What's Included
- Get up o $210 cash back per person when you book with us
- All transport/transfers included throughout the 10 days
- All accommodation: 3 nights in Queenstown
- All meals: 9 x breakfasts, 2 x lunches and 5 x dinners
- Experience beautiful scenic drives through the Haast Pass and Arthur’s Pass
- Stop at Milford Sound including 2 hour boat cruise
- Kayak across Lake Mapourika
- Immerse yourself in the limestone rocks of the Castle Hill Basin
- Explore Arrowtown, New Zealand's historic gold-mining town
- Tour is designed for 18 - 35s
What to Expect
Spend 10 days making the most of New Zealand's South Island on this unforgettable multi-day tour.
Day 1: Christchurch - Rakaia Gorge - Lake Tekapo
After a quick meet and greet in Christchurch, head west towards Rakaia Gorge for lunch. The tour will then continue over The Rakaia Gorge Bridge which is a historic piece of architecture that dates back to 1945, before heading towards Lake Tekapo. After a quick stop at the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ - one of the most photographed locations in NZ - you'll have time to settle into your accommodation which looks out at the intense milky blue waters of the glacial-fed Lake Tekapo. In your downtime, you can walk around the town or you can choose to soak and relax at Tekapo Springs with views of the brilliant blue of Lake Tekapo, sparse golden mountain ranges, pine forest, and the pure blue skies of the Mackenzie Region. As the sun sets, watch the beautiful changing light and colours on the mountains and in the sky. At night, your guides will prepare a delicious BBQ dinner for you.
Day 2: Lake Tekapo - Lake Pukaki - Arrowtown - Te Anau
In the morning, your guides will prepare a continental breakfast for you head further south. Pass Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in the area, as it proudly shows off NZ’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. If you still have some room left after breakfast, you’ll be happy to know there's a quick stop off for lunch in Arrowtown, New Zealand’s historic gold-mining destination. The Kiwi style ‘Wild West’ is full of funky cafes, charming wooden-fronted shops, and remnants of the gold rush era. After your visit, head straight to the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau where you'll stay the nigh. This picturesque township is the main visitor base for the glacier-covered wilderness Fiordland National Park.
Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
After breakfast, head to one of NZ’s most stunning attractions,Milford Sound. Deemed the world’s 8th wonder by Rudyard Kipling, this area has a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep mysterious-blue waters. Take advantage of this beautiful spot as you enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the sound itself. You’ll get up-close views of the impressive fiord and you will be in touching distance of the stunning waterfalls and local wildlife. Your guides will prepare you a gourmet lunch on board the boat too while you keep your eyes out for seals, dolphins, and more!
After the cruise, drive back towards Queenstown whilst making stops at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lake. On arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy some free time to explore this famous town! You can check out one of the world’s best burger joints — Fergburger, then the night is yours. Have some drinks at the Ice Bar, take a trip through the haunted house, or head back to your accommodation to rest up for two more big days ahead in Queenstown.
Day 4: Queenstown
Today is your first free day and what better place than to enjoy it in Queenstown! People come here from all over the world for Queenstown adventure holidays and the town has subsequently been nicknamed New Zealand's adventure capital, and for good reason! It has to be seen to be believed and, with two more nights in this incredible southern paradise, you’ll get your chance to do as much exploring as you can fit in. Spend it how you want; bungy jumping, skydiving or exploring the town… the bucket list activities are endless! For those who don’t want to splash out on paid activities, you’re more than welcome to join the tour guides as they visit Glenorchy or Bob’s Cove for the day.
Day 5: Queenstown
There’s only one thing better than waking up to a Friday – and that’s waking up to a Friday in the beautiful Queenstown! Now, if you didn’t manage to do or see everything you wanted yesterday, no stress! You have another full day to explore this adventurous town. At midday, however, there's an optional add-on for a spectacular guided tour of Skippers Canyon via the infamous Skippers Road followed by the thrilling jet boat ride through the Shotover River’s dramatic canyons! In this area, you will discover a land rich in gold mining history and breathtaking scenery, just a short distance from central Queenstown.
Day 6 - Queenstown - Wanaka
In the morning of Day 6, enjoy an early breakfast and head off to Cardrona, a historic village situated on the famous crown range road. You’ll be able to grab a coffee at the iconic Cardrona Hotel at the heart of the village while surely grabbing a photo while you’re there! Afterwards, head towards Wānaka where you will have a free day to explore. Before checking into your accommodation, you can wander the town and see why this place draws visitors from all around the world with unrivalled views of Mt. Aspiring National Park.
Day 7: Wānaka - Lake Hāwea - Haast Pass - Blue Pools - Franz Josef
Starting day 7, enjoy our breakfast with panoramic views of the stunning Lake Wānaka. Then hit the road and pass by Lake Hāwea, a place of vivid beauty. The tour will then carry on to experience one of the best scenic drives in this area. Today, pass by non-stop Aotearoa eye-candy through the Haast Pass which is highlighted by ancient rainforests, small glaciers, and awesome waterfalls. You might even get the chance to meet some penguins if you are lucky!
Before lunch, visit the famous Blue Pools which is only a short walk from the car park. The blue of the water is not to be believed, it’s clear, it’s pure and makes for one amazing photo! Afterwards, pass by more epic waterfalls and you will have a beachfront lunch prepared for you by the friendly guides. Afterwards, head to the Franz Josef Glacier for the night. Once settled, you can opt-in for a pizza night, check out the local restaurants in the area and even use the giant hot tub (at the accommodation) to finish off your epic day with the squad!
Day 8: Franz Josef
Today you’ll get your chance to experience the original Franz Josef kayak adventure. With a knowledgeable, certified guide, the group will have the chance to glide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika. Finishing up at midday, you'll then head back to your accommodation and you’ll be able to grab lunch in town and have some free time for the rest of the day. To visit the glacier itself, the trail is a free walk which your guides can take you to check out but if you’ve got a bit of extra spending money, optional paid activities like helicopter tours and treks are also available for that unbeatable Instagram shot (your guides can give you some suggestions and help with bookings). Then meet back for a big family dinner prepared by your guides and make the most of your night there.
Day 9: Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki
Breakfast will be prepared early and you’ll have time to enjoy your last couple hours here as the tour departs at 9am and heads towards Hokitika Gorge. Here, you’ll have the chance to walk one of the west coast’s most popular trails! You can then explore some lunch options in Hokitika town and after this before hitting the road again to visit the famous pancake rocks in Punakaiki. The most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes! After we head to our accommodation which is nestled on the scenic Coast Road, with a 180 degree breathtaking view over the Tasman Sea that you’ll never forget! Then, make the most of your last dinner together as a group and experience pristine star gazing from the lodge deck.
Day 10: Punakaiki - Castle Hill - Christchurch - End Tour
Enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast as you pack up to make your way to Christchurch. Then, drive through the famous ‘Arthurs Pass’ climbing to more than 900 metres through the National Park. This drive is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps. It is a piece of extreme engineering with viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes! But before the saddest chapter of the tour comes to an end, you'll stop to explore the limestone rocks of Castle Hill Basin. Described by the Dalai Lama as “the spiritual centre of the universe”, you'll get some time to take it all in, before arriving at Christchurch Airport at 3pm.
Departure info
9am: Meet at JUCY Snooze Christchurch, 5 Peter Leeming Rd, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1
Accommodation: Shared twin room or private double for two
Included meals: BBQ Dinner
Included activities: Visit Rakaia Gorge and The Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 2
Accommodation: Shared twin room or private double for two
Included meals: BBQ Dinner
Included activities: Visit Rakaia Gorge and The Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 3
Accommodation: 4 bed dorms
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch
Included activities: 2.5hr Milford Sound cruise
Day 4
Accommodation: 4 bed dorms
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Free day trip to Glenorchy and Bobs Cove (optional)
Day 5
Accommodation: 4 bed dorms
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Day trip to Glenorchy and Bobs Cove
Day 6
Accommodation: 4 bed dorms
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 7
Accommodation: Shared twin room or private double for two
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch
Included activities: Haast Pass Blue Pools & many stunning waterfalls
Day 8
Accommodation: Shared twin room or private double for two
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner
Included activities: Franz Josef kayaking tour (3hr)
Day 9
Accommodation: Shared twin room
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included activities: Hokitika Gorge & Punakaiki RocksDay 10
Day 10
Included meals: Cooked breakfast
Included activities: Arthurs Pass & Castle Hill limestone boulders
For a full list of optional activities, visit: https://backyardroadies.com/tour/10-day-south-island-nz/
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We recommend a large-sized bag for most of your stuff (this will be locked away in the trailer) and a small day bag to keep with you in the van where you can keep water, snacks, a camera, and an extra layer handy
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The South Island’s weather can be pretty unpredictable, so remember a few pairs of shoes as some might get wet, a waterproof rain jacket and pants, warm jumpers/hoodies/puffers, base thermals (polypro or merino, warm track pants, and good socks! Also, don’t forget a towel and togs for our water activities
You are entitled to have one piece of main luggage weighing no more than 23kg and one day pack weighing no more than 7kg.
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October 10
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Policies
- Flights to Christchurch are not included
- You must be 18+ years old to book
- All cancellations of bookings by you must be made in writing.
- The Supplier will not regard a booking as cancelled unless an email written notice has been received by The Supplier from you.
- Cancellation can only be made up to 7 days before the departure of your tour.
- Once the cancellation is accepted a refund of 80% of the total ticket price (less the 20% deposit) will be paid to you. The refundable portion does not include the non-refundable 20% deposit.
- No refunds will be available for cancellations within 7 days of the departure date.
All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own refund conditions.
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