CHRISTCHURCH ARRIVAL

Christchurch - Welcome to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and the starting point of your Southern Crossing tour. Ōtautahi (Christchurch) is a lively city brimming with art, exhibitions, history, and hidden treasures. Visit the Riverside Markets for a coffee, drink, or snack, or take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens.
This evening at 6pm, meet your Kiwi Experience Driver Guide and fellow tour companions for a Christchurch Street Art Tour (included). This journey showcases street art, murals, and graffiti of various sizes, detailing the history of urban art and the city’s rise as an urban art hub.

CHRISTCHURCH TO FRANZ JOSEF

Arthur’s Pass National Park - Today, travel from coast to coast over the Southern Alps, passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Arthur’s Pass features a landscape of two halves: on the eastern side, explore riverbeds and beech forests, while the western side offers deeply gorged rivers and dense rainforests.

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track - Along this route, stop at the Devil’s Punch Bowl and the stunning Castle Hill.

FRANZ JOSEF FREE DAY

Franz Josef - The remarkable Franz Josef is located in a world heritage area, where alpine scenery meets west coast rainforest, creating an epic setting for your free day. Engage in a unique opportunity today by carving your own Pounamu (Greenstone) jewelry (included). Learn about the cultural significance of pounamu during this authentic cultural experience and leave with your own special piece of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Explore the Franz Josef glacier, an ever-changing ice landscape. Opt for the Heli-Hike adventure to walk on the glacier itself. For a free option, walk through the rainforest to a viewing area just 750m away from the icy wonderland.

FRANZ JOSEF TO LAKE HAWEA

Franz Josef Glacier - Begin the day with a visit to the Franz Josef wildlife centre (included), home to the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility on the South Island. You’re guaranteed to see a live kiwi in the open nocturnal house, as well as the Tuatara, a reptile unique to New Zealand.

Lake Matheson Walk - Head to Lake Matheson for a refreshing walk around the lake, renowned for its perfect mirror reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The dark brown waters create an ideal reflective surface on calm days, and the mountains to the east are perfectly positioned to reflect in the lake.

Lake Hawea - Continue along the final stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots, and proceed to Lake Hawea. Lake Hawea is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, perfect for swimming, kite surfing, kayaking, biking, walking, or simply relaxing by the lake’s edge.

LAKE HAWEA TO QUEENSTOWN VIA WANAKA

Wanaka - A resort town located at the southern end of its namesake lake, offering views of snowcapped mountains. It’s the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Be sure to visit #ThatWanakaTree and capture a photo of one of the world’s most photographed trees!

Kawarau Suspension Bridge - Visit the world’s first commercial bungy site – The Kawarau Bridge. Only the bravest travelers will dare to sign up for this iconic bucket list bungy!

QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY

Queenstown - Queenstown offers something for everyone; whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or a more leisurely exploration of the natural playground. Each season brings its own unique vibe, and most activities are available year-round. For adrenaline seekers, bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, and skydiving are all on offer. For a more relaxed pace, rent a bike, take a stroll, enjoy a boat cruise, unwind at a spa, or visit one of the many local vineyards.

MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR

Milford Sound - A visit to the South Island is incomplete without a trip to Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Departing from Queenstown early, enjoy breakfast and coffee in the charming town of Te Anau before continuing the breathtaking drive to Milford Sound, with scheduled photo stops along the way. Nestled within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is renowned for its pristine wildlife, stunning geological formations, and captivating waterfalls, making it one of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenic day trips. Enjoy a two-hour (included) scenic boat cruise through the inky black waters; keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and abundant birdlife. If you’re fortunate, you might spot the endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin. After the cruise, return to Queenstown for the evening.

QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA LAKE TEKAPO

Lake Tekapo - Marvel at the breathtakingly blue waters of the lake, framed by colorful lupins.

The Church of the Good Shepherd - Visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the shores of Lake Tekapō amidst the natural beauty of the lake and mountains.

• Accommodation (8 nights)
• Breakfast
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Other

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.