Budget NZ Encompassed From Christchurch - 21 days


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Overview
Highlights
- Punakaiki - Admire the famous Pancake Rocks and enjoy free time to explore or embark on optional excursions
- Abel Tasman National Park - Take an included day trip to Golden Bay and enjoy a free day for skydiving, canyoning or kayaking
- Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip and enjoy scenic cliff walks along the coast
- Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and indulge in cycling, hiking and other optional activities
- Queenstown - Spend three nights in New Zealand's adventure capital, with endless possibilities and a day trip to Milford Sound
- Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or a scenic helicopter flight
- Rotorua - Stay for two nights in this land of geological and volcanic formations, with optional activities and the chance to visit Hobbiton
- Lake Taupo - See the Huka Falls and enjoy scenic hiking around Lake Taupo, with plenty of possibilities for optional sailing
- Waitomo - Explore the cavernous networks of caves and tunnels with optional excursions
- Raglan - Unwind on the beach or catch some waves at one of New Zealand's top surfing destinations
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 20 breakfasts & 3 dinners
- 20 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)
- Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
- Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
- Domestic flight between Christchurch and Auckland
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole Walk
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Milford Sound day trip (cruise optional)
- Wine tasting in Marlborough
- Golden Bay day trip
- Church Of The Good Shepherd
- The Castle Rock walk
- Hot Water Beach (tide dependent)
- Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland entry in Rotorua
- The Huka Falls Walking Loop
- Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colonies
- Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
Itinerary

Christchurch - Punakaiki. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes) at 9:00. Leaving Christchurch, we'll traverse one of three stunning passes across the Southern Alps, heading toward the West Coast. Our route via the Lewis ...
This charming coastal village is the ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration. It's renowned for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from rock formations that resemble stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon visiting these geolo...
Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Today after breakfast we travel along the untamed west coast, making stops for breathtaking lighthouse views and to observe seal colonies. Heading inland, journey through the picturesque Nelson Lakes on our way to Abel Tasman Nat...
Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Bay - Abel Tasman National Park. Today, we journey to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit, along with breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife. Prepare for an adventure as we explore the Ngarua Caves, followed by a wa...
Today you have the flexibility to explore Abel Tasman in various ways: kayaking, sailing, hiking, canyoning, or even skydiving! For a more relaxing experience, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach and find out why we believe this National Park boasts some o...
Abel Tasman National Park - Marlborough - Kaikoura. As we leave town, we head to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region. Driving through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, we'll make a quick stop in Picton before arriving at one of our favorite wineries. Here, you can ...
Kaikoura - Christchurch. Spend the morning completing the rest of your bucket list, whether it's spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. Following a morning of adventure, we'll hit the road for our drive back to Christchurch. The rest of today...
Christchurch - Tekapo. We set off from Christchurch once more, this time heading south, to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. This is one of New Zealand's most picturesque destinations. You can start by exploring the local bike trails, then unwind in the lakeside hot springs and enjoy stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Tekapo - Queenstown. Today, we’re off to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure hub! Before we depart, you'll have some free time to squeeze in a few more activities or finish up any walks you may have missed yesterday. Once we arrive, we'll settle you into your accommod...
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown. We'll be starting early today, with a 7:00 departure for Milford Sound, often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Don't worry; breakfast will be provided on the vehicle. This journey features one of the most stunning driv...
Today is free for you to explore Queenstown and tick off some more thrilling activities. Your guide will leave breakfast in your kitchen, so feel free to help yourself, as everyone will start their day at different times. Known as the adrenaline capital of the worl...
Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque town of Wanaka for a brief stop. Next, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along a rugged coastline bordered by ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. We’ll traverse the scenic Haast Pass before arriving at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.
Prepare your crampons as you have a full free day to explore Franz Josef, one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see. You can discover the stunning ice formations shaped over thousands of years, with the option to hike, take a helicopter tour or do both! I...
Franz Josef - Christchurch - Auckland. We depart from Franz Josef and make our way to Christchurch. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a quick stop in the beautiful town of Hokitika before experiencing a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the stunning sn...
Auckland - Hahei. Today, we begin our journey across the North Island from Auckland. After making several scenic stops on the picturesque drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive at the coastal town of Hahei. Here, you can explore Cathedral Cove, famously know...
Hahei - Rotorua. This morning, after breakfast, we say goodbye to the Coromandel and make our way to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand. On our journey, we'll stop at Hobbiton, where you can opt to explore the world-famous Lord of the Rings movie set. In ...
Today is completely free for you to enjoy a day full of activities in and around Rotorua. Take a zip line tour, relax with a Polynesian spa, head out on a kayaking adventure or hike the stunning Mount Tarawera volcanic crater.
Rotorua - Taupo. After breakfast, we set off on the next leg of our journey, with our destination being Taupo, the adventure capital of the North Island. We’ll visit the impressive Huka Falls and explore trout-filled rivers before relaxing with a sunset beer by the st...
You'll have the entire day to explore Lake Taupo and its surroundings, whether from the water's edge or from 15,000 feet above! The choice is yours. You can spend the day tackling the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating, sailing, exploring, or bungy jumping, Taupo offers e...
Taupo - Waitomo - Raglan. We have an early start today and our journey leads to Waitomo, a town famous for its underground wonders. Explore the depths as you crawl, abseil, raft, and navigate tight passages through the dark caverns, illuminated by the soft glow of the...
Raglan - Auckland. Rise early this morning if you are interested in a surf lesson at this renowned surf beach. After breakfast, we will begin our final journey back to Auckland, departing at around 13:00. Along the way, we’ll have plenty of photo opportunities and ...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights and visas
- Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
- Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
- Airport transfers
Accommodation
No official maximum age but these tours are aimed at the 18-30s market. Accommodation is in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. This is a budget, backpacker-type product. Older pax should be steered towards Pure Discoveries product or Wild Kiwi's premium tours.
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