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'Sweet as' South

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310 reviews
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The one that uncovers the spellbinding south island, on an eye-widening 9-day adventure

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

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

  • Duration

    9 days

  • Places

    12 places

  • Meals

    8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

  • Transport Style

    Coach

  • Group Size

    Average 45 people

  • Team

    Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Haast Pass, Hokitika, Arthurs Pass

'Sweet as' South

7 Inclusions

Experiences that are included with your trip

  • See the peak of Mt Cook from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau
  • See the historic Church of the Good Shepard
  • Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo & Geraldine
  • Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
  • Cruise the glassy waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound
  • Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge
  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

24 Free Time Add-Ons

Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip

  • Grand Traverse Scenic Flight NZ$340
  • Cruise Fiordland National Park on a guided jet boat trip followed by an optional cycle ride
  • Be awed by the magical twinkle of the Te Anau glowworm caves NZ$98
  • Group Photograph NZ$19
  • Queenstown Wine Trail
  • Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown NZ$189
  • Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant NZ$85
  • Canyon Swing NZ$215
  • Funyaks NZ$359
  • Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstown's Ice Bar experience NZ$20
  • Canyon Fox NZ$150
  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown NZ$205
  • Jump off the third highest bungy platform in the world at AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy in Queenstown NZ$275
  • Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstown's skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy NZ$205
  • 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
  • Get your adrenalin pumping with AJ Hackett's Ledge Swing with sweeping views of Queenstown NZ$165
  • Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning NZ$199
  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown NZ$205
  • Glacier Country Kayaks NZ$115
  • Across Country Quad Bikes NZ$160
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing From NZ$245
  • Helihike NZ$439
  • Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant using traditional Māori methods with a master carver at Franz Josef

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 8 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    7 nights in Lodge, 1 night in Hotel

    Throughout your trip you’ll be getting your beauty sleep in cosy, warm beds in multi-share rooms, plus the chance to stay in funky sleeping pods that can be completely enclosed for sleeping and chilling out. Your accommodation will always be located in the heart of the action, with communal areas for you and your new best friends to relax and socialise.

About this trip

Experience the best of South! From Lake Ohau to Queenstown to Christchurch - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Try bungy, or you can opt to take a stunning Milford Sound cruise. In Franz Josef you'll hike a glacier before your tour ends in Christchurch.

Buy With Confidence

  • Only $99 deposit to book*

    For a limited time, reserve your space now with a deposit of only $99, pay the rest 45 days before departure

  • Pay over time, interest free

    Can't pay in full? We've got you covered with our Part Pay Program

  • No booking fee, no change fees

    Change your travel dates or even your trip for free

  • Financing available with UpLift

    Book now, pay later when you're eligible for Uplift

Map & Itinerary

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

Nights spent per location

  1. Christchurch

  2. via via

    Lake Tekapo

  3. 1 1 night

    Lake Ohau

  4. via via

    Arrowtown

  5. 1 1 night

    Te Anau

  6. via via

    Milford Sound

  7. 4 4 nights

    Queenstown

  8. via via

    Wanaka

  9. via via

    Haast Pass

  10. 2 2 nights

    Franz Josef Glacier

  11. via via

    Hokitika

  12. via via

    Arthurs Pass

  13. Christchurch

+3 more

DAY 1 - Christchurch to Lake Ohau via Lake Tekapo

Christchurch

Christchurch what's up? New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on.

Lake Tekapo

We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Here (from October 2020) we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution.

Lake Ohau

Onto Lake Ohau, with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.

Stay

Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • See the peak of Mt Cook from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

  • See the historic Church of the Good Shepard

  • Stop at Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo and Geraldine

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Grand Traverse Scenic Flight

    NZ$340

DAY 2 - Lake Ohau to Te Anau via Arrowtown

Lake Ohau

Another day, another natural wonder to discover.

Arrowtown

We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Te Anau.

Te Anau

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park? From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's an exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Stay

The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Cruise Fiordland National Park on a guided jet boat trip followed by an optional cycle ride

  • Be awed by the magical twinkle of the Te Anau glowworm caves

    NZ$98

DAY 3 - Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound

Te Anau

It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. 
 

Milford Sound

Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory. 

Queenstown

Later, we head to our home for the night in Queenstown.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Cruise the glassy waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound

DAY 4 - Queenstown

Queenstown

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Group Photograph

    NZ$19

  • Queenstown Wine Trail

DAY 5 - Queenstown

Queenstown

With our last day in adrenalin 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. Jump into #NOREGRETS spirit and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown

    NZ$189

  • Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant

    NZ$85

  • Canyon Swing

    NZ$215

  • Funyaks

    NZ$359

  • Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstown's Ice Bar experience

    NZ$20

  • Canyon Fox

    NZ$150

DAY 6 - Queenstown

Queenstown

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

    NZ$205

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

    NZ$275

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

    NZ$205

  • 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

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

    NZ$165

  • Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning

    NZ$199

DAY 7 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wanaka & Haast Pass

Queenstown

Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. But before we do, bridge bungy jump, anyone?

Wanaka

Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.

Haast Pass

Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Hasast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.

Franz Josef Glacier

Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef, home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

    NZ$205

DAY 8 - Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Glacier Country Kayaks

    NZ$115

  • Across Country Quad Bikes

    NZ$160

  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing

    From NZ$245

  • Heli Hike

    NZ$439

  • Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant using traditional Māori methods with a master carver

DAY 9 - Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch via Hokitika & Arther's Pass

Franz Josef Glacier

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.

Hokitika

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

Arthurs Pass

Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

Christchurch

Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). NZ - you've been real.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

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Just wasn’t for me- very much focused on partying. I think I was hoping for a tour that was more focused on hiking and wilderness. Some of the stops that are mentioned on the itinerary are only toilet breaks, which I felt was misleading and disappointing. Therefore never saw these areas on foot or for an afternoon for a hike. (Arthur’s pass & Haast pass/ Wanaka lake). The main event of the tour was 4 nights at Queenstown, which was probably one or two nights too much for me, as it’s very much a tourist town. I think I was so disappointed because I had travelled such a long way to visit, hopefully someone with a similar mind set will not make the same mistake from my review!! Joanna
Travelling to NZ was the trip of a life time and can not wait to go on the next one! The trip itself was so well organised and the recommendations were really helpful! I loved all the activities that were suggested but couldn’t do them all
The trip was perfect, everything was organised for me I didn’t have to do anything. Meg P was awesome and managed to make our trip great considering all of the obstacles we faced! Would definitely recommend to friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions group

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).