Is it a hard cut off for age at 45 ? I'm 47 and looking to travel with your tour if possible.

we do not have a limit on the age! Kiwi Experience requires a minimum of fitness level as there are some walks to do along the way. We do have a minimum age of 18yo. The majority of our passengers are within 18 -35yo, but we do welcome all the ages above!

I am interested in visiting New Zealand for my forth coming holiday. I would like to learn more about the tour packages you offer, including destinations, duration, prices, and available dates. My tentative travel period is from 21st Of December 2025 - 4th Of January 2026, and I am particularly interested in nature tours, adventure activities, cultural experiences and the likes.

We have a South & Sound departure on the 23rd of December from Christchurch, this will get you back to Christchurch on the 3rd of January. This trip will include overnight stays in Kaikoura, Abel Tasman, Westport, Mahinapua, Franz Josef (2 nights), Wanaka, Queenstown (3 nights) and Lake Tekapo, alongside a day trip to Milford Sound. The price of the South & Sound includes transport only, accommodation and activities can be booked through the Kiwi Experience Trip Planner, once you have purchased a pass. Accommodation can be booked in shared dorms, and ranges from approximately $50-80 a night, location dependent.

Will you be continuing this tour option in 2026? I believe this would be perfect for my trip.

yes, we do have availability for the Southern Round Up HOHO pass in 2026 as well. What day are you looking to start your travel from Christchurch?

From

US $596 per person

South Island - Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass

12 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

4.6 (65 reviews)

View all

From

US $596 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: Kiwi Experience
Adventure & Adrenaline: Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 55
Ages 18-45

TourRadar earns higher commission on featured adventures here.

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Start point
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (Hotel Give, 07:30)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Swim with Dolphins
- Whale Watching
Landmarks
Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk
Seal Colony
Day 2
Kaikoura to Kaiteriteri
Kaikoura to Kaiteriteri
Accommodation
Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Abel Tasman Skydive
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Day 3
Kaiteriteri to Westport
Kaiteriteri to Westport
Accommodation
Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park
- Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Landmarks
Split Apple Rock
Nelson Lakes
Day 4
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Accommodation
Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Landmarks
Cape Foulwind
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Lake Mahinapua
Day 5
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Included Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier walk
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour
- Franz Josef skydive
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika
Day 6
Franz Josef
Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Included Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier walk
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour
- Franz Josef skydive
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika
Day 7
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Accommodation
Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Included Activities
- That Wanaka Tree
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk
Optional Activities
- Skiing (winter months)
- Snowboarding (winter months)
- Mountain biking (summer months)
- Mountain carting (summer months)
- Day hikes in the area (summer months)
Landmarks
That Wanaka Tree
Lake Matheson
Haast Pass
Day 8
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wanaka to Queenstown
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Included Activities
- Kawarau Bridge stop
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike (early morning)
- Kiwi Crawl
- Shotover Jet
- Nevis Bungy
- Canyon Swing
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Scenic gondola rides
- Lakeside strolls
Landmarks
Roy's Peak
Lake Hawea
Crown Range
Kawarau Bridge
Day 9
Queenstown
Queenstown
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Optional Activities
- Lake walks and scenic strolls
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
Day 10
Milford Sound Day Trip
Milford Sound Day Trip
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Included Activities
- Milford Sound scenic boat cruise (2 hours)
Landmarks
Te Anau
Homer Tunnel
Milford Sound
Rahotu/Mitre Peak
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve
Day 11
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Accommodation
Hostel (Lakes Edge)
Included Activities
- Lake Pukaki stop
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Mount John walk
Optional Activities
- Hot springs soaking
- Scenic walkways
- Stargazing in the dark sky reserve
Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Mount Cook
Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Mount John
Day 12
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
End point
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (Hotel Give, 14:00)
Included Activities
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Optional Activities
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
Landmarks
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Quake City
International Antarctic Centre

Landmarks
Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk
Seal Colony

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park

Landmarks
Split Apple Rock
Nelson Lakes

Landmarks
Cape Foulwind
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Lake Mahinapua

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika

Landmarks
That Wanaka Tree
Lake Matheson
Haast Pass

Landmarks
Roy's Peak
Lake Hawea
Crown Range
Kawarau Bridge

Landmarks
Te Anau
Homer Tunnel
Milford Sound
Rahotu/Mitre Peak
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve

Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Mount Cook
Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Mount John

Landmarks
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Quake City
International Antarctic Centre

Guide
Transport
Optional Extras

What's Not Included

Accommodation
Meals

Where You'll Stay

Dusky Lodge
Hostel
day 1
Kaiteri Lodge
Hostel
day 2
Bazils Hostel & Surf School
Hostel
day 3
Mahinapua Hotel
Hostel
day 4
Rainforest Retreat
Hostel
Days 5, 6
Adventure Hostel
Hostel
day 7
Nomads Queenstown
Hostel
Days 8, 9, 10
Lakes Edge
Hostel
day 11

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Kiwi Experience

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.6 (65 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 94%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Tour Operator
4.6

