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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

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From
$1,585
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NZ: South Island (Eastbound)

9 days
•
Start and end in Christchurch
4.6 (8 reviews)
From
$1,585
26% off
US $1,179 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $59
Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
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May
Jun
Jul
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2027

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Feb
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May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Adventure & Adrenaline
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Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Ages 18-35

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Christchurch to Lake Ōhau

    Christchurch to Lake Ōhau
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Classic Kiwi family-style dinner with lakeside views and mountain scenery)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
    • Lakefront walk and scenic stop at Lake Tekapo
    • Family-style dinner with lakeside views at Lake Ōhau
    Landmarks
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo
    Lake Ōhau
    Mt. Cook
  3. Day 2

    Lake Ōhau to Te Anau

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

    Included Activities

    • Travel through Lindis Pass
    • Stop in Arrowtown (historic gold mining town)
    • Farm visit in Kingston to support Fairlight Foundation

    Optional Activities

    • Guided jet boat trip from Te Anau through Lake Manapouri to Fiordland National Park
    • Glow worm caves trip
    Landmarks
    Lindis Pass
    Arrowtown
    Kingston
    Lake Manapouri
    Fiordland National Park
  4. Day 3

    Te Anau to Queenstown

    Te Anau to Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Included cruise of Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Queenstown
  5. Day 4

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (All-you-can-eat pizza feast at Winnies - Queenstown's iconic spot with ski-lodge vibes, cosy fireplace, and retractable roof)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Kawarau Bungy Bridge

    Optional Activities

    • Bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge
    • Other activities available as Free Time Add-Ons (to be booked with Trip Manager)
    Landmarks
    Kawarau Bungy Bridge
  6. Day 5

    Queenstown

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

    Optional Activities

    • Wine tasting in wine country and local cellar doors
    • Bungy jump
    • Zipline
    • Session at Watershed Sauna with views over Lake Wakatipu and cold plunge opportunity
    • Other adrenaline activities
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
  7. Day 6

    Queenstown

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

    Optional Activities

    • Bungy jump and other adrenaline activities
    • Gondola ride to Skyline restaurant for wine and dinner at the highest restaurant in Queenstown
    Landmarks
    Skyline Queenstown
  8. Day 7

    Queenstown to Franz Josef

    Queenstown to Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Stop in Wānaka
    • Travel through Haast Pass (Tioripatea)
    Landmarks
    Wānaka
    Haast Pass
    Franz Josef
  9. Day 8

    Franz Josef

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

    Optional Activities

    • Heli ride over Franz Josef Glacier
    • Carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant under tuition of a Māori mastercraftsman
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
  10. Day 9

    Franz Josef to Christchurch

    Franz Josef to Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Hokitika with local Māori guide about Pounamu (greenstone) history and cultural significance
    • Travel across Arthur's Pass

    Optional Activities

    • Pounamu spotting along the river
    Landmarks
    Hokitika
    Arthur's Pass

Want to read it later?

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

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.7 (6,388 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
96%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

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

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  • Siobhan
    Siobhan4.8•September 2026
    Fantastic tour! The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.
    Traveled in January 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. It is great to read that you enjoyed the tour and had the opportunity to experience some memorable sights along the way. We are also pleased to know that you found your Trip Manager friendly and knowledgeable, helping to make your journey an enjoyable one. We truly appreciate your kind comments and thank you for choosing to travel with us.
    Show more
  • Gabriele
    Gabriele5.0•March 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
  • Nigel5.0•March 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
  • Jinyoung5.0•February 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
  • Hang3.0•January 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
  • Natalie5.0•April 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
  • Heidi5.0•March 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
  • Jack4.0•December 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 11 Nov, 2026
  • 18% off
    From Thursday
    19 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $1,850
    US$1,525 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    with Westbound Version
    View this tour
  • From Saturday
    21 Nov, 2026
    To Sunday
    29 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$1,672 per person
  • From Sunday
    29 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    7 Dec, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$1,795 per person
  • 1 Other Unavailable Departure
  • 18% off
    From Saturday
    5 Dec, 2026
    To Sunday
    13 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,250
    US$1,850 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
    with Westbound Version
    View this tour
  • 25% off
    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
    with Westbound Version
    View this tour
  • Instant Confirmation
    26% off
    From Tuesday
    15 Dec, 2026
    To Wednesday
    23 Dec, 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
  • Instant Confirmation
    26% off
    From Wednesday
    23 Dec, 2026
    To Thursday
    31 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,585
    US$1,179 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • From Sunday
    27 Dec, 2026
    To Monday
    4 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$1,672 per person
  • From Tuesday
    29 Dec, 2026
    To Wednesday
    6 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$1,975 per person
  • 1 Other Unavailable Departure
  • Instant Confirmation
    25% off
    From Monday
    4 Jan, 2027
    To Tuesday
    12 Jan, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,750
    US$1,305 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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More benefits

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
  • G

    Greg

    Asked on August 31st, 2026

    1. Will Pick up from airport is included? 2. If i want to do most of the optional activities, will I need to include it beforehand or at the time of visit? 3. The Fees is in USD or NZD as on the top page it mentioned $? 4. Will Veg food be available? 5. My visa would be pending before i book the travel, could you suggest me a wayout here if i book how much token amount i could pay to book the seat and in case visa didn't get approve, what will be the consequences? 6. How we connect with the tour operator maybe over whatsapp and discuss in detail.

    Flights / Transfers
    Meals
    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    Visa
    • ContikiOperator•Written September 2026

      1. Airport Transfers: Please note that airport transfers are not included with this tour. You will need to arrange your own transportation between the airport and the tour start/end hotel.

