Home > Tours > New Zealand Tours > South Island Tours > 'Sweet As' South Plus Kaikoura

'Sweet As' South Plus Kaikoura

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group 18-30's Scenic
Sold Out
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Wellington
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
12 Day 'Sweet As' South Plus Kaikoura Itinerary (Contiki)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Operator
Trip Style
In-Depth Explorer
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
51
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NSHAD

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Contiki's 12 Day 'Sweet As' South Plus Kaikoura. Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Kick off this tour in the land of the Lord of the Rings, Wellington & quad bike in the bush! Hike a glacier, then it's on to Queenstown. Go bungy jumping, canyon swinging & quad biking - the activities endless (& the nightlife is legendary!) Choose to cruise through Milford Sound & take an amazing scenic flight over Mt. Cook!

Itinerary

Contiki crew, are you ready? Our Southern adventure starts in Wellington, NZ's San Fran, where we'll dart across the Tasman via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough's wine country along the rugged east coast.

Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns.

After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying! (B) Stay: Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning. (B)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard! (B) Stay: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art.

Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots... We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved. (B/D) Stay: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.

An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird. (B)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls.

Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago. Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We hit the ground running because tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola, to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG. (B) Stay: Jucy Snooze (or similar)

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities. (B)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. (B)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. (B/D)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush. (B) Stay: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field' just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown - a historic gold mining town where we'll tuck into a gold standard lunch. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance! (B/D) Stay: Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)

We'll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Trip Inclusions

  • Hokitika: View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika
  • Wanaka: Stop in the beautiful lake side town of Wanaka
  • Queenstown: Get your adrenaline pumping on the World's first, and some would say most famous, Bungy Jump
  • Queenstown: Visit a wine vineyard in the famed Gibbston Valley and try some of the local specialties.
  • Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Te Anau: Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
  • Lake Ohau: See the peak of Mt Cook/Aoraki from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau
  • Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. And get that iconic Insta pic.
  • Lake Tekapo: Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
  • Lake Tekapo: Visit the Dark Sky Experience which combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in an interactive display.

  • 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

  • 4 nights in Hotels, 4 nights in Hostel, 3 nights in Lodges

  • Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Play Youtube Video

Brochure

Worldwide

Contiki Worldwide (2023-24)

Ready for a global adventure with the best people you’ve never met? You’re in the right brochure. Safari. Sunbathing. Great cities or even greater landscapes. Whatever your vibe. Whatever your continent. Contiki have got you covered.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

12 Day Northern 'Choice' Plus Kaikoura (Contiki)

12 Days Christchurch Auckland

Operated By: Contiki

From 3,004
Save 566
12 Day Northern 'Choice' Plus Kaikoura (Contiki)

12 Days Auckland Christchurch

Operated By: Contiki

From 3,029
Save 571
16 Day Kiwiana Panorama Plus Kaikoura (Contiki)

16 Days Queenstown Auckland

Operated By: Contiki

From 4,428
Save 554