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2026

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Who is travelling?

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From
US $1,780 per person

18 to 35s Essential New Zealand: South Island (15 destinations)

12 days
•
From Christchurch to Wellington
4.5 (12,163 reviews)
From
US $1,780 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $89
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 $400 today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Christchurch

    Optional Activities

    • Stroll through Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    • Visit Canterbury Museum to learn about the region's cultural heritage
    • Head out with group for dinner at one of the city's restaurants
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Canterbury Museum
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 2

    Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

    Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
    Meals
    Lunch (Southland-style lunch of mince pies and cheese rolls in Fairlie)

    Included Activities

    • Christchurch city tour
    • Visit Christchurch Cathedral
    • Fairlie - Southland style lunch
    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

    Optional Activities

    • Stargaze from the summit of Mount John
    • Visit Tekapo Springs Hot Pool - NZD50
    • The Summit Experience - NZD209
    • The Crater Experience - NZD129
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Cathedral
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo
    Mount John
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 3

    Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

    Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner at Fergburger, a popular 'hole in the wall' style restaurant known for their gourmet burgers)

    Included Activities

    • Queenstown - Skyline Gondola
    • Queenstown - Luge
    • Queenstown - Fergburger

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Queenstown's nightlife (recommendations from group leader)
    Landmarks
    Skyline Gondola Queenstown
    Coronet Peak
    The Remarkables
    Lake Wakatipu
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 4

    Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD169
    • River kayaking
    • Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
    • Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD285
    • Walk around Lake Wakatipu
    • Nevis Bungy - NZD395
    • Time Tripper - NZD20
    • Canyoning - NZD239
    • Canyon Swing - from NZD295
    • Dart River Funyaks - from NZD495
    • Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD320
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    Milford Sound
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 5

    Queenstown to Arrowtown to Queenstown

    Queenstown to Arrowtown to Queenstown

    Included Activities

    • Arrowtown - Village visit
    • Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge
    • Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting
    Landmarks
    Arrowtown
    Kawarau Gorge
    Gibbston Valley
  7. Day 6

    Makarora - Franz Josef Glacier

    Makarora - Franz Josef Glacier
    Meals
    Lunch

    Included Activities

    • Makarora Blue Pools Track walk through native forests
    • Franz Josef Glacier Forest Walk

    Optional Activities

    • Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise - NZD125
    • Franz Josef - Quad Biking - NZD244
    • Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from NZD89
    • Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
    • Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from NZD695
    • Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace - NZD94
    Landmarks
    Makarora Blue Pools
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 7

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Included Activities

    • Franz Josef Glacier - Forest Walk

    Optional Activities

    • Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
    • Carve your own Pounamu Necklace - NZD94
    • Waiho Hot Tubs - from NZD89
    • Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise - NZD125
    • Quad Biking - NZD244
    • Heli-Hiking Tour - from NZD695
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Waiho River
    Glacier Lake
  9. Day 8

    Punakaiki - Westport

    Punakaiki - Westport
    Meals
    Dinner (Kiwi BBQ Dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Punakaiki Rocks and Blowhole
    • Kiwi BBQ Dinner
    • Kawatiri Experience
    • Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay

    Optional Activities

    • Surfboard Hire - NZD45
    • Surfing Lesson - NZD90
    Landmarks
    Punakaiki Rocks
    Punakaiki Blowhole
    Tauranga Bay Seal Colony
  10. Day 9

    Westport to Abel Tasman National Park

    Westport to Abel Tasman National Park

    Included Activities

    • Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
    • Westport - Kawatiri Experience
    Landmarks
    Tauranga Bay
    Museum of Kawatiri
    Abel Tasman National Park
  11. Day 10

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Optional Activities

    • Abel Tasman National Park - Full Day Sailing - NZD213
    • Abel Tasman Coast Track walk
    • Abel Tasman National Park - Skydiving - from NZD280
    • Abel Tasman National Park - Cruise and Anchorage Walk - NZD138
    • Abel Tasman National Park - Canyoning - from NZD319
    Landmarks
    Abel Tasman National Park
    Abel Tasman Coast Track
  12. Day 11

    Abel Tasman National Park to Picton to Wellington

    Abel Tasman National Park to Picton to Wellington

    Included Activities

    • Picton - Ferry through the Marlborough Sounds

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner and drinks with group in Wellington
    Landmarks
    Marlborough Sounds
    Picton
    Itinerary Image 1
  13. Day 12

    Wellington

    Wellington

    Optional Activities

    • Wellington - Botanic Garden - Free
    • Wellington - Cable Car (return) - NZD12
    • Wellington - Te Papa Museum - NZD35
    • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout - Free
    • Wellington - Weta Workshop Tour - NZD45
    • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD26
    Landmarks
    Wellington Botanic Garden
    Te Papa Museum
    Mount Victoria Lookout
    Weta Workshop
    Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5 (12,163 reviews)
Response time
6 hours
Response rate
96%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Reviews from other tours by Intrepid Travel

  • Laura4.0•May 2026
    We had a fantastic guide, the itinerary was jam packed, an amazing country
  • Bill5.0•April 2026
    Truly a great experience and highly recommended. Our tour guide Griff was great. There were absolutely no problems...
    Show more
  • Sonja5.0•April 2026
    great trip with an excellent tour guide

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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 14 Oct, 2026
  • From Thursday
    22 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US$2,030 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
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  • From Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    16 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US$2,131 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
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  • From Thursday
    26 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    7 Dec, 2026
    English
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • From Thursday
    10 Dec, 2026
    To Monday
    21 Dec, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    From:
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    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
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  • From Thursday
    24 Dec, 2026
    To Monday
    4 Jan, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    From:
    US$2,030 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
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  • From Thursday
    7 Jan, 2027
    To Monday
    18 Jan, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$2,090 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
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  • From Thursday
    4 Feb, 2027
    To Monday
    15 Feb, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$2,090 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    4 Mar, 2027
    To Monday
    15 Mar, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$2,030 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    18 Mar, 2027
    To Monday
    29 Mar, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$2,030 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    8 Apr, 2027
    To Monday
    19 Apr, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$2,030 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
    with 2026-2027 Version
    View this tour

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Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 320212

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 $845.

  • Deposit only

    Book now with just a $400 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 $400 deposit
    Balance due
    60 days before departure
    Installments
    Interest-free, every two weeks
    Currency
    USD
    Booking fee
    None

    Book now with just a $400 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 $845 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before December 7th, 2026 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

    Accepted for Intrepid Travel tours

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From
US $1,780 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $89
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 $400 today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee 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