Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island 2024-25

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
91%
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premier
Cancellation Policy
Group Tour
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Take 10 days of pure unadulterated Kiwi adventures and turn them into a trip of a lifetime. From the adrenalin-pumping capital of Queenstown to the jaw-dropping scenery of Franz Josef, Milford Sound and Wanaka, this is your chance to see all this great southern island has to offer –...
26%
$2,854
From$2,114
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Visit Kaikoura
    • Visit Hokitika
    • Stay in the scenic Franz Josef Glacier region
    • Visit Lake Matheson
    • Orientation walk of Wanaka with Trip Leader
    • Arrow River Bridges cycle ride
    • Orientation walk of Queenstown with Trip Leader
    • Scenic cruise on Milford Sound (including lunch)
    • Wine tasting in Central Otago region
    • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

What's this trip about?

    TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Take 10 days of pure unadulterated Kiwi adventures and turn them into a trip of a lifetime. From the adrenalin-pumping capital of Queenstown to the jaw-dropping scenery of Franz Josef, Milford Sound and Wanaka, this is your chance to see all this great southern island has to offer – with a bunch of mates just as stoked to be here as you are. It’s time to dive in: you ready?

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChristchurch
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Air-conditioned minicoach

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Christchurch (South Island, New Zealand)

One minute you’re stuck in that boring home routine, next minute you’re landing in Christchurch, meeting a bunch of people who are 100% different but 100% the same. We’re kicking things off with an included group dinner – swap notes on all the weird and wonderf...

Day 2: Christchurch – Kaikoura – Hamner Springs

In the mood to see Mother Nature showing off? Say hello to Hamner Springs. But first up: B-E-A-Utiful Kaikoura. Options here = soak up the laid back atmosphere in town, take a hike around the peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for Giant Sperm Whales on a whale-wa...

Day 3: Hamner Springs – Hokitika – Franz Josef Glacier Region

You’re in luck – today we’re heading to one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. En-route, we’ll make a photo stop in historic Hokitika. Head to the beach and find the quirky sculpture made by the locals. Gift a pounamu (greenstone) to your new travel BFF for...

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier Region – Lake Matheson – Wanaka

Rise and shine! If the weather is good, you’ll have the chance to explore this chilly playground on an optional heli-hike. Strap on your crampons and pile into the chopper – we’ll head up to 800m above sea level to explore the maze of ice formations with an exp...

Day 5: Wanaka – Arrowtown – Queenstown

Set the course for Arrowtown and stretch out those calves – there’s a cycle along the banks of the historic Arrow River in store for today. Venture through some ‘holy-sh*t’-worthy scenery and cross awe-inspiring suspension bridges. Then: we’ll turn our attentio...

Day 6: Queenstown

If Queenstown had a Tinder profile it would read: fun-filled outdoor enthusiast – looking for a fellow adrenalin junkie to share adventures with. And all its pics would be of people throwing themselves off extreme heights. Swiping right? Hell yes! Skydiving. Je...

Day 7: Queenstown – Te Anau

There’s time for one last adrenaline rush and a final feed before we wave goodbye to Queenstown. Soak up all the incredible views racing past the coach window as we make our way to Te Anau. Stretch your legs with a walk around Ivon Wilson Park. Or keep your eye...

Day 8: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau

Today, it’s time for a trip to the mesmerising Milford Sound. Plaster your face to the window as we take the scenic route through Fiordland National Park. Then, the main event: a cruise on the Milford fjord complete with thundering waterfalls, razor-edge cliffs...

Day 9: Te Anau – Cromwell – Lake Ohau

Fuel up with an included brekkie ‘cos it’s time to make tracks to our final overnight stop of the trip: Lake Ohau. First, there’s a wine tasting tour on the cards in Cromwell. The Central Otago town is famous for its Pinot. Prefer a cool glass of Savvie B? Ther...

