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SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURE

9 DAY/8 NIGHT - NZ TOUR

WELLINGTON TO QUEENSTOWN

PRICES START FROM:
AUD	GBP	EUR
$2499	£1349	£1599

Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.

9-DAY / 8-NIGHT GROUP TOUR

SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURE

NEW ZEALAND | CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN

4.8 Stars - based on 2592 ULTIMATE traveller reviews

PRICES START FROM:
AUD	GBP	EUR
$2499	£1349	£1599

Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.

CHECK DATES & BOOK

GET TRIP NOTES

REQUEST MORE INFO

CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN – 9 DAYS

Experience the highlights of New Zealand’s South Island with our ULTIMATE tour. This adventure takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown, with stops at iconic locations like Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Milford Sound, and Queenstown. Cruise through the 8th wonder of the world, experience Whale Watching and a 2 night retreat in Lake Tekapon

TRANSPORT

Scania coaches. WiFI. Reclining Seats. Ferry ticket INCL

EXPERIENCE

Guided trip from Wellington to Queenstown

WHERE WE STAY

Flashpacker. 4-12 Bed Dorms. Upgrades available.

MILFORD SOUND

Day trip to the 8th wonder of the world!

INCLUSIONS

TOUR INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

BOOKING INFORMATION

INCLUSIONS

8 nights accommodation

Flashpacker hostels in 4-10 bed mixed dorms in leading hostels

Milford Sound

A full day trip to Milford Sound - the 8th wonder of the world!

All Transport

All travel included in the tour on NZ's #1 bus network - InterCity.

Fully Guided

Fully trained ULTIMATE Group Leader will be with you every step of the way!

Mt Cook

Half day trip to Mt Cook - NZ's largest mountain!

Lake Retreat

2 nights in the secluded lake town of Tekapo!

Stargazing

Take a guided trip to the lakefront at NZ's home of stargazing

Optional Extras

Opportunities to book optional adrenaline activities

Please note most meals are NOT included in this package.

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour Start Time:

Your tour starts at 6pm in Day 1 with a welcome evening to meet your ULTIMATE Group Leader and new travel mates!

Before the Tour:

Before the tour, make sure you have the necessary travel insurance to travel to New Zealand. You will need a tourism visa or Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand will need to have this organised before you arrive. Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. You will also need fully comprehensive travel insurance.

Room + Tour Upgrades

You will be accommodated in mixed dorm rooms throughout your stay however you can opt to upgrade to private/double rooms at an extra cost

Want to travel the North Island too?

If you want to travel both the North and South Island then make sure you check out our 21 day New Zealand Highlights tour HERE

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

The short answer is YES!!! If you are between 18-35, a global backpacker from anywhere and everywhere or simply someone ready to experience the beauty and adventure-filled paradise of New Zealand then this is the ideal trip for you!

This New Zealand South Island tour is designed for solo travellers and all backpackers aged 18-35 years old. This group tour is designed to enjoy the beauty and adrenaline of New Zealand, meeting lots of people and participating in unique and adrenaline pumping activities you'll never forget!

TRANSPORT

Christchurch to Queenstown via coaches and public transport.

ULTIMATE GROUP LEADER

Your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader will be travelling with you from start to finish and will showcase the very best of NZ South island.

BOOKING INFORMATION

To book this New Zealand tour, select your chosen departure date.

Once you are booked, we will send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.

If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.

Book your flights into Christchurch Airport (not included)
Organise your travel insurance (not included)

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts at Christchurch at 6pm
Tour ends in Queenstown at 10am

EXTRAS

You can pre-book optional activities at time of booking or when you arrive in NZ!

TOUR INCLUSIONS

TOUR INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

BOOKING INFORMATION

TOUR INCLUSIONS

ULTIMATE Group Leader
8 nights in dorm accommodation
All Public Coach transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
Christchurch City Walk
Mt Cook Half-Day trip
Milford Sound day trip - 8th wonder of the world!
Lake Tekapo Stargazing
Queenstown - Adrenaline capital of NZ

We recommend a budget of $100 NZD per day for extra meals/additional activities.

