Bottoms Up
Start: Anywhere
Finish: Christchurch
If you’re after the total South Island experience then this is the pass for you. The Bottoms Up pass takes it all in from the Marlborough Sounds to Milford Sound, and from the sunbaked beaches at Kaiteriteri to the ice covered glaciers in the south. This pass also includes the Deep South great for nature lovers looking to escape the city!
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere
- Minimum of 14 days travel
- Includes a Milford Sound boat cruise
- Unlimited travel*
- Valid for 12 months from date of purchase
- Additional 12 months to complete the pass when you start travelling
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Reserved accommodation at every overnight stop - guaranteed.
- Best Price Guarantee on activities
- Flexible, easy, stress free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
*T&C's apply
Give us a call to secure your spot with a 10% deposit.
NZ $973
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch bright and early, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – its whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand has to offer for your dinner. In fact, the name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” meaning to eat, “koura” meaning crayfish).
Reserved Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins
- Whale Watching
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!
Reserved Accommodation
- Kaiteri Lodge (not included)
Experiences
- Abel Tasman Skydive
Abel Tasman to Westport
Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.
Reserved Accommodation
- Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Today we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight's unique accommodation is a chance to enjoy a delicious group meal and bond with your bus mates. For those wanting something a little more special to take home with them; passengers can carve their own greenstone necklaces (pounamu).
Reserved Accommodation
- Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (free)
- Green stone carving
- Fancy dress party night
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
After breakfast at Lake Mahinapua, we hit the road on our way to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Reserved Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef (Extra Day)
Today we have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience a Heli-Hike to New Zealand’s most famous Franz Josef Glacier or you can explore this lush corner of New Zealand (for free) on foot; hitting up the many walking trails in the area.
Reserved Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef to Wanaka
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.
Reserved Accommodation
- Base Wanaka (not included)
Experiences
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Roys Peak (free)
Wanaka to Queenstown
Before we leave Wanaka get your brain working at Puzzling World and then its on to the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. Only the brave will sign themselves up for this iconic New Zealand activity. On arrival in Queenstown, we will head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included)
Experiences
- Puzzling World
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy
- Queenstown Bar Crawl and nightlife
Queenstown (Extra day)
Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots. Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer
- Shotover Jet
- Nevis Bungy
- Canyon Swing
Queenstown to Invercargill
Depart Queenstown bright and early to make the most of this epic first day in the Deep South. We arrive into Bluff in time to catch the connecting ferry across to Stewart Island. For those that aren't making the 1-hour trip across the Foveaux Strait you will have a chance to get that iconic picture at the Bluff Sign, as well as a walk to explore the local area. Then it's on to Invercargill for a free afternoon of exploring Oreti Beach.
Reserved Accommodation
- Tuatara Backpackers (not included)
Experiences
Invercargill to Te Anau
If you have spent the night on Stewart Island, the bus will be there to meet you upon return to the Mainland. You will visit the Bluff Sign for the classic shot, then head into Invercargill to pick up the rest of the crew who will have had a sleep in. On the way to Te Anau, we stop off at a few iconic spots like Monkey Island, McCrakens Rest, Tuatapere (for a famous sausage), and Lake Manapouri. If you are wanting to hop off the bus here for the Humpridge Track we can do so as well. We arrive into Te Anau early afternoon so you have the whole afternoon to explore this stunning part of the Fiordland National Park.
Reserved Accommodation
- Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park (not included)
Experiences
- Monkey Island (free)
- Lake Manapouri (free)
- Fiordland National Park (free)
Te Anau to Queenstown (via Milford Sound)
Visiting Milford Sound is a must when visiting the South Island. Before getting to the Homer Tunnel, we make plenty of photo stops at places like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Once at Milford, you will go on an unforgettable scenic boat cruise through the sound exploring soaring peaks and towering waterfalls. Seeing New Zealand’s scenery and nature at its best. Then it’s back on the bus for your journey back to the adventure capital, Queenstown.
Reserved Accommodation
- Base Backpackers (not included)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer (included)
- 2 hour boat cruise on Milford Sound (included)
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
Reserved Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
- Dark Sky Project star gazing
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, and explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.
Reserved Accommodation
- YMCA Christchurch (not included)
Experiences
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
- Hagley Park
