Christchurch to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

Marahau - Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Christchurch, the starting and ending point of this tour. Begin your journey early this morning on a public bus service (unguided) to Picton, where you’ll meet your Stray Guide and group. Depart from the Picton Villa and travel through the scenic Marlborough region. Continue to Marahau, located at the edge of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, where you’ll spend the evening relaxing by the campfire and stargazing.

Marahau (Abel Tasman) FREE DAY

Abel Tasman National Park - Enjoy a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. From the accommodation, hike directly into the park (no water taxi needed) and walk the Abel Tasman Coastal track to Anchorage Bay.

The park is rich with lush bush, offering numerous opportunities to explore golden sand beaches and swim in the brilliant blue waters along the way. The walk takes about 4 hours each way, but you can take a water taxi back if you want more time to enjoy the surroundings.

Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Hokitika

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks - Today, travel down New Zealand’s wild West Coast! This incredibly scenic drive is renowned for its untamed beaches and lush rainforests. Named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, this road offers endless views! Stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique coastline, then head to Hokitika, famous for its arts scene and greenstone (pounamu).

Tonight’s accommodation is on the shores of the Tasman Sea. Enjoy dinner at their Ocean View restaurant or take a walk to explore Hokitika. A visit to sunset point is highly recommended, where you can explore the Tambo ‘shipwreck’, enjoy stunning views of Hokitika beach with Aoraki Mt Cook in the distance, and watch the sunset over the horizon. Once it’s dark, take a walk to the glowworm dell to see the glittering lights above before returning to your accommodation for a restful night.

Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef - Today, take a short drive to the charming village of Franz Josef. The landscape transitions from coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest, offering another day of incredible NZ scenery (make sure your phone is charged for photos).

Arrive in Franz Josef around lunchtime, allowing plenty of time to experience Franz Josef Glacier, a highlight of the West Coast and New Zealand. Take a shuttle to the track’s start and hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the glacier’s terminal face for spectacular photos, or relax in the township and enjoy the views. For a closer look at the glacier (before climate change affects it), consider an incredible heli-hike to stand on the glacier!

Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

Franz Josef - Begin the day with a leisurely walk around Lake Matheson, known for its stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook on still days! Next, visit charming Wanaka, famous for its beautiful lake and breathtaking mountain scenery. Enjoy a late lunch, take in the views, and perhaps snap a picture of THAT Wanaka tree.

Afterwards, travel to Queenstown - the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’! Queenstown is the spiritual home of bungy jumping and offers endless adventure and entertainment. Upon arrival, head to the accommodation, which features a swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna, providing plenty of opportunities to relax after all the excitement!

Queenstown FREE DAY

Queenstown - Enjoy a free day in Queenstown. Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! After breakfast, explore the beautiful mountain scenery with one of the many free hikes or join an activity of your choice! This evening, try the famous Fergburger, check out the nightlife, or enjoy a hot chocolate on the lakefront while listening to live artists along the shore.

Queenstown to Te Anau

Te Anau - After all the adventure, depart Queenstown for Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival in Te Anau, visit the Fiordland Cinema to watch the breathtaking short film Ata Whenua - Shadowland. Experience incredible footage of the National Park’s wondrous landscapes and unique wildlife before seeing it firsthand on tomorrow’s Milford Sound cruise!

In the afternoon, take a water taxi to Brod Bay to walk part of the Kepler track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, across the Coal Creek Bridge and along Lake Te Anau’s shores back to the accommodation (summer only). Spend the night at the hotel in the serene lakeside town.

Day Trip to Milford Sound

Milford Sound - This morning, depart Te Anau for the iconic Milford Sound, where you’ll board a boat and cruise across the Sound (fun fact: it’s actually a fjord!) to see towering Mitre Peak, rainforests, waterfalls, and amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins, and Dolphins.

In the evening, consider visiting the glowworm caves in Te Anau, strolling through the town or around the lake, or relaxing at the accommodation.

Te Anau to Aoraki Mount Cook

Mt. Cook Village - Depart Te Anau early to drive over the Lindis Pass and through the Mackenzie Country, past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki, to reach the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. This drive is truly one of the most stunning days you’ll experience in NZ.

Arrive in the early afternoon with time for optional experiences like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped alps (sounds epic? It is). Alternatively, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or enjoy one of the many great short walks in the park. The Hooker Valley track (weather dependent) is highly recommended as one of the top shorter walks in NZ. If it’s a clear night, step outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

Aoraki Mount Cook to Christchurch

Lake Tekapo - Leaving Mount Cook, travel through a landscape made famous by the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. Stop to admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd (an iconic photo stop). If you wish, relax in the Tekapo hot pools, try snow tubing or ice skating (winter only), or hike to the Mt John Observatory for incredible lake views from above. After lunch, continue to the final overnight stop in Christchurch, where you can enjoy a final group dinner together (own cost) to celebrate an incredible journey around Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Depart Christchurch

Christchurch - This morning, explore Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art that brings cheer and color to a city once buried in rubble, check out the modern shopping district, enjoy a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens, or hop on the historic tourist tram to see it all! As today marks the final day, the adventure is coming to an end. Say goodbye (or see you soon) to fellow travelers and part ways for now. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and remains Stray Mates forever!

• 10 nights accommodation
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Transport on modern, comfortable air-conditioned coach
• Public bus from Christchurch to Picton
• Day Trip to Milford Sound
• Access to ‘off the beaten track’ destinations and national parks
• Fun and knowledgeable Stray Guide
• Wide selection of free and optional activities

• Optional activities
• Food and drinks

Considering an 11-day South Island loop starting from Christchurch? This tour is named after the Takahē, a cherished national bird known for its striking blue-green feathers, once believed to be extinct.

This tour provides exceptional flexibility, allowing you to begin your journey in Christchurch, Picton, or Wellington!

Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the South Island’s renowned attractions and hidden treasures in style. Begin with the golden beaches of Abel Tasman and explore the Coastal Track with hikes and kayaking in turquoise coves. Be amazed by Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, then hike the face of Franz Josef Glacier.

Capture the iconic Wānaka tree, then enjoy the thrills of Queenstown, the adventure capital, with hikes, Fergburgers, and vibrant nightlife! Sail past the breathtaking waterfalls of Milford Sound, hike the renowned Kepler Track, and stargaze under Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Conclude your incredible journey with a relaxing soak in Tekapo’s hot pools and a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd. All while staying in comfortable 3-4 star hotels! Join the Takahe Select Tour. Which destination is calling to you?

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.