Epic New Zealand South Island Adventure with Mauricio Arlegui

Welcome to New Zealand! This morning, you’ll spend some eye-opening moments exploring iconic downtown Christchurch. Your guide will show you all the inventive ways the city is being rebuilt after the events of the devastating 2011 earthquake. See just how innovative, resilient, and creative the people of Christchurch are — discover the truly inspirational story of the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard after the original cathedral was damaged in the quake. After your city tour, it’s time to leave Christchurch behind and head for Mount Cook via the breathtaking Lake Tekapo.

We hope you’ve got your camera out! This route is blessed with incredible views of the lake’s turquoise waters and mountain backdrop, perfect for photo ops, which is why you’ll stop at the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd that sits right by the water’s edge for some incredible pictures. After that, you’ll continue onwards through the beautiful Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to bask in the presence of the highest mountain in New Zealand (standing at a dizzying 3,724 meters high). Settle into your accommodation for the night. This region has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning you’ll be able to catch epic views of the stars and galaxies here. Sit back, relax, and enjoy — a special welcome dinner awaits you and your friends tonight.

Rise and shine! Have a hearty breakfast and spend some time exploring the area. Feeling energetic? Use your free morning to hike part of the famous Hooker track or the beautiful Tasman Lake Track to catch a stunning sunrise. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views in every direction. After your morning of exploration, we’ll say goodbye to Mount Cook and embark on an incredibly scenic drive to Queenstown — this journey is a real show-stopper, it will feel like you’re driving into a postcard! Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of photo stops en route, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge, the “World Home of Bungy” where the very first commercial bungy jumping site sits! Give this thrilling activity a go (see optional add-ons section), or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way through the gorge! Once you reach Queenstown, check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure. You’ll be spending two nights here and there’s plenty to fall in love with!

Good morning! Today, you’ll visit one of New Zealand’s most treasured natural attractions: Milford Sound — and you’re flying directly there to board your cruise to see it! 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. As you sail beneath the towering peaks and cascades, you’ll understand why some call it the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. The fiord is also home to some incredible wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. Keep a lookout for them! After your tour, you’ll fly back to Queenstown. Get ready for a night on the town. Do a little bar hopping (you’ll have around 40 bars to choose from — let your guide fill you in on their favorites) and share your adventures with your travel buddies. Time to party the night away!

After breakfast, it’s your last morning in Queenstown to work on that bucket list! What will it be today? An exhilarating canyoning experience? An epic Lord of the Rings 4x4 safari? Or a thrilling jet boat ride along the Shotover River? There are plenty of options — they don’t call Queenstown the “Adventure Capital” for nothing! After all the excitement of Queenstown, this afternoon is a chance to chill. You’re off to Wanaka, Queenstown’s slightly quieter sister, located just an hour away.

On the way to Wanaka, a stopover at charming Arrowtown will allow you to discover the historic gold rush village with heaps of old-world character. The settlement was established back in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush, and over 60 of the original buildings — cottages, shops, hotels, and churches — can still be seen today. After a quick look around, the journey to Wanaka continues. Watch as the landscape gives way to towering peaks and a glacial blue lake. You’ll see why Wanaka is often considered one of the country’s most beautiful mountain towns. Here, you can discover jaw-dropping hiking routes and bike trails all around for a welcome chance to relax.

This morning, it’s all about exploring the picturesque surroundings of Wanaka. How, exactly, is up to you! Optional activities include a flying lesson, skydiving, a bike tour along Wanaka’s lakeside, or a lake cruise and nature walk on Mou Waho Island. If none of these appeal to you, there are lots of scenic short walks in the area — including a visit to #thatwanakatree. Yes, the famous one in the lake! Talk to your guide for the best options.

The journey to Franz Josef is another stunner. Along the way, there will be several stopovers that will take your breath away. We’ll bring you to one of our favorite lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka (your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option). From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Even better, your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks lined up along the way. We’ll finally roll into the small village of Franz Josef around late afternoon or early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is famous for its awesome glacier, located just five kilometers from town — yes, it’s your playground for tomorrow!

Refreshed after a good night’s sleep, the beautiful Franz Josef greets you in the morning. The name “Te Wahi Pounamu” (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is given to this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (or greenstone/jade) found here. The durable green-colored stone is highly valued in New Zealand as it is considered precious and powerful by the Māori people. Jewelers in New Zealand often hand-carve and craft traditional pounamu pendants and jewelry. Today, you’ll have the special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery.

Franz Josef is, of course, located close to the Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier is truly an incredible work of Mother Nature that many people from near and far come to experience. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the glacier, weather permitting. To get up-close and personal with the bluest ice, you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike the glacier’s surface. Or perhaps you’d rather kayak on a glacial lake, or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below. Discover some of these great activities in the optional add-ons section below.

Before you know it, it’s your last day! After breakfast, we’ll head further along the beautiful west coast on another spectacular drive. This time, you’ll be treated to a rugged, primeval landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking beach and ocean waves. We’ll stop at the cool little town of Hokitika to visit a greenstone factory. It’s a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, we may also pop into the National Kiwi Centre to catch a guaranteed glimpse of rare kiwi birds in their purpose-built nocturnal house. After we say goodbye to Hokitika, it’s the last leg of your journey. You’ll be journeying through Arthurs Pass, the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps, home of the iconic 131-meter Devils Punchbowl Falls. Finally, your journey ends back in Christchurch, where it all began. We hope it was a spectacular trip! Until next time!