Day 10: Lake Ohau – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch

Ok, nobody panic – the adventure is coming to a close. But we’re sure as hell not done yet! Lake Tekapo is calling. Add one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings to your camera roll with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd along the shoreline. The...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,114
Price per day$211
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Per Person
Single
Twin Per Person
Availability
21 Jun 2024
30 Jun 2024
$2,115
$2,646
$2,115
15 spots left
12 Jul 2024
21 Jul 2024
$2,115
$2,637
$2,115
16 spots left
09 Aug 2024
18 Aug 2024
$2,419
$3,009
$2,419
17 spots left
23 Aug 2024
01 Sep 2024
$2,178
$2,709
$2,178
14 spots left
20 Sep 2024
29 Sep 2024
$2,419
$3,019
$2,419
19 spots left
18 Oct 2024
27 Oct 2024
$2,419
$3,009
$2,419
19 spots left
08 Nov 2024
17 Nov 2024
$2,419
$3,009
$2,419
17 spots left
13 Dec 2024
22 Dec 2024
$2,489
$3,109
$2,489
19 spots left
03 Jan 2025
12 Jan 2025
$2,489
$3,109
$2,489
18 spots left
17 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$2,489
$3,109
$2,489
20 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Topdeck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Topdeck Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
100
Great
3
Average
2
Disappointing
3
Terrible
8
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Other Topdeck Reviews

A

Alexander

Dec 2022

Provided byTopdeck

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best part was enjoying Long Drinks on the ferry Keep up the great work

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best pa...

R

Riley

Dec 2022

Provided byTopdeck

Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent.

Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent. Was not able to do black water and white water rafting o...

R

Rory Gunn

Jul 2023

Written on

They will do whatever they can to not…

They will do whatever they can to not honor their obligations

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Tour Operator

Topdeck

premier
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So, who the hell are Topdeck?

Short answer: we’re the travel-enthusiast fairy godmother you never had. We’re your hassle-free ticket to discovering more destinations. Your exit from the daily grind into life changing experiences. A chance to uncover extraordinary with a bunch of curious, like-minded people – with the freedom to delve deeper and just be you.

Aged 18 to 30-something? We’re devoted to making your travel dreams a reality. And after years in the group travel biz we know what you want – and we aren’t scared of over-delivering. Forget forking out for the logistics, we’ll sort it for you. Accommodation, experiences, transport... we've got you.

Then? There’s all that free time to just. do. you. Be spontaneous. Do your thing. ‘Cause this is what you came for. And if you need local tips, we’ve got your back. Our Trip Leaders are the experts who don’t just lead; who inspire. Who will make your world come alive, and were born to do it.

A Topdeck trip is an alternate reality. A realer real, away from home, work, the usual. Your chance to be the best version of yourself. To be an insider, not a bystander. To share incredible moments with people who are 100% different, but 100% the same. To strip it all back and find the real you.

Trust us, if you go it alone, it sure as hell won’t be the same

Why we love this operator
Their trips perfectly balance epic experiences and free time for exploring in the most popular backpacking destinations.
What they’re known for
Group tours for 18-30 year olds looking to travel internationally on a budget and make new friends along the way.

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Logistics

Accommodation

- 8 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night in a hostel (twin or double),

Transportation & Flights

Air-conditioned minicoach,

Transportation & flights

Air-conditioned minicoach
Cancellation policy
If you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure you may request in writing that we provide you with a rolling deposit voucher for a future trip. The voucher must be redeemed within two years from the date of first cancellation. The voucher can be transferred to a friend but cannot be transferred a second time. One voucher can be redeemed per person per trip. If you cancel within 60 days of departure you will need to pay our applicable cancellation fee based on the cancellation policy at time of booking. The balance of your trip must be paid no later than 60 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not pay within this period we may cancel your booking and your deposit will be forfeited. Full payment is required if you make a booking within 60 days of the departure date; if you then wish to cancel, standard cancellation terms apply. If your booking is a special offer we may require full payment (including any pre- and post-accommodation and sundry service charges) by such earlier time as specified in the offer.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

Breakfasts: 9

Lunches: 1

Dinners: 3

Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Optional Activities
  • FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change – prices are here to give you a rough idea.
  • Whale watching in Kaikoura: prices available locally
  • Visit Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: prices available locally
  • Kayaking on Lake Mapourika: prices available locally
  • Glacier heli-hike excursion in Franz Josef Glacier region: prices available locally
  • Cruise on Lake Wanaka: prices available locally
  • Bungy jumping in Queenstown: prices available locally
  • Gondola and luge adventure in Queenstown: prices available locally
  • Jet boating in Queenstown: prices available locally
  • Canyon swinging in Queenstown: prices available locally
  • Skydiving in Queenstown: prices available locally
  • Glow worm cave tour in Te Anau: prices available locally
  • Visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: free
Additional Information
Trip ID
topdeck-TGKCC4

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