New Zealand: Sweet As South
From CAD $1,945
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Experience the best of South! From Lake Ōhau to Queenstown to Christchurch - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Try bungy, or you can opt to take a stunning Milford Sound cruise. In Franz Josef you'll hike a glacier before your tour ends in Christchurch.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Christchurch: What's the diff between Eastbound & Westbound? The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef. For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau.
- Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Christchurch: Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting? Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings.
- Christchurch: Can I book a twin-share room on this trip? Yep, you’ll be able to book a private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person.
Included Experience
- Lake Ōhau: Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ōhau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
- Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
- Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.
- Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
- Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
- Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Queenstown: Check out the epic views of the valley from the world's first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
- Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
- Haast: Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
- Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Trip Details
Product Code: 35638
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 601.2205C
Starts: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,945 ($216 /day)
Itinerary
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. 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. 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.
Accommodation: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.Our next stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes 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.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.
Accommodation: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of 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. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city.
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. 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. 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.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?
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch. 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. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). NZ - you've been real.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Jodie Beardsmore - Traveled, November 2024
Even with a few days of off/on rain, the trip was still absolutely fantastic if not even better! We got to see all the waterfalls and snow in full detail due to the rain and colder weather than expected, which made it magical! All of the activities were so much fun to be a part of, and even more so the people I got to do it with. Never once got tired of the incredible views as we were driving through the South Island.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Eloane Brochet - Traveled, December 2024
The group was really nice, the trip manager too. We were all very sad to leave while the others visit the north island
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
I absolutely loved this trip! It had a good mix of adventure and adrenaline and relaxing down time. The trip manager was knowledgeable and fun. I would highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Kyle O - Traveled, November 2024
1000% would recommend to anyone to do this tour. Great mix of activities and down time to do what you wish. The South Island produces some of the most amazing scenery too so it makes the coach rides something you also look forward to.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Joshua Clayton - Traveled, October 2024
As I found the sweet as south contiki trip was absolutely amazing, it made me think about doing another one soon. The people and places we went to was absolutely amazing, I really enjoyed Queenstown but also Franz josef
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
It was an amazing experience, we met great people and had so much fun with everyone. The views were unbeatable and the whole itinerary is extremely well thought out. The add ons were the highlight for me. Read less (4.0) Customer Experience I got a gift voucher that was impossible to cash and had to get it refunded. Could do better with that but otherwise everything was easy and smooth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
accommodation could be better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
The trip was great overall. Although I thought the accommodation was to a poor standard, particularly in cleanliness. Also, the horse riding FTA was expensive for what was included (duration, training of the horses).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Jemma Harris - Traveled, November 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo" and "Personal information removed by Feefo exceeded every expectation. It's my second Contiki and I was so Impressed with the professionalism and hard work that ash put into everything. You could see the work she put into everything and the care was unmatched. Although unfortunate that a few things were cancelled, *Personal information removed by Feefo and "Personal information removed by Feefo handled it with Grace and tried to make up for it in every way. I think we had a good amount of time in each place and enjoyed each moment. Really really want to reiterate how good "Personal information removed by Feefo was. From the music on the bus, to how responsive she was on messages before during and after the trip and how every day was planned to the T and she made sure we all had a trip personalised to ourselves. No it was perfect. Everything was easy, marketed well and easy to understand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
The people were awesome, the locations visited were amazing. The driver was fantastic. The driver and the trip manager together had so much knowledge on the areas we visited. Very easy to book. Price and availability were clearly visible. There was also a live chat that made it easy to ask questions if necessary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2024
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