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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

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Ultimate South Island Adventure

14 days
Start and end in Christchurch
4.9
647 traveler reviews

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
Active
Thrilling adventures designed to keep you moving
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
High Intensity
Travelers should be in very good physical condition and expect continuous demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 3 - 14
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch to Kaikoura

    Start point
    Christchurch International Airport (CHC), Durey Rd., Christchurch, Canterbury 8053, New Zealand (Main entrance)
    Meals
    Lunch (Picnic lunch at Gore Bay), Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic coastal drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura
    • Picnic lunch at Gore Bay
    • Exploration of rugged coastline
    • Walking to viewpoint to observe fur seals at Kaikoura
    Landmarks
    Gore Bay
    Kaikoura
  2. Day 2

    Kaikoura to Blenheim

    Meals
    Lunch (Picnic lunch)

    Included Activities

    • Scenic coastal drive from Kaikoura to Blenheim
    • Wine tasting at Forrest Estate Winery
    • Picnic lunch
    Landmarks
    Forrest Estate Winery
  3. Day 2

    Rotoiti Circuit Hike

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike Rotoiti Circuit from Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut through beech forest
    • Water taxi return from Lakehead Hut to Saint Arnaud
    Landmarks
    Nelson Lakes National Park
    Lake Rotoiti
    Lakehead Hut
  4. Day 2

    Angelus Circuit Hike

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike Angelus Circuit from Saint Arnaud through beech forest to Lakehead Hut
    Landmarks
    Nelson Lakes National Park
    Lake Rotoiti
    Lakehead Hut
  5. Day 2

    Day 2

  6. Day 4

    Saint Arnaud to Punakaiki

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Journey across Southern Alps to West Coast
    • Travel to Punakaiki village
    Landmarks
    Southern Alps
    West Coast, New Zealand
    Punakaiki
  7. Day 5

    Punakaiki to Franz Josef

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons
    • Visit Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki
    • Explore Hokitika
    • Visit local art galleries in Hokitika
    • Visit pounamu-carving workshops in Hokitika
    Landmarks
    Inland Pack Track
    Pancake Rocks
    Hokitika
    Franz Josef
    Southern Alps
  8. Day 6

    Franz Josef

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Kiwi roast dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Sea kayaking in Okarito lagoon
    • Wildlife viewing including native white herons
    • Optional walking or hot tub relaxation at Franz Josef

    Optional Activities

    • Additional walk from Franz Josef
    Landmarks
    Okarito
    Okarito Lagoon
  9. Day 7

    Franz Josef to Makarora

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike to Alex Knob or Terminal Face trail near Franz Josef Glacier
    • Alternative hike around Lake Matheson and Blue Pools if weather inhibits glacier hikes
    • Travel from Franz Josef to Makarora through scenic coastal forest

    Optional Activities

    • Heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier with helicopter transport, crampons, and glacier guide (extra fee applies)
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Fox Glacier
    Lake Matheson
    Blue Pools
    Haast Pass
    Mt Aspiring National Park
    Makarora
  10. Day 8

    Makarora to Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Included Activities

    • Hike Rocky Mountain track circuit through glaciated terrain
    • Lunch in Wanaka
    • Journey over Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown
    Landmarks
    Rocky Mountain Track
    Wanaka
    Cardrona Saddle
    Lake Wakatipu
    Queenstown
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 9

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • Horse trekking
    • Gondola ride
    • Kayaking
    • Fishing
    • Winery tours
    • Hang gliding
    • Mountain biking
    • Bungy jumping
    • Jet boating
    • Skydiving
    • Hiking
    Landmarks
    Queenstown
  12. Day 10

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive around Lake Wakatipu
    • Hike portion of Kepler Track through mountain beech forest and along Waiau River
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    The Remarkables
    Te Anau
    Kepler Track
    Waiau River
    Lake Te Anau
  13. Day 11

    Te Anau to Milford Sound and back to Te Anau

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound
    • Morning boat cruise on Milford Sound
    • Waterfall viewing from cruise
    • Lunch
    • Hike portion of Routeburn Track with views of Hollyford Valley, Lake Marian, and Mt Christina

    Optional Activities

    • Wildlife viewing opportunity for fur seals and dolphins during boat cruise
    Landmarks
    Fiordland National Park
    Homer Tunnel
    Milford Sound
    Routeburn Track
    Hollyford Valley
    Lake Marian
    Mt Christina
    Tasman Sea
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  14. Day 12

