• Topdeck tour group posing for a photo during their tour across Mou Waho Island

Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island

Up to 15% off selected departures on this trip

Trip overview

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader.

Take 10 days of pure unadulterated Kiwi adventures and turn them into a trip of a lifetime. From the adrenalin-pumping capital of Queenstown to the jaw-dropping scenery of Franz Josef, Milford Sound and Wanaka, this is your chance to see all this great southern island has to offer – with a bunch of mates just as stoked to be here as you are. It’s time to dive in: you ready?

Worth noting…

On this trip, you’ll get two in one – your Trip Leader is also your Driver.

FYI all optionals are weather dependent.

Tales from Topdeckers

Trip itinerary

  1. Christchurch (South Island, New Zealand)

    1

    One minute you’re stuck in that boring home routine, next minute you’re landing in Christchurch, meeting a bunch of people who are 100% different but 100% the same. We’re kicking off this South Island tour with an included group dinner – swap notes on all the weird and wonderful stuff you’re planning to do. Get ready to delve into local hot spots, legendary cities and mind-blowing natural wonders. See you in the morning!

    • Meals
      • Dinner
  2. Christchurch – Kaikoura – Hamner Springs

    2
  3. Hamner Springs – Hokitika – Franz Josef Glacier Region

    3
  4. Franz Josef Glacier Region – Lake Matheson – Wanaka

    4
  5. Wanaka – Arrowtown – Queenstown

    5
  6. Queenstown

    6
  7. Queenstown – Te Anau

    7
  8. Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau

    8
  9. Te Anau – Cromwell – Lake Ohau

    9
  10. Lake Ohau – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch

    10

Your Inclusions

Activities

  • -Visit Kaikoura
  • -Visit Hokitika
  • -Stay in the scenic Franz Josef Glacier region
  • -Visit Lake Matheson
  • -Orientation of Wanaka with Trip Leader
  • -Arrow River Bridges cycle ride
  • -Orientation of Queenstown with Trip Leader
  • -Scenic cruise on Milford Sound (including lunch)
  • -Wine tasting in Central Otago region
  • -Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Accommodation

- 8 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night in a hostel (twin or double)

Transport

Air-conditioned minicoach

Your Options

FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change – prices are here to give you a rough idea.

-Whale watching in Kaikoura: prices available locally

-Visit Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: prices available locally

-Kayaking on Lake Mapourika: prices available locally

-Glacier heli-hike excursion in Franz Josef Glacier region: prices available locally

-Bungy jumping in Queenstown: prices available locally

-Gondola and luge adventure in Queenstown: prices available locally

-Jet boating in Queenstown: prices available locally

-Canyon swinging in Queenstown: prices available locally

-Skydiving in Queenstown: prices available locally

-Glow worm cave tour in Te Anau: prices available locally

-Visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: free

Other information

Optional activities 

All optional activities are subject to availability, but there’s *always* something lit to do in New Zealand! Wanna see whales IRL in Kaikōura? You’ll need to pre-book it via Your Options in the Topdeck Travel app at least two weeks before your trip starts. 

Views & reviews

Latest reviews

Average rating based on 31 reviews
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  • Anonymous October 2024

    Excellent tour, well organised with good food and accomodation for the price. Trip leader was great ☺️ would recommend to new travellers.

  • Daniel September 2024

    Tim was an excellent guide and his intricate knowledge of all components of the trip was great. Trip went for a good amount of time and accommodation was overall amazing with the exception of the last night at the ski lodge. Highly recommend this trip.

  • Anonymous July 2024
Read all 31 reviews

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