New Zealand South Island Alpine Loop with Jess Fung
Your TourHero
Hi there, my name is Jess! I love going on adventures and finding off-the-beaten-track destinations to explore. I'm all about experiencing the culture, food, nature and people of the place I'm visiting, taking only photos and memories with me. I enjoy a good slow moment where I can sit and watch the sunset, but also the activities that get your heart racing such as skydiving or hiking for sunrise. With me, there will also be time to take that epic Insta shot or capture videos so we can remember all the details of our trip. I'm super excited to have everyone join me on this tour to the beautiful South Island of NZ and to explore all the scenic landscapes we're about to see!!
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Dec 28, 2021 – 5 Jan, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Self-drive
Tour Prices
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
20 – 30
Travel interest
Adventurous, hiking, photography, friendship, road trip, budget travel
Your Local Guide
Haka Tours has been making travel dreams come true since 2007. Today, they are proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading small group adventure operators, delivering intimate, authentic, and immersive experiences in the country. Along with valuable training and expertise to ensure your safety on a trip, Haka Tours takes it one step further with the passion and dedication of its team to help you discover hidden gems and experience unforgettable moments. Let them take care of the nitty gritty details for you — all you have to do is let the adventure unfold!
Traverse the alluring landscapes of one of the world’s most beautiful places! New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island is iconic for its awe-inspiring scenic drives, stunning mountains, and thrilling activities — and you’ll have the chance to experience plenty of these on your trip! This nine-day self-drive tour includes some excellent highlights: admire the gorgeous Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, discover the magic of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, hike the amazing Hooker Valley Track and Roy’s Peak Track, embark on an epic Milford Sound cruise, usher in the New Year in Queenstown, discover the beauty of Wanaka and Franz Josef, and more!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hi there, my name is Jess! I love going on adventures and finding off-the-beaten-track destinations to explore. I'm all about experiencing the culture, food, nature and people of the place I'm visiting, taking only photos and memories with me. I enjoy a good slow moment where I can sit and watch the sunset, but also the activities that get your heart racing such as skydiving or hiking for sunrise. With me, there will also be time to take that epic Insta shot or capture videos so we can remember all the details of our trip. I'm super excited to have everyone join me on this tour to the beautiful South Island of NZ and to explore all the scenic landscapes we're about to see!!
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Dec 28, 2021 – 5 Jan, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Self-drive
Traverse the alluring landscapes of one of the world’s most beautiful places! New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island is iconic for its awe-inspiring scenic drives, stunning mountains, and thrilling activities — and you’ll have the chance to experience plenty of these on your trip! This nine-day self-drive tour includes some excellent highlights: admire the gorgeous Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, discover the magic of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, hike the amazing Hooker Valley Track and Roy’s Peak Track, embark on an epic Milford Sound cruise, usher in the New Year in Queenstown, discover the beauty of Wanaka and Franz Josef, and more!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Christchurch
- Arrive at Christchurch Airport
- Pick up rental car
- ~ 30 mins self-drive
- Check-in at Jailhouse Accommodation (or similar according to availability)
- Explore Christchurch – free and easy
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, and Mount Cook
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Scenic drive to Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
- ~ 4 hrs 30 mins self-drive
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Mt Cook Lodge (or similar according to availability)
- Welcome dinner
- Day 3 · Mount Cook, Arrowtown, and Queenstown
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Hike the Hooker Valley Track
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Scenic drive to Queenstown – visit Arrowtown along the way
- ~ 3 hrs 40 mins self-drive
- Check-in at Tahuna Pod Hostel (or similar according to availability)
- Free evening in Queenstown
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Queenstown and Milford Sound
- Breakfast
- Journey to Milford Sound
- ~ 4 hrs 10 mins bus
- Milford Sound cruise
- Journey back to Queenstown
- ~ 4 hrs 10 mins bus
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Fireworks at midnight
- Day 5 · Queenstown
- Breakfast
- Free day
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Queenstown and Wanaka
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- ~ 1 hr 35 mins self-drive
- Hike Roy’s Peak
- Check out the Wanaka Tree
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Wanaka Bakpaka (or similar according to availability)
- Free and easy
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · Wanaka and Franz Josef
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Franz Josef – Blue Pools Track and Thunder Creek Falls
- ~ 4 hrs 10 mins self-drive
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Pounamu pendant carving experience
- Visit the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
- Check-in at Rainforest Retreat (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 8 · Franz Josef
- Breakfast
- Free day
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 9 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Return to Christchurch
- ~ 5 hrs 20 mins self-drive
- Journey ends in Christchurch
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch, South Island’s most populated city and the second-largest city in New Zealand
We are so glad you’ve arrived safely and we hope you had a smooth flight into New Zealand. Christchurch is your perfect basecamp for South Island exploration and we’re sure you’re all excited for this trip! We've provided you with a night of accommodation close to the heart of town prior to the start of your adventure that kicks off tomorrow. Once you’ve picked up your rental car, you can head into town, check into your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city.
Day 2
Visit the gorgeous Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain
Recommended start time: 8:00 am. Rise and shine in the city of Christchurch! After a filling breakfast, start your epic road trip to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We hope you’ve got your camera with you — the route is blessed with incredible views of South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery. Be sure to stop by the delightful Lake Tekapo to take in its stunning turquoise waters and beautiful mountain backdrop. Check out the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd that sits right by the water’s edge for some of the best photo ops imaginable. The glistening Lake Pukaki will also leave you speechless. It’s the largest lake in the area and you’ll catch sight of majestic Mount Cook in the distance. Finally, arrive at your Mount Cook accommodation. This evening, you will have a wonderful welcome dinner to celebrate an amazing start to your tour. After dinner, you have the option to visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for a stargazing tour at 10:30 pm (see optional add-ons).
Day 3
Head out on a scenic hike to complete the popular Hooker Valley Track before the journey to Queenstown
Recommended start time: 9:00 am. Today, you’ll be traveling onwards to Queenstown, but before that, take some time to discover your surroundings at Mount Cook. Maybe jumping out of a plane appeals to you? Skydive Mt Cook will assure you of spectacular views of Mount Cook and its surrounding lakes from above — just let us know if this is something you want to do and we’ll book you in for it! If you’re a fan of hiking, you cannot miss the Hooker Valley Track walk, undoubtedly one of the best scenic day hikes New Zealand has to offer. We guarantee you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy shots on this walk, which offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, alpine streams, and glaciers. Done with exploring this stunning part of the country, begin your journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Along the way, stop in Arrowtown, a charming and historic gold mining town known for its food and wine.
Day 4
Embark on a spectacular cruise to see Milford Sound, the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
Good morning, it’s the final day of 2021! After a hearty breakfast in Queenstown, it’s time for your expedition to Milford Sound! A coach will take you directly to this magnificent Eighth Wonder of the World. Milford Sound experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the country and this damp weather makes the area look absolutely green, dreamy, and magical! Included in this tour is a spectacular cruise of the beautiful fiord, which will take you close to the mountains to see impressive plunging cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and otherworldly views of towering Mitre Peak. Keep your eyes open for fur seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins! After the cruise, you’ll be taken back to Queenstown for more excitement. As it’s New Year’s Eve today, you can expect plenty of live performances and food stalls set up at Earnslaw Park this evening… and, of course, wonderful fireworks at midnight! Have fun! Note: The Milford Sound tour will start at approximately 7:55 am.
Day 5
Welcome to 2022! Enjoy a free day — relax, explore Queenstown, or discover the best high-adrenaline activities
We hope you stayed safe and enjoyed celebrating the arrival of the New Year! Today, you get a free day to do whatever you like. Stayed up too late last night and feeling a little under the weather from all the festivities? Pick up some delicious food from everyone’s favorite burger joint, Fergburger, for the ultimate cure! There are also plenty of activities you can choose from in the area — you might want to try some excellent adrenaline junkie options, of which AJ Hackett has an awesome range for you to choose from. How cool would it be to tell people you started off the new year by jumping off a bridge? If you’re not keen on too much heart-pounding action, you also have the option of experiencing the super-cool (literally) Ice Bar. It’s a great option if you want to carry on from last night’s festivities… this time at a much colder temperature! See the optional add-ons section for more information.
Day 6
Discover the best of Wanaka — hike Roy’s Peak for unbelievable views and check out the iconic Wanaka Tree
Recommended start time: 9:30 – 10:00 am. This morning, after you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be leaving Queenstown and heading to Wanaka. We hope you managed to do everything you wanted in the adventure capital of the world! Make your way to the starting point of the Roy’s Peak Track — it’s time for an amazing hike. As you reach the top, you’ll experience spectacular all-encompassing panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and the surrounding peaks. A truly breathtaking sight indeed! The Roy’s Peak hike is one of the best and most popular day hikes on South Island that you cannot miss! After the hike, remember to check out the famous Wanaka Tree (#thewanakatree), one of the most picturesque trees in all of New Zealand, hence why it’s also one of the most photographed. It’ll make a good Instagram post for sure (don’t forget to tag us)! After arriving in town, check into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon. We recommend checking out the Wanaka Lavender Farm in your spare time.
Day 7
Head north to the township of Franz Josef and discover scenic walking trails along the way
Recommended start time: 9:00 am. Today, you’ll be heading north to the town of Franz Josef. Along the way, there will be plenty of great locations to check out. The Blue Pools Track provides a short and easy stroll that takes you through a beautiful forest track and eventually leads to stunning pools that have been created from pure glacial water. Next, check out Thunder Creek Falls, a 96-meter-tall waterfall, easily accessible via a short walk.
Partake in a pounamu pendant carving experience
Make your way to your greenstone carving workshop, which will take place within a family-run gallery. During this workshop, you will be guided through the process of carving your very own special piece of jewelry made from beautiful pounamu jade (greenstone). Mostly sourced from the local west coast riverbeds, the durable green-colored stone is highly valued in New Zealand as it is considered precious and powerful by the Māori people. After your workshop, you might want to unwind for the day at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools, conveniently located in the township of Franz Josef and nestled in the rainforest at the base of the Franz Josef Glacier. In the evening, check into your accommodation for the night.
Day 8
Make the most of your time in Franz Josef — you’re free to decide what you want to do today
Today is a full day in beautiful Franz Josef. The activity we recommend to most visitors here is the Heli Hike, available as an optional add-on. This activity gives you an epic opportunity to explore the Franz Josef Glacier up close! Should you decide to embark on this epic expedition, you’ll start the journey with a scenic helicopter flight from Franz Josef village up to the glacier, where you will land directly on the ice. From there, you’ll have over two hours to traverse the glacier with an experienced guide who will point out the best and safest parts to walk on. Other activities you can do include unguided walks and hikes to Lake Matheson (highly recommended in the morning), along Alex Knob Track, the Callery Gorge Walk, and the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut (where you’ll find natural hot pools). Tonight is the last night of your South Island tour, so be sure to take the chance to gather for a farewell dinner. Rainforest Retreat offers some great dining options.
Day 9
Say goodbye to Franz Josef — it’s time to head home
It is your final day in New Zealand! Make your way back to Christchurch to drop off your rental car and catch your flight back home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your spectacular South Island trip. Until next time!
Accommodation
Jailhouse Accommodation (or similar according to availability)
Jailhouse Accommodation has been featured as an ‘Author’s Pick’ accommodation in Lonely Planet and highlighted as a ‘Special Recommendation’ in Rough Guides. A unique and fascinating history surrounds this Christchurch hostel — from 1874 to 1999, the building served as the Addington Prison; it showcases an important example of “Gothic Revival” architecture. In 2006, it opened as a backpackers hostel and has been welcoming guests ever since. Facilities and amenities include Wi-Fi, Netflix in TV lounges, a kitchen, historical display rooms, and a pool table. Room type: To be determined.
Mt Cook Lodge (or similar according to availability)
Nestled in the beautiful Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home of the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook Lodge offers the perfect gateway to your scenic Mount Cook experience, blending simple yet stylish lodging with incredible alpine views. Free parking is available at the premises, and guest rooms include tea/coffee facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, a TV, ensuite bathroom, and air conditioning. Room type: To be determined.
Tahuna Pod Hostel (or similar according to availability)
The modern Tahuna Pod Hostel is situated in the heart of Queenstown and prides itself on being New Zealand’s very first pod hostel accommodation that offers unique pod-style dorms. Merging Maori heritage and design, the hostel shares culture with its guests through art, movies, music, food, and entertainment. Facilities and amenities include a large balcony and BBQ area with great city views, free limited onsite parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and use of shared bathroom facilities located on every floor. Room type: To be determined.
Wanaka Bakpaka (or similar according to availability)
Wanaka Bakpaka, located in beautiful Wanaka, offers quality budget accommodation with a stunning view. It is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Wanaka, dating back to 1925. Today, it is the only hostel in town located right on the lakeside, providing guests with spectacular postcard-perfect views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. It is situated away from the busy areas of Wanaka, though still a quick five-minute stroll to the cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby. The property features garden areas, a lounge, kitchen, several share bathrooms, and an on-site car park with free parking. Room type: To be determined.
Rainforest Retreat (or similar according to availability)
Rainforest Retreat is nestled in the scenic Southern Alps close to New Zealand’s famous Franz Josef Glacier, surrounded by lush rainforest. It is the perfect base from which to explore the glacial region of South Island and the untamed west coast. The property offers seclusion in the form of houses, lodges, and huts, all providing comfortable accommodation for discerning travelers. Room type: To be determined.
Included
- 1 night in Jailhouse Accommodation (or similar)
- 1 night in Mt Cook Lodge (or similar)
- 3 nights in Tahuna Pod Hostel (or similar)
- 1 night in Wanaka Bakpaka (or similar)
- 2 nights in Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Day 2 dinner
- Car rental
- Milford Sound coach transportation and cruise tour
- Greenstone workshop (pounamu pendant carving)
- All other activities described in the itinerary
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- International flights
- Arrival and departure transfers to/from the airport
- Optional activities
- Visa and travel insurance
- All lunches
- All dinners (except day 2)
- Beverages
- Tips for guides and drivers
Available add-on
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy
The world’s first commercial bungy jump site created by AJ Hackett. The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge runs across the scenic Kawarau River. Here, with your heart pounding and mind racing, you can bungy jump 43 meters down towards the river below. You can even dip into the river and get wet if you want! This is known as a water touch bungy. The following weight restrictions apply: minimum 35kg and maximum 235kg.
- Experience the world’s first commercial bungy jump site created by AJ Hackett
- Jump 43 meters down towards the river below
Price: NZD 205
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Nevis Swing
Introducing the “World’s Most Famous Swing”! It’s big, it’s bad, and it’s loud… if you consider every shriek of every person who’s had a go! Swing by yourself or tandem with a friend — forwards, backwards, upside down, you choose! You’ll complete the 300-meter arc, bellowing at the top of your lungs, wanting to do it all over again once you’re back on solid ground.
- The “World’s Most Famous Swing”
- Swing by yourself or tandem with a friend
- Complete the 300-meter arc
Price: NZD 225
20 spots left
Nevis Catapault
Ride the world’s biggest human catapult, the Nevis Catapult. Embrace your inner superhero and take flight as you are propelled 150 meters out across the Nevis Valley, soaring through the air at exhilarating speed — with up to 3Gs of force — followed by a thrilling rebound that guarantees an adrenaline rush like no other. This one-of-a-kind high-speed ride is fast, fantastically fun, and will have you screaming out for more.
- The world's biggest human catapult
- Be propelled 150 meters out across the Nevis Valley
Price: NZD 225
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Nevis Bungy
Go full throttle with this exhilarating 134-meter bungy experience (the highest in New Zealand) and free-fall for 8.5 seconds in a blitz of pure excitement and adrenaline. This one’s for the true thrill-seekers who fear absolutely nothing!
- A 134-meter bungy experience — the highest in the country
- Free-fall for a thrilling 8.5 seconds
Price: NZD 275
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Nevis Thrillogy
Do all three — the Nevis Swing, Nevis Bungy, and Nevis Catapault!
