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7 Day South Island Lick Tour

Days
7

Pricing From
$1699

South Island
Book Now

Overview

Be awed by stunning mountains, fantastic views, and the amazing Queenstown on this South Island trip where you'll experience unbeatable scenery coupled with a massive range of optional activities.

Take in Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef and finish with the Tranz-Alpine Express - rated as one of the world's Top Ten train journeys.

Scenic Flight of Mount Cook, New Zealand

Scenic Flight of Mount Cook

Kawarau River Bungy Jump, Queenstown, New Zealand

Kawarau River Bungy Jump, Queenstown

Paragliding Queenstown, New Zealand

Paragliding, Queenstown

Canyon Swing Queenstown, New Zealand

Canyon Swing, Queenstown

Sky Diving Queenstown, New Zealand

Sky Diving, Queenstown

Canyoning Queenstown, New Zealand

Canyoning, Queenstown

Cruise on Milford Sound New Zealand

Cruise on Milford Sound

Nevis Bungy Queenstown, New Zealand

Nevis Bungy, Queenstown

Shotover Jet Queenstown, New Zealand

Shotover Jet, Queenstown

Horse Trekking at Glenorchy Queenstown New Zealand

Horse Trekking at Glenorchy, Queenstown

Skyline Gondola Queenstown New Zealand

Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

Skydive, Wanaka New Zealand

Skydive, Wanaka

Waterskiing Wanaka New Zealand

Waterskiing, Wanaka

Scenic Flight Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand

Scenic Flight Franz Josef Glacier

Guided Hike on Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand

Guided Hike on Franz Josef Glacier

Guided Hike on Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand

Guided Hike on Franz Josef Glacier

TranzAlpine Train Greymouth to Christchurch New Zealand

TranzAlpine Train Greymouth to Christchurch

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Christchurch to Mackenzie Country

This morning we’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is inspirational.

After lunch we leave the city behind and head for Lake Tekapo. The lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true.

The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, proving that small is definitely beautiful. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides – couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!

Tekapo has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve and the super clear skies make it the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Christchurch City Tour
  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Experience Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation in the area. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact [email protected] for more information.

Optional Activity:

Grand Traverse Scenic Flight, Lake Tekapo - Additional Cost

Day 2Mackenzi Country to Queenstown

This morning if you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the summit of Mt John. With awesome views of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel on top of the world. Speaking of views, today’s scenic drive to Queenstown is a show-stopper.

From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard.

We’ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. This also happens to be the World Home of Bungy, give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way through the gorge!

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With two nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this town certainly knows how to live life to the max!

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Hike up Mt John (optional)
  • Visit Kawarau Gorge

Optional Acitivities:

Grand Traverse Scenic Flight Lake Tekapo - Additional Cost
Kawarau Bridge Bungy Queenstown - Additional Cost

Day 3Queenstown

With a full day in Queenstown, let’s work on that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: paragliding over the lake, mountain bike parks and trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, horse riding through Lord of the Rings scenery, and swinging through a canyon are just a few of our favourites.

Hikers: the Ben Lomond day walk (not for the faint-hearted) will be right up your alley. This is a firm tour guide favourite, and they can recommend great shorter walks too.

For scenery lovers, Milford Sound is a must-see. Whether you fly or drive, the scenery en route is as awesome as the destination. Once on the Sound, sailing beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces, you’ll understand why some call it the “8th Wonder of the World."

Tonight you have around 40 bars to choose from – your guide will fill you in on their favourites – to share your adventures with your travel buddies, and party the night away.

Optional Activities

Canyon Swing - Additional Cost
Extreme Jetboating - Additional Cost
Skiing/Snowboarding Day at the Remarks - Additional Cost
Canyoning Queenstown (October - April Only) - Additional Cost
Nevis Bungy - Additional Cost
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - Additional Cost
Paragliding - Additional Cost
Horse Trekking at Glenorchy - Additional Cost
Heli Mountain Biking - Additional Cost
Milford Sound Trip - Additional Cost
Skydiving over the Remarks - Additional Cost
Middle-earth Tour in Queenstown - Additional Cost

Day 4Queenstown to Wanaka

After the excitement of Queenstown, today is a chance to chill. Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, a mere one hour drive away. On the way we’ll stop in at charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character.

Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns. There are stunning hikes and bike rides all around for a welcome chance to chill.

One of the best ways to admire Wanaka is from the air. Treat yourself to a skydive or a scenic flight in a vintage plane – you can even take a flying lesson, or if you prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground, stroll or bike around the lake and check out the famous Wanaka Tree, standing all alone in the water. As always, it’s your trip and your choice: you do you.

Optional Activities

Skydiving over the Southern Alps - Additional Cost
Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride - Additional Cost

Day 5Wanaka to Franz Josef

After a relaxing morning in Wanaka, the journey to Franz is an another stunner – many of our Haka Guides rate it as their favourite drive in New Zealand.

As we hit the road, we’ll stop at one of our favourite lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option.

From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way.

Between September and December it’s whitebait season (a small fish that’s a delicacy in New Zealand). Fried up with eggs and served on toast, it’s a local treat and shouldn’t be missed. We’ll stop at one of the local spots for a taste during the season.

We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5 kilometres from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.

Optional Activities

Skydiving over Southern Alps - Additional Cost
Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride - Additional Cost
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk - Additional Cost

Day 6Franz Josef

With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand.

Te Wahi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to the this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Included in your tour today is a special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery.

There are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier; weather permitting, to get up onto the bluest ice you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers.

Maybe you’d prefer to kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below.

As well as the awesome glacier activities you could also try out quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke tonight in Franz Josef!

