South Island Off-Grid

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The one that lets you experience the South Island like a local, for an authentic & unplugged discovery of heritage sites, retreats & adrenaline pumping activities

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

Take your time and explore in-detail each destination on this trip. Find out more

Duration

9 days
Places

8 places
Meals

6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Transport Style

Coach, Ferry & Boat
Group Size

Average 20 people
Average Group Age

18 - 35 year olds
Team

Trip Manager & Driver

Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Christchurch, Mt Cook, Glenorchy, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

8 nights

All accommodation is included on this trip

2 nights in Special Stay - Lochmara Lodge, 1 night in Hotel, 1 night in Lodge, 1 night in Special Stay - Eco Camp, 1 night in Eco Lodge, 2 nights in Hostel

This adventure is all about authentic experiences and natural beauty, which is why we've included 3 unforgettable Special Stays. From staying in a lodge framed by the Marlborough Sounds and accessed only by water taxi, to stargazing from your lodge in Mount Cook National Park, to learning about conservation at the award winning Camp Glenorchy Eco-Retreat, you'll be closer to New Zealand's spectacular scenery than ever before. When hanging in towns, we'll be staying in centrally-located hotels & hostels in the heart of the action, like the Jucy Snooze pods.

About this trip

New Zealand's south island is full of wonderful wilderness, which is why this adventure takes you off grid. Journeying into the thicketed heart of the South Island, you'll encounter unforgettable experiences every single day. Walk on a glacier, kayak in the Marlborough Sounds, learn yoga at an eco-retreat and bungy jump in Queenstown - and that's a small sample of the adventures awaiting you. This is the South Island unplugged, and it's utterly unforgettable.

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From staying at an award-winning Eco Retreat in Glenorchy to stargazing from your lodge in Mt Cook National Park, this trip boasts an incredible 5 Special Stays to bring you even closer to New Zealand's unique beauty and heritage.

Map & Itinerary

Start location
End location
Trip day
Via location
River route
Plane route

Nights spent per location

Wellington
2 2 nights
Marlborough Sounds
1 1 night
Christchurch
via via
Lake Tekapo
1 1 night
Mt Cook
via via
Arrowtown
2 2 nights
Glenorchy
2 2 nights
Queenstown

+-2 more

DAY 1 - Wellington to Marlborough Sounds

Wellington

After meeting and greeting in the compact cultural hub of Wellington this morning, we're catching the ferry to the wild and wonderful South Island.

Marlborough Sounds

It's time for our first Special Stay - only accessible by water. Lochmara Lodge is more than just a place to stay, it's a natural haven, and a unique way to experience the magic of the Marlborough Sounds. There's no road access and no TVs - just gorgeous views, nature walks, art and wildlife and, at night, clear starswept skies. Facilities include free kayaks and paddleboards, hammocks, a beach, and world famous nature trails. There's also the Underwater Observatory, where we'll get a tour from a marine biologist who will tell us all about their work to replenish fish populations of the sounds. We'll also take the sculpture and art trail along 10 acres of a 'living gallery' with mixed media art by renowned global artists.

Stay

Lochmara Lodge (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour
Take an underwater observatory tour with a marine biologist and learn about marine conservation in the Marlborough Sounds

DAY 2 - Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds

We've got a full day to explore the sounds. Go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, hike to the Queen Charlotte Sound or take the Seafood Odyssey Cruise. Featuring Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels with local Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect food and wine match, you'll also get to enjoy the beauty of the sounds as you cruise aboard a luxury launch. Bliss.

Stay

Lochmara Lodge (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Enjoy included kayaking, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and hiking from your base at Lochmara Lodge
Hike to the coastal paradise of Queen Charlotte Sound
Explore 10 acres of living gallery on the quirky outdoor sculpture and art trail at Lochmara Lodge
Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour
Hand-feed native parakeets and stingrays at Lochmara Lodge

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Take a cruise of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds while enjoying a seafood feast paired with local wine

DAY 3 - Marlborough Sounds to Christchurch

Marlborough Sounds

We're taking a quick break from nature today as we head onto Christchurch.