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour Start Time:

Your tour starts at 6pm in Day 1 with a welcome evening to meet your ULTIMATE Group Leader and new travel mates!

Before the Tour:

Before the tour, make sure you have the necessary travel insurance to travel to New Zealand. You will need a tourism visa or Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand will need to have this organised before you arrive. Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. You will also need fully comprehensive travel insurance.

Room + Tour Upgrades

You will be accommodated in mixed dorm rooms throughout your stay however you can opt to upgrade to private/double rooms at an extra cost

Want to travel the North Island too?

If you want to travel both the North and South Island then make sure you check out our 21 day New Zealand Highlights tour HERE

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

The short answer is YES!!! If you are between 18-35, a global backpacker from anywhere and everywhere or simply someone ready to experience the beauty and adventure-filled paradise of New Zealand then this is the ideal trip for you!

This New Zealand South Island tour is designed for solo travellers and all backpackers aged 18-35 years old. This group tour is designed to enjoy the beauty and adrenaline of New Zealand, meeting lots of people and participating in unique and adrenaline pumping activities you'll never forget!

TRANSPORT

Christchurch to Queenstown via coaches and public transport.

ULTIMATE GROUP LEADER

Your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader will be travelling with you from start to finish and will showcase the very best of NZ South island.

BOOKING INFORMATION

To book this New Zealand tour, select your chosen departure date.

Once you are booked, we will send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.

If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.

Book your flights into Christchurch Airport (not included)
Organise your travel insurance (not included)

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts at Christchurch at 6pm
Tour ends in Queenstown at 10am

EXTRAS

You can pre-book optional activities at time of booking or when you arrive in NZ!

> THE ITINERARY

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Day 1 | Christchurch

Arrive into Christchurch and spend the evening soaking up the chilled and cultural vibes of this unique city. Check into your hostel and explore at your own pace.

Accommodation: Little Drifter Christchurch (or similar)

Day 2 | Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

This morning you’ll leave Christchurch behind and make the scenic drive to Lake Tekapo. Check into your lakefront hostel with front row views of the famous ice-blue Tekapo waters. Spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd or take a dip in the Tekapo Hot Springs. Tonight, wrap up warm — you’ll be heading out for your group stargazing experience under some of the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere.

Included: Group stargazing experience
Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)

Day 3 | Lake Tekapo

A free day to make the most of Tekapo at your own pace. Head back to the Hot Springs if you missed them yesterday, take a walk along the lake shore, or simply sit back and take in one of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand. Tonight you have another chance to soak up those incredible star-filled skies.

Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)

Day 4 | Mount Cook and Queenstown

Leave Tekapo behind and make your way south. En route you’ll stop to explore the foothills of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook. This fully guided half-day trip takes in the scenery of the Southern Alps with a group tour around the base. You can optionally upgrade to an Alpine Scenic Flight if you wish. Then carry on your journey to New Zealand’s Adventure Capital — Queenstown.

Included: Fully guided Mount Cook day trip

Note: Optional Alpine Scenic Flight upgrade available

Day 5 | Queenstown Arrival

Welcome to Queenstown — the backpacker and adrenaline capital of New Zealand. Check into your ski lodge-style hostel and get your bearings in this incredible lakeside town. Tonight, join your group on a local bar crawl through Queenstown’s legendary nightlife scene.

Included: Queenstown bar crawl

Accommodation: Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Day 6 | Queenstown

Your first full free day in Queenstown — and the options are endless. Take the leap with a 15,000 ft skydive or brave the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy, the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Prefer something a little more relaxed? Explore the town, take the gondola up the hill, or grab a coffee by the lake. The day is yours.

Note: Adventure activities available at extra cost
Accommodation: Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Day 7 | Milford Sound

Today you’ll head out on a full day trip to Milford Sound — one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Board your boat for an unforgettable cruise through the 8th wonder of the world, taking in dramatic landscapes, huge waterfalls and towering mountains. You’ll return to Queenstown in the evening with plenty of time for one last night out.

