# 9-Day New Zealand Eastbound Tour: Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef

Tour in OC — Christchurch → Christchurch.
Listed and booked on Yatra For Fun (yatraforfun.com) — our Kathmandu concierge confirms availability, prices it in NPR, and sends a payment link within 2 business hours.

## Key facts

- Type: multiday
- Country: OC
- Route: Christchurch → Christchurch
- Duration: 9.00 day
- Price from: $1,665
- Rating: 4.90 / 5 (10 reviews)
- Operator: Tours4Fun Provider 10327

## Summary

• 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

## Categories

Daily breakfast, Select Meals Included, Local Specialty Meal

## Itinerary

### 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

### 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

### 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

### 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

### 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.

### 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!

### 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 Pass

### 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.

### 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® Experience

## Guide languages

English Live

## Links

- Yatra page: https://yatraforfun.com/tour/105247575-new-zealand-eastbound-tour-9-day
- WhatsApp concierge: https://wa.me/9779708072951