• Topdeck group photo rafting

Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island

Up to 10% 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…
Heads up! This trip is a lil longer than our 2023-2024 departures. You’ll have two extra days to explore, plus a few more included experiences. Nice! Departing on 3 May, 7 May or 18 Oct? Your final night will be at Lake Tekapo instead of Lake Ohau.  On this trip, you’ll get two in one – your Trip Leader is also your Driver. 

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 things off with an included group dinner – swap notes on all the weird and wonderful stuff you’re planning to do. Get ready to delve into the South Island’s 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

What's included

Included experiences

  • - Visit Kaikoura
  • - Visit Hokitika
  • - Stay in the scenic Franz Josef Glacier region
  • - Visit Lake Matheson
  • - Orientation walk of Wanaka with Trip Leader
  • - Arrow River Bridges cycle ride
  • - Orientation walk 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

Optional activities

- 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

- Cruise on Lake Wanaka: 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

Views & Reviews

Latest Reviews

Average rating based on 4 reviews
Feefo logo
  • Renee Ko December 2023
  • Neve Wa November 2023
  • Kristina Gr November 2023

    Loved everything except The Kiwi Experience place

Read all 4 reviews

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