      2. Optional Activities: Most optional activities can be booked and paid for during the tour directly through your Trip Manager. There is generally no need to pre-purchase these activities before departure.

      3. Currency of the Tour Price: The currency displayed on the booking page depends on your selected region and market. However, while traveling in New Zealand, all local purchases and optional activities will be charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

      4. Vegetarian Food Options: Vegetarian meal options are generally available throughout New Zealand. This tour includes 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners. For meals not included in the itinerary, you will have the flexibility to choose restaurants and dishes that suit your dietary preferences while on tour.

      5. Visa Approval and Booking Deposit: We recommend ensuring that you meet all visa requirements before traveling. If you choose to book before your visa is approved, cancellation fees may apply should you need to cancel later. The amount of any cancellation penalty will depend on how close to departure you cancel. We recommend reviewing the booking terms and conditions prior to confirming your reservation.

      6. Contacting the Tour Operator: Should you have any further questions, you can contact us directly through the TourRadar booking conversation page. We will be happy to assist you and liaise with the operator on your behalf as needed.

      Please be advised that Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.

  • H

    Harry

    Asked on December 14th, 2025

    Is there an age exception for the tour?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperator•Written December 2025

      Contiki tours have an age restriction of 18-35 years old. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. However, we have several sister brands that offer tours with no upper age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold.

  • M

    Michele

    Asked on December 14th, 2025

    I want to book this tours fir Dec 23 rd to dec 31s t but I am 50 years old but look younger . Can I book it?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperator•Written December 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 starting from age 5, with no upper age restrictions.

  • E

    Erin

    Asked on November 18th, 2025

    I am flying in the night before and was wondering if you could please let me know where the contiki leaves from as I would like to book accommodation the night before

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperator•Written November 2025

      The tour will depart from Drifter Christchurch, located at 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand. Once you have a confirmed booking, we can check availability and assist in arranging a pre-hotel accommodation for you.

  • M

    Martha

    Asked on November 11th, 2025

    Would like to check tour for 2 adults and 2 kids. Kids ages 17 and 12. Looking at tours in Christchurch and Auckland in December.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperator•Written November 2025

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We recommend alternative tours from Trafalgar without age restrictions: New Zealand Uncovered and Contrasts Of New Zealand.

  • A

    April

    Asked on September 23rd, 2025

    I'd like to ask about the optional activities of this tour. I wish I could cycling and sky activity (like hang glider), is there something like those? If not, could I book those activities with the other tour company and go during this tour?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • ContikiOperator•Written September 2025

      While cycling and hang gliding aren't part of Contiki's optional activities on the Sweet as South (Eastbound) tour, you'll find plenty of adventure, like skydiving, bungy jumping, and jet boating in Queenstown. You can book other activities independently during free time, just make sure they don't clash with the tour schedule and are covered by your travel insurance.

  • I

    Irene

    Asked on January 2nd, 2025

    What time does the tour arrive back into Christchurch on the last day?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • ContikiOperator•Written January 2025

      The trip is scheduled to arrive in Christchurch at approximately 5:00 PM. We recommend booking post-trip accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay. Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.

    • I

      Irene

      Traveler•Written January 2025

      Do you offer an airport drop off?

    • ContikiOperator•Written January 2025

      Contiki does not provide transfers, whether complimentary or chargeable, so guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to/from the airport at their own cost. The trip begins at around 8:00 AM and concludes at approximately 5:00 PM at the hotel.

    • I
      2 more answers
  • M

    Matt

    Asked on November 7th, 2024

    Which departure can see the typical lupin blossom fields in NZ?

    Other
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperator•Written November 2024

      Lupin season in New Zealand is late spring and early summer, great departure would be from mid-November to early December. All our Contiki tours are only for travellers ages 18 to 35 years old.

    • M

      Matt

      Traveler•Written November 2024

      So for 2 men age 45 and 59 can we book the tour or not?

    • ContikiOperator•Written November 2024

      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.

    • M
      2 more answers
  • S

    Sabrina

    Asked on October 31st, 2024

    Will there be transportation covered in the tour? What kind of vehicle will be used to drive us around? Will there be in-built wifi in the vehicle?

    Transport
    • ContikiOperator•Written October 2024

      Transportation is included in the trip. You will be traveling comfortably by motorcoach throughout the entire journey. Additionally, travelers are provided with 100MB of complimentary Wi-Fi data per day. Please note that there are no options available to purchase additional data.

  • G

    Glenn

    Asked on October 26th, 2024

    How strict is the age range? I'm 36 and really want to do this route.

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperator•Written October 2024

      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, which may be a perfect fit for you: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to know

Tour ID: 268823

The practical details for your trip across New Zealand: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

  • Pay in installments

    Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $55.

  • Deposit only

    Book now with just a $200 deposit. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure.

  • $ - New Zealand Dollar

    You’ll encounter New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.

  • Plug type I

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

  • 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

      Used in New Zealand

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

    This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.

  • Payment information

    Pay now
    A $200 deposit
    Balance due
    65 days before departure
    Installments
    Interest-free, every two weeks
    Currency
    USD
    Booking fee
    None

    Book now with just a $200 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $55 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 11th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

    Accepted for Contiki tours

    • Visa
    • Maestro
    • Mastercard
    • American Express
    • PayPal

    TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.

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    Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

    Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…

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From
$1,585
26% off
US $1,179 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $59
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
Pay only $200 today. The rest is due 65 days before departure. Learn more

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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