Budget South Island Explorer - 14 days
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Overview
Highlights
- Christchurch - Start and end your journey in the South Island's largest city, with free time to explore
- 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 an optional scenic helicopter flight
- Punakaiki - See 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
- Marlborough - Taste the best New Zealand wines with an included tasting session at a local winery
- Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip and enjoy scenic cliff walks along the coast
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 13 breakfasts & 2 dinners
- 13 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
- Visit to the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo
- Church Of The Good Shepherd
- Transport to Milford Sound (cruise optional)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole walk
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Golden Bay day trip
- Wine tasting in Marlborough
- Castle Rock walk
- 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 - Tekapo. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes) at 9:00. Get ready for an amazing first day as we journey to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most Instagram-worthy locations. D...
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...
It's time to explore Queenstown and check off all those thrilling activities on your bucket list! Your guide will ensure breakfast is ready in your kitchen, so feel free to help yourself, as everyone will be heading out at different times. Known as the adrenaline capi...
Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. After a break in the picturesque town of Wanaka, get ready to be amazed as we journey along a rugged coastline flanked by ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. We will traverse the Haast Pass, eventually arriving at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.
Prepare your crampons because Franz Josef might just be the most breathtaking destination you'll ever encounter. Discover the spectacular ice formations sculpted over millennia, and choose between hiking, an optional scenic helicopter tour, or both, for an unforgettab...
Franz Josef - Christchurch. After a brief visit to the picturesque town of Hokitika, embark on a breathtaking journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the magnificent, snow-capped Southern Alps. Once back in Christchurch, spend your afternoon discovering the uniqu...
Christchurch - Punakaiki. As the second week of our adventure begins, we'll traverse one of the three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to reach the west coast. Taking the Lewis Pass, we journey through untouched beech forests, alpine wetlands, and alongside the ...
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. Explore the wild west coast, making stops to view lighthouses and seal colonies. Heading inland, we'll journey through the picturesque Nelson Lakes en route to Abel Tasman, considered by many to be New Zealand's most beautiful Na...
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 is completely free for you to relax on the beach or, if you're up for some adventure, explore the pristine natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Have a go at hiking sections of the trail, or rent a kayak to navigate the coastal track. With a bit of luck, you might encounter native wildlife such as the Tui or Tuatara.
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 final drive back to Christchurch. Bid farewel...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
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
- 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.
- Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
- 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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