The South Island is one of the most diverse regions of natural beauty on the planet. Our trip takes you to a huge range of natural wonders from glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines.
There are plenty of wildlife encounters along the way as well as the adrenalin rush of Queenstown and many other great activities. If it's hikes and bike rides your looking for then you won't be dissapointed as we have a heap of superb options.
- You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour
- Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury
key: B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = Upgrade available
NOTE: Itinerary mentions optional activities
Day 1: Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity. L/D U
Day 2: Optional dolphin swim or seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the Garden City then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Alps. B/D U
Day 3: Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. Lake Pukaki (can swim here) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D
Day 4: Morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B/L/D
Day 5: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the World's steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U
Day 6: Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B/L/D U
Day 7: One of the World's most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you could handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U
Day 8: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U
Day 9: Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out for those who are keen. B/L U
Day 10: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B/D
Day 11: A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet boating on the Wilkin River then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Cycle steep downhill sections through rainforest, past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast. Camp at Okuru, a world heritage area, bird life, lagoon and beach walks. B/L/D
Day 12: We are now on one of the Lonely Planets top 10 drives in the World. We head to Fox Glacier for optional guided walk or heli hike on the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. B/L/D
Day 13: Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route along the coast. Visit Bushmans Museum, Check out famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose from. B/D U
Day 14: Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast. Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding, and kayaking. Stay at same great camp. B/L/D U
Day 15: Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ's most stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle backroad route. Optional skydive or fly in an acrobatic plane. We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. B/D U
Day 16: Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle, optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak, boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe. B/L U
Day 17: Time to soak up Nelson's cafe culture and arts. Optional Sky-diving. Cycle along Queen Charlotte Drive. Travel through the Marlborough wine region. B
Trip Highlights
- Include food, camp fees, transport andamp; shared tent
- Cruise the Marlborough Sounds
- Character cities of Dunedin and Christchurch
- Infamous Mount Cook
- Adrenalin rush of Queenstown
- Chilling Glaciers
- Picturesque Abel Tasman National Park
- Natural beauty of Kaikoura
- The spectacular Milford Sounds
- Real Lord of the Rings country
- The lush vinewards and hilly pastures of Picton and Marlborough
- Cultural and historical treasures
Trip Information
Starts In: Christchurch
Ends In: Christchurch
Duration: 17 Days.
Departs: Regular departures
Group Size: max 28
Transport: Coach
Accommodation: Camping
Activity: Adventure Tour
Ages: 18+