Optional Activities

Heli Experience with Snow Landing - Additional Cost
Kayak in Glacier Country - Additional Cost
Glacier Heli-Hike - Additional Cost
Quad Biking - Additional Cost

Day 7Franz Josef to Christchurch

Before you know it, it’s your last day! After breakfast we head further along the beautiful west coast on another of the most spectacular drives in the country (and, some would say, the world): a rugged, primeval landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking beach and ocean waves.

We stop at Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, we may also visit the National Kiwi Centre where there is guaranteed viewing of rare kiwi birds in their nocturnal house.

On the way back to Christchurch, you'll traverse the South Island on the stunning TranzAlpine Train Crossing. Travelling across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, you'll arrive in Christchurch around 6.30pm before transferring to your accommodation.

Your tour officially ends in Christchurch, so feel free to party on with your new travel buddies for as long as you like – your accommodation tonight is included so you can treat yourself to a lie-in in the morning!

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Christchurch to Mackenzie Country

This morning we’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is inspirational.

After lunch we leave the city behind and head for Lake Tekapo. The lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true.

The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, proving that small is definitely beautiful. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides – couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!

Tekapo has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve and the super clear skies make it the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Christchurch City Tour
  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Experience Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation in the area. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact [email protected] for more information.

Optional Activity:

Grand Traverse Scenic Flight, Lake Tekapo - Additional Cost

Day 2Mackenzi Country to Queenstown

This morning if you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the summit of Mt John. With awesome views of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel on top of the world. Speaking of views, today’s scenic drive to Queenstown is a show-stopper.

From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard.

We’ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. This also happens to be the World Home of Bungy, give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way through the gorge!

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With two nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this town certainly knows how to live life to the max!

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Hike up Mt John (optional)
  • Visit Kawarau Gorge

Optional Acitivities:

Grand Traverse Scenic Flight Lake Tekapo - Additional Cost
Kawarau Bridge Bungy Queenstown - Additional Cost

Day 3Queenstown

With a full day in Queenstown, let’s work on that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: paragliding over the lake, mountain bike parks and trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, horse riding through Lord of the Rings scenery, and swinging through a canyon are just a few of our favourites.

Hikers: the Ben Lomond day walk (not for the faint-hearted) will be right up your alley. This is a firm tour guide favourite, and they can recommend great shorter walks too.

For scenery lovers, Milford Sound is a must-see. Whether you fly or drive, the scenery en route is as awesome as the destination. Once on the Sound, sailing beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces, you’ll understand why some call it the “8th Wonder of the World."

Tonight you have around 40 bars to choose from – your guide will fill you in on their favourites – to share your adventures with your travel buddies, and party the night away.

Optional Activities

Canyon Swing - Additional Cost
Extreme Jetboating - Additional Cost
Skiing/Snowboarding Day at the Remarks - Additional Cost
Canyoning Queenstown (October - April Only) - Additional Cost
Nevis Bungy - Additional Cost
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - Additional Cost
Paragliding - Additional Cost
Horse Trekking at Glenorchy - Additional Cost
Heli Mountain Biking - Additional Cost
Milford Sound Trip - Additional Cost
Skydiving over the Remarks - Additional Cost
Middle-earth Tour in Queenstown - Additional Cost

Day 4Queenstown to Wanaka

After the excitement of Queenstown, today is a chance to chill. Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, a mere one hour drive away. On the way we’ll stop in at charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character.

Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns. There are stunning hikes and bike rides all around for a welcome chance to chill.

One of the best ways to admire Wanaka is from the air. Treat yourself to a skydive or a scenic flight in a vintage plane – you can even take a flying lesson, or if you prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground, stroll or bike around the lake and check out the famous Wanaka Tree, standing all alone in the water. As always, it’s your trip and your choice: you do you.

Optional Activities

Skydiving over the Southern Alps - Additional Cost
Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride - Additional Cost

Day 5Wanaka to Franz Josef

After a relaxing morning in Wanaka, the journey to Franz is an another stunner – many of our Haka Guides rate it as their favourite drive in New Zealand.

As we hit the road, we’ll stop at one of our favourite lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option.

From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way.

Between September and December it’s whitebait season (a small fish that’s a delicacy in New Zealand). Fried up with eggs and served on toast, it’s a local treat and shouldn’t be missed. We’ll stop at one of the local spots for a taste during the season.

We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5 kilometres from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.

Optional Activities

Skydiving over Southern Alps - Additional Cost
Tiger Moth Acrobatic Plane Ride - Additional Cost
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk - Additional Cost

Day 6Franz Josef

With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand.

Te Wahi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to the this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Included in your tour today is a special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery.

There are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier; weather permitting, to get up onto the bluest ice you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers.

Maybe you’d prefer to kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below.

As well as the awesome glacier activities you could also try out quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke tonight in Franz Josef!

Optional Activities

Heli Experience with Snow Landing - Additional Cost
Kayak in Glacier Country - Additional Cost
Glacier Heli-Hike - Additional Cost
Quad Biking - Additional Cost

Day 7Franz Josef to Christchurch

Before you know it, it’s your last day! After breakfast we head further along the beautiful west coast on another of the most spectacular drives in the country (and, some would say, the world): a rugged, primeval landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking beach and ocean waves.

We stop at Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, we may also visit the National Kiwi Centre where there is guaranteed viewing of rare kiwi birds in their nocturnal house.

On the way back to Christchurch, you'll traverse the South Island on the stunning TranzAlpine Train Crossing. Travelling across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, you'll arrive in Christchurch around 6.30pm before transferring to your accommodation.

Your tour officially ends in Christchurch, so feel free to party on with your new travel buddies for as long as you like – your accommodation tonight is included so you can treat yourself to a lie-in in the morning!

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