oceania·Multi-day tour·9 days
9-Day New Zealand Eastbound Tour: Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef
★ 4.9· 5 reviewsDaily breakfastSelect Meals IncludedLocal Specialty Meal
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Wonderful Travel: 9 days, 1 country
• Meal Inclusions: 8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
• Charming Attractions: Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World
• Group Size: Average 45 people
• Meal Inclusions: 8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
• Charming Attractions: Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World
• Group Size: Average 45 people
9 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Christchurch to Lake Ōhau via Lake Tekapo
Christchurch: Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on.
Lake Tekapo: We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō). Here we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution.
Lake Ōhau: Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.
Included Experience: Spot the Peaks of Mt Cook, See the Church of the Good Shepard, Marvel at the Epic NZ Landscapes, Visit the Dark Sky Experience
Lake Tekapo
Lake Ohau
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar) - 2
Day 2 — Lake Ōhau to Te Anau via Arrowtown and Kingston
Lake Ōhau: Another day, another natural wonder to discover.
Arrowtown: We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.
Kingston: Our next stop today is Kingston (Takerehaka) for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. We make a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their "field" just by turning up.
Te Anau: Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.
Included Experience: Support Women in Agriculture MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Lake Ohau
Fiordland National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar) - 3
Day 3 — Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound
Te Anau: It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound.
Milford Sound: Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) in all its glory.
Queenstown: Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Included Experience: Cruise Milford Sound Fjord
Milford Sound
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lylo (or similar) - 4
Day 4 — Queenstown
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy.
Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
Included Experience: Visit the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lylo (or similar) - 5
Day 5 — Queenstown
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lylo (or similar) - 6
Day 6 — Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lylo (or similar) - 7
Day 7 — Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
Queenstown: Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers.
Wānaka: Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the "Dough Bin" for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.
Haast: Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.
Franz Josef: Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?
Included Experience: Discover Wānaka, Drive through the Show-Stopping Haast PassMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) - 8
Day 8 — Franz Josef
This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Franz Josef Glacier
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) - 9
Day 9 — Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Franz Josef: Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.
Hokitika: In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who'll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We'll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people.
Arthur's Pass: Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Christchurch: Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). NZ - you've been real.
Included Experience: Learn about Pounamu with a Local Māori Guide MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® ExperienceMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Included Experiences
- 4 nights in Hostel, 3 nights in Lodges, 1 night in Hotel
- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
Not included
- Flights to and from your starting and ending points
- Travel insurance and visas
- Any personal expenses
- Choice Experiences
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 2 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 3–9 days before | 25% | Cancellation Made Within 3 days to 9 days prior to departure, Refund 25% of total purchase amount |
| 10–23 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 10 days to 23 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 24–61 days before | 75% | Cancellation Made Within 24 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 75% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 200% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, only $200 charge handling fee by person |
Read the full cancellation terms
• Air ticket (either before/after trip or included within trip): $75.00/person plus airline charges.
• Extra hotel accommodation: non-refundable.
•Transfers: non-refundable.
• Special events and activities may incur additional penalty.
• Extra hotel accommodation: non-refundable.
•Transfers: non-refundable.
• Special events and activities may incur additional penalty.
Important info
Special notes
* Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
* Please note accommodation is multi-share rooms with a maximum of 6 people of the same gender.
* To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
* Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.
* Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel.
* In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 - 53 awesome travellers.
* In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.
* Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.
* It's a requirement of traveling that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It's also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you'll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies).
* USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
* Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
* Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries. * Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
* Our typical luggage allowances: For our European, North American, Australian and New Zealand trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, suitcase, approximately 29" × 20" × 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the transport with you. Metal frame backpacks are not advised as their bulky shape makes packing vehicles tricky, plus they are more likely to damage other luggage.
* For our train trips please note you must be able to carry your own bags on this trip. As we will be taking public transport in cities & getting to the heart of the destinations we visit, pack wisely.
* On European ski trips and New Zealand trips with a ski option you have the option to bring one pair of skis and ski boots or snowboard.
* We have a whole mix of accommodations styles on our trips, depending on the destination and the travel style you have chosen. With us, you can stay in hotels, hostels, boats, camping sites, jungle lodges, eco camps, beach resorts, and even our very own 16th century French Chateau.
* Please note accommodation is multi-share rooms with a maximum of 6 people of the same gender.
* To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
* Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.
* Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel.
* In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 - 53 awesome travellers.
* In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.
* Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.
* It's a requirement of traveling that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It's also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you'll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies).
* USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
* Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
* Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries. * Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
* Our typical luggage allowances: For our European, North American, Australian and New Zealand trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, suitcase, approximately 29" × 20" × 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the transport with you. Metal frame backpacks are not advised as their bulky shape makes packing vehicles tricky, plus they are more likely to damage other luggage.
* For our train trips please note you must be able to carry your own bags on this trip. As we will be taking public transport in cities & getting to the heart of the destinations we visit, pack wisely.
* On European ski trips and New Zealand trips with a ski option you have the option to bring one pair of skis and ski boots or snowboard.
* We have a whole mix of accommodations styles on our trips, depending on the destination and the travel style you have chosen. With us, you can stay in hotels, hostels, boats, camping sites, jungle lodges, eco camps, beach resorts, and even our very own 16th century French Chateau.
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