Our tours are not only about experiencing the beauty of Aotearoa, they’re about bringing like minded individuals together and creating long-lasting friendships. Everyone’s welcome on an adventure with us, from solo travellers to couples and small groups of friends, we strive to create a safe, comfortable, fun environment while we explore our beautiful country together. Our experienced crew takes care of everything, so all you have to do is show up! From transport to activities, to meals and accommodation, we handpick everything to get the most out of our adventure together! Our dream is that we create an environment everybody feels comfortable in. Singles, couples, friends, so don’t hesitate to come and explore this beautiful country of ours. Explore our beautiful backyard with like-minded individuals. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and create some long-lasting friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch – Rakaia Gorge – Lake Tekapo
Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
Welcome aboard! Today is the first day of our road trip and after a quick meet and greet in Christchurch, we load into our van and kick off our NZ adventure
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rakaia Gorge Walkway, Rakaia Gorge Road State Highway 72 Inland Scenic Route, Rakaia New Zealand
kick off our NZ adventure holiday over The Rakaia Gorge Bridge which is a historic piece of architecture that dates back to 1945.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Geraldine, Geraldine, Canterbury Region, South Island
From there, we’ll then make our way to Geraldine for a lunch stop.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Church of the Good Shepherd, Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999 New Zealand
After lunch, we’ll cruise towards Lake Tekapo with a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd. This stop is a must as it’s one of the most photographed items in NZ.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
On our arrival, we will give you time to settle into your accommodation which looks out at the intense milky blue waters of the glacial-fed Lake Tekapo.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Tekapo Springs, 6 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
After a BBQ dinner, you have the optional add on to enjoy a two-hour stargazing adventure to truly enjoy the beautiful night sky. This will be the ultimate stellar relaxation experience because we’ll combine the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve with a unique blend of astronomy and storytelling. Did we mention we can also enjoy the blanket of sparkling stars while bathing in some soul-warming hot springs? Not a bad way to start the trip and break the ice!
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Dinner: BBQ dinner, can cater to call dietary requirements
Accommodation included: Staying the night at Tekapo Holiday Park / Backpackers. Twin share rooms or private double for couples
Day 2: Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Arrowtown – Te Anau
Stop At: Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
In the morning, your guides will prepare a continental breakfast for you before we wind our way further south. We will pass Lake Pukaki which is the largest lake in the area and it proudly shows off NZ’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Arrowtown, Arrowtown, Otago Region, South Island
If you still have some room left after breakfast, you’ll be happy to know we have 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. Whilst you’re there, you should visit the replica miner’s huts, buy some flakes of gold, wade in the river where people still pan for gold or buy some old-fashioned sweets from the Remarkable Sweet Shop.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
After our visit, we head straight to the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau where we stay the night to prepare for tomorrow’s adventure. This picturesque township is the main visitor base for the glacier-covered wilderness Fiordland National Park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight a YHA Te Anau. Shared twin rooms or private double for couples
Day 3: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
After breakfast, we head to one of NZ’s most stunning attractions: the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the 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. We really take advantage of this beautiful spot and include 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!
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road,, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Quick stop at the beautiful mirror lakes. Great photo opportunity
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
Quick stop at Eglinton Valley. Great photo opportunity.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
After our cruise, we drive back towards Queenstown whilst making stops at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lake. On arrival, we’ll check into our accommodation and you’ll have some free time to go and explore this famous town! You can check out the world’s best burger joint (at least we think so)— Fergburger. And then, the night is yours. Have some drinks at the Ice Bar, take a trip through the haunted house, or head back to our accommodation to rest up for two more big days ahead in Queenstown.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 3 nights at Nomads Queenstown. Amazing location centre of township. Twin share or private double for couples.
Day 4: Queenstown (Free day)
Stop At: Glenorchy, Glenorchy, Otago Region, South Island
Today is your first FREE DAY and what better place than to enjoy it in Queenstown! The bro John Travolta once said, “whenever I get stressed, I just want to hop on a plane to Queenstown.” People come here from all over the world for Queenstown adventure holidays and the town has subsequently been nicknamed our 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, exploring the town, soak up in the ONSEN hot pools (booking required)… 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 we can visit Glenorchy or Bob’s Cove for the day.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Another nights at Nomads Queenstown. Amazing location centre of township. Twin share or private double for couples.
Day 5: Queenstown
Stop At: Skippers Canyon Jet, Skippers Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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, we have 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.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Another nights at Nomads Queenstown. Amazing location centre of township. Twin share or private double for couples.
