Spot the Peaks of Mt Cook
Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ōhau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
Carefree Travel Group
New Zealand: Sweet As South
Experience the best of Southern New Zealand! From Lake Ōhau 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.
2025 and 2026 Departure Dates Starting From $1,885 CAD
Day 1 Christchurch to Lake Ōhau via Lake Tekapo
Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! 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 (Takapō). Here 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 Ōhau
Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.
Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Dinner included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
See the Church of the Good Shepard
See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
Marvel at the Epic NZ Landscapes
We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.
Visit the Dark Sky Experience
The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
Day 2 Lake Ōhau to Te Anau via Arrowtown and Kingston
Lake Ōhau
Another day, another natural wonder to discover.
Arrowtown
We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.
Kingston
Our next 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 traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.
Te Anau
Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.
The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Breakfast included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Support Women in Agriculture MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
Free-time add on
Explore the Fiordland on a JetBoat
Enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri, step foot into ancient beach forests and learn all about this unique location among Fiordland National Park.
Expected Amount NZ$ 189.00
Free-time add on
Visit Glowworm caves
Take an evening cruise along Lake Te Anau to visit underground caves with a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools & a roaring underground waterfall. Deep inside the caves, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand.
Expected Amount NZ$ 135.00
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 (Piopiotahi) in all its glory.
Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Lylo (or similar)
Breakfast included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Cruise Milford Sound Fjord
Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city.
Lylo (or similar)
Breakfast included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Visit the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge
Check out the epic views of the valley from the world's first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
Free-time add on
Bungy Jump off Kawarau Bridge
Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown.
NZ$ 320.00
Free-time add on
Take the Canyon Swing Over Shotover River
Experience the rush of a free fall as you jump from 109 metres (360 feet) up above the Shotover River. Then break into a cable-controlled swing in an exhilarating finish to this adrenaline-pumping activity.
NZ$ 295.00
Free-time add on
Climb Waterfalls (Available Oct - Apr Departures Only)
Climb up gorges and waterfalls with your expert guiding team. This is the perfect opportunity to unleash that ultimate adventurer by abseiling down some seriously unique landscapes.
NZ$ 229.00
Free-time add on
Boogie at an Ice Bar
Take a virtual trip to the Arctic at Ice Bar, Queenstown. The entire bar is crafted purely of crystal-clear ice from the walls, furniture & statues, to the bar & even the glasses! Don your included jackets, gloves & cosy warm footwear and hit the bar for some cocktails.
NZ$ 25.00
Free-time add on
Experience Indoor Skydiving
Get oriented. Gear up. And fly at the iFly indoor skydiving. You’ll experience what it's like to skydive inside a glass tube. It almost feels real!
NZ$ 129.00
Free-time add on
Explore Queenstown on Two Wheels
A local guide will show us some hidden secrets, unveiling lots of Queenstown’s history as we go. Truly beautiful scenery incoming!
NZ$ 225.00
Day 5 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 exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Lylo (or similar)
Breakfast included
Free-time add on
Take the Nevis Bungy Jump
Turn up the action levels with & bungy jump 134 metres (440 feet) from a platform suspended across a river at Nevis Bluff. This is a truly spine-tingling experience.
NZ$ 395.00
Free-time add on
Take the Nevis Swing
Not for the faint-hearted, you’ll be blown away by this adrenaline-pumping & high velocity giant swing. At 125 metres up, speed past rock faces on this thrilling ride before swinging out into the Doolan’s Creek valley for amazing views.
NZ$ 325.00
Free-time add on
Experience the Nevis Catapult
Get ready for an insane ride on the biggest and most extreme catapult in the world! You’ll be propelled 150m up and out across the Nevis Valley, experiencing up to 3Gs of force as you reach speeds of almost 100kms an hour in 1.5 seconds flat. A hair-raising drop will have your blood pumping and you’ll be screaming for another hit!
NZ$ 295.00
Free-time add on
Experience the Nevis Thrillogy (Bungy, Swing & Catapult)
Experience everything that the Nevis Playground has to offer, this is the most ultimate of adreniline rushes and not for the faint hearted - Bungy, Swing & Catapult. As the AJ Hackett saying goes "Live More, Fear Less!"
