New Zealand: Sweet As South | Eastbound | Oct 2026 - May 2027
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's South Island with the "Sweet As South | Eastbound" tour, running from October 2026 to May 2027. Starting and ending in Christchurch, this adventure takes you through breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences. Marvel at the glacial waters of Lake Tekapo and enjoy a Dark Sky experience that blends stargazing with Maori astronomy. Discover the historic charm of Arrowtown and support local women in agriculture at a Kingston farm. Cruise the stunning Milford Sound, explore the adrenaline-fueled Queenstown, and witness the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives through Wanaka, Haast, and Hokitika, where you'll learn about the cultural significance of Pounamu. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural insights, making it an ideal choice for in-depth explorers.
Highlights
- Christchurch to Lake Ohau via Lake Tekapo, featuring the Dark Sky experience and views of Mt. Cook.
- Explore the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and experience a local farm in Kingston.
- Cruise the stunning Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy its breathtaking scenery.
- Experience the thrill of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, with activities like bungy jumping.
- Visit the picturesque lake town of Wanaka, surrounded by alpine lakes and wilderness glaciers.
- Discover the beauty of Haast Pass with its ancient rainforests, small glaciers, and waterfalls.
- Explore Franz Josef Glacier with options for a heli ride or crafting a Pounamu pendant.
- Learn about the cultural significance of Pounamu in Hokitika with a local Maori guide.
Mode of Transport
Accommodation
Optional Activities
Weather-Dependent Activities
Private Twin-Share Room
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Christchurch: What's the diff between Eastbound & Westbound? The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef. For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau.
- Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Christchurch: Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting? Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings.
- Christchurch: Can I book a twin-share room on this trip? Yep, you’ll be able to book a private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person.
Included Experience
- Lake Ohau: Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ohau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
- Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
- Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.
- Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Maori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
- Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
- Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Queenstown: Check out the epic views of the valley from the world's first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
- Wanaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
- Haast: Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
- Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Maori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Maori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Destinations
- Australasia
- New Zealand
Tour Types
- Adrenaline Sports
- Active
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Cycling
- Adventure Tours
Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on. We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō). Here we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution. Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location: Lake Ōhau, Arrowtown, Kingston, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park
Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.Our next stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.<br/>
Accommodation Name: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) in all its glory. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Queenstown, Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Queenstown
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Queenstown, Skyline, Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Queenstown, Wānaka, Haast Pass (Tioripatea), Franz Josef
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?<br/>
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Franz Josef
This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). NZ - you've been real.<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Included
-
Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Experience
-Enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science, and traditional Maori astronomy.
-
Milford Sound Cruise
-Take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of Milford Sound by boat.
-
Visit to Fairlight Foundation Farm
-Visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in agriculture.
-
Visit to Kawarau Bungy Bridge
-Visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, the home of the world's first bungy jump.
-
Hokitika Pounamu Tour
-Meet with a local Maori guide in Hokitika to learn about the history and cultural significance of Pounamu.
Not Included
-
Optional Activities
-Optional activities such as guided jet boat trips, glow worm cave tours, and heli rides over Franz Josef Glacier are not included.
-
Weather-Dependent Activities
-All outdoor adventure activities are available weather permitting and may be disrupted by weather conditions.
-
Private Twin-Share Room
-A private twin-share room is available as an add-on supplement if traveling with another person.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
12-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
12-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
12-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
20-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
20-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
20-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
28-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
28-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
28-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
05-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
05-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
05-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
13-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
13-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
13-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
21-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
21-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
21-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
29-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
29-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
29-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
07-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
07-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
07-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
15-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
15-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
15-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
19-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
19-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
19-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
27-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
27-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
27-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
31-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
31-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
31-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
04-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
04-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
04-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
08-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
08-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
08-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
12-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
12-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
12-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
16-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
16-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
16-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
20-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
20-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
20-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
24-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
24-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
24-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
28-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
28-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
28-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
01-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
01-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
01-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
05-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
05-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
05-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
09-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
09-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
09-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
13-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
13-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
13-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
17-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
17-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
17-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
25-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
25-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
25-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
05-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
05-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
05-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
21-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
21-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
21-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
06-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
06-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
06-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
22-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
22-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
22-Apr-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
08-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
08-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
08-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 | |
|
24-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1045.00 | |
|
24-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2530.00 | |
|
24-May-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1540.00 |
