New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
$1665
New Zealand: Sweet As South | Westbound | Oct 2024 - Oct 2025
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Ōhau, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NSZADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island with the "Sweet As South" tour. This westbound adventure takes you from Christchurch to the breathtaking landscapes of Franz Josef, Queenstown, and beyond. Discover the cultural significance of greenstone with a local Maori guide in Hokitika, and cruise the serene waters of Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the thrill of a bungy jump in Queenstown, explore the charming gold mining town of Arrowtown, and marvel at the starry skies over Lake Tekapo. With comfortable accommodations and scenic coach travel, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Optional activities like heli rides and Pounamu carving add a personal touch to your New Zealand experience. Join us for a journey that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere Via Arthur's Pass And Hokitika
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Christchurch (Ōtautahi) 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 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. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the island’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and that’s saying something). We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), 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
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning 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.
Day 3: Franz Josef To Queenstown Via Haast And Wānaka
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.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 towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.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.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown (Tāhuna)! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.
Day 5: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out ‘Dates & Pricing’ to see these "Special Departures".
Day 6: Queenstown
Location: 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 Via Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
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 (Piopiotahi) 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 Ōhau Via Kingston And Arrowtown
Location: Lake Ōhau
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 (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. We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading onto Lake Ōhau. 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 Ōhau (Ōhau), with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!
Day 9: Lake Ōhau To Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're moving on to Christchurch but not before one final stop.We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō), 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.
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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.
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.
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.
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)8 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Christchurch: What's the diff between Eastbound & Westbound? The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef. For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau.Christchurch: Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting? Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings.Christchurch: Can I book a twin-share room on this trip? Yep, you’ll be able to book a private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person.
Included Experience
Hokitika: 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 Maori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Maori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.Wanaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.Milford Sound: 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.Te Anau: 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.Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown.Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Maori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Hokitika where you will meet with a local Maori guide to learn about the connection between greenstone (Pounamu) and the Maori people. Additionally, in Franz Josef, you have the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu pendant under the guidance of a Maori master craftsman.
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What kind of activities can I expect in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can experience the thrill of the world's first bungy jump at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge. There are also options for skydiving, ziplining, and exploring wine country. During ski season, you can opt for a ski day-trip to Cardrona.
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What is the Milford Sound experience like?
The Milford Sound experience includes a cruise along the glassy waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site, allowing you to take in the stunning combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs, and deep dark waters.
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How does the tour support local communities?
The tour supports local communities by visiting a local farm in Te Anau that works with the Fairlight Foundation to advance women in agriculture. A donation is made on behalf of every traveler who visits the farm.
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What is the Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo?
The Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo is a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science, and traditional Maori astronomy. It provides insights into how the Maori people used the stars for navigation and harvests, and highlights the importance of reducing light pollution.
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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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