    Queenstown to Mackenzie Country

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive through Lindis Pass
    • Bike Alps to Ocean Trail around Lake Pukaki with Mount Cook views
    • Bike through Mackenzie Country farmland to Twizel
    Landmarks
    Lindis Pass
    Lake Pukaki
    Aoraki Mount Cook
    Mackenzie Country
    Twizel
    Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
    Southern Alps
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  15. Day 13

    Mackenzie Country

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebratory dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Hike to Mueller Ridge above Mueller Glacier with glacier and peak views OR hike to glacial lake with icebergs at base of Hooker Glacier
    • Celebratory dinner at accommodation
    • Sunset viewing over Southern Alps
    Landmarks
    Aoraki Mount Cook
    Mueller Glacier
    Mueller Ridge
    Hooker Glacier
    Southern Alps
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  16. Day 14

    Mackenzie Country to Christchurch

    End point
    Christchurch International Airport (CHC), Durey Rd., Christchurch, Canterbury 8053, New Zealand (Main entrance)
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Included Activities

    • Drive from Mackenzie Country to Christchurch
    Landmarks
    Christchurch
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Transport
4.9
(2,679 reviews)

Number of tours

51

Age Range

6 to 99 years old

Response time

2 hours

Response rate

25%

Our aim is to share with you the grandeur of the outdoors, the joy of...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.9
Overall rating based on 647 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    5.0
  • Transport
    4.6
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.5
  • Food
    4.6
  • 4.9

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  • L
    December 3rd, 2022
    5
    Well organized trip with great guides that hit many of the highlights of the South Island, which deserves its...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2022
  • A
    June 4th, 2014
    5
    Combining the Kauri and Rimu trips for a month long adventure in New Zealand was the perfect choice!
    Traveled in March 2014
  • A
    April 5th, 2016
    4
    As a keen hiker turned tramper Active Adventures certainly helped me discover and explore 'Shangri-la' and I feel...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2016
  • A
    November 18th, 2013
    5
    My husband and I had such a great time on the Rimu trip. I truly believe we saw all of the highlights of the South...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2013
  • A
    November 23rd, 2013
    5
    I didn't want it to end!!! New Zealand is an amazing country, and the best way to experience the most you can in two...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2013
  • A
    November 24th, 2013
    5
    Every night I went to bed thinking it wasn't possible to be any more stunned by the scenery and diversity of New...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2013
  • A
    November 25th, 2013
    5
    Active did an excellent job encompassing the full flavor of the South Island. I really feel I saw it all. The variety...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2013
  • A
    November 29th, 2013
    5
    Our Rimu trip was incredible. We got lucky with amazing weather for all of our activities (even the rain in Milford...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2013
  • A
    January 12th, 2013
    5
    The Rimu trip was awesome! Great variety, great activities, great guides.
    Traveled in November 2013
  • A
    March 12th, 2013
    5
    This has to be one of my all time trips of a lifetime. The tour was extremely well organised, the places visited were...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2013

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • V

    Vanessa

    Asked on August 28th, 2024

    Is £5699+854 the price for a solo traveller?

    Price / Availability
    Single supplement
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten August 2024

      This departure will only have the 'Comfort' option available and the trip cost is EUR 6,899 per person. If you are looking to upgrade to a single supplement the trip cost is EUR 8,799.

  • T

    Tony

    Asked on January 6th, 2024

    looking around a sept to oct time frame for trip. I will be traveling alone, is there a single supplement additional charge? cost of heli hike on day 7? cost of option b on day 2-4? just to clarify, on hikes, remaining gear is transported to next destination

    Single supplement
    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten January 2024

      Traveling alone is not a problem, and we do not charge a single supplement if you're happy to share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender. The price for the heli-hike is US$499 + tax, there is no cost for Option B - It is the same regardless of which option you choose for days 2-4.

    • T

      Tony

      TravelerWritten January 2024

      thanks...but it does sound like there is a single supplement if one does not want to share a room. What is that charge please? and please confirm the transport of gear to next spot on days hiking.

    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten January 2024

      The single supplement for the 'Ultimate South Island Adventure' is US$1799 + tax. Your luggage is transported for you from place to place. However, if you chose to do the 'Backcountry' option for Days 2-4, you will need to carry a larger trekking pack with what you would need for those few days plus a small share of the food - Your main luggage would be stored.

