Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island 2025-26

Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island 2025-26

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10 Days From

$2349

Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island 2025-26

10 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch

Visiting: New Zealand

Tour operator:

Topdeck

Tour code:

TGKCC5

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

18-39

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2349

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Take 10 days of pure unadulterated Kiwi adventures and turn them into a trip of a lifetime. From the adrenalin-pumping capital of Queenstown to the jaw-dropping scenery of Franz Josef, Milford Sound and Wanaka, this is your chance to see all this great southern island has to offer – with a bunch of mates just as stoked to be here as you are. It’s time to dive in: you ready?

Highlights

  • Visit Kaikoura

  • Visit Hokitika

  • Stay in the scenic Franz Josef Glacier region

  • Visit Lake Matheson

  • Orientation walk of Wanaka with Trip Leader

  • Arrow River Bridges cycle ride

  • Orientation walk of Queenstown with Trip Leader

  • Scenic cruise on Milford Sound (including lunch)

  • Wine tasting in Central Otago region

  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch (South Island, New Zealand)

Meals Included: Dinner

One minute you’re stuck in that boring home routine, next minute you’re landing in Christchurch, meeting a bunch of people who are 100% different but 100% the same. We’re kicking off this South Island tour with an included group dinner – swap notes on all the weird and wonderful stuff you’re planning to do. Get ready to delve into local hot spots, legendary cities and mind-blowing natural wonders. See you in the morning!

Day 2: Christchurch – Kaikoura – Hamner Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the mood to see Mother Nature showing off? Say hello to Hamner Springs. But first up: B-E-A-Utiful Kaikoura. Options here = soak up the laid back atmosphere in town, take a hike around the peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for Giant Sperm Whales on a whale-watching tour, or get your butt down to one of the seafood caravans on the foreshore for some fresher-than-fresh crayfish. Fancy a spa afternoon? Once we reach Hamner Springs, make your way to its natural thermal pools. There’s 22 in total, plus the complex also hosts New Zealand’s biggest water slide: the Conical Thrill.

Day 3: Hamner Springs – Hokitika – Franz Josef Glacier Region

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’re in luck – today we’re heading to one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. En-route, we’ll make a photo stop in historic Hokitika. Head to the beach and find the quirky sculpture made by the locals. Gift a pounamu (greenstone) to your new travel BFF for good luck. Or give ‘mountain oysters’ a try (hint: Google it first). Then, it’s time to roll into the jaw-dropping Franz Josef Glacier region. Here, you can work up an appetite during an optional kayaking session on Lake Mapourika. Need somewhere for dins? Your Trip Leader’s got the recs.

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier Region – Lake Matheson – Wanaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise and shine! If the weather is good, you’ll have the chance to tour this chilly playground on an optional heli-hike. Strap on your crampons and pile into the chopper – we’ll head up to 800m above sea level to explore the maze of ice formations with an expert local guide. Then, it’s time to move on to Lake Matheson. Cue: snapping photos that’ll make your friends back home jealous AF. Later, we’ll arrive into Wanaka: a lakeside, alpine town with some ‘holy-sh*t’-worthy scenery. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your Trip Leader. After snapping endless photos of this beaut town, gather your mates for dinner. Our pick? Francesca’s Italian Kitchen for yummy wood-fired pizza.

Day 5: Wanaka – Arrowtown – Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Set the course for Arrowtown and stretch out those calves – there’s a cycle along the banks of the historic Arrow River in store for today. Venture through some ‘holy-sh*t’-worthy scenery and cross awe-inspiring suspension bridges. Then: we’ll turn our attention to the adventure capital of the world! Get the lay of the land with your Trip Leader before enjoying some free time. Opt to race your Topdeck buddies on the sky-high luge track. Or try bungy jumping and try not to stack it in front of your trip mates. Then, there’s a group dinner on us at Fergburger. Tonight you can hunker down in World Bar – with world-famous teapot cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to make a plan for your full day in Queenstown.

Day 6: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

If Queenstown had a Tinder profile it would read: fun-filled outdoor enthusiast – looking for a fellow adrenalin junkie to share adventures with. And all its pics would be of people throwing themselves off extreme heights. Swiping right? Hell yes! Skydiving. Jet boating. Canyon swinging. You want it, this place has it. And you’ve got 24 hrs to embrace it all. DW if all the above makes you want to run and hide – there’s more here than death-defying antics. Take the skyline gondola for some incred views over Lake Wakatipu. Or visit Queenstown Gardens for stunning scenes of the The Remarkables. Tonight: head to the Cookie Bar. We’re talking warm cookies, freakshakes, s’more, ice-cream...*wipes drool from chin*.

Day 7: Queenstown – Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s time for one last adrenaline rush and a final feed before we wave goodbye to Queenstown. Soak up all the incredible views racing past the coach window as we make our way to Te Anau. Stretch your legs with a walk around Ivon Wilson Park. Or keep your eyes peeled for rare tuis and kakas in the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Tonight: seek out the resident glow worms on an after-dark adventure – just ask your in-the-know Trip Leader.

Day 8: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, it’s time for a trip to the mesmerising Milford Sound. Plaster your face to the window as we take the scenic route through Fiordland National Park. Then, the main event: a cruise on the Milford fjord complete with thundering waterfalls, razor-edge cliffs and resident seals. This place is National Geographic on steroids (like Schwarzenegger steroids). Tuck into lunch on board surrounded by a view you’ll tell your children (12 cats) about for years to come. Back in Te Anau, gather your mates and explore the local haunts – your Trip Leader knows ‘em, just ask.

