Day 3: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tāhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wānaka

Day 4: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

Day 5: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

Day 6: Tāhuna (Queenstown)

Day 7: Tāhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)

Day 8: Te Anau To Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown)

Day 9: Hau (Lake Ōhau) To Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapō (Lake Tekapo)

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