    • T

      Tony

      TravelerWritten February 2024

      No. I need to meet people in Dunedin on 15 October. Any other suggestions? I'm willing to explore north island as well but do not want to spent too much time in bus and want to walk or hike or? And nicer accommodations.

    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten February 2024

      How about our Ultimate North Island Adventure, that runs from Sep 24 - Oct 4?

    • T
      4 more answers
  • A

    Amelia

    Asked on November 8th, 2023

    are all the hellecopter rides included

    Tour Details
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten November 2023

      The Heli-Hike is an optional extra which you are welcome to add on. The cost is US $499 + tax. This can be added at time of booking only.

    • A

      Amelia

      TravelerWritten November 2023

      on the day 7 of the for the helicopter ride it does not say anything about an extra cost i was thnnking it was part of the tour

    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten November 2023

      The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only. Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).

    • A
      2 more answers
  • A

    Amanda

    Asked on June 18th, 2023

    What is the average length of the hikes

    Tour Details
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten June 2023

      the lengths of our hikes vary depending on the day and which hiking option you choose. I have included our trip itinerary which outlines the hiking distances each day. The itinerary also has an FAQ section at the end which also helps clarify some of our most common questions.

  • G

    Gregory

    Asked on February 18th, 2023

    Do I have to pay taxes to join the New Zealand tour

    Price / Availability
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten February 2023

      All NZ tours are subject to government Goods and Services Tax. This 15% tax is added to the retail price of this tour.

  • C

    Chelsea

    Asked on January 3rd, 2023

    Is this combination common with other travellers and can you provide transport between Christchurch to Aukland?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • C

      Chelsea

      TravelerWritten January 2023

      We reviewed the Itinerary more closely to realise that the hiking distances everyday would be beyond us.

    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten January 2023

      Yes, it is possible to combine both the North and South Island tours. We have scheduled our North Island departures to line up with the beginning and end dates of our South island tours to allow the flexibility to book both islands.

    • 1 more answer
  • J

    Jade

    Asked on November 23rd, 2022

    Is this tour suitable for someone who is 70 years old?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten November 2022

      Many of our travellers are 70 years old and they absolutely love this itinerary. If you have a moderate level of fitness and enjoy hiking then this trip is perfect. We have lots of flexibility and guests can hike at their own pace.

  • G

    Glenn

    Asked on November 9th, 2022

    Is my trip on 13th of february (Ultimative South Island) surely taking place? I don't see any reviews from the last months. May be, that you have to cancel it because there are not yet enough people joining that trips?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten November 2022

      Your trip is a full departure and will run as scheduled. Recent reviews have not been published because we have not run this trip over the past 2 years due to the pandemic. We have resumed running this tour and we'll be in full swing by the time your trip departs.

  • J

    Jeffrey

    Asked on September 21st, 2022

    Is the 16th of January 2023 available? What kind of transport do you use for this tour?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten September 2022

      There is space for 2 travellers on 16 January 2023 and this trip is also a confirmed departure. We use a small mini-bus for transport from one location to another. The bus is roomy but small enough for lots of guide and guest interaction.

  • T

    Theresa

    Asked on February 10th, 2022

    I am really exited to do this trip, but there are some more questions: 1. What is the average age of people doing this journey in Februar? 2. Can I use an electric bike on the bike-tour? 3. How much would be the amount to pay for a Single room, when possible? 4. What do I have to pay, if NZ closes again because of Covid?

    Age Range
    Payments
    Single supplement
    Transport
    • Active AdventuresOperatorWritten February 2022

      1. The average age range on this trip is between 50-70 years old and we usually have a diverse range of people who join this trip. 2. No, we don't have electric bikes available for the biking section. The biking we classify as easy to moderate riding that is fully vehicle supported making it easy to go at your own pace and or stop whenever you would like. 3. Depending on which currency you prefer to pay in here are the prices for a single room: USD$1,399 plus tax, EU€1249 plus tax. 4. Full payment is required 90 days prior to the trip departing. If NZ borders close due to Covid, you can switch your departure date to any date in the future. The deposit is non-refundable but other funds will be refundable as per standard booking conditions. We don't anticipate borders closing being an issue as borders are set to open to all international travels in Oct 22.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Active Adventures with your enquiry, they usually respond in less than 2 hours.

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 171905

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of $500 is required to confirm your booking with Active Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 90 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Active Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Active Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Your New Zealand Adventure
  • Introduction to Active Adventures
Your New Zealand Adventure

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec