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Wellington Queenstown

Small Group Tour

7 Day South Island Tour

Start: Wellington

Finish: Queenstown

Whats included:

7 nights high-end hostel accommodation (includes 1 night before the tour starts)
7 tasty breakfasts
1 dinner; a buffet dinner at the Skyline Stratosphere restaurant overlooking Queenstown
Inter-island ferry ticket
Wine tasting in the Marlborough region
Christchurch City street art tour
Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo
Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu day tour
Various scenic hikes including Hooker Valley in Mt Cook National Park
Private double/twin room upgrades available for an additional cost (simply add when booking)

This small-group guided tour of the South Island will redefine the meaning of mind-blowing. Head across the Cook Strait before cruising through the vineyards of the Marlborough region (stopping off along the way of course!), before marine spotting in Kaikoura and then hitting up the diverse city of Christchurch. From here, visit even more iconic destinations including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook and the adrenaline pumping Queenstown. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.

This tour departs at 7:30am from Nomads Wellington (118-120 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington), where your accommodation has been booked for the night before departure. Breakfast starts from 6:45am at the hostel before departure.

Read more on our Booking Guarantee here

Tour Dates - 2021

11 - 17 June Book here - 10% off
9 - 15 July Book here - 10% off
13 - 19 August Book here - 10% off
17 - 23 Sep Book here - 10% off
24 - 30 September Book here - 10% off
1 - 7 October Book here
15 - 21 Oct Book here
22 - 28 October Book here
29 Oct - 4 Nov Book here
12 - 18 November Book here
19 - 25 Nov Book here
26 Nov - 2 Dec Book here
10 - 16 December Book here
17 - 23 December Book here
26 Dec - 1 Jan Book here

Tour Dates - 2022

3 - 9 January Book here
7 - 13 January Book here
14 - 20 January Book here
21 - 27 January Book here
28 Jan - 3 Feb Book here
4 - 10 February Book here
11 - 17 February Book here
18 - 24 February Book here
25 Feb - 3 March Book here
4 - 10 March Book here
11 - 17 March Book here
18 - 24 March Book here
25 - 31 March Book here
1 - 7 April Book here

10% OFF

$1459

SAVE $146

NZ $1313

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Day 1Wellington to Kaikoura

Today you’ll kick off by experiencing what’s regarded as one of the most beautiful inter-island crossings in the world, the Cook Straight (included). Arriving into the top of the South Island we’ll journey through the dreamy Marlborough region, home to more vineyards than your eyes can see. Stopping off for a tasting (or two…) along the way (included) to Kaikoura to spot unique marine life and experience local Kiwi cuisine.

Accommodation

Dusky Lodge

Experiences & Highlights

Inter-Island transport across the Cook Strait; one of the most enjoyable and beautiful ferry journeys in the world (included)
Wine tasting in the Marlborough region (included)
Visit Kaikoura Seal colony; one of the best wildlife experiences in the country where hundreds of native fur seals call Kaikoura home.

Day 2Kaikoura to Christchurch

Start the day with a sleep-in or for the more adventurous head out to sea to witness spectacular marine life such as dolphins, whales, albatrosses and so much more (extra activity). Around mid-morning, we’ll head up the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway to walk among a large seal colony (included). After a morning experiencing a real-life Planet Earth episode we’ll cruise to the diverse city of Christchurch, where we will go on a walking tour of the city (included) to learn about 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

All Stars Inn

Experiences & Highlights

Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Enjoy the amazing panaramic views of Kaikoura at the top of the lookout
Discover the hidden gems of Christchurch in a city street art trail (included)

Day 3Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Saying goodbye to Christchurch, we’ll hit the road and cruise into the magnificent Mackenzie Country, home to Lake Tekapo. Here we will visit the charming stone Church of the Good Shepherd (included), sat next to the breathtakingly blue waters of the lake framed with colourful lupins. As night falls, we will visit the Dark Sky Project situated among the UNESCO Dark Sky reserve (included).

