New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NSZADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Sweet as South" tour, starting in Christchurch and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island from October 2024 to October 2025. This tour offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene natural beauty. Highlights include a cruise on the stunning Milford Sound, a visit to the picturesque lake town of Wanaka, and the chance to experience the world's first bungy jump in Queenstown. You'll also explore the glacial waters of Lake Ohau, the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, and the mesmerizing Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo. With a mix of cultural insights, thrilling excursions, and awe-inspiring scenery, this tour promises an adventure of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Christchurch what's up? New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on.
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art.
We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Maori 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 jewelery.
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier To Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago. Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, 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. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We hit the ground running because tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola, to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
Day 5: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveler 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 guy that crams in a bungy jump and a skydive & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Day 6: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 7: Queenstown To Te Anau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of 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 in all its glory. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating 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.
Day 8: Te Anau To Lake Ohau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston 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 traveler 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. Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown - a historic gold mining town where we'll tuck into a gold standard lunch. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!
Day 9: Lake Ohau To Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important. And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.
What's Included
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Wanaka
Stop in the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.
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Queenstown
Get your adrenaline pumping on the world's first, and some would say most famous, Bungy Jump.
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Milford Sound
Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You’ll see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Lake Ohau
See the peak of Mt Cook/Aoraki from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau.
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Lake Tekapo
See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. And get that iconic Insta pic.
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Hokitika
Meet with a local Maori Guide to learn about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Maori people.
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Franz Josef Glacier
Take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier with a heli ride or carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman.
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Te Anau
Visit a local farm to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as heli ride over Franz Josef Glacier, carving your own Pounamu pendant, bungy jumping, skydiving, and jet boat trip in Te Anau.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Christchurch are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers at the start and end of the tour are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel across New Zealand's South Island in a comfortable coach, making scenic stops along the way, including Haast Pass, Wanaka, and Milford Sound, ensuring a smooth and picturesque journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations including the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef, Lylo in Queenstown, The Village Inn Hotel in Te Anau, and Lake Ohau Lodge, offering a mix of cozy lodges and hotels with stunning views.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can experience a variety of activities including bungy jumping at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, skydiving, and exploring wine cellars and caves. You can also take a gondola ride to dine at the Skyline restaurant.
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes meeting with a local Maori Guide in Hokitika to learn about the connection between greenstone and the Maori people, and the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman.
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What kind of natural attractions will I see on this tour?
You will see a variety of natural attractions including the Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Lake Ohau with views of Mt Cook, and Lake Tekapo with its church and snow-capped peaks.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available such as a heli ride over Franz Josef Glacier, carving your own Pounamu pendant, bungy jumping, skydiving, and a jet boat trip in Te Anau.
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What kind of support does the tour provide to local communities?
The tour supports the Fairlight Foundation in Te Anau, which works to advance women in agriculture. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveler who visits the farm.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation includes stays at places like the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef, Jucy Snooze in Queenstown, The Village Inn Hotel in Te Anau, and Lake Ohau Lodge.
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What is the significance of the Pounamu (jade) pendant activity?
Pounamu is sacred to the Maori people, and carving your own pendant under the guidance of a Maori mastercraftsman is a great way to learn about its cultural significance while creating a beautiful piece of jewelry.
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What kind of experiences are included in Milford Sound?
In Milford Sound, you will take an included cruise to experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, which is the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.
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What can I expect on the final day of the tour?
On the final day, you will visit the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, enjoy a Dark Sky experience that combines stargazing, science, and traditional Maori astronomy, and then the tour will end in Christchurch.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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