New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline

One minute you're in your usual routine, the next you're touching down in Christchurch, surrounded by people you've never met - but who are just as up for the adventure as you are.

We're kicking off this South Island tour with a group dinner – swap notes on all the weird and wonderful stuff you're planning to do. It's time to delve into local hot spots, legendary cities and mind-blowing natural wonders. See you in the morning! Stay: Haka House Christchurch or similar (D)

In the mood to see Mother Nature showing off? Say hello to Hamner Springs. But first up: beautiful Kaikōura. Options here include soaking up the laid-back atmosphere in town, taking a hike around the peninsula, keeping your eyes peeled for Giant Sperm Whales on a whale-watching tour, or heading down to one of the seafood caravans on the foreshore for some fresher-than-fresh crayfish.

Fancy a spa afternoon? Once we reach Hamner Springs, make your way to its natural thermal pools. There's 22 in total, plus the complex also hosts New Zealand's biggest water slide: the Conical Thrill. Stay: Bella Vista Hanmer Springs or similar (B)

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 buddy for good luck. Or give ‘mountain oysters' a try (hint: Google it first).

Then, it's time to roll into the jaw-dropping Franz Josef Glacier region. Here, you can work up an appetite during an optional kayaking session on Lake Mapourika. Need somewhere for dinner? Your Trip Leader's got the goods. Stay: Haka House Franz Josef or similar (B)

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 expert local guide.

Or go all-out with a scenic flight that'll leave you with goosebumps and a full camera roll. There's also an out-of-this-world kayaking trip through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary up for grabs. Stay: Haka House Franz Josef or similar (B)

This morning is your final chance to soak up that crisp alpine air - or, if you haven't yet had the chance, to embark on an unforgettable adventure. However you choose to wrap things up, make it a breathtaking finale to your time in this chilly playground..

Then, it's time to move on to Lake Matheson. Cue: a sense of awe that's hard to put into words.

Later, we'll arrive at Wanaka: a lakeside, alpine town with some seriously impressive scenery. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your Trip Leader. After soaking up the charm of this beautiful town, gather your friends for dinner. Our pick? Francesca's Italian Kitchen for yummy wood-fired pizza. Stay: Haka House Wanaka or similar (B)

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 swoon-worthy scenery and cross awe-inspiring suspension bridges.

Then we'll turn our attention to the adventure capital of the world! Get the lay of the land with your Trip Leader before enjoying some free time.

Opt to race your Topdeck buddies on the sky-high luge track. Or try bungy jumping and try not to tumble in front of your new friends. Then, there's a group dinner on us at Fergburger.

Tonight you can hunker down in World Bar – with world-famous teapot cocktails, it's the perfect spot to make a plan for your full day in Queenstown. Stay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar (B/D)

If Queenstown had a bio, it'd be: outdoor lover seeking fellow thrill-seekers for endless adventures. And all its pics would be of people throwing themselves off extreme heights. Skydiving. Jet boating. Canyon swinging. You want it, this place has it. And you've got 24 hours to embrace it all.

And don't worry if all the above makes you want to run and hide – there's more here than death-defying antics. Take the skyline gondola for some incredible views over Lake Wakatipu. Or visit Queenstown Gardens for stunning scenes of the The Remarkables.

Tonight: head to the Cookie Bar. We're talking warm cookies, freakshakes, s'more, ice-cream... It doesn't get much better than that Stay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar (B)

Today, it's time for a trip to the mesmerising Milford Sound. Soak up the scenery 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 and resident seals. It's like National Geographic, only bigger, bolder, and right in front of you. Tuck into lunch on board surrounded by a view so good it deserves its own postcard.

Back in Queenstown, gather your mates and explore the hidden gems locals swear by – your Trip Leader knows where to find them; just ask. Stay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar (B/L)

Fuel up with breakfast because it's time to make tracks to the final overnight stop of our scenic NZ South Island trip: Lake Tekapo.

First, there's a wine tasting tour on the cards in Cromwell. The Central Otago town is famous for its Pinot. Prefer a chilled glass of vino? There's plenty of that, too.

And just when you think the views can't get any better, we'll stop off at Lake Pukaki for a leg stretch and some serious screen-saver scenery. Think: intense turquoise waters and postcard-worthy views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Then, onto Lake Tekapo. Nestled between towering mountains and overlooking the sparkling lake, it's the perfect place to spend the last night of our southern expedition. We're going to give this trip the send-off it deserves at tonight's final group dinner. Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park or similar (B/D)

Ok, nobody panic – the tour's coming to a close. But we're not quite done. 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.

Then, we'll make tracks for Christchurch where it's time to say goodbye. Ten days. Countless thrills, spills and good times. You embraced it all and shared the adventure with a bunch of strangers who are now like family. Reunion trip next year. Who's in? (B)