New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)

9 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Experience the best of Southern New Zealand! From Christchurch to Queenstown to Lake Ōhau, it’s an adventure you won’t ever want to end. In Franz Josef you’ll hike a glacier, then it’s on to Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Take the leap on a bungy, canyon swinging - the possibilities are endless. Maybe take a day break to Milford Sound cruise ...
$2,182
From$1,782
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Experience the best of Southern New Zealand! From Christchurch to Queenstown to Lake Ōhau, it’s an adventure you won’t ever want to end. In Franz Josef you’ll hike a glacier, then it’s on to Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Take the leap on a bungy, canyon swinging - the possibilities are endless. Maybe take a day break to Milford Sound cruise past stunning waterfalls or a scenic flight over Mt. Cook!

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transport
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika

Christchurch (Ōtautahi) 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. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Sou...

Day 2: Franz Josef

This morning 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 Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a...

Day 3: Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wānaka

With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and wat...

Day 4: Queenstown

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.

Lylo (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 5: 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 exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining &...

Day 6: Queenstown

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did the...

Day 7: Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark w...

Day 8: Te Anau to Lake Ōhau via Kingston and Arrowtown

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston (Takerehaka) for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every t...

Day 9: Lake Ōhau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

We're moving on to Christchurch but not before one final stop.We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō), admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargaz...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,782
Price per day$198
Last Updated: 4/11/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
17 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$2,222
Limited
04 Jun 2025
12 Jun 2025
$1,919
Limited
02 Jul 2025
10 Jul 2025
$2,020
Limited
16 Jul 2025
24 Jul 2025
$1,980
Limited
30 Jul 2025
07 Aug 2025
$1,881
Limited
13 Aug 2025
21 Aug 2025
$1,782
Limited
27 Aug 2025
04 Sep 2025
$1,782
Limited
24 Sep 2025
02 Oct 2025
$1,980
Limited
08 Oct 2025
16 Oct 2025
$1,782
Limited

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Contiki Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
5,575
Great
833
Average
198
Disappointing
66
Terrible
77
T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

New Zealand: Sweet As South

accommodation could be better

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

New Zealand: Sweet As South

The trip was great overall. Although I thought the accommodation was to a poor standard, particularly in cleanliness. Also, the horse riding FTA was expensive for wh...

Write a Review

Other Contiki Reviews

H

Hough Maritz

Apr 2025

Written on

Real New Zealand

Something spectacular happens when you find yourself in the most beautiful corners of the earth with a whole-hearted group of Contiki travelers. Something precious, ...

S

Simon Balaguera

Apr 2025

Written on

*Personal information* review of Lima to Machu Picchu by Bus trip w/Contiki

I would recommend a sleeper bus with bunks for the overnight between for better quality of comfort for the sake of those that want to be part of this trip in the fut...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

  • Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
  • Lylo (or similar)
  • The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
  • Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
contiki-NSZADM24

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save