From Christchurch: 9-Day New Zealand South Island Tour - Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka & Franz Josef

Depart from Christchurch
and explore the South Island over 9 days

On the first evening, meet your guide and group in Christchurch for a welcome meeting. The city was rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake, and you can see unique architecture such as the Cardboard Cathedral. The next day, enjoy a guided city tour of Christchurch before starting your South Island journey.

See the Church of the Good Shepherd and the night sky at Lake Tekapo

Arrive at Lake Tekapo, a designated Dark Sky Reserve, and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd set against the blue lake and mountains. Weather permitting, enjoy stargazing after dark, and choose optional activities such as Tekapo Springs or a summit experience. Early on day 3, you can optionally hike Mt John for views of the Southern Alps.

Enjoy Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka

Travel through the tussock lands and snowy peaks of the Mackenzie Basin to Queenstown, stopping at Kawarau Gorge on the way (bungy jumping is optional). Stay two nights in Queenstown and spend a free day choosing activities such as paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, bungy jumping, a Milford Sound day trip, a Lord of the Rings 4WD tour or winery visits.

On day 5, stop at the gold-rush town of Arrowtown, then cross the Crown Range to Wanaka. The next morning, explore Wanaka freely by cycling along the lake, cruising to Mou Waho Island or visiting the Wanaka Tree.

Cross Haast Pass to Franz Josef

After stopping at the Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea lookout, pass the waterfalls of Haast Pass and the coastline to arrive in Franz Josef village. On day 7, carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant at a local gallery and learn about its cultural significance to Maori. Glacier lake kayaking is an optional activity.

On day 8, travel north along the West Coast, see kiwi in the nocturnal house at a kiwi centre, cross Arthur's Pass and return to Christchurch in the evening for a farewell evening with your group. The tour ends on the morning of day 9.

※ Stargazing depends on the weather.
※ Optional activities cost extra.