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2026

Jan
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2027

Jan
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Jul
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2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
$1,825
US $1,346 per person

NZ: South Island (Westbound)

9 days
Start and end in Christchurch
4.6 (8 reviews)
From
$1,825
-26%
US $1,346 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

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
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Christchurch to Franz Josef

    Christchurch to Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive across Arthur's Pass and Southern Alps
    • Pounamu (greenstone) cultural tour with local Māori guide in Hokitika
    Landmarks
    Arthur's Pass
    Hokitika
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  3. Day 2

    Franz Josef

    Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier
    • Pounamu (jade) carving and pendant creation with Māori mastercraftsman
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
  4. Day 3

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive through Haast Pass
    • Stop in Wānaka

    Optional Activities

    • Kawarau Bungy Bridge jump
    • Gondola ride to Skyline restaurant for wine and dinner
    Landmarks
    Haast Pass
    Wānaka
    Kawarau Bungy Bridge
    Skyline Queenstown
  5. Day 4

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Queenstown on your own
  6. Day 5

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Wine tasting and cellar door visits in wine country
    • Bungy jumping, zip-lining and other adrenaline activities
    • Watershed Sauna session with views over Lake Wakatipu and cold plunge
    • Exclusive ski day-trip to Cardrona (during ski season - Special Departures)
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
  7. Day 6

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Adventure activities and experiences
    • Relaxation and scenic enjoyment of the region
  8. Day 7

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Queenstown to Te Anau
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Village Inn Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Milford Sound cruise (included)

    Optional Activities

    • Guided jet boat trip through Fiordland National Park via Lake Manapouri
    • Glow worm caves tour
    • Native bush cycling trails
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Fiordland National Park
    Lake Manapouri
    Itinerary Image 1
  9. Day 8

    Te Anau to Lake Ōhau

    Te Anau to Lake Ōhau
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Kingston farm visit supporting Fairlight Foundation (women in agriculture)
    • Lunch stop in Arrowtown

    Optional Activities

    • Walking tour of Arrowtown
    Landmarks
    Kingston
    Arrowtown
    Lake Ōhau
    Mt Cook
  10. Day 9

    Lake Ōhau to Christchurch

    Lake Ōhau to Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Visit to Lake Tekapo
    • Church of the Good Shepherd visit
    • Stop at Lake Pukaki
    • Stop in Geraldine
    Landmarks
    Lake Tekapo
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Pukaki
    Geraldine
    Itinerary Image 1

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services

What's Not Included

  • Flights

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.7 (6,368 reviews)
Response time
8 hours
Response rate
84%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.6
Overall rating based on 8 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.4
  • Transport
    4.7
  • Guide
    4.3
  • Accommodation
    3.9
  • Food
    4.0
  • 4.7

Sort by

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Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • Siobhan
    Siobhan4.8September 2026
    Fantastic tour! The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.
    Traveled in January 2023
  • Gabriele
    Gabriele5.0March 2026
    Led by James
    Was truly amazing, especially thanks to the lovely company of both the contiki crew and the group
    Traveled in February 2026
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you very much for your kind feedback, and for choosing to travel with us. We are pleased to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that the company of both your Contiki crew and fellow travellers made your journey even more special. It is always wonderful when a great group and supportive team come together to create such memorable moments. Thank you once again for travelling with us. We hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future.
    Show more
  • Nigel5.0March 2024
    Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way
    Traveled in February 2024
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with us from start to finish. We sincerely hope the new friendships you've made during your trip will last a lifetime. We're looking forward to the opportunity to make your next Contiki adventure even more enjoyable.
    Show more
  • Jinyoung5.0February 2024
    Get more money for activities you will not regret
    Traveled in January 2024
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thanks for joining us at Contiki. We hope you had a blast and can't wait to have you back soon.
    Show more
  • Hang3.0January 2024
    Okay. Too big of a group, mostly suit young people in early 20s, a bit rushed, more of an A to B bucket list check...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are sorry you found the group size too large to enjoy the sightseeing during the tour. Our tours are designed exclusively for 18-35-year-olds, and we try to tailor the social aspects to fit that demographic. At Contiki, we take pride in offering trips that provide all travellers an inclusive mix of cultural and social activities. Checking off bucket list items is also essential to exploring the world with us. We hope to provide you with a better experience in the future.
    Show more
  • Natalie5.0April 2023
    Such a great tour! The tour guide (Damo) and bus driver (Ollie) were such an amazing team and together they provided...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2023
  • Heidi5.0March 2023
    I loved this tour, I did it with my sister and we had a great time with each other and making new friends. The only...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2023
  • Jack4.0December 2022
    Trip was good overall. EVERYTHING was practically an add on so budget at least $1600 extra and the guide was not the...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2022

