7 Day South Island Backpacker Tour: Budget Adventure
price from
NZ$ 2025
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - South Island 
Escorted Coach Tour 
7 days 
Christchurch 
Christchurch 7 Day South Island Adventure Tour | Hostel Accommodation | 6 Breakfasts, 1 Group Dinner | Tekapo, Queenstown & Franz Josef | For 18 to 39 year olds
This South Island backpacker tour covers the region’s biggest names in a week. It’s priced for younger travelers and long-term trips. It starts and ends in Christchurch, with a maximum of 18 guests riding together in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The first stop is Lake Tekapo, for stargazing under the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. From there, it’s three nights based in Queenstown, the adventure capital, including a full-day Milford Sound cruise.
The route continues over Haast Pass to Franz Josef for two nights of glacier country. Heli-hikes, quad biking, and hot tubs are all available as optional add-ons. The trip wraps up back in Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur’s Pass.
This South Island backpacker tour suits solo travelers and small groups who want a social, budget-friendly way to see the South Island’s highlights. A passionate local guide-driver handles all the logistics and activity bookings along the way. Want the same regions, with hotel accommodation and an overnight in Te Anau instead? Our 7 Day South Island Small Group Tour: Christchurch Loop covers similar ground in a more comfortable, mid-range style. Browse our full range of Budget Small Group Tours to compare other backpacker-style options.
- Departures run most Saturdays, year-round
- Private rooms available on request for an additional cost
Tour Photo Gallery
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Comfortable private vehicle
Tour Departures
- Check the tour departures below
Airport Transfers
- N/A
Pricing
-
From NZD 2,025
Meals
- 6x Breakfast
- 1x Dinner
Accommodation
- Hostels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Tekapo – Queenstown – Franz Josef – Christchurch
Group Size
- maximum 18 travelers
Tour Code
- WK09172026
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
7 Day South Island Backpacker Tour: Budget Adventure Days
Head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Explore the local bike trails, then relax in the lakeside hot springs before stargazing at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Accommodation: Lakes Edge Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)
Head to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Before departing, there’s time for a few activities or to fit in any walks missed the day before. On arrival, settle into your accommodation for the next three nights, with skydiving, bungy jumping, canyoning, and ziplining all on offer.
Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)
Cruise through UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, taking in towering waterfalls, ancient forests, and dramatic mountainscapes, with dolphins often spotted along the way. Back in Queenstown, unwind with a beer, a night out, or New Zealand’s famous Fergburger.
Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)
A free day to fill with whatever suits, bungy jumps, canyon swings, horse riding, a scenic skydive, mountain biking, luging, or a jet boat ride up the canyon.
Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)
Break up the drive with a stop in picturesque Wanaka, then travel along rugged coastline past ancient rainforests, glaciers, and waterfalls over Haast Pass to Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Explore the glacier’s stunning formations by hiking, helicopter, or both. For something at a lower altitude, try quad biking, kayaking, or relaxing in a hot tub before a well-earned cold drink.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
After a stop in Hokitika, travel through Arthur’s Pass beneath the snow-capped Southern Alps back to Christchurch, where the trip concludes in the mid-afternoon.
Inclusions & Highlights
- Mercedes Sprinter luxury bus with a passionate local guide-driver
- 6 nights at Flash-Pack hostels (private rooms available on request)
- 6 x breakfast, 1 x group dinner
- Transport to Milford Sound (cruise optional)
- The world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Castle Rock Walk
- Guide handles all optional activity bookings on the road, nothing to book in advance
Tour Departure Dates
Sat, 19 Sept
Sat, 3 Oct
Sat, 10 Oct
Sat, 17 Oct
Sat, 31 Oct
Sat, 7 Nov
Sat, 21 Nov
Sat, 28 Nov
Sat, 5 Dec
Sat, 12 Dec
Sat, 19 Dec
Sat, 26 Dec
Accommodation
This tour uses hostel accommodation throughout its 6 nights on the road, which keeps the trip budget-friendly and social, especially for solo travelers and younger groups.
Private room upgrades can be added for an extra cost, subject to availability.
Included activities
Accommodation
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