New Zealand South Island Express – 9 Days

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and explore a city rebuilt with creativity and resilience. Meet your group and local leader at the 6:00pm welcome meeting.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included Activities: –
Meals: –

Day 2 – Christchurch → Lake Tekapo

Join your leader for a morning city tour before travelling to beautiful Lake Tekapo. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy optional hot pools or stargazing in this Dark Sky Reserve.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Christchurch City Tour, Church of the Good Shepherd
Optional: Tekapo Springs (NZD50), Crater Experience (NZD129), Summit Experience (NZD209)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Lake Tekapo → Queenstown

Optional sunrise hike up Mt John, then travel through the Mackenzie Basin past alpine scenery to Queenstown. Stop at Kawarau Gorge – home of the world’s first commercial bungy.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Kawarau Gorge Stop
Optional: Mt John Hike (Free), Kawarau Bungy (NZD320)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Queenstown (Free Day)

A full free day to choose your adventure. Thrill-seekers can try jet boating, paragliding, canyoning, bungy or canyon swing. Scenery lovers can visit Milford Sound, join a Lord of the Rings 4WD safari, ride the gondola, or explore wineries.
Accommodation: Hostel
Optional: Milford Day Trip (NZD274), Jet Boat (NZD169), Canyoning (NZD239), LoTR 4WD (NZD285), Nevis Bungy (NZD395)

Day 5 – Queenstown → Arrowtown → Wanaka

Morning free time in Queenstown. Travel over the Crown Range to charming Arrowtown, then continue to stunning Wanaka. Enjoy lakeside walks, bike rides, or cafes with mountain views.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Arrowtown Visit
Optional: Lake Happy Hour Cruise (NZD64)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Wanaka → Franz Josef

A relaxed morning in Wanaka. Optional cruises or short hikes. Drive via Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout, Haast Pass waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints en route to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Haast Pass, Lookout Stop
Optional: Mou Waho Cruise (NZD119–159), Waterfall Climbing (from NZD199)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Franz Josef (Free Day)

Learn about pounamu (greenstone) and carve your own pendant. Optional lake kayaking or glacier-view activities available locally.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Pounamu Pendant Carving
Optional: Glacier Lake Kayak (NZD165)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – West Coast → Christchurch

Travel along the rugged West Coast and through Arthur’s Pass. Optional visit to a kiwi centre time-permitting. Arrive in Christchurch for your final group night.
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Christchurch (Departure)

Your South Island adventure ends after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged if needed.
Meals: Breakfast

Included

• Local leader throughout

• 8 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share)

• Transport by private vehicle

• Breakfasts on most days

• Included activities:

  • Christchurch city tour

  • Lake Tekapo – Church of the Good Shepherd

  • Kawarau Gorge stop

  • Arrowtown visit

  • Haast Pass scenic stops

  • Franz Josef – Pounamu carving experience

    Not Included

• Optional activities

• Meals not listed

• Personal expenses

• Airport transfers

  What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Warm layers (South Island weather varies)

• Waterproof jacket

• Swimwear & towel

• Day pack

• Reusable bottle

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

• Personal toiletries

• Camera