Accommodation

Lakefront Lodge Tekapo

Experiences & Highlights

Marvel at the stars at the Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo, where science, Māori heritage and fascinating multi-media installations bring together a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration.
Visit the The Church of the Good Shepherd; situated on the shores of Lake Tekapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains.
Hike up Mount John for a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, lakes and Mackenzie Basin flats.

Day 4Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook

Cruising past the ‘powerade factory’ Lake Pukaki (you’ll know what we mean when you see it) we head for Mount Cook village where we will enjoy a couple of breathtaking scenic hikes in the National Park (included) which will break your internet and blow your mind. Here you will have the opportunity to experience the Tasman Glacier by helicopter or take a scenic flight through the Mt Cook National Park (Aoraki).

Accommodation

YHA Mt Cook

Experiences & Highlights

Spend the day at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Hike the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake. An awe-inspiring landscape of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana on one of our best day hikes - wind up the Hooker Valley past alpine streams and glaciers in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Enjoy a scenic flight over Aoraki National Park (not included).
Go skydiving over Aoraki National Park (not included).

Day 5Mt Cook To Queenstown

After a morning of exploring Mt Cook National Park we drive on through the stunning Lindis Pass and onto Queenstown; known as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. This evening we enjoy a buffet dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant, located at the top of the Skyline Gondola and giving epic panaramic views of Queenstown. The perfect place to eat with a view.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown

Experiences & Highlights

Roys Peak hike; take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks.
Skyline Gondola & Buffet; indulge at Queenstown's famous Stratosphere restaurant located at the top of the Gondola. As you dine, the floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains will blow your mind.
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy (not included)

Day 6Queenstown

Carrying on the adrenaline-pumping theme, you have a full day to fill with activities that suit all budgets and appetites for adventure. Try your hand at activities such as white water rafting, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet-boating or canyon swinging… if you dream it, it probably exists here in Queenstown. Speak to your Driver Guide who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown

Day 7Queenstown

Today we will head out into the heartlands of Otago to the picturesque town of Glenorchy to experience a scenic landscape brimming with southern charm before dropping you back into Queenstown where the tour concludes.

Included Experiences

Glenorchy & Lake Wakatipu tour

What's Included

7 nights dorm accommodation
7 tasty breakfasts
1 dinner; a buffet dinner at Skyline Stratosphere overlooking Queenstown
Inter-Island transport across the Cook Strait
Wine tasting in the Marlborough region
Kaikoura Seal colony
Christchurch city street art tour
Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo
The Church of the Good Shepherd
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Skyline Gondola & Buffet

Optional Extras

Our Small Group Tours offer a fixed itinerary, with a few bucket list items included. There are plenty of additional activities you can add on to your experience as you travel.

Dolphin Encounter

Wanaka Bike Tours

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Whale Watching

NZONE skydiving

What our passengers think

Small Group Tour Review

A great way to meet people while travelling solo

See as many places in New Zealand as possible, experience the beautiful nature and culture, and make friends from all over the world
— Hannah (England)

Small Group Tour Review

See the nature in New Zealand

Nice way to travel and get to know new people from different parts of the world
— Leena (Germany)

I’m a solo traveller... will I meet other solo travellers?

Absolutely! The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends from across the globe.
Am I too old/young for Kiwi Experience?

We welcome the young, and the young at heart aboard our buses, there is no upper limit! There is however a lower limit; you’ll need to be 18 at the time of travel.
What visas do I need?

Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. We ask that you check out the Immigration New Zealand website before booking your Kiwi Experience trip.
Do I need travel insurance?

While not mandatory, travel insurance is recommended and should be taken out when travelling with us. As well as making sure your expensive stuff is covered, you should also get comprehensive travel insurance (covering you for all medical expenses you could incur while travelling).
How much should I budget for each day?

We recommend you budget between $70 - $100 per day to cover food and super fun times. From time to time, it may be worth putting a little more aside to pay for the really crazy stuff like skydiving.
How much luggage am I allowed to bring?

Passengers are allowed one 23kg suitcase/backpack and one day bag, as there are strict weight restrictions on our buses.