South and Sound
Start: Anywhere
Finish: Anywhere
South and Sound will get you around the best the South Island offers. It combines the classic stop and adds on Milford Explorer, which also takes you to New Zealand’s ‘8th wonder of the world’ - Milford Sound.
This pass will take you to the wild West Coast, where you can learn to surf, see glaciers that descend into the rainforest and experience a beautiful sunset! It also includes the adventure capital Queenstown and the vibrant, ever-changing city of Christchurch.
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere.
- Minimum of 11 days of travel
- Includes a Milford Sound boat cruise
- Valid for travel between 1 January and 30 October 2023
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the online TRIP PLANNER (by 7 am 2days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities via the online TRIP PLANNER
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
*T&C's apply
To view our current bus timetables, please click here
NZ $915
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch *, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).
*Christchurch departure times may vary, impacting some tour options.
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
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!
Accommodation
- Kaiteri Lodge (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Abel Tasman Skydive (Book via the Online Trip Planner)
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.
Accommodation
- Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Westport to Franz Josef
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. We then 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.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- 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.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef to Queenstown
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. After a stroll round Lake Wanaka and some lunch, we head 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
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Roys Peak (free)
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy
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.
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer
- Shotover Jet
- Nevis Bungy
- Canyon Swing
Milford Sound day trip
Visiting Milford Sound is a must when visiting the South Island. The Milford Explorer departs Queenstown early and the first stop for breakfast, coffee or just a snack is at the picturesque town of Te Anau. 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.
Experiences
- 2 hour Milford Sound boat cruise
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.
Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
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.
Accommodation
- Hotel Give (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
- Hagley Park
