8 Day South Island Adventure
from
AUD
2299
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This 8 day trip runs from Christchurch to Queenstown and is suited for families with older children, couples, young adults and active travellers. It covers Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Oamaru, Dunedin, Te Anau, Fiordland, Milford Sound and Queenstown with daily hikes and bike rides available throughout. Travel is by coach with camping at lakes and coastal areas.
Accommodation is in shared pop-up tents with optional upgrades. The atmosphere is outdoors-focused with access to lakes, wildlife and walks. Meals are included as listed in the itinerary. Free walks and bike rides are available daily with optional paid activities in several locations.
Includes
- Lake Tekapo views
- Aoraki Mt Cook hike
- Fiordland scenery
- Milford Sound visit
- Queenstown free time
- Daily walk options
- Daily bike ride options
- Coach transport
- Camping accommodation
- Optional hot pools
- Historic towns
- Wildlife viewing
- Trip length: 8 Days
- Group size: Max 21
- Start: Christchurch
- End: Queenstown
- Vehicle: Airconditoned Mini Bus
- Sleep: Camping
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Physical Demand:
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Comfortlevel:
Tour Highlights
Pictures / Videos
Itinerary
See MapDAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH – LAKE TEKAPO
Pickup location: Latimer Square Coach Parking. Corner of Hereford Street & Latimer Square.
Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! Your tour begins in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations which has been rebuilding since the infamous earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now home to great shopping, cool laneway bars and amazing eateries. You’ll meet your group and Guide at 2pm outside the Rydges Hotel and then continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights camping.
Meals included: Dinner
Walks: Explore Christchurch City
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front
DAY 2: LAKE TEKAPO
Today you have a full free day to explore Lake Tekapo. Hike the Mt John Walkway for 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Basin flats and the surrounding lakes and mountains, go and see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, play some frisbee golf or just relax at the campsite. This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Mt John walkway, walk along the lakefront, Cowans Hill
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle
Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing
Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 3: LAKE TEKAPO TO OAMARU VIA AORAKI/MT COOK
This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.
We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker Valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This afternoon we’ll travel back towards the Pacific coast. We'll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walks: Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley, explore the historic precinct Oamaru
Bike rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride
Optional Activities: Scenic flights, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Oamaru Penguin Colony
Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 4: OAMARU TO TE ANAU
If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities.
Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city
Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)
Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 5: FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you'll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp
Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+)
Optional Activities: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 6: TE ANAU TO QUEENSTOWN
After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Routeburn Track. Flying Kiwi can drop you to the start of the track. You must pre-book the walk/campsite/return shuttle to Queenstown yourself (Flying Kiwi can provide you some guidance). Rejoin the Flying Kiwi group in Queenstown.
Activities (own cost): Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN
With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond
Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Private room upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
DAY 8: DEPART QUEENSTOWN
A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers!
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Multiple walking options
what to bring
What to Bring for Your New Zealand Adventure
Luggage
• Suitcase or Backpack: Choose what you’re comfortable with, as long as it’s under 15kg (33lbs) and easy to carry/load yourself.
• Day Pack: Essential for hikes and day trips.
Clothing Essentials
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Broken-in and sturdy; hiking boots optional for tougher trails.
• Rain/Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and essential for unpredictable weather.
• Layered Clothing: Include lightweight merino layers for temperature versatility.
• Warm Jumper or Hoodie: For non-rainy, cooler days.
• Non-Cotton Long Pants: Fast-drying options like hiking pants or leggings.
• Jeans: Suitable for casual use.
• Scarf or Shawl: Multi-use for sun protection, warmth, or as a blanket.
• Flip Flops (Jandals/Thongs): Handy for downtime or beach trips.
• Sunglasses & Brimmed Hat: For sun protection.
• Swimsuit: Perfect for beaches and hot pools.
Non-Clothing Essentials
• Reusable Water Bottle: Eco-friendly and practical for NZ’s drinkable tap water.
• Towel: Preferably quick-drying.
• Electronics: Phone, camera, chargers, memory cards, and a travel adapter.
• Medications: Bring prescriptions and basics; pharmacies are well-stocked locally.
• Toiletries: Pack light; most essentials are available in NZ.
Seasonal Essentials
• Winter: Wool hat, gloves, and thick socks.
• Summer: Lightweight shorts, skirts, or dresses.
• Spring & Autumn: Be prepared for all listed items due to variable weather.
Additional Tips
• NZ weather is unpredictable—prepare for all seasons in one day.
• Shops like The Warehouse and Kmart can cover forgotten items.
• Save room for souvenirs and follow this rule: pack half of what you think you need and bring twice the money!
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Purpose-built camping coach
- Access to national parks and remote areas
ACCOMMODATION
- Shared pop-up tent accommodation (two people per tent)
- Option to upgrade to a private tent
MEALS
- Meals included as per itinerary
- Catering available for most dietary needs
HIKES & WALKS
- Daily free walks (10 minutes to several hours)
- Hooker Valley track access
- Mt John Walkway
- Short walks in Fiordland and Te Anau
BIKE RIDES
- NZ Cycle Trail sections
- On-road and bike-path riding options
- Alps2Ocean trail ride
- Lakefront and regional park cycle options
ACTIVITIES
- Visits to Milford Sound
- Access to museums and free attractions
- Optional activities available (own cost)
OTHER
- National Park access included
- Small group tour style
- Guides share local knowledge
Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended and not included.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I take?
We don't have an exact policy when it comes to luggage though we just ask our customers to be mindful that we have limited space. Generally we recommend people to bring a large backpack/suitcase with all their gear and another smaller backpack to keep on the bus and hold their daily items ( phone, water bottle, towel, sunscreen etc ) and which they used to take on walks etc. If you have a lot of luggage is best to leave the things you don't need at your hotel/hostel where they will store it for free.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance. If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.
Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?
For camping tours there will be no time to do laundry. However, for longer cross country tours involving hostel or hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Can I get online whilst travelling?
For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe. If you have a mobile plan with internet then that should be ok except for more remote regions. This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
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Reviews
“Highly recommended!”
Travelled 7th November 2024
(5/5)
Loved it. I would recommend this tour
- Myla Leal
“Would highly recommend!”
Travelled 11th November 2024
(5/5)
From start to finish well organised and had a really good tour guide! Had so much fun, learnt so much, saw beautiful landscapes and enjoyed adventure activities! It really was amazing! So happy I chose this tours would highly recommend!!
- Chris Cooper
“Our guide was amazing !”
Travelled 11th November 2024
(5/5)
Our guide was amazing - he knew exactly where to stop, and where not to stop. Everything just ran smoothly, this was really an amazing trip - a small group of great people, and a guide with the knowledge and patience to make it all so amazing :)
- Jaycee Case
“The tour was good ”
Travelled 11th November 2024
(5/5)
The tour was good because we were a great bunch of people, but our tour guide was a bit inexperienced and lacked some organizational skills.
- Tessa Erikson
“South Island Lick Tour”
Travelled 21st October 2024
(5/5)
Very good touring company and very good tour guide by the name of Ruth was my tour guide. My favourite activity was Karaoke in Franz Joseph.
- Pau Bohlsen
“Our tour guide was energetic and informative”
Travelled 10th October 2024
(5/5)
Our tour guide was energetic and informative throughout the trip. He provided us with many opportunities to do group efforts in our group of 12 ppl as well as do our own thing. The group size was well balanced for individual attention and having group dinners each night.
- Charles G.
“Excellent way to see the South Island! ”
Travelled 4th November 2024
(5/5)
Excellent way to see the South Island! Our tour guide was a great guide- he continually went above and beyond to ensure we all had the best experience and did so with a smile on his face and great sense of humour. We were a large group with some big personalities and he took this is his stride.
- Damien Conway
“Fantastic tour! ”
Travelled 18th November 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic tour! Amazing activities and stayed in some beautiful areas. Andy was really knowledgeable about NZ and was really helpful. Would definitely do another tour
- Adale Williams
“Fantastic experience! Highly recommend!”
Travelled 16th November 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic experience. High end hostel accommodation exceeded expectations. Guides were friendly, knowledgeable & had a great sense of humour. Highly recommend
- Lisa Parker
“ Highly recommended!”
Travelled 15th November 2024
(5/5)
It was an amazing tour, we managed to see the most beautiful places in a very short time period! Our tour guide also gave us lots of background information.Plus, they tirelessly tried to arrange for all possible activities that we wanted to take, so that everybody could get around to doing everything they wanted, even when it was difficult at times due to weather etc. At the same time those who did not want to do as much (or simply different things) did not feel pressured into anything. Great planning, great management on the road, highly recommended!
- Nicole Rauch
“South Island tour.”
Travelled 22nd January 2024
(5/5)
Tour guide and trainees were amazing! Always helpful and can’t wait to book North island
- Addisyn Lopez
“I really enjoyed the trip.”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(4/5)
I really enjoyed the trip. The places we visited were breathtakingly beautiful and I met some really great people throughout the week. I wish that the transportation didn’t take place in the middle of the day. This made it feel like we spent entire days in the bus. I would have really preferred if we drove very early morning or late evening.
- Melly Carpio
“A great trip!”
Travelled 12th October 2024
(5/5)
A great trip which showed off the best of New Zealand's South Island - exactly what you want as a solo traveller on your first visit there!
- Kendra James
“South Island experience!”
Travelled 24th October 2024
(5/5)
Only tour that allowed multiple skiing locations. I would highly recommend
- Janica Santos
“Nice and cozy accommodation.”
Travelled 15th October 2024
(5/5)
Great mix of people from all around the world. Nice and cozy accommodation. Everyone did the activities they have booked. The only thing that I would suggest is a better breakfast, we were all expecting a continental one, but we mainly had toast and spreads, cereals, yogurt, and some fruits
- Colson Stafford
“Really good tour!!”
Travelled 29th October 2024
(5/5)
Really good tour with lots of the popular locations included in it and lots of options for activities. My tour guide was a great guide and made sure that we all felt happy and had loads of knowledge of the areas, places to eat and the activities offered.
- Lylah Zanders
“South Island experience”
Travelled 21st November 2024
(5/5)
I wish there could have been more free options instead of having. To add most things on. Some of the free experiences described in the itinerary didn’t come to fruition.
- Jameson Brooks
“Great tour!”
Travelled 18th November 2024
(5/5)
Locations where good and great weather really made it.
- Estrella Pham
“Fantastic tour with a great tour guide!”
Travelled 30th October 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic tour with a great tour guide! In part, my companions were responsible for this tour being as awesome as it was, and the music track in the bus definitely added much to the experience. The tour guide's relaxed but reassuring attitude was also a great match for me. I especially enjoyed some "old-school" parts of this, such as a hand written notebook with activities :) The daily schedules were provided on time, breakfasts were highly customizable and everything that I wanted to do did happen, even though some of the activities I chose weren't exactly popular and hence there were concerns over getting the required numbers for some of them. Beautiful country, scenery and fine adventures :)
- Donald Dyer
“Nice tour!”
Travelled 27th October 2024
(5/5)
Great value for money, the whole team did a great job. Thank you!
- Robinson Dixon
“Legendary NZ Tour”
Travelled 27th October 2024
(5/5)
I would even do more days if i had more time! I would suggest spending some more days in on the South Island and extend the tours;)
- Ellis Liu
“Would highly recommend!!”
Travelled 18th October 2024
(5/5)
The tour was one of the best I have been on and would highly recommend!
- Emerson Nava
“Amazing experience!”
Travelled 24th October 2024
(5/5)
The easiest and most convenient way to explore the ski fields on the South Island! Great itinerary, group size is small, accommodation all clean and cosy (they all have drying rooms for boots), gear renting was easy and affordable. Would do it again!
- Arabelle Clark
“Awesome Tour!”
Travelled 14th October 2024
(5/5)
Awesome Tour, I would highly recommended this tour. Time in Bus was kept at a minimum with plenty of stops for photos and short walks. Good mix of people from all over the world. Our tour guide was Awesome, she went above and beyond to care for every individual on the tour. Locations of our accommodations was perfect.
- Clayton Walker
“Great tour! I would definitely recommend this tour!”
Travelled 12th November 2024
(5/5)
Great tour, nice group size, included meals were good. Tour guide was excellent, very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about her country.
- Jaden Adams
“Awesome Tour!”
Travelled 16th October 2024
(5/5)
Awesome Tour, I would highly recommended this tour. Time in Bus was kept at a minimum with plenty of stops for photos and short walks. Good mix of people from all over the world. Liz our tour guide was Awesome, she went above and beyond to care for every individual on the tour. Locations of our accommodations was perfect
- Marivick Mason
“Tour guide was excellent”
Travelled 10th October 2024
(4/5)
Great tour, nice group size, included meals were good. Tour guide was excellent, very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about her country. The South Island tour joins part of an earlier tour but everyone mixed well together (helped by random room allocation). The itinerary is busy but picks out the main highlights of the South Island. My advice would be not to fill every free slot (with optional extras) but instead enjoy some free time to take in this beautiful country As a solo traveller (for the first time) I would definitely recommend this tour and of course my tour guide, Liz.
- Ryan Rivera
“ Great management on the road, highly recommended!”
Travelled 18th October 2024
(5/5)
It was an amazing tour, we managed to see the most beautiful places in a very short time period! Our tour guide also gave us lots of background information.Plus, they tirelessly tried to arrange for all possible activities that we wanted to take, so that everybody could get around to doing everything they wanted, even when it was difficult at times due to weather etc. At the same time those who did not want to do as much (or simply different things) did not feel pressured into anything. Great planning, It was an amazing tour, we managed to see the most beautiful places in a very short time period! Our tour guide also gave us lots of background information.Plus, they tirelessly tried to arrange for all possible activities that we wanted to take, so that everybody could get around to doing everything they wanted, even when it was difficult at times due to weather etc. At the same time those who did not want to do as much (or simply different things) did not feel pressured into anything. Great planning, great management on the road, highly recommended!It was an amazing tour, we managed to see the most beautiful places in a very short time period! Our tour guide also gave us lots of background information.Plus, they tirelessly tried to arrange for all possible activities that we wanted to take, so that everybody could get around to doing everything they wanted, even when it was difficult at times due to weather etc. At the same time those who did not want to do as much (or simply different things) did not feel pressured into anything. Great planning, great management on the road, highly recommended!
- Aimée Peters
“Tour guide and trainees were amazing! ”
Travelled 12th October 2024
(5/5)
Tour guide and trainees were amazing! Always helpful and can’t wait to book North island
- Aimée Peters
“I really enjoyed the trip.”
Travelled 10th October 2024
(5/5)
I really enjoyed the trip. The places we visited were breathtakingly beautiful and I met some really great people throughout the week. I wish that the transportation didn’t take place in the middle of the day. This made it feel like we spent entire days in the bus. I would have really preferred if we drove very early morning or late evenin
- Famke Nomikos
“Amazing tour!!”
Travelled 15th December 2023
(5/5)
I have recently returned home from my third South Island Ski tour with my partner (who has now done four). Our guide,could not have done a better job. His knowledge of his countries history, nature and snow fields was impressive and his precise and confident bus driving skills had us all feeling very safe and relaxed.
- Gloria Cantu
“Thoroughly enjoyed my 7 day South Island. ”
Travelled 30th December 2023
(5/5)
Thoroughly enjoyed my 7 day South Island. Five star to our tour guide . He looked after everyone and made it all flow seamlessly. Had great local knowledge always a positive attitude. Highly recommend the tour to all snow lovers!
- Tina Turner
“ Great time!”
Travelled 11th January 2024
(5/5)
Had a great time exploring the South Island in fun company and with nice stops along the way
- Amalia Li
“Best tour!”
Travelled 14th January 2024
(5/5)
Best tour company in NZ
- Lyric Duffy
“Great tour!!”
Travelled 15th January 2025
(4/5)
Just finished the 7 day south Island lick tour in New Zealand! Absolutely loved it our driver James was awesome, good laugh and joined in with the group! Shame the itinerary online didn't actually match up with what we did/was offered to us.
- Arielle Rasmussen
“Excellent service!”
Travelled 25th January 2024
(5/5)
Excellent service and the tour guide was amazing.
- Lauren A.
“A great trip”
Travelled 30th July 2024
(5/5)
A great trip which showed off the best of New Zealand's South Island - exactly what you want as a solo traveller on your first visit there!
- Alaric Wilkins
“Nice tour guide.”
Travelled 17th September 2024
(4/5)
I felt like I was with my own small family under the attentive and loving and comprehensive guidance of Michelle, my patient calm and loving guide.
- Sienna Shaffer
“Enjoy Trip!”
Travelled 3rd September 2024
(5/5)
Only tour that allowed multiple skiing locations
- Zainab Han
“Enjoy Bus ride!”
Travelled 19th August 2024
(5/5)
Would love to stay another day in Wanaka. The train ride was quite boring. Bus ride would had been prettier
- Kaisley Duffy
“Nice and cozy accommodation”
Travelled 5th September 2024
(5/5)
Great mix of people from all around the world. Nice and cozy accommodation. Everyone did the activities they have booked. The only thing that I would suggest is a better breakfast, we were all expecting a continental one, but we mainly had toast and spreads, cereals, yogurt, and some fruits.
- Andy McIntosh
“This tour is great!”
Travelled 12th November 2024
(5/5)
The concept of this tour is great! Amazing itinerary, small group, nice balance between driving, activies and rest, lots to do also if you don't want to spend a lot of money in extra activities. Accommodation with breakfast was good, comfy beds and private bathrooms. Our guide did a great job with scheduling everything.
- Maurice Trejo
“Nice Trip!”
Travelled 3rd September 2024
(4/5)
I wish there could have been more free options instead of having. To add most things on. Some of the free experiences described in the itinerary didn’t come to fruition.
- Sylas Terrell
“Nice and good location”
Travelled 13th September 2024
(5/5)
Locations where good and great weather really made it.
- Jaycee Hull
“Fantastic tour!”
Travelled 24th September 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic tour with a great tour guide! In part, my companions were responsible for this tour being as awesome as it was, and the music track in the bus definitely added much to the experience. The tour guide's relaxed but reassuring attitude was also a great match for me. I especially enjoyed some "old-school" parts of this, such as a hand written notebook with activities :) The daily schedules were provided on time, breakfasts were highly customizable and everything that I wanted to do did happen, even though some of the activities I chose weren't exactly popular and hence there were concerns over getting the required numbers for some of them. Beautiful country, scenery and fine adventures :)
- Jemmie A.
“This tour was amazing!”
Travelled 29th August 2024
(5/5)
The tour was an awesome way to meet new people, get in some amazing riding and have an overall blast of a time! Would highly recommend booking onto one of the tours, it will not disappoint
- Hannah Freeman
“Great Team!”
Travelled 17th October 2024
(5/5)
Great value for money, the whole Haka team did a great job. Thank you
- Waverly Sanchez
“Nice tour guide”
Travelled 23rd September 2024
(5/5)
Was the perfect introduction to the south island. Guide made it easy for me
- Lexi Cortes
“Wonderful Trip!”
Travelled 21st November 2024
(5/5)
It is a wonderful ski tour
- Aliya Kane
“Amazing tour”
Travelled 8th January 2024
(5/5)
The tour was well devised and we got the best of each mountain we travelled to given the snow conditions. The extra sightseeing and group meals were also lots of fun and helped build a tight dynamic in the group.
- Erwin Macdonald
“South Island tour”
Travelled 25th September 2024
(5/5)
Amazing! Beautiful scenic places and well organised tour!
- Ana George
“Nice Place!”
Travelled 9th October 2024
(5/5)
I would even do more days if i had more time! I would suggest spending some more days in on the South Island and extend the tours;)
- Melanie Santiago
“Best Tour!”
Travelled 14th November 2024
(5/5)
The tour was one of the best I have been on and would highly recommend Callum the tour guide. However the Haka lodge we stayed at in Queenstown was well below par. It was dirty in our private room and the facilities were broken and old.
- James Jones
“Highly recommend!”
Travelled 30th November 2024
(5/5)
Everything was taken care of so my only worries were sunscreen and making sure my phone was charged
- Elora Soto
“Great tour”
Travelled 30th September 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge and some impressive driving skills. Every moment was a blast. Thank you Haka tours.
- Curtis Helli
“The south island is beautiful!!”
Travelled 28th October 2024
(5/5)
The south island is beautiful!! Buts chilly in July so bring your winter gear.
- Madelyn Rosales
“ Overall tour was fun”
Travelled 31st January 2023
(4/5)
The overall tour was fun and beautiful but our tour guide would have benefited from a bit more support. He was brand new and had no person shadowing him to help him literally navigate tough terrain with many switchbacks while handling inquiries from us and changes to the intinerary. Runty was great and tried to juggle all the duties but it was a bit stressful for him because of the lack of support for his first trip as a guide.
- Angie Corona
“Great tour guide”
Travelled 30th June 2023
(5/5)
I appreciate our tour guide, he saved the day when the weather was not good and other company messed up.
- Leslie Brock
“South Island Amazing tour!”
Travelled 1st September 2023
(4/5)
Amazing tour guide and daily itinerary!
- Hannah Lee
“South Island Snow Safari in reverse”
Travelled 5th September 2023
(5/5)
Amazing Tour...it is such a great way to discover the Aotearoa snow without the hassle. As New Zealand snow resorts are smaller than what I am used to in Europe, this tour gives you those opportunities to hit different slopes every day and in the meantime see some of the sights along the way. Best way to do a snow holiday in New Zealand in my opinion.
- Marie Curry
“South Island Lick Tour”
Travelled 6th September 2023
(5/5)
This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience the South Island in a short amount of time. The accommodation was very central & clean, the included greenstone carving was a highlight and our Guide went above and beyond to ensure each guest made the most of it. We were able to make many stops between each destination to capture the beautiful scenery and our Guide recommend all the best local spots for iconic kiwi meals. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a budget friendly tour!
- Grace A.
“South Island Lick Tour”
Travelled 11th December 2023
(5/5)
This tour is excellent for anyone wanting a quick trip to see all the major spots in the South Island. Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems. :)
- Ana Fuller
“South Island Lick Tour”
Travelled 10th December 2024
(5/5)
The trip is well organised and you get to cover a lot of places in the southern island. Our guide was tried to make sure everyone felt included and learned as much as possible about New Zealand. We were asked for opinions, what we would like for breakfast, we had time for ourselves too, we even went out for dinner and had a nice and relaxing time.
- Raluca A.
“Excellent tour!”
Travelled 15th January 2024
(4/5)
Wonderful tour of the South Island of New Zealand. It started in Christchurch and encompassed many of the most scenic and beautiful sites of the island, including Christchurch, Ohau, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka and Franz Josef, and wonderful lakes and mountains in between. I will definitely plan on returning to this lovely country.
- Miller James
“Best trip ever”
Travelled 30th January 2024
(4/5)
What an amazing trip!
There was a wide range of activities from cultural to adventure activities and a few surprises, which we absolute gems, up the tour guide's sleeves.
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and helped everyone in every way he could. He made us all feel comfortable and it was amazing to see how much of a family we all became so quickly.
I have travelled a fair bit around the world but this was the first time I have booked a tour. This was my second trip to New Zealand but I learnt so much.
I will definitely be booking with the company in the future to do the South Island.
- Lily Anderson
“Tour Exceeded out expectations.”
Travelled 24th August 2024
(5/5)
Thank you Haka tours for our amazing private tour with Nick Halkhoree. This was a Reverse Southern Wonder tour which far exceeded our expectations of accommodation, travel and guiding by Nick. Our experience of the South Island of New Zealand was awesome. The requests from us were always followed through with enthusiasm from Nick and we liked his encouragement to try new adventures. Thanks Nick and Haka Tours.
- Alianna H.