- Includes Nevis Swing experience
- Includes Nevis Bungy experience
- Includes Nevis Catapault experience
Price: NZD 540
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Heli Hike Franz Josef
A truly amazing way to experience Franz Josef, this heli hike experience starts with a scenic flight from Franz Josef Village to Franz Josef Glacier where you will land on the ice itself. Once on the glacier, you have over two hours to explore this exquisite natural icescape. Your expert guide will show you the safest and most spectacular routes around the glacier, including narrow crevasses, towering walls of ice, and even blue ice tunnels. No two trips are the same on this evolving natural playground.
- Includes a scenic flight from Franz Josef Village to Franz Josef Glacier
- Land on the ice and explore the terrain for two hours
Price: NZD 485
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Franz Josef Kayak
The original Franz Josef kayak adventure awaits. Glide effortlessly across the water, taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika.
- Kayak on the waters of Lake Mapourika
- Provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
Price: NZD 99
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Franz Josef Wild Kiwi – All-Day Unlimited Pass
Take a self-guided tour through the unique indoor, all-weather West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef and see live young Rowi kiwi in purpose-built natural bush walkthrough. This is the perfect way to learn more about these rare birds.
- Unlimited pass to enter the West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Self-guided tour
Price: NZD 32
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Ice Bar
Want to step into a bar where the temperatures are extreme and the architecture consists of 18 tonnes of crystal clear ice? The super-cool Ice bar takes you to a different world, where you can try amazing cocktails and explore fantastic ice sculptures created by an expert ice carver. Pop in for a pre-dinner chilly cocktail to see why this unique bar makes such a great bucket list item!
- Entry to the Ice Bar located in Queenstown
- A bucket list destination for bar hoppers
Price: NZD 40
20 spots left
The Wanaka Lavender Farm
The Wanaka Lavender Farm is located just out of Wanaka and is home to 20 acres of lavender fields, farm animals, and display gardens. It’s a great place to explore and, at the end of it all, unwind over a cup of herbal tea and some delicious lavender ice cream at the on-site cafe.
- Entry to the Wanaka Lavender Farm
- Food and drinks not included at the on-site cafe
Price: NZD 10
20 spots left
Big Sky Stargazing Aoraki Mackenzie
Join Kate, the resident Astro Physics guide, who will guide you through the planets and stars that surround the valley on a clear night. With telescopes located nearby, this outdoor 1–1.5 hour experience will ignite your passion for stargazing and leave you wanting to learn more about the constellations!
- Guided stargazing tour
- Discover one of the best stargazing sites on Earth
- The Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region is a desginated Dark Sky Reserve
Price: NZD 99
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Encounter incredible views of Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters and mountain backdrop, perfect for photo ops. - Unsplash: Char Beck
- The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd sits right by the water’s edge — here's where you'll get to take some incredible photos! - Unsplash: Timo Volz
- The Church of the Good Shepherd — small but picturesque! - Unsplash: Photoholgic
- A magical fiord in the southwest of South Island, Milford Sound is all about its impressive combination of mountain peaks, plunging cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and otherworldly views. - Unsplash: Jeremy Manoto
- As you sail beneath the towering peaks and cascades, you’ll understand why some call it the “Eighth Wonder of the World”! - Unsplash: Timo Volz
- The fiord is also home to some incredible wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. - Unsplash: Tyler Lastovich
- The small town of Franz Josef is our destination. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is famous for its awesome glacier, located just five kilometers from town. - Wikimedia Commons
- The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. - Unsplash: Sébastien Goldberg
- At Franz Josef, you'll partake in a pounamu pendant carving experience. Pounamu, or "greenstone" is a special New Zealand jade that is important to the Māori people. - Wikimedia Commons
- Glacier heli hike - The Helicopter Line
- Rainforest Retreat - Rainforest Retreat
- Welcome to your gateway to epic adventures: Queenstown! - Unsplash: Michael Amadeus
- Jailhouse Accommodation - Jailhouse Accommodation
- Mt Cook Lodge - Mt Cook Lodge
- Tahuna Pod Hostel - Tahuna Pod Hostel
- Wanaka Bakpaka - Wanaka Bakpaka
- AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Nevis Swing - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Nevis Catapault - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Nevis Bungy - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Nevis Thrillogy - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Franz Josef Kayak - Rainforest Retreat
- Franz Josef Wild Kiwi – All-Day Unlimited Pass - Facebook: West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Ice Bar - Minus 5º Ice Bar
- The Wanaka Lavender Farm - Wanaka Lavender Farm
- Welcome to Christchurch, South Island’s most populated city and the second-largest city in New Zealand! - Facebook: ChristchurchNZ
- Christchurch is your perfect basecamp for South Island exploration and we’re sure you’re all excited for this trip! - 100% Pure New Zealand
- Head into town, check into your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city. - 100% Pure New Zealand
- Big Sky Stargazing Aoraki Mackenzie - Unsplash: Graham Holtshausen
- Start your epic road trip to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We hope you’ve got your camera with you — the route is blessed with incredible views of South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery! - Unsplash: Molly Spink
- The glistening Lake Pukaki will also leave you speechless. It’s the largest lake in the area and you’ll catch sight of majestic Mount Cook in the distance. - Unsplash: Sulthan Auliya
- This evening, you will have a wonderful welcome dinner to celebrate an amazing start to your tour. - Unsplash: Juliette F
- Today, you’ll be traveling onwards to Queenstown, but before that, take some time to discover your surroundings at Mount Cook. - Unsplash: Shawn Appel
- If you’re a fan of hiking, you cannot miss the Hooker Valley Track walk, undoubtedly one of the best scenic day hikes New Zealand has to offer. - Unsplash: Roell de Ram
- We guarantee you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy shots on this walk, which offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, alpine streams, and glaciers. - Unsplash: Molly Spink
- On the way to Queenstown, stop in Arrowtown, a charming and historic gold mining town known for its food and wine. - Unsplash: Casey Horner
- Today is your expedition to the glorious Milford Sound. Milford Sound experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the country and this damp weather makes the area look absolutely green, dreamy, and magical! - Unsplash: Eyrie Photography
- After the cruise, you’ll be taken back to Queenstown for more excitement. As it’s New Year’s Eve today, you can expect plenty of live performances and food stalls set up at Earnslaw Park this evening… and, of course, wonderful fireworks at midnight! - Unsplash: Zuza Gałczyńska
- Stayed up too late last night and feeling a little under the weather from all the festivities? Pick up some delicious food from everyone’s favorite burger joint, Fergburger, for the ultimate cure! - Fergburger
- Welcome to 2022! Enjoy a free day — relax, explore Queenstown, or discover the best high-adrenaline activities - Unsplash: Sébastien Goldberg
- There are also plenty of activities you can choose from in the area, from excellent adrenaline junkie options to more relaxed activities like chilling out at the Ice Bar. Check out the optional add-ons section for more information! - AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- Discover the best of Wanaka — hike Roy’s Peak for unbelievable views. As you reach the top, you’ll experience spectacular all-encompassing panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and the surrounding peaks. - Unsplash: Martina Vitáková
- A truly breathtaking sight indeed! The Roy’s Peak hike is one of the best and most popular day hikes on South Island that you cannot miss! - Unsplash: Matt Zhou
- Don't forget to check out the famous Wanaka Tree (#thewanakatree), one of the most picturesque trees in all of New Zealand! - Unsplash: Laura Smetsers
- Today, you’ll be heading north to the town of Franz Josef. Along the way, there will be plenty of great locations to check out including the Blue Pools Track. - Unsplash: Marc Comia
- The Blue Pools Track provides a short and easy stroll that takes you through a beautiful forest track and eventually leads to stunning pools that have been created from pure glacial water. - Unsplash: Michael Amadeus
- Also check out Thunder Creek Falls, a 96-meter-tall waterfall, easily accessible via a short walk. - Wikimedia Commons
- Take the chance to explore the glacier and its surroundings. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the glacier, weather permitting — you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike the glacier’s surface, or kayak on a glacial lake. Check out our optional add-ons! - Glacier Country
- Other activities you can do include unguided walks and hikes to Lake Matheson (highly recommended in the morning), along Alex Knob Track, the Callery Gorge Walk, and the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut (where you’ll find natural hot pools). - Unsplash: Tanja Zöllner