New Zealand Coach Tours- Special Interest Tours- Adventure Tours
11 Day South Island Adventure Tour
price from
NZ$ 3460
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - South Island
Adventure Tour
11 days
Christchurch / Wellington / Picton
Christchurch
Enquiry/Booking
11 Day South Island Adventure Tour for Young Travelers | Shared Dorm Accommodation & Meals | 6 Included Activities | Max. 24 pax | Money-Back Guarantee
The 11 Day Weka Adventure Tour is the ultimate way to explore New Zealand’s South Island.
Travel from Picton, Christchurch, or Wellington down the spectacular wild west coast on our adventure tour, meeting friendly locals and checking off unforgettable bucket-list highlights along the way.
Our guided adventure tour, with a maximum of 24 passengers plus a driver-guide per bus, includes select meals and activities, while leaving plenty of flexibility for optional extras. Most travelers on our Adventure Tour are between 18 and 40 years old, although we have no maximum age because we believe age doesn’t matter—it’s all about attitude!
START INFORMATION
CHRISTCHURCH INTERCITY BUS DEPARTURE INFO: 7:30 AM, outside the Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street.
Subject to change. Please be ready for pickup 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Please note: Your first leg is an unguided public bus journey ending in Blenheim at approximately 12:40 PM. You will meet your Stray Guide outside the Blenheim i-SITE Information Centre (The Railway Station).
If your pickup is significantly delayed due to the ferry’s arrival, you will be notified by email in advance.
WELLINGTON DEPARTURE INFO: Meet your guide and group outside the Cambridge Hotel Wellington (28 Cambridge Terrace) at 6:30 AM before checking in together for the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry.
Subject to change. Please arrive at the hotel 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
PICTON DEPARTURE INFO: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM, bus stop on Auckland Street outside the i-SITE Information Centre (opposite Picton Railway Station).
Subject to change depending on ferry arrival time. Please be ready for pickup 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Our Gallery
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Coach
Tour Departures
- Check the tour departures below
Airport Transfers
- Not Included
Pricing
-
NZD$3,460
Meals
- 9 x Breakfast
- 1 x Dinner
Accommodation
- Lodges
- Hostels
- Chalets
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Blenheim – Picton – Marahau (Abel Tasman National Park) – Buller Gorge – Punakaiki – Hokitika – Franz Josef – Lake Matheson – Haast Pass – Lake Hawea – Queenstown – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown – Lake Tekapo – Mount John Observatory – Christchurch
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- STT082025
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Christchurch, where your adventure begins! Depart early this morning aboard a public bus service (unguided) to Blenheim, where you’ll meet your Stray Guide and group. From there, travel through the picturesque Marlborough region to Marahau, located on the edge of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park — perfect for exploring what’s arguably New Zealand’s best national park.
Accommodation: The Barn Marahau
Optional paid activity: Wine tasting($15pp)
Meal options: Stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies — self-cater or join the optional group dinner
Free activity: Stargazing
Enjoy a full day exploring Abel Tasman National Park! Take a water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring golden beaches and turquoise waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, then hike to Cleopatra’s Pools, moss-lined freshwater pools featuring a natural rock slide. Walk approximately 4 hours back to your accommodation, stopping for photos and swims in the park’s secluded bays.
Accommodation: The Barn Marahau
Included activity: Water taxi to Anchorage Bay
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, skydiving, canyoning (afternoon)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch; self-cater or BBQ at the lodge
Free activities: Hike, relax on the beach, swim, visit Cleopatra’s Pools
Get ready for an epic drive down the wild West Coast, famous for its rugged beaches and lush rainforest. Travel through Buller Gorge and along one of the world’s most scenic roads (as ranked by Lonely Planet). Stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes before continuing to the rainforest village of Franz Josef. Enjoy a group dinner at your accommodation tonight.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Free activities: Buller Gorge, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika
Get ready to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders — the Franz Josef Glacier. Take a short drive to the trailhead, then hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the glacier’s terminal face for incredible photos. Prefer to relax? Chill out in one of New Zealand’s largest spa pools at the retreat.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat
Optional paid activity: Shuttle to the track
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater
Free activities: Glacier hike, bush walks, soak in the spa
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Enjoy a scenic journey with plenty of photo stops. First up is Lake Matheson, known as the mirror lake, for a short walk. Then travel through the Haast Pass and alongside Lake Hawea before arriving in Queenstown. Once settled, head out and enjoy the town’s vibrant nightlife — there are over 100 bars and clubs to choose from!
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater
You’ve got two full days to enjoy the adventure capital of New Zealand! With its mountain views, lakeside setting, and endless adrenaline activities, it’s no wonder many travelers never want to leave.
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Optional paid activities: Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, ziplining, horseback riding — and more!
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
With its mountain views, lakeside setting, and endless adrenaline activities, it’s no wonder many travelers never want to leave.
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Optional paid activities: Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, ziplining, horseback riding — and more!
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
Hop aboard the coach for a day trip to the world-famous Milford Sound — cruise beneath Mitre Peak, past rainforests, and (if it’s raining) spectacular waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, penguins, and dolphins. After the cruise, return to Queenstown — and don’t miss trying the legendary Fergburger!
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Included activity: Milford Sound day trip and cruise
Travel to Lake Tekapo, famous for its surreal turquoise color framed by the Southern Alps. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and, in the afternoon, take part in a fascinating Māori astronomy experience at the Dark Sky Project Centre.
Accommodation: Haka House Lake Tekapo (or similar)
Included activity: Dark Sky Experience
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Optional paid activities: Dark Sky Crater Experience, Tekapo Hot Springs, ice skating, snow tubing (winter only)
Free activities: Mount John Observatory Hike, Church of the Good Shepherd, stargazing
Continue to Christchurch, a creative and vibrant city with the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, and trendy laneway bars. Spend your afternoon exploring, shopping, or riding the historic tram.
Accommodation: Drifter Christchurch (or similar)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Free activities: Explore Christchurch, visit the Riverside Market, Botanic Gardens
Your adventure ends today. Say goodbye to your guide and new travel friends — we hope to see you again on another Stray adventure soon!
Meal inclusion: Breakfast
Inclusions & Highlights
- Experienced tour guide
- Private coach transportation
- 10 nights’ dorm-style accommodation
- 10 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
- Trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- Visit to Franz Josef Glacier township
- Lake Matheson (Mirror Lake) visit
- Milford Sound day trip and cruise
- Dark Sky Experience, Tekapo
Highlights
- Spend two days exploring the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park
- Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes, and stay among the rainforest in Franz Josef
- Stop at the stunning Lake Matheson (Mirror Lake)
- Cruise Milford Sound, spotting waterfalls, Mitre Peak, and local wildlife
- Discover Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) at the Dark Sky Project Centre
- Enjoy Christchurch’s vibrant hospitality at the newly renovated Drifter Christchurch
- Relax in quality accommodations in Queenstown and Lake Tekapo
- Ample free time in Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Lake Tekapo
What to Bring
- Camera
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat and sunscreen
- Swimwear and a towel
- Water bottle
- Motion sickness tablets
- Insect repellent
Tour Departure Dates
Accommodation
10 nights of shared dormitory accommodation are included in your package!
Experience comfortable and unique lodging throughout your journey:
- Quality, comfortable hostels selected for both comfort and character
- Scenic waterfront lodges offering stunning views
- Alpine chalets nestled beside national parks
- Convenient locations that maximize your adventure time
Each accommodation has been carefully chosen to enhance your travel experience while providing a comfortable place to rest after exciting days of exploration.
Important Notes
- Tours start on Thursday in Christchurch, Wellington, or Picton, and end 11 days later on Sunday in Christchurch.
- Luggage is limited to one piece (max 23 kg) plus a daypack.
- A basic level of fitness is required for moderate-length walks.
- Itinerary may vary due to the spontaneous nature of travel and New Zealand’s unpredictable weather(!)
Included activities
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