9 Day South Island Tour

    2022 DEPARTURES: 17Sep, 8Oct, 15Oct, 12Nov, 19Nov, 10Dec
    2023 DEPARTURES: 21Jan, 11Feb, 18Feb, 11Mar, 25Mar, 22Apr, 6May

    Join us on our 9 Day South Island New Zealand Tour, start and finish touring in Christchurch. Travel the South Island in style our fun adventure tour.

    Exploring and immersing yourself in the nature of New Zealand’s South Island. The South Island is famous for beautifully preserved natural environments with world-class national parks, stunning clifftop views, and abundant wildlife matched with the finest local produce.

    A highlight on this 9 Day South Island New Zealand Tour is the famous Tranzalpne train journey. Taking just under 5 hours, this train journey is one of the world’s most famous. The train journey starts in Christchurch first taking your over the plains of Canterbury, then as you approach Springfield you will see the Southern Alps begin to appear. Between Springfield and the township of Arthur’s Pass is where the train ride gets really epic. You will go through 15 short tunnels and four dramatic viaducts, including the 72-meter high Staircase Viaduct. You will arrive in Greymouth in time for lunch and to meet your tour guide.

    Then it’s onto Hokitika where you will learn about the shipwrecks, gold miners, and pounamu hunters. Then we head into the rainforest as we visit Franz Joseph. From here you will visit Fox Glacier, a 13-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier which is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

    Then the most fun part of our 9 Day South Island New Zealand Tour it is time for Queenstown! We spend a few days here so you can immerse yourself in the adventure, adrenaline, and beauty of this town. The perfect place to do any extreme activities, Bungy, Skydive or Jet Boat. Or book a day tour to Milford Sound and explore the Fiordlands.

    Our last days on tour are spent traveling between Queenstown and Christchurch via Mount Cook. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountains in New Zealand.

    You don’t want to miss this wonderful island! You’ll leave with a feeling that this is truly one of the world’s most special places.

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    KAKA Christchurch-Christchurch Select Tour (Twinshare)

    Adult( 18 - 99 ) From $3,061.00
    We can't confirm real time availability on this tour. Please enquire about this trip and we will get immediately back to you!

      Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Christchurch to Hokitika

      Transverse the Southern Alps on the highly regarded TranzAlpine Scenic Train. You’ll start the day by travelling through the stunning Arthur’s Pass to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth on the West Coast. Your Stray group will meet you outside the Greymouth train station. From here we’ll make our way to Hokitika, a vibrant, artistic town and the best place to buy ‘Pounamu’, a native greenstone.

      Day 2: Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

      It’s a short drive today towards the quaint village of Franz Josef. The scenery will change from serene coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest. We’ll get to Franz Josef around lunchtime so you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town or relax at your accommodation. (B)

      Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier

      Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience Fox Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just relax in the township and enjoy the views. (B)

      Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

      Mid-morning we’ll make our way to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping. We stop at Kawarau Bridge on our way into town a.k.a. the first commercial bungy jumping site in the world. If you’re feeling brave you can tick the bungy off your bucket list or if you’d prefer to just watch then you can cheer your mates on from the viewing platform! (B)

      Day 5: Queenstown

      Today you’ll hop aboard a Coach which will take you to the stunning Milford Sound. You’ll take a Cruise across this impressive Sound and see towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls as well as spotting some amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown. We recommend checking out the buzzy nightlife and many restaurants Queenstown has to offer. (B)

      Day 6: Queenstown

      Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got a full day in the adventure capital today. With beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place. (B)

      Day 7: Queenstown to Mount Cook

       

      Depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do an optional experience like a 4WD & Argo Tour or a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow capped alps and views of the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall. Alternatively you can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. If it’s a clear night, make sure you head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country. There are some incredible longer walks to do if you want to hop off the bus for a few days (we’d recommend you leave climbing Mt Cook to the experienced mountaineers though). (B)

      Day 8: Mount Cook to Christchurch

      Leaving Mount Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. We’ll stop to admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, a famous photo stop. Relax in the Tekapo hot pools, go snow tubing or ice skating (winter only) or hike up to the Mt John Observatory where you’ll witness stunning views of the lake from above. After lunch, we will continue to our overnight stop in Christchurch, a city where old meets new, as the rebuild continues following the devastating 2011 earthquake. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble.  On arrival in Christchurch, we’ll make our way to the Ibis hotel which is our accommodation for the evening.

      Highlights
      What To Bring
      Booking Info
      FAQs
      • Experience the South Island’s striking landscape as you travel on the TranzAlpine Train journey
      • Immerse yourself in NZ ‘Must Do’ – Milford Sound Day Trip including a scenic road trip and cruise in Fiordland National Park
      • Gaze at Lake Tekapo and hike in the impressive Mount Cook National Park.
      • Camera,
      • Sturdy walking shoes/boots,
      • Warm clothing,
      • Waterproof jacket,
      • Hat & Sunscreen,
      • Bathers/towel,
      • Water bottle,
      • Toiletries,
      • Motion sickness tablets,
      • Insect repellent
      • Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack
      • A basic level of fitness is required for medium-length walks
      • Accommodation at The Barn, Marahau is specialist as it is on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. All cabins are private, but facilities are shared.
      Where will I sleep on tour?

      Accommodation: High quality twin share rooms are included. You’ll stay in comfy 3-4 star hotels for most of nights and high country farm or scenic lodges close to waterfront or national park in our unique destinations. Hotel rooms are with ensuite, while shared facilities are in Strademark places.

      Accommodation Upgrade: You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a solo-occupied private room (subject to availability).

      What food is included on tour?

      Meals: A mixture of cooked and continental breakfasts are included for every morning of your tour. We’ve also included other meals here and there, be sure to check your itinerary for details

      How do we travel around New Zealand?

      Private Coach Transport. Take the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. You’ll travel by private, air-conditioned bus.

      What is the tour guide like?

      Expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide. They know every inch of this country. You can’t get this from a google search!

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