Day 9: Te Anau – Cromwell – Lake Ohau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fuel up with an included brekkie ‘cos it’s time to make tracks to the final overnight stop of our epic NZ South Island trip: Lake Ohau. First, there’s a wine tasting tour on the cards in Cromwell. The Central Otago town is famous for its Pinot. Prefer a cool glass of Savvie B? There’s plenty of that, too. Then, onto Lake Ohau. Nestled between towering mountains and overlooking the sparkling lake, it''s the perfect place to spend the last night of our southern expedition. We’re gonna give this trip the send-off it deserves at tonight’s final group dinner.

Day 10: Lake Ohau – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ok, nobody panic – the tour’s coming to a close. But we’re sure as hell not done yet! Lake Tekapo is calling. Add one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings to your camera roll with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd along the shoreline. Then, we’ll make tracks for Christchurch where it’s time to say goodbye. Eight days. Countless thrills, spills and good times. You embraced it all and shared the adventure with a bunch of strangers who are now like family. Reunion trip next year? 100%.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned minicoach

  • Guide

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I do in Queenstown?

    In Queenstown, you can enjoy various activities such as skydiving, jet boating, canyon swinging, taking the skyline gondola for views over Lake Wakatipu, or visiting Queenstown Gardens. You can also enjoy a group dinner at Fergburger and visit World Bar for teapot cocktails.

  • What is special about the Milford Sound cruise?

    The Milford Sound cruise offers views of thundering waterfalls, razor-edge cliffs, and resident seals. Lunch is included on board, surrounded by stunning scenery.

  • What is the significance of the Church of the Good Shepherd?

    The Church of the Good Shepherd, located along the shoreline of Lake Tekapo, is one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings.

  • What activities are available in Kaikoura?

    In Kaikoura, you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere in town, take a hike around the peninsula, go on a whale-watching tour to see Giant Sperm Whales, or enjoy fresh crayfish from the seafood caravans on the foreshore.

  • What optional activity is available at the Franz Josef Glacier?

    An optional heli-hike is available at the Franz Josef Glacier, where you can explore ice formations with an expert local guide.

  • What is included in the wine tasting tour in Cromwell?

    The wine tasting tour in Cromwell includes tasting wines from the Central Otago region, which is famous for its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

  • What kind of transport is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transport via an air-conditioned minicoach.

  • What can I do in Te Anau?

    In Te Anau, you can walk around Ivon Wilson Park, visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see rare tuis and kakas, and go on an after-dark adventure to see glow worms.

  • What is special about the Franz Josef Glacier region?

    The Franz Josef Glacier region is known for its stunning glacier. You can also participate in an optional kayaking session on Lake Mapourika.

  • What is the Arrow River Bridges cycle ride like?

    The Arrow River Bridges cycle ride involves cycling along the banks of the historic Arrow River, venturing through scenic landscapes, and crossing suspension bridges.

  • What activities are planned in Wanaka?

    In Wanaka, you will have an orientation walk with your Trip Leader and can enjoy the lakeside, alpine town's scenery. Francesca’s Italian Kitchen is recommended for dinner.

  • Is there a guide included in the tour?

    Yes, a guide is included in the tour.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Lake Matheson?

    At Lake Matheson, you can take photos of the stunning scenery, which is known for its reflective views that are perfect for photography.

  • What can I do in Hamner Springs?

    In Hamner Springs, you can visit the natural thermal pools, which include 22 pools and New Zealand's biggest water slide, the Conical Thrill.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.

  • Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?

    Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    E-Documentation will be sent

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes you can on European Tours

Reviews of this operator

Sarah, Traveller  

Road Trip USA

01-Oct-2020

"The tour leader and bus driver were exceptional at all times. The optional activities were great and catered to a lot of different people. The tour as a whole was great and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would definitely book with Topdeck again."

Tobin, Traveller  

Japan Highlights

29-Nov-2019

“Incredible experience! I had done a tour with another company in Europe so thought I knew what to expect but was blown away with my Topdeck tour. Better accommodation, such a great group of people and our trip leader was incredible. Saw so much stuff I would have missed without him. Highly recommended!”

Emily, Traveller  

Jordan & Israel

08-Aug-2019

“I felt so safe everywhere we went and would go back in a heartbeat if I could! Can't wait to make my way back to Egypt! I would recommend this to everyone, any doubt you have about Egypt or any of the Middle Eastern countries will be washed away as soon as you step off that plane!”

Axel Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

So Topdeck, you have better...

07-Apr-2024

So Topdeck, you have better not of cancelled my trip that I paid over $6000, and now I can’t even login into my own account because of some 403 Error and need permission to gain access to my account. Get it sorted out because I am not flying all the way over to Lisbon Portugal to find my reservation at the hotel has been cancelled. This is absolutely unacceptable and disgraceful. You even got my flights wrong when I went to Tokyo back in 2017 and I ended up at the wrong airport. Topdeck get your act together and sort it out. And let me back into my own account.

Jayden Urch (Google Reviewer)  

Will cancel your trip 1...

16-Sep-2023

Will cancel your trip 1 week beforehand

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Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Topdeck allows you to make 1000 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Topdeck allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topdeck, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topdeck charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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