18-35 travel
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New Zealand

New Zealand Southern Pioneer

Start & end in Christchurch 10 days Up to 16

About this trip

A 10-day loop from Christchurch through the South Island, taking in the sights that give this place its reputation without much filler. You're led by a local guide who knows the country well and clearly wants to show it off.

Expect a mix of adrenaline and scenery — Queenstown for the thrill-seeking, Wanaka for the quieter lakeside charm, and the Franz Josef Glacier for something altogether more humbling. You'll also cross the Southern Alps by train, one of the great rail journeys.

It's an easy-paced, fully guided group trip, though the distances involved mean some proper travel days between stops.

What you'll do

  • Take on adrenaline activities in Queenstown
  • Wander the lakeside town of Wanaka
  • See the Franz Josef Glacier up close
  • Cross the Southern Alps on a scenic train journey
  • Round-trip route starting and ending in Christchurch
Good to know
  • Some long travel days between destinations
  • Good walking shoes recommended if you want to hike
  • Certain activities depend on weather and water conditions and may be swapped or cancelled for safety reasons
Tour dupe
Same trip, less money
£2,135 less all-in
Northern Voyager
4.9from £8707 days
The trade-off: 3 fewer nights, and a different operator.
See the dupe
How it compares

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 fill fill in from our own tracking as it builds.

Best month to go

Departing in Oct is cheapest — from £2,980, about 10% below the priciest month (Jan).

Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan

Getting there

Christchurch
One-way · arrive 22 Oct 26

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 · 22 Oct – 23 Oct

Booked on their own sites, separate from your tour. We may earn a commission — it never changes your price.

Find my best match

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Booked with the operator via TourRadar · we may earn a commission.

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New Zealand Southern Pioneer — New Zealand · 18-35.travel