Day 6: Queenstown – Wanaka
Stop At: Cardrona, Cardrona, Otago Region, South Island
In the morning of day 6, we will have 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!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Lake Wanaka, Wanaka New Zealand
We will head towards a town situated on a lakefront and dwarfed by mountains they call Wānaka. After we check into our 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.
Optional add on – For those who want to experience NZ’s most popular ski area, Cardrona Alpine Resort. A perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of wide-open trials and an easy-to-use surface lift. We can help organise an all-day lift pass and your gear rental (skis or snowboard). We can also assist you in booking group beginners lessons if it’s your first time or if you are looking for some pointers!
Optional Add on: For those who want to kick their holidays up a notch and get hooked on adventure. Tackle the highest waterfall cable climb in the world and feel the excitement build with every rung and every step with Wildwire Wanaka
We offer drop off and pick up for both activities
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at YHA Wanaka – Lake front accommodation. Twin share or private double for couples.
Day 7: Wanaka – Lake Hawea – Haast Pass – Blue Pools – Franz Josef
Stop At: Lake Hawea, Lake Hawea, Otago Region, South Island
Starting day 7, we’ll enjoy our breakfast with panoramic views of the stunning Lake Wānaka. We will then hit the road and pass by Lake Hāwea, a place of vivid beauty.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Haast Pass, New Zealand
We will then carry on to experience one of the best scenic drives in this area. Today, we pass by non-stop Aotearoa eye-candy through the Haast Pass which is highlighted by ancient rainforests, small glaciers, and awesome waterfalls. We might even get the chance to meet some penguins if we are lucky!
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Blue Pools Track, State Highway 6 , Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka 9382 New Zealand
Before lunch, we’ll 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!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Ship Creek Walks, State Highway 6, Haast 7886 New Zealand
Afterwards, we will pass by more epic waterfalls and you will have a beachfront lunch prepared for you by the friendly guides
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
After we’re satisfied, we’ll then make our way to Franz Josef Glacier for the night. Once settled into our new home for the night, 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!
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 2 nights at Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef. Twin share or private double for couples
Day 8: Franz Josef
Stop At: Lake Mapourika, State Highway 6, Westland Jetty Bay, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
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.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
Finishing up at midday, we will head back to our 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). We will then meet back for a big family dinner prepared by your guides and make the most of our night there.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Another night at Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef. Twin share or private double for couples
Day 9: Franz Josef – Ross – Hokitia Gorge – Castle Hill
Stop At: Hokitika Gorge Walk, Whitcombe Valley Road Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, West Coast, Hokitika 7810 New Zealand
Breakfast will be prepared early as we depart at 9 am. We will load the van back up and travel from one coast and head towards the other.
Stopping at Hokitika Gorge, you’ll have the chance to walk one of the west coast’s most popular trails! A 15min stroll to see surreal turquoise waters that drain from the distant Sale Glacier. We will prepare lunch after this before we hit the road again.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Arthur’s Pass National Park, Arthur’s Pass National Park, Canterbury Region, South Island
Our van will be climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur’s Pass National Park. It’s the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Castle Hill, Castle Hill, Canterbury Region, South Island
rriving mid-afternoon at our last location in Castle Hill (Kura Tawhiti), our exclusive solar panelled ski lodge awaits. The lodge is hidden in forested mountains and native tussock lands with access to our very own natural ice skating rink. We will make the most of our last dinner together as a group, experience pristine star gazing from the lodge deck after with a few drinky la las… Would be rude not to!
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Forest Lodge, Castle Hill. 900m above sea level. This will be the ONLY dorm share night.
Day 10: Castle Hill – Christchurch
Stop At: Castle Hill Rocks, Old West Coast Road New Zealand
Breakfast is served as we pack up to make our way to Christchurch. But before the saddest chapter of the tour comes to an end, we will stop to explore the limestone rocks of Castle Hill Basin, described by the Dalai Lama as “the spiritual centre of the universe”.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
Castle Hill is a short 15 min drive away from our lodge, where we will get our last group photos together and make our way to the drop off zone which will be close to Christchurch Airport at 2 pm. If people have a flight to catch around that time, we can drop you off at the airport, no worries, just let us know before the tour starts!
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Cooked breakfast! Bacon, sausages, eggs, hashbrowns, etc – Can cater to any dietary requirements.
No accommodation included on this day.
Location: Australasia » New Zealand » Canterbury » Canterbury
Commences: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration: 10 days
![Hole in the Rock Experience – Overnight [2 Day Tour]](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/0a/b0/35/b7.jpg "Hole in the Rock Experience – Overnight [2 Day Tour]")
