South Island 11 Day Explorer Tour

Our South Island adventure begins as we touch down in Christchurch, the largest city in Te Waipounamu. After meeting our guides and gathering the group, we set off north along the coastline toward Kaikōura. The drive offers a stunning introduction to the South Island, with sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and the Seaward Kaikōura Range rising dramatically beside us. By the time we arrive in the laid‑back seaside town of Kaikōura—famous for its incredible marine wildlife—students are already immersed in the beauty and excitement of the journey ahead.

Wake up to the fresh sea breeze and get ready for an epic coastal walk! Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, and even whales in the wild. Then, we head to Mārahau via Nelson, where we’ll pass rolling vineyards and stop at the exact geographic centre of New Zealand! In Kaikōura students also have the option to get even closer to the action with a thrilling dolphin and whale watch experience form the water

Explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park—home to golden beaches and turquoise waters, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks. Whether you choose to hike through secluded beaches and bays or kayak alongside playful seals, this is a slice of paradise you won’t want to miss!

Road trip time! As we journey down the rugged West Coast, we’ll pass lush rainforests, roaring rivers, and epic mountain views. A highlight of the day? The famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks—towering limestone formations that look like stacks of pancakes! By evening, we reach Franz Josef, home to the famous glacier!

Get ready for jaw-dropping views of Franz Josef Glacier. Here, you’ll be wowed by massive ice formations and have the chance to explore the glacier up close. Whether you opt for a guided hike, a thrilling helicopter ride, or just take it all in from the valley floor, this place is pure magic! Also experience the mirror like reflections in Lake Matheson.

As we leave the glacier region on route to Queenstown, we traverse the Haast Pass, offering panoramic views of alpine peaks, before opening up to the stunning vistas of Central Otago. Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is New Zealand’s adventure tourism capital and will be our location for the next three nights.

Get ready for an epic day in Queenstown! From bungee jumping and jet boating to indoor skydiving and thrilling luge rides, this place has it all. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? Visit a wildlife park to see native kiwi up close or just soak up the jaw-dropping lake and mountain views.

A day trip to Milford Sound is an unforgettable adventure into New Zealand’s natural splendour. Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, embark on a cruise to marvel at the fjord’s towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and mirror-like waters. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins.

Our journey continues as we travel from Queenstown through the enchanting landscapes of Lake Tekapō. Along the way, we stop to visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd — a tiny stone chapel perfectly framed by turquoise water and snow‑capped peaks. With time to explore the lakefront and soak in the alpine scenery, this day offers a calm and scenic pause in the middle of our adventure. As evening arrives, we settle in and enjoy dinner together, recharging for the final day still ahead.

We leave Tekapō in the morning and travel across the Canterbury Plains, stopping at a local working farm to experience rural Kiwi life and see a shearing or dog‑handling demo. After the visit, we continue on to Christchurch, arriving in the afternoon to settle in and explore the city before our final day together.

On our last morning, we gather our things, enjoy a relaxed start to the day, and make our way to the airport for our flight home. It’s a smooth, easy finish to the adventure, giving everyone time to reflect on the memories and friendships made along the way.