NZ$ 805.00
Free-time add on
Take a Ride on the Shotover Jet
The world-famous Queenstown jet boat ride, Shotover Jet is the ultimate in water sports excitement, and has been thrilling millions of people since hitting the crystal clear waters of New Zealand in 1965. So hold on tight and take a spin in the iconic Big Red. Marvel as the jaw-dropping scenery passes you by while you power your way through the narrow Shotover River Canyons.
NZ$ 169.00
Free-time add on
Tour Otago's finest vineyards
A classic and fun half day wine tour visiting some of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave.
NZ$ 199.00
Free-time add on
Take the Ziptrek Zipline
Ziptek is a must-do, multi award-winning adventure ecotourism business renowned for delivering awareness & appreciation of the natural environment along with a good dose of ziplining adventure.
NZ$ 209.00
Free-time add on
Fly over the Mountains in Queenstown
Take your spirit of adventure a level above (quite literally) and fly over shores of Lake Whakatipu on a helicopter. It's a view you don't wanna miss. Please note: prices start from $330.
NZ$ 330.00
Free-time add on
Ski in Cardrona (Seasonal)
Here during the Tiki winter? This is your chance to spend a full day skiing over the beautiful mountain of Cardrona. New Zealand's largest ski slope. Grab your 1-day Ski Lift Pass (with the option to hire equipment, clothing, and getting some lessons too!). We'll take you from Queenstown and back again, so you can spend all your time on the snowy slopes. Check out our 'Dates & Pricing' to see which special departures offer the option to ski!
($)
Day 6 Queenstown
Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
Lylo (or similar)
Breakfast included
Free-time add on
Take a Kayak Trip to Paradise with Funyaks
In this full-day excursion, venture into the beautiful, untouched world known as ‘Paradise’ & made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Speed in with a jet boat ride & cruise out at your own pace in a canoe. Average standard of fitness required.
NZ$ 499.00
Free-time add on
Skydive over Lake Wakatipu
This is the perfect adventure activity for those adrenaline-junkies in the adventure capital of the world. Tandem skydive with a professional, experienced jump master & feel the rush of free fall before floating over Lake Wakitipu & the Remarkables mountain range (12,000 ft/3,657m).
NZ$ 430.00
Free-time add on
Dine at the Skyline Restaurant
With a cable car ride up to the Skyline restaurant, you can take in the stunning views of Queenstown & the surrounding mountains. Then, enjoy panoramas & the night lights of the town below as you feast on a large buffet meal & enjoy some live entertainment.
NZ$ 142.00
Day 7 Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
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.
Wānaka
Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, 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
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), 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
Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), 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?
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Discover Wānaka
A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Drive through the Show-Stopping Haast Pass
Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
Day 8 Franz Josef
Franz Josef
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 Māori 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.
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Breakfast included
Free-time add on
Go Kayaking On Glacial Waters
All kayaking gear is provided before you get out onto Lake Mapourika & enjoy three hours of gentle exercise while marvelling at panoramic views of the surrounding mountains & glaciers.
NZ$ 135.00
Free-time add on
Check Out Glaciers on a Heli Ride
Take in sweeping aerial views of this area of spectacular natural beauty before getting up close to this icy formation with a glacier landing. Flight covers Franz Josef Glacier and is 20min in length.
NZ$ 330.00
Free-time add on
Travel to Franz Josef Glacier by Helicopter and Hike on a Glacier
'One stop shopping' with a short helicopter flight onto Franz Josef Glacier followed by two hours of exploring this spectacular natural wonder on foot. You'll be fully kitted out on the ice as your Local Guide gives you the low-down on how the glacier was formed.
NZ$ 799.00
Free-time add on
Make Your Own Pounamu Pendant
Carve your own Pounamu (Jade) pendant using traditional Māori methods with a master carver.
NZ$ 104.00
Free-time add on
Get off the Beaten Path at the Franz Josef Glacier
Single or double squad bike? Or maybe even an adventure buggy. Whatever you choose, ride through the Jurassic rainforest with the backdrop of the spectacular Southern Alps. Best part? You’ll get some cool included photos too!
NZ$ 210.00
Free-time add on
Skydive over the Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Jump into the incredible scenery of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier. Feel the freefall hitting your skin. Why would you ever wanna miss out on this…
NZ$ 429.00
Day 9 Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Franz Josef
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 meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people.
Arthur's 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.
Breakfast included
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Learn about Pounamu with a Local Māori Guide MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Ready for the wildest adventure of your life? New Zealand is calling.
Categories:escorted and guided vacations
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"New Zealand: Sweet As South"
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