Christchurch

Christchurch is still recovering from the devastating 2010 earthquakes that destroyed its centre, but it remains a vibrant city steeped in its European heritage. We'll check out the local sights of this city in transition with an included tour before retiring and getting ready for our next venture into nature.

Stay

Breakfree on Cashel

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Take a guided city tour of a city in transition: Christchurch

DAY 4 - Christchurch to Mt Cook

Christchurch

Get ready for your next Special Stay in Mt Cook - but first, we have a unique stop on the agenda.

Lake Tekapo

We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, and here, we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience. You'll be blown away by this interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people originally used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of limiting light pollution.

Mt Cook

Our next Special Stay is a lodge located in Mt Cook National Park, a majestic landscape of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia's tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki (Mt Cook) soaring above at 3,724 metres. There's endless adventures to choose from today - walk some of the famed hiking trails or take a scenic flight over the glacier followed by a snow landing and glacier walk. If heights aren't your thing, take a cruise up close to the glaciers, where you to touch and taste 300-500 year old glacial crystals. As the pitch black night draws in, opt for a unique stargazing experience.

Stay

Mt Cook Lodge

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring multimedia Dark Sky Reserve experience, 13.8 billion years in the making, combining science and tātai arora (Māori astronomy)
Take a short and spectacular hike to Tasman Glacier Lake

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Fly in a plane and helicopter over the soaring peaks of majestic Mt Cook, followed by a glacier snow landing
Visit the Tasman Glacier, cruise the terminal lakes past icebergs and crystals & touch 300-500 year old glacial crystals
Make the most of the pitch black sky with a unique stargazing experience from your Mount Cook Lodge

DAY 5 - Mt Cook to Glenorchy

Mt Cook

Rise and shine! You won't want to miss our morning hike to Kea point, to watch a golden sunrise stretch over the mountains. Hungry? We've definitely earned a buffet breakfast, and we'll enjoy floor to ceiling views of Mt Cook as we dine in the Heritage Hotel.

Arrowtown

Whether or not you have any room left after breakfast, you'll be happy to know we have a quick stop off for lunch in Arrowtown, New Zealand's historic gold-mining town. A bit like a New Zealand version of the Wild West, Arrowtown is full of charming wooden-fronted shops, cafes and remnants of the goldrush era. Be sure to check out the replica miner's huts, buy some flakes of gold, wade in the river where people still go gold-panning, or buy some old-timey sweets from the Remarkable Sweet Shop on the main street.

Glenorchy

Arriving in Glenorchy we'll get a guided tour of our eco-retreat Special Stay. Nestled among some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, this place celebrates nature through buildings designed with non-toxic construction materials, native plantings, and creative touches from New Zealand artists and craftspeople. State-of-the-art technology helps to reduce water and energy use. We'll enjoy an included Kiwi BBQ dinner before turning in for the night. We've got a big day of exploration tomorrow.

Stay

Camp Glenorchy (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Take an early morning hike to Kea Point to see a golden sunrise fall over majestic Mt Cook
Eat a full buffet breakfast at the Heritage Hotel with floor to ceiling views of Mt Cook
Stop off in the charming historic goldrush settlement of Arrowtown
Eat a full buffet breakfast at the Heritage Hotel with floor to ceiling views of Mt Cook

DAY 6 - Glenorchy

Glenorchy

We've got a day to explore the great outdoors! Lucky us. Maybe start the day with some free yoga; after that the opportunities are limitless. Get the ultimate thrill with some tandem skydiving; take an e-bike tour of the Routeburn track; maybe take the safari kayak adventure and explore the islands of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps...New Zealand is the gift that keeps on giving, and we're not done yet.

Stay

Camp Glenorchy (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Start the morning with a yoga session at Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Hike part of the Routeburn Track, one of the world's top hiking trails
Take a foodie movie set or bike and hike e-bike tour of the Routeburn track Glenorchy
Take a Glenorchy kayak safari and explore the Lake Wakatipu islands in the shadow of the Southern Alps

DAY 7 - Glenorchy to Queenstown

Glenorchy

Glenorchy, it's been emotional, but we're headed to the adventure capital of the world.

Queenstown

Framed by the aptly named Remarkable Mountains, the birthplace of bungee gets the pulse racing in more ways than one. We'll take an orientation tour, and then there's a menu of adventures to choose from. So, where to start? You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horseback riding, or you may insist on cramming in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft. It's your adventure - run wild as you see fit.

Stay

Jucy Snooze

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Check out Queenstown's top adventure spots & nightlife from your centrally located Jucy Snooze hostel

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Get your adrenalin pumping with AJ Hackett's Ledge Swing with sweeping views of Queenstown

NZ$165
Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstown's skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy

NZ$205
Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

NZ$205
Paddle over Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu with Funyaks kayaking
Take an splashy adventure thrill ride on Queenstown's Shotover Jet

NZ$129

DAY 8 - Queenstown

Queenstown

With our last day (sob) in adrenaline city ahead of us, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and hurl over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Maybe conquer those niggling fears once and for all. We recommend the exhilarating Shotover Jet experience, where you can throw those hands in the air as you fly through narrow Shotover canyons at speeds of up to 85 kph. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying the beautiful wineries, cute cafes and incredible mountains is fine too!

Stay

Jucy Snooze

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Jump off the third highest bungy platform in the world at AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy in Queenstown

NZ$275
Go all out with Thrillogy - 3 of Queenstown's world class bungy jumps including the historic Kawarau Bungy, the freestyle Ledge Bungy, and the hair-raising Nevis Bungy

NZ$420
Take the swing of your life on the 300m Nevis Swing, one of the world's biggest canyon swings in Queenstown

NZ$210
Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown

NZ$189
Do a tour and tasting of a Central Otago Wine vineyard and Craft Brewery in Queenstown
Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant

NZ$85

DAY 9 - Queenstown

Queenstown

This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob) here in Queenstown, or you can take an optional transfer back to Christhurch. Hug it out with your New Zealand crew. We're sad to say goodbye, but memories of what we've experienced will put stupid grins on our faces for years to come.

Questions group

Open Are flights included in my trip?

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights to/from the destination your trip starts and ends in are not included in the cost of the trip, and must be purchased separately. You can book these independently if you want to shop around for the best quote, or through your travel agent.

Any flights you take during your Contiki are included in the cost of your trip. On certain Australian trips we use planes to get you from A to B as quickly as possible, and all of this is included.

Open What documents do I need to travel?

What documents do I need to travel?

Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter Australia & New Zealand. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa (if required) to join a trip. Visa & other entry & exit conditions such as currency, arrival/ departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations change regularly, so make sure you stay up-to-date before you travel. See here for more info: https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/immigration-and-visas
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/visit
It is also essential that you have any necessary vaccinations & comply with all laws of the countries visited.

Open What are the luggage restrictions?

What are the luggage restrictions?

On our Australia & New Zealand trips, you can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights.

Open What do the Contiki team do?

What do the Contiki team do?

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our team is what makes our trips the best. Our worldwide On-Road Team, locally based staff & network of Local Guides are all extensively trained & widely travelled, & are the best in the business. But we know it’s not just about training, it’s about passion & our team have it in their blood.
Your Trip Manager is like your walking, talking guidebook – just for you. They plan your itinerary every day, organise your food and accomodation and book your Free Time Add ons, and because they know everything about where you’re going, you will too. Your Drivers are the experts on getting you from A to B efficiently and safely in Australia & New Zealand. They know their way around like the back of their hands & they’ll drop you at your door & unload your bags for you. Local Guides provide specialist knowledge when you need it, like when you’re journeying into the bush, and will always help you avoid the tourist traps.

Open How do I redeem the % off deal?

How do I redeem the % off deal?

Our great deals and offers are only in market for a limited time are subject to pay in full deadlines. If you cannot pay in full by the specified date shown alongside the offer/deal you can still lock in the trip date of your choice at our Standard Price where normal payment terms of pay in full 45 days prior to your trip departing apply. Visit the deals page for the full terms & conditions. Discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights that start or end your trip).

South Island Off-Grid

The one that lets you experience the South Island like a local, for an authentic & unplugged discovery of heritage sites, retreats & adrenaline pumping activities

Travel Style

Duration

Places

Meals

Transport Style

Group Size

Average Group Age

Team