Weka Adventure: The Definitive South Island New Zealand Journey (Christchurch & Wellington Starts)

This 11-day journey covers the South Island's coast, glaciers and fiords, starting from Christchurch, Wellington or Picton and finishing in Christchurch. It's a fully guided small-group trip with a local guide, moving between the West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo.

The pace allows for two full days in Abel Tasman National Park and built-in free time in Franz Josef, Queenstown and Tekapo, so you can add on activities like skydiving, bungy jumping or canyoning if you want them.

Accommodation is social rather than private — you'll stay in hostel-style spots such as Drifter in Christchurch and the Haka House network, which suits people happy to share space and meet the group.

What you'll do

• Two full days exploring the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park
• See Franz Josef Glacier and the reflections at Lake Matheson
• Four nights in Queenstown with two free days to arrange your own adrenaline activities
• Learn Māori astronomy (tātai aroraki) at the Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo
• Day trip into Fiordland to Milford Sound, looking out for Mitre Peak, waterfalls and wildlife
• Stop at the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki on the West Coast