Discover the highlights of Southern New Zealand embarking on this 10 - day tour that will make you enjoy the beauty of mountains, lakes, rivers and unspoilt nature. You'll visit Franz Josef Glacier, World Heritage area, and then move on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Finally, in Rangitata you'll experience the real feel of New Zealand in a sheep station stay

Trip summary

  • Travel style Group departure
  • Departure Christchurch
  • End Christchurch
  • Countries
    • New Zealand
  • City
    • Franz Josef
    • Wanaka
    • Queenstown
    • Mount Cook
    • Rangitata
    • Christchurch
  • Theme Mountains, lakes and rivers
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Christchurch to Franz Josef
    Day 1

    Take the Atomic Shuttle over the stunning Arthur’s pass where you have 30 minutes free before meeting up with the bus. This afternoon we’ll make a stop in Hokitika then head to Franz Josef, a town squashed between the Tasman Sea and the mighty Franz Josef glacier.

    Visited places:
    • Christchurch
    • Franz Josef
  • 2
    Free day in Franz Josef
    Day 2

    This day is free for you to explore the glacier. Among included activities, you can enjoy the Ice-Explorer Trip, a short heli-flight onto the glacier followed by an educational tour, or relax in the hot pools.

    Visited places:
    • Franz Josef
  • 3
    Franz Josef to Wanaka
    Day 3

    Depart at 9 am. We head to Lake Matheson for the amazing mirror lake; stop at Fox Glacier for pickups then travel through to the mountainous Haast pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka with an afternoon to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.

    Optional paid activities: Puzzle World. 
    Free activities: Mirror Lake walk, Ship Creek walk, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls walk, explore Wanaka.

    Visited places:
    • Franz Josef
    • Wanaka
  • 4
    Wanaka to Queenstown
    Day 4

    Depart 10.30 am. This morning you will have the opportunity to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or walking up Mount Iron. We'll cruise into Queenstown with a stop at the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site and then head to the "adventure capital of the world". Queenstown offers an optional big night out with excellent restaurants, pubs and live music.

    Optional paid activities: Skydiving, bungy jumping. 
    Free activities: Walk Mount Iron, watch people jumping off a bridge.

    Visited places:
    • Wanaka
    • Queenstown
  • 5
    Queenstown
    Day 5-6-7

    Some free time to enjoy Queenstown. Accommodation will be provided each night at a central hostel. 

    Optional paid activities: bungy, swing, jetboating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding, trip to Milford Sound. 
    Free activities: Sleep in, great walks, take in beautiful views from this cool resort town. 
    Included Activities: Doubtful Sound day trip, Shotover Jet (these can be done on any free day of your choice).

    Visited places:
    • Queenstown
  • 6
    Queenstown to Aoraki/ Mt Cook
    Day 8

    Depart from 8.40 am. We head over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and Lake Pukaki, then head north to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook, arriving in the early afternoon. There are some incredible walks to do in this area. 

    Optional paid activities: visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
    Free activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake. 
    Included activities: 6WD Argo Tour.

    Visited places:
    • Queenstown
    • Mount Cook
  • 7
    Mount Cook to Rangitata
    Day 9

    Depart 10am. We make our way to the Lord of the Rings landscape of Rangitata. We head past the turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating, snow tubing or a swim at the hot springs. We arrive early afternoon in Geraldine, and then head through to spend the night at Rangitata. Accommodation: One of Canterbury’s original sheep stations. 

    Optional paid activities: walk or horse ride through Peel Forest.
    Free activities: Take photos of stunning scenery, go for a walk.

    Visited places:
    • Mount Cook
    • Rangitata
  • 8
    Rangitata to Christchurch
    Day 10

    Depart 7.30am. It is an express haul across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch. We arrive at 9.40am at the Christchurch International Airport.

    Visited places:
    • Rangitata
    • Christchurch
  • Prices and conditions

    Price includes
    • Experienced tour guide
    • 9 nights accommodation
    • Ice Explorer Trip (heli ride and tour of Franz Josef Glacier)
    • Entry to hot pools in Franz Josef
    • Doubtful Sound day trip (departs from Queenstown)
    • Shotover Jet Queenstown
    • 6WD Argo Tour in Mt Cook
    Price does not include
    • Optional paid activities as indicated
    • Personal expenses and tips