CHRISTCHURCH ARRIVAL

Christchurch - Welcome to Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island and the starting point of your Southern Crossing tour. Ōtautahi (Christchurch) is a lively city brimming with art, exhibitions, history, and hidden treasures. Visit the Riverside Markets for a coffee, drink, or a bite to eat, or take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens.
This evening at 6pm, you’ll meet your Kiwi Experience Driver Guide and your new tour companions for a Christchurch Street Art Tour (included). This tour showcases street art, murals, and graffiti of various sizes, explaining the history of urban art and the city’s rise as an urban art destination.

CHRISTCHURCH TO FRANZ JOSEF

Arthur’s Pass National Park - Today, we journey from coast to coast over the Southern Alps, passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Arthur’s Pass features a landscape of two halves: on the eastern side, we’ll traverse riverbeds and beech forests, while on the western side, we’ll encounter deeply gorged rivers and dense rainforests.

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track - Along the way, we’ll stop at the Devil’s Punch Bowl and the stunning Castle Hill.

FRANZ JOSEF FREE DAY

Franz Josef - The incredible Franz Josef is located in a world heritage area, where the combination of alpine scenery and west coast rainforest creates an epic setting for your free day. Today, you have a unique opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (Greenstone) jewelry (included). You’ll learn about the cultural significance of pounamu as you engage in this authentic cultural experience and leave with your own special piece of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You’ll also have the chance to explore the Franz Josef glacier, an ever-changing ice landscape. Opt for the Heli-Hike adventure to walk on top of the glacier itself. For a free option, walk through the rainforest to a viewing area where the icy wonderland is just 750m away.

FRANZ JOSEF TO LAKE HAWEA

Franz Josef Glacier - We start the day with a visit to the Franz Josef wildlife center (included), home to the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility in the South Island. You’re guaranteed to see a live kiwi in the open nocturnal house, as well as a Tuatara, a reptile unique to New Zealand.

Lake Matheson Walk - Next, we head to Lake Matheson for a refreshing walk around the lake, known for its perfect mirror reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The dark brown waters of Lake Matheson create an ideal reflective surface on calm days, and the mountains to the east are perfectly positioned to reflect in the lake.

LAKE HAWEA TO QUEENSTOWN VIA WANAKA

Wanaka - A resort town located at the southern end of its namesake lake, offering views of snowcapped mountains. It’s the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Be sure to check out #ThatWanakaTree and snap a photo of one of the most photographed trees in the world!

Kawarau Suspension Bridge - Visit the world’s first commercial bungy site, the Kawarau Bridge. Only the bravest travelers will dare to sign up for this iconic bucket list bungy!

QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY

Queenstown - Queenstown offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures or a more leisurely exploration of the natural playground. Each season brings its own unique vibe, and most activities are available year-round. For adrenaline seekers, bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, and skydiving are all options. For a more relaxed pace, hire a bike, take a stroll, enjoy a boat cruise, relax at a spa, or visit one of the many vineyards in the area.

MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR

Milford Sound - No trip to the South Island is complete without visiting Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Departing from Queenstown early in the morning, we’ll stop for breakfast and coffee in the charming town of Te Anau before continuing the breathtaking drive to Milford Sound, with scheduled photo stops along the way. Nestled within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known for its pristine wildlife and stunning geological formations, captivating waterfalls, and is one of the most amazing scenic day trips in New Zealand. Enjoy a two-hour (included) scenic boat cruise through the inky black waters, keeping an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and abundant birdlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot the endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin. After the cruise, we’ll return to Queenstown for the evening.

QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA LAKE TEKAPO

Lake Tekapo - Known for its breathtakingly blue waters framed by colorful lupins.

The Church of the Good Shepherd - Visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, situated on the shores of Lake Tekapō amidst the natural beauty of the lake and mountains.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Accommodation (8 nights)