Hit the slopes of the the South Island's dominating Southern Alps, home to New Zealand's premier ski areas. And while each ski area has is own unique character, they are all framed against NZ's stunning scenic backdrops - lakes, rivers, lush green, golden plains, dense forest, and blue ocean. The air is crisp and clean, the scenery amazing and the snow wonderful - lets go! Please note, accommodation in Christchurch during the summer months is limited as a result of recent events. If you need extra nights pre or post tour, this is available on request only, and may not be guaranteed.
| Length: | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Accommodations: | Hotel as per itinerary
|
| Meals: | , Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing: | South Island, including Christchurch, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier & Queenstown |
| Transportation: | Coach |
Depart for New ZealandFly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Arrive ChristchurchArrive in Christchurch & check into the Ibis Hotel Christchurch, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Meet your fellow travelers & Tour Manager this evening.
Christchurch to Fox GlacierMeet up with your Contiki Crew & venture through the majestic Southern Alps to Hokita. Then wind down along the rugged West Coast to the spectacular Franz Josef & Fox Glacier region.
Fox Glacier to QueenstownThis morning, get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride. Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head down to Queenstown. Cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the west coast before hitting Haast Pass. Ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls give this area its unique atmosphere. There’s even more scenery changes when we cross the Southern Alps and enter the region of Otago, with its golden grasslands, cliffs and hills. Next up: Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless.
QueenstownWith four days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown in known for. Get into the alpine action and hit the slopes of some New Zealand’s best ski resorts over the next two days. Ski and board for 2 full days and explore what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Take off at your own pace or carve up the mountain with some friends. We can even organise ski equipment and lessons for you, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water. For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and 4W-driving. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail. Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.
QueenstownFree day to either test yourself on the mountain again or enjoy one of the many activities available in the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Also, last night dinner and awards night at the hotel.
Queenstown to ChristchurchOn the way out of Queenstown, we stop at the famous bungy-jumping bridge in the gorgeous Kawarau gorge. It’s home to the original AJ Hackett Bungy, the ground breaking site where the now famous bungy all started. There’s time to have a go yourself, if you’re keen. Leaving the traveller’s favourite behind, we’ll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, before travelling back through the MacKenzie country to Christchurch. The tour ends here and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
Finish ChristchurchSay a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!