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Dates & Prices

Select departure month

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
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 30 Sep, 2026
  • From Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    12 Oct, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$1,850 per person
  • -27%
    From Thursday
    8 Oct, 2026
    To Friday
    16 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $2,028
    US$1,490 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -26%
    From Sunday
    18 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    26 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $1,825
    US$1,346 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -26%
    From Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    13 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,875
    US$1,395 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    with Eastbound Version
    View this tour
  • Instant Confirmation
    -26%
    From Wednesday
    11 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    19 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,825
    US$1,346 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    -26%
    From Thursday
    19 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,850
    US$1,373 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • -26%
    From Saturday
    21 Nov, 2026
    To Sunday
    29 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,672
    US$1,244 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    with Eastbound Version
    View this tour
  • -25%
    From Sunday
    29 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    7 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,795
    US$1,346 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    with Eastbound Version
    View this tour
  • Instant Confirmation
    -26%
    From Saturday
    5 Dec, 2026
    To Sunday
    13 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,975
    US$1,463 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    -25%
    From Sunday
    13 Dec, 2026
    To Monday
    21 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,925
    US$1,436 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Rated excellent on
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • J

    Jacqueline

    Asked on July 29th, 2026

    We are interested in your tour but we do not match your age range at all 77 and 78 years old. However we are accustomed to traveling. Is this tour possible? What would be the price for 2 at this date?

    Age Range
    Price / Availability
    • ContikiOperatorWritten July 2026

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences from 5 years old and above age restrictions. Trafalgar - Southern Spectacular is available for these dates in November 2026 at US$4,895.00 per person based in twin room: 10-Nov-2026 to 19-Nov-2026, 17-Nov-2026 to 26-Nov-2026, 24-Nov-2026 to 03-Dec-2026. Trip rates are subject to change. Optional experiences can be purchased directly from your Travel Director during the trip, using credit card.

  • A

    Ann

    Asked on April 10th, 2026

    how many people share a room? and is it mixed-gender or not

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten April 2026

      Guests sharing a multi-share room will be accommodated with a maximum of four per room, and in Queenstown, up to eight guests of the same gender may share.

  • J

    Janice

    Asked on March 10th, 2026

    Is this available to join?

    Price / Availability
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2026

      The Sweet As South Westbound tour starts in Christchurch at 08:00 AM on 19 March 2026. Because the departure is very early, we highly recommend booking a pre-night in Christchurch. An arrival at 9:00 AM on the same day would be too late for the tour start. If you miss the initial departure from Christchurch, you may need to make your own way to the next city to join the group, which we strongly advise avoiding.

  • E

    Erika

    Asked on January 11th, 2026

    I'm 37. This trip works well with my travel plans and dates is there a possibility for an exception

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten January 2026

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. However, we have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences starting from age 5, with no upper age restrictions, which may be a perfect fit for you: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold. These brands provide a wide range of tours and travel styles that cater to different interests and preferences, ensuring a memorable and comfortable journey for all ages.

  • D

    Dana

    Asked on January 11th, 2026

    Is there an option for private room?

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten January 2026

      Yes, a single room for a solo traveller is available for AUD 3,258.00. Please note that prices and availability are subject to change until your booking has been made.

  • G

    Gina

    Asked on December 27th, 2025

    can you hold a space for 48 hours for the Sweet as South (Westbound) tour 22th to 30 th of January

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2025

      We completely understand the situation with your payment account and appreciate your enthusiasm to join us. Because this departure on 22 January 2026 is considered a last-minute booking, we do require full payment at the time of booking to secure your spot. Unfortunately, we're unable to hold spaces without payment for this departure.

  • A

    Abigail

    Asked on August 2nd, 2025

    Is there an ability to upgrade rooms where we wouldn't have to share the room with other people? If so, how much would that cost?

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten August 2025

      Good news! We offer a twin room option on this tour, which allows you and your husband to have your own room on tour.

    • ContikiOperatorWritten August 2025

      This tour price is USD 1,630.00 per person, based on a twin room. Tour prices may vary and can change at any time, so the quoted price is not guaranteed until the booking is finalized.

    • 1 more answer
  • P

    Pat

    Asked on June 16th, 2025

    Do you accept this age group?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten June 2025

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences without age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold.

  • R

    Rachel

    Asked on March 18th, 2025

    I would like to reserve a spot on: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days) (15 destinations) from April 17th to April 25th.

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • R

      Rachel

      TravelerWritten March 2025

      I'm currently experiencing a problem following my previous booking attempt with another agency, which was already full. A pre-authorization has been placed on my funds, which is temporarily affecting my ability to pay.

    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      Could you confirm which room you would like to book and confirm that you're happy with the price.

    • 1 more answer
  • L

    Lawrence

    Asked on March 14th, 2025

    We would like to make certain of the rooms. We would need a bit of privacy that dormitory style does not afford.

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 8 hours.
From
$1,825
-26%
US $1,346 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

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
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 268822

  • 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 November 27th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 27th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. 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 65 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 Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" 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
    • Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

      Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
    • Your money is protected.
      TourRadar is an authorized agent of Contiki, and we handle payments so you don't have to. Payment is securely transferred to the Operator based on your departure date.
  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

    Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
  • 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.

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