Peter5.0•October 2026
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Vivian5.0•October 2026
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Edward5.0•July 2026
I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand’s South Island. The tour guide made alternative sightseeing options based on...
I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand’s South Island. The tour guide made alternative sightseeing options based on the weather forecast so we could make the most out of the day and not be disappointed by going to a lookout area where the view would be covered by cloud or fog. He was very upfront on day 1’s briefing that some activities and sightseeing locations were heavily weather dependent and we should work with the situationShow more

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in0d0h55m50s

From Friday
6 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
17 Nov, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
From Sunday
8 Nov, 2026
To Thursday
19 Nov, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
11 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
14 Nov, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Nov, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
18 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
20 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
23 Nov, 2026
To Friday
4 Dec, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
26 Nov, 2026
To Monday
7 Dec, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
2 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
5 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
16 Dec, 2026
English
From:
US$596 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Unlock exclusive TourRadar+ member savings

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

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

A
Anthony
Asked on April 22nd, 2026
Is it a hard cut off for age at 45 ? I'm 47 and looking to travel with your tour if possible.
Age Range
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written April 2026
  we do not have a limit on the age! Kiwi Experience requires a minimum of fitness level as there are some walks to do along the way. We do have a minimum age of 18yo. The majority of our passengers are within 18 -35yo, but we do welcome all the ages above!
I
Ian
Asked on October 31st, 2025
I am interested in visiting New Zealand for my forth coming holiday. I would like to learn more about the tour packages you offer, including destinations, duration, prices, and available dates. My tentative travel period is from 21st Of December 2025 - 4th Of January 2026, and I am particularly interested in nature tours, adventure activities, cultural experiences and the likes.
Tour Details
Travel Support
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written October 2025
  We have a South & Sound departure on the 23rd of December from Christchurch, this will get you back to Christchurch on the 3rd of January. This trip will include overnight stays in Kaikoura, Abel Tasman, Westport, Mahinapua, Franz Josef (2 nights), Wanaka, Queenstown (3 nights) and Lake Tekapo, alongside a day trip to Milford Sound. The price of the South & Sound includes transport only, accommodation and activities can be booked through the Kiwi Experience Trip Planner, once you have purchased a pass. Accommodation can be booked in shared dorms, and ranges from approximately $50-80 a night, location dependent.
S
Samantha
Asked on August 6th, 2025
Will you be continuing this tour option in 2026? I believe this would be perfect for my trip.
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written August 2025
  yes, we do have availability for the Southern Round Up HOHO pass in 2026 as well. What day are you looking to start your travel from Christchurch?
- S
  Samantha
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  I would like to start from Christchurch on April 10th. I was looking at your website and didn't see the Southern Round up listed. Would you send me a link to it? I did see the South & Sound tour. Which seems similar. I think that would work too. I am excited to do lots of tramping on my trip. I have reserved dates on the Kepler track, April 22-25. I am kind of working backwards from that. Would I be able to hop-off in Te Anua for that time and then hop-on on April 25th? Also, I would like to do some of the Abel Tasman Track. So, I would like to hop-off on the 2nd day (April 11th) and hop-on after 3 nights on the trail. Although, I may need an extra day because of time needed to get to the trailhead. If I can't start hiking that day. I may have to back everything up a day. About what time would we be arriving in Kaiteriteri?
- S
  Samantha
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  Is tour radar the same as Kiwi Experience?
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written August 2025
  we do have our bus scheduled on the website if you want to have a look at these. Please note that the Southern Round Up does not have the Milford Explorer included, therefore the bus to go to Te Anau. If you add the Milford Explorer, you can hop-off on our way back from Milford Sound. We have the following dates: 17th, 22nd, 24th, 26th. About Abel Tasman, we have a bus getting there on the 9th or on the 14th. The time we reach Kaiteri Lodge is around 5.00pm , depending on traffic and weather conditions. TourRadar is a platform, while Kiwi Experience is a bus tour company.

Good to know

Tour ID: 298238

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 $108.
Deposit only
Book now with just a 10% deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 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 10% deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 10% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $108 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 2nd, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Kiwi Experience tours
Visa
Maestro
Mastercard
American Express
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 Kiwi Experience, 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…
Best price guarantee
Found a lower price for the same tour elsewhere? We work directly with every tour operator, so we can match it.
How it works
Find a lower price
Spot the same tour cheaper on another site or agency.
Send us the quote
Contact us before you book.
We match it
If the quote qualifies, you book with us at that price.
Your quote needs
Same tour and operator
Same start and end dates
Same number of travelers
Same inclusions and destinations
Same booking and cancellation terms, in the same currency
A link to the site or agency offering it
What doesn’t count
Quotes issued more than 24 hours ago
Cash back or loyalty program rebates
Itineraries that are similar but not identical
Similar tours run by a different operator
Bookings already confirmed on TourRadar
Every new booking also counts toward your , which unlocks extra savings.
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.
People also viewed
Kruger Park Safaris
Chile Tours
7 Day Inca Jungle Adventure To Machu Picchu w…
Carretera Austral and Ruta 40 - to the End of…
Spanish Escape
Bhutan Encounters
2 weeks Sumatra private tour

From

US $596 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

South Island - Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

$ - New Zealand Dollar

Plug type I

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Kiwi Experience tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

Earn while you share

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Like this Moment?