10 Day New Zealand Southern Pioneer Adventure Tour

Welcome to Christchurch! Upon settling into your accommodation, prepare for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. This is your chance to meet your Tour Manager and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. Following the meeting, the evening is yours to explore. We suggest a visit to the Christchurch Art Gallery, a striking landmark in the city centre with its flowing glass architecture. Alternatively, take a stroll down New Regent’s Street for an ice cream, surrounded by charmingly painted vintage buildings in soft pastel hues.

Rise early! Following a continental breakfast, we'll delve into the heart of Christchurch, where your guide will unveil the innovative and artistic methods used to rejuvenate the city after the transformative 2011 earthquake. The creativity of Christchurch residents shines through in landmarks such as the Transitional Cathedral, an inspiring structure made of cardboard.

By mid-morning, we'll make our way to Lake Tekapo. Have your camera at the ready; the lake's stunning turquoise hues set against a mountainous landscape offer a perfect canvas for photographers. The quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the lake's shore, epitomises the beauty of simplicity. Feel free to share in the joy of any newlyweds you encounter, as couples from across the globe come here to capture their wedding memories against the scenic backdrop of the chapel.

Travelling from the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country, famed for its role in the epic battles of "Return of the King," to the striking peaks of the Southern Alps, it feels as though you're entering a living postcard. Along the way, we'll make numerous stops for you to capture these breathtaking views, including a visit to the awe-inspiring Kawarau Gorge, the birthplace of bungy jumping. Whether you decide to take the leap or prefer to watch others embrace the thrill, it's an experience not to be missed.

Queenstown welcomes all, from thrill-seekers and hiking enthusiasts to wine aficionados and lovers of scenic beauty. With two nights in this vibrant town and extended daylight hours, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Queenstown truly excels in making the most of life, offering an array of activities to suit every taste and preference.

With a whole day to explore Queenstown, it's the perfect opportunity to tick off some items from your bucket list! There's a plethora of activities to dive into: thrilling jet boat rides, river kayaking, off-road adventures through landscapes straight out of "Lord of the Rings," and the scenic skyline gondola ride, to mention just a few favourites.

For those who adore breathtaking landscapes, Milford Sound is an absolute must-visit. Whether you choose to fly or drive, the journey there is just as spectacular as the destination itself. Embarking on a cruise through the Sound, you'll be mesmerised by the majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs, quickly realising why it's dubbed the "8th Wonder of the World."

This morning in Queenstown offers you another splendid opportunity to cross items off your bucket list. Will you ascend to the heights aboard the Skyline Gondola, or perhaps seek thrills on a jet boat ride through Shotover Canyon? The choice is yours! Later, we'll hit the road for Wanaka, a mere hour's drive away. The journey itself is a visual feast, so ensure your camera is charged and ready. We'll make a stop in the quaint Arrowtown, a village steeped in gold rush history, brimming with old-world charm.

Your afternoon in Wanaka provides a peaceful respite in this stunning locale, often thought of as Queenstown's quieter sibling. Surrounded by majestic peaks and the glacial hues of its lake, Wanaka's beauty easily explains its reputation as one of New Zealand's most picturesque mountain towns. With a variety of breathtaking hikes and leisurely bike trails available, it's the perfect spot for some tranquil exploration.

Today presents a fantastic opportunity to discover one of the most enchanting towns within the southern lakes area, offering an array of activities for every outdoor enthusiast. Highlight of the day includes a trip to Mou Waho Island, a unique destination only reachable by boat from Wanaka. It's renowned for its intriguing geographical setup: an island within a lake on another island, all nestled within Lake Wanaka on the South Island, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. While it might sound bewildering, it all falls into place once you're there. Mou Waho Island is not only a predator-free haven but also boasts a glacial lake at its peak, offering sightings of the rare, flightless Buff Weka and the Mountain Stone Weta.

In Wanaka, you're spoilt for choice with numerous walking paths, hiking trails, and cycling routes. Don't miss the iconic "Wanaka Tree" as you explore the lake's perimeter. For those seeking a more laid-back day, your guide can point you towards the best hidden gems to soak in the majestic views. After a day filled with adventure and exploration in Wanaka, you can look forward to unwinding at your hotel, gearing up for another day of discovery en route to Franz Josef.

Following a serene morning in Wanaka, the drive to Franz Josef is nothing short of spectacular, often cited by our Haka Guides as their top road trip in New Zealand. Setting off, we'll pause at a beloved lakeside vantage point, either by Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka, depending on the day's weather to ensure the finest views.

The route through Haast Pass, adorned with tumbling waterfalls and quintessential Kiwi coastal scenery, promises a journey where every moment is worth staying awake for. Your guide will surprise you with breathtaking photo opportunities and brief strolls along the way. We'll arrive in Franz Josef by late afternoon or early evening, ready to introduce you to this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its awe-inspiring glacier, a mere 5km from the town centre, and set for exploration the following day.

Franz Josef presents a scene of unparalleled beauty, with Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak, setting a magnificent backdrop against the glaciers. This area, known to the Māori as Te Wāhi Pounamu or 'the place of greenstone', is celebrated for its rich deposits of pounamu (greenstone/jade). Today’s highlight includes the unique chance to carve your own pounamu pendant at a local gallery, offering a personal touch to your visit.

Exploring Franz Josef Glacier offers numerous possibilities, weather allowing. For those eager to tread upon the glacier's stunning blue ice, a scenic helicopter flight followed by a hike is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, kayaking on a glacial lake provides a serene encounter with nature. Beyond glacier adventures, adrenaline-fueled activities such as skydiving are available, or you might end the day with group karaoke, adding a fun social twist to your stay in Franz Josef.

Suddenly, you find yourself on the final full day of your adventure. Post-breakfast, we journey along the West Coast, traversing one of the most awe-inspiring routes not only in New Zealand but also globally recognised for its primal beauty. This drive features lush rainforests set against the dramatic backdrop of pristine beaches and the rolling waves of the ocean.

Our stop in Hokitika includes a visit to a greenstone factory, an ideal spot for picking up keepsakes for loved ones back home. If time allows, we might also drop by the National Kiwi Centre for a surefire glimpse of the elusive kiwi bird in its nocturnal habitat. The return to Christchurch is marked by the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, acclaimed as one of the globe's most picturesque rail experiences. En route, you’ll be treated to magnificent views, including the ice-fed Waimakariri River and vast stretches of native beech forest, culminating in your arrival back in Christchurch around 6.30pm, from where you'll be transferred to your accommodation.

Today marks the conclusion of our journey, a time to share photographs and recount tales over breakfast before we bid farewell and go our separate ways.