About this trip
A 9-day road trip across New Zealand's South Island, moving from Christchurch through the mountains and fjords to Queenstown. The route covers a lot of ground, so expect a new landscape most days rather than long stays in one place.
You'll cross Arthur's Pass, learn about pounamu (greenstone) in Hokitika, and get close to Franz Josef Glacier before heading into Fiordland for a cruise on Milford Sound. From there it's on to Mt Cook, Wānaka, and finally Queenstown for a dose of adrenaline.
It's billed as an easy-paced trip despite the adventure and adrenaline label, with a private room included and guiding throughout — a good fit if you want the classic South Island scenery run without organising the logistics yourself.
What you'll do
- Cross Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps
- Learn about pounamu (greenstone) in Hokitika
- See Franz Josef Glacier up close
- Cruise Milford Sound through Fiordland
- Stand beneath Mt Cook
- Chase adrenaline activities in Queenstown
- Easy-paced overall, though Queenstown brings in the adventure and adrenaline element
- A road trip format — you'll be changing location most days
- Private room included, not shared dorms
Worth it if you're after a social introduction to South Island and can absorb a packed itinerary. Think twice if you want depth over destinations or prefer smaller group intimacy.
- Guide and driver chemistry (Damo and Ollie) created a genuinely memorable experience for multiple travellers.
- Budget an extra £1600 minimum; activities, meals and experiences carry significant add-on costs beyond base price.
- Large group size (mostly early 20s) and rushed pace meant skipping towns and major stops like Christchurch entirely.
- Nine days covers a lot of ground quickly; consider pre or post-tour days if you want proper time in specific places.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Sep is cheapest — from £923, about 27% below the priciest month (Dec).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Christchurch · 7 Sept – 8 Sept
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