New Zealand Southern Pioneer
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
PHKS
Start City:
Christchurch
End City:
Christchurch
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
10 days
Age Requirement:
15+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
16
Physical Rating:
2 - Classic
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Apr 29, 2024 | Wednesday, May 08, 2024 | $3,215 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, May 17, 2024 | Sunday, May 26, 2024 | $3,215 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, May 27, 2024 | Wednesday, Jun 05, 2024 | $3,215 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024 | Friday, Aug 09, 2024 | $3,215 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024 | $3,215 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024 | Friday, Sep 20, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024 | Friday, Sep 27, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 | Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024 | Friday, Oct 04, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 | Monday, Oct 07, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 05, 2024 | Monday, Oct 14, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | Thursday, Oct 17, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 | Friday, Oct 25, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024 | Friday, Nov 01, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 | Monday, Nov 04, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 | Friday, Nov 08, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Nov 02, 2024 | Monday, Nov 11, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, Nov 04, 2024 | Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Nov 09, 2024 | Monday, Nov 18, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Nov 15, 2024 | Sunday, Nov 24, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 | Friday, Nov 29, 2024 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Dec 15, 2024 | Tuesday, Dec 24, 2024 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Dec 20, 2024 | Sunday, Dec 29, 2024 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 | Saturday, Jan 04, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Jan 02, 2025 | Saturday, Jan 11, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 | Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Jan 19, 2025 | Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Jan 24, 2025 | Sunday, Feb 02, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Jan 26, 2025 | Tuesday, Feb 04, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | Saturday, Feb 08, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, Feb 03, 2025 | Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Feb 06, 2025 | Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Feb 14, 2025 | Sunday, Feb 23, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Feb 23, 2025 | Tuesday, Mar 04, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, Feb 24, 2025 | Wednesday, Mar 05, 2025 | $3,450 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Mar 02, 2025 | Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Mar 06, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Mar 13, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 22, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Friday, Mar 14, 2025 | Sunday, Mar 23, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, Mar 24, 2025 | Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Mar 30, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Apr 10, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 19, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Apr 27, 2025 | Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, May 04, 2025 | Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, May 08, 2025 | Saturday, May 17, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Saturday, May 24, 2025 | $3,320 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
New Zealand's South Island has a reputation as one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet it still manages to defy expectations. On this 10-day round trip from Christchurch, you'll be met with astonishing sight after astonishing sight as a local leader shows you what they love about their country. Get your heart racing in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, discover the laidback delights of postcard-perfect Wanaka, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier, and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world's most spectacular train journeys. Between glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, you'll soon see what all the fuss is about.
Countries Visited
Cities Visited
Christchurch , Franz Josef , Greymouth , Hokitika , Lake Taupo , Queenstown , Wanaka
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Day 1
ChristchurchWelcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Sparsely populated and spectacularly beautiful, the South Island is a paradise for lovers of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Your adventure begins in Christchurch. If you arrive early, you may like to take a pleasant stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to admire the collection of native plants, or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. Meet your local leader and new travel buddies at your accommodation at 6pm for a welcome meeting, then the rest of the evening is yours.
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Day 2
Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / OhauChristchurch is not just a pretty city – it’s also remarkably resilient. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 2011, the city has begun to rebuild in innovative and creative ways. Head out with your leader this morning to see this for yourself. Stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, which stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake, and has now been replaced with an architecturally striking and quake-proof structure made out of cardboard. After a morning of exploring, say goodbye to Christchurch and drive inland to Lake Tekapo. An eye-catching combination of purple lupins, turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks makes this one of the most photo-worthy spots in the country. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of the lakes and attracts couples from all over the world shooting their wedding pictures. It’s easy to see why – backdrops don’t get much better than this! Continue to Lake Ohau where you’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 3
Mackenzie Country / QueenstownHit the road this morning for a journey to remember – watch out the window as you pass the sprawling grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin and showstopping peaks of the Southern Alps. Your drive will be broken up with plenty of scenic stops, including a visit to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungy jumping. If you’re feeling adventurous, get involved and jump off the suspension bridge crossing the gorge, or just stand back and watch brave jumpers take the plunge. Continue on to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, and rightfully so! Aside from its high-adrenaline attractions, Queenstown has a booming culinary scene, produces some of the world's best wine and boasts unbelievable scenery at every turn.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
QueenstownThe day is all yours to discover the varied delights of Queenstown. There are loads of options to get your heartrate up, whether you fancy shooting down the river on a jet boat, river kayaking, flying above the town in a gondola or a 4WD adventure through landscapes of Lord of the Rings fame. If you’d like to take things a little slower, perhaps head to the Gibbston Valley to taste wines only topped by the inspiring scenery. A walk around the stunning Lake Wakatipu will give you a good dose of fresh air and epic views. There’s no shortage of dining options to tempt your tastebuds – if you’re willing to wait, a famous Fergburger is hard to beat!
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Queenstown / WanakaTake the chance this morning to cross off any Queenstown activities you didn’t have time for yesterday – be sure to speak to your leader for tips on the best way to spend a morning here. In the afternoon, get back on the road for a seriously scenic 1-hour drive to Wanaka through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop off along the way in Arrowtown, a little goldrush town with big personality. Take a walk along the tree-lined high street where historic buildings nod to the town’s glory days. Arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon and embrace the vibe of this laidback and beautiful town. With Lake Wanaka as its glittering centrepiece and dramatic mountains as its backdrop, the town is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most bewitching. This afternoon you may like to head out on a hike or just stretch out on the shores of the lake and take it all in.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
WanakaVisit the beautiful Mou Waho Island today. Accessible only by boat from Wanaka and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! Enjoy a walk through this fascinating scenery and learn more about this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial-formed lake at its summit. Your afternoon is free to explore Wanaka and surrounds. No visit to Wanaka would be complete without seeing #thatwanakatree. Springing up from the waters of Lake Wanaka, this sloping willow is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There's no shortage of excellent hiking routes in the region if you'd like to get out and explore on foot, or you may prefer to hire a bike and hit the cycling trails.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Wanaka / Franz JosefEnjoy a morning at leisure in Wanaka before getting back on the road and making tracks for Franz Josef. This is another incredible drive that you're going to want to have your camera ready for. Depending on the weather, stop off at either Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka, both boasting incredible lookout points. Along the way, your leader will pause at some off the beaten track spots to snap some pictures and stretch your legs. Arrive into Franz Josef in the early evening and perhaps head out to one of the town’s cosy pubs for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Franz JosefRise and shine – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's so much to discover here. Known for the dazzling Franz Josef glacier and awe-inspiring views of Mt Cook, this is natural beauty on the biggest scale. The region also has a cultural history that’s every bit as captivating as its natural wonders. Only found in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu (greenstone) is an important part of Maori culture. Today you’ll pay a visit to a local gallery where you’ll have the chance to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. If you’d like to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon, you can arrange for a helicopter to drop you in for a hike. You may prefer to sit back and unwind in local hot springs, or head out kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake. Your leader will be on hand to help make arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
Hokitika / Greymouth / ChristchurchBegin the journey up the west coast – this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, resulting in greenery and lush rainforests like nowhere else in the country. Stop off in the lovely little town of Hokitika where a visit to a pounamu factory will give you the chance to pick up any last souvenirs of gifts. If time allows, there may be the chance to check out the National Kiwi Centre – the nocturnal house here gives visitors the opportunity to see how these delightful birds behave at night. The next stretch of your journey may just be the most magnificent – hop aboard the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch, widely believed to be one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and travel past the rushing blue waters of the Waimakariri River and endless native beech forest. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
ChristchurchYour South Island adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
- Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout
- Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
- Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
- Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
- Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory
Meals
9 Breakfast(s) Included
2 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Comfort
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Hotel/Motel (9 nights)
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
4
Accommodations
3.6
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.4
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.7
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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Operator: G AdventuresStarts
AucklandEnds
AucklandDays
8From
$2479
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