Included: Milford Sound day trip with boat cruise
Accommodation: Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Day 8 | Queenstown

Your final day in Queenstown and your last chance to squeeze in anything you haven’t done yet. Pick up some souvenirs, grab a meal with your new friends and take it all in one last time. The New Zealand Highlights Adventure comes to an end tomorrow morning.

Accommodation: Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Day 9 | Tour End

Today we say goodbye. Bid farewell to your new friends and to this incredible country.

Tour ends: 10am

> WHERE WE STAY

The South Island Adventure Tour includes 8 nights accommodation in flashpacker dorm room accommodation. We partner with well reviewed properties in the areas we visit! You can be assured that after a adventurous day exploring, a comfortable bed is waiting. Your accommodation features

Dorm Rooms
Upgrades to Private Single Rooms available at the booking process*
Breakfast included in select hostels
Free WIFI available
Accomodation is a mixture of hostels and lodges
Lakeside retreat

new zealand highlights christchurch dorm

new zealand highlights Christchurch Leisure Accommodation

> BOOK TOUR

MAKING YOUR BOOKING
To make your booking, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. If you are unsure about optional extras or if you need additional accommodation before or after your tour, you can let us know later via email. If you have a travel date in mind but you’re not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit. We’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour. Your final payment is due 45 days before your tour date and you will be sent an automatic reminder. You can make payments on your tour balance sooner or regularly via our website here. A non refundable 5.25% booking processing fee applies to each booking.
BOOK OPEN DATED
Book open dated when you have not decided on a tour date yet, but want to confirm your travel plans and secure a price. Once you have booked an open dated tour, you can book on to any available start date of your choosing, subject to availability. Book open dated here.
MEETING OTHER TRAVELLERS

Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates! Join the conversation here.
BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE

Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date. Date changes are permitted without additional change fees up until 30 days before your scheduled tour date! Check out our full booking policy here.

> TOUR FAQS

WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?

WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY AND WILL I NEED CASH?

ARE THERE MEALS INCLUDED?

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

CAN I BOOK OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?

IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?

WILL I NEED ID & WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE?

WHAT IF I AM TRAVELLING WITH SOMEONE ELSE?

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TOUR?

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?

HOW DO I BOOK?

WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?

The 12 Day New Zealand South Island Adventure tour starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown.

WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?

You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-35 year olds from all over the world, this is a fully guided tour!

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

You’ll be staying in mixed dorm rooms throughout your New Zealand Group tour in 4-6 bed accommodation.

CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?

Sure! We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using Skyscanner.com – get a flight quote.

Find the best insurance policy for your Ultimate adventure with the help of our recommended travel insurance provider.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY AND WILL I NEED CASH?

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Everywhere you will be staying accepts card so you don't necessarily need to withdraw any cash.

$1 NZD is roughly £0.45 GBP, €0.52 EUR or $0.92 AUD.

ARE THERE MEALS INCLUDED?

Mostly, no. However some hostels and activities have meals included. Generally we recommend around $100 NZD per day for food, drink and activities.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?

Most nations do not require an official visa to enter New Zealand, however some do. If you are from the UK or most other European countries you require an NZETA which is a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa. This needs be applied for and granted before arrival and costs around $50NZD to complete. This grants unlimited access to NZ for 3-6 months but has no working rights.

For information, or to apply visit here

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

Make sure to include any dietaries when you book. Vegetarian, vegan and GF options are available for the breakfasts and meals included

CAN I BOOK OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?

YES! You can pre-book a few of the adrenaline pumping activities at the time of booking. If not, no stress! You can book these on Day 1 of your New Zealand Tour through your ULTIMATE Group Leader.

IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?

This tour is fast paced and energetic. There is a key activity included at every stop and your Group Leader will be sure to tell you when you have free time throughout the itