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Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand's South Island; land of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, the Lord of the Rings, and unforgettable adventures. Experience New Zealand with its stunning scenery, picturesque landscapes, and pure Maori culture!
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9 days
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8 - 20 spots
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Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (single rooms available)
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8 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners
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Fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC). TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers between 8am and 5pm.
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Fly out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC). TrovaTrip will provide two transfers on the last day.
Activities Included
- Akaroa Nature Cruise
- Waka on Avon
- Church of the Good Shepherd Visit
- Mt. John Summit Hike
- Tekapo Hot Springs
- Hooker Valley Hike
- Central Otago Wineries and Craft Brewery Tour and Tasting
- Blue Pools Hike at Aspiring National Park
- Thunder Creek Falls Hike
- Callery Gorge
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Hike
- Hokitika Gorge and Beach
- TranzAlpine Railway
Other Inclusions
- Twin occupancy in 3-star hotels
- Local guide throughout trip
- All city transfers
- Arrival airport transfer (until 5pm on first day)
- Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
Optional Activities
- Mt. Cook Glacier Kayak
- Canyoning Adventure at Queenstown Canyon
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Food and alcohol (except as noted)
- Visas and travel insurance
- Airport transfers outside of designated times
Itinerary
Day 1
info
Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City! After you get settled into your room, you’ll join the rest of the crew for a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of an unforgettable trip.
meal
dinner
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
transfer
1 HOUR
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
accommodation
Breakfree on Cashel
Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 2
info
Day 2
Today is the first full day in New Zealand with your group. Immerse yourself in nature and culture with an action packed itinerary.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Akaroa Nature Cruise
Enjoy a nature cruise around an extinct volcano crater while keeping your eyes peeled for the native Hector’s Dolphins that enjoy swimming at the bow.
activity
45 MIN
Waka on Avon
Leaving from the Margaret Mahy Playground in the city centre, this 45-minute waka paddling experience is an amazing historical and cultural trip on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Participate in the excitement of paddling a hand-crafted waka down the River Avon, and learn about the importance of the waka to Māori culture. Enjoy early stories of Canterbury’s Ngāi Tahu iwi, as well as other stories about the European settlers, understanding the positive things they achieved by building the city of Christchurch together. This is not the first time waka has been seen on the Ōtākaro Avon River either. Early Māori originally came to Aotearoa New Zealand by waka and 180 years later, waka remained an important part of the early building of Christchurch. Māori and early settlers used waka to assist with transport and trading, working together along the Avon River.
accommodation
Breakfree on Cashel
Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 3
info
Day 3
Leave the city behind to travel some of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand en-route to Lake Tekapo.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Church of the Good Shepherd Visit
Included in your tour, is a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built in 1935 as a memorial to the early settlers, this church is one of the most photographed locations in the country.
activity
1 HOUR
Mt. John Summit Hike
Lace up your hiking boots for a short 2 mile hike up to the summit of Mt. John, where you’ll be rewarded with awesome 360° views of the Southern Alps.
activity
1 HOUR
Tekapo Hot Springs
Welcome to the Tekapo Hot Springs, a sprawling complex of thermal pools and spas. Enjoy a soak while you marvel at the epic vistas surrounding you.
accommodation
Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park
Overnight in MacKenzie Country.
Day 4
info
Day 4
Today you will venture to the great outdoors before traveling to Queensland, the adventure capital of the world.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Hooker Valley Hike
This 3 hour hike will take you through the Hooker Valley to Terminal Lake and Hooker Glacier. The breathtaking sights you’ll see on this easy 6.25 mile hike will give you plenty of exciting photo opportunities and unforgettable views.
activity
2 HOURS
Mt. Cook Glacier Kayak (Optional)
Grab a paddle and a life jacket for an exciting afternoon kayaking around icebergs and glaciers on this Mt. Cook Glacier Kayak adventure!
accommodation
Pinewood Lodge
Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 5
info
Day 5
Today is mostly at your leisure. Relax or take some time to explore more of your surroundings before reconvening with your fellow Travelers in the evening.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
4 HOURS
Canyoning Adventure at Queenstown Canyon (Optional)
The canyon is a short 10 minute drive from Queenstown. At our purpose built canyoning base, you’ll be kitted out with all the gear needed before heading into the canyon. No previous experience is required but due to the nature of this activity it is recommended all participants feel comfortable in moving water and have the strength and endurance necessary to partake in a highly strenuous activity.
activity
1 HOUR
Central Otago Wineries and Craft Brewery Tour and Tasting
Your local guide will take you to Central Otago’s best wineries and craft breweries for a tour and tasting. Set upon powerful landscapes of weathered mountains and sunny alpine herb fields, the climate and terroir of Central Otago is famous for producing stunning pinot noirs and also has a burgeoning craft beer scene.
accommodation
Pinewood Lodge
Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 6
info
Day 6
Today’s slightly longer ride will take you to one of the most scenic as you head to the South Island’s wild West Coast and the village of Franz Josef, home of the Franz Josef Glacier. Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere) is the steepest glacier in the country, which descends from the Southern Alps into the lush rainforest of Westland's National Park. Moving faster than the average glacier, the main ice fall reaches speeds of up to 16 feet per day! As a result, the glacier produces some spectacular features such as ice caves, tunnels and crevasses which are changing constantly.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Blue Pools Hike at Aspiring National Park
This hike around the Blue Pools cannot be missed. The 1.5 hour hike around the crystal clear Blue Pools of Aspiring National Park offers an opportunity for calm reflection and tranquility.
activity
1 HOUR
Thunder Creek Falls Hike
This is a bucket list hike for any visitor to New Zealand. Your hike will take you up to the amazing, 315 foot high Thunder Creek Falls. The perfect photo-op!
accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 7
info
Day 7
With the sound of the rainforest and birds chirping in the background, you’ll have a leisurely morning after breakfast before rejoining your group in the afternoon.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Callery Gorge
The 3.5 mile single track trail follows a former gold mining route through the rainforest that leads to the Callery Gorge Bridge, which opens into the river for great vistas and more exciting photo opportunities.
activity
1 HOUR
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Hike
you’ll be transferred to the trailhead of the Franz Josef Glacier for an approximate 3.5 mile / 1.5 hour hike through the stunning Glacier Valley with views of the Franz Josef Glacier’s constantly changing terminal face.
accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 8
info
Day 8
After bidding farewell to Franz Josef, you'll begin your journey back to Christchurch, with some unforgettable stops along the way.
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
activity
1 HOUR
Hokitika Gorge and Beach
This visit to the Hoktitka Gorge, with its turquoise water and breathtaking scenery, will give you some time to enjoy the stunning beaches and walkways.
activity
1 HOUR
TranzAlpine Railway
All aboard the TranzAlpine train. Sit back, relax, and take in all of the glorious views of Arthurs Pass National Park and the braided Waimakariri River through the high-arched windows of your passenger carriage.
meal
dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.
accommodation
Breakfree on Cashel
Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 9
info
Day 9
All good things must come to an end but only until next time! We’ll transfer you to the airport and say goodbye!
meal
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
transfer
1 HOUR
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
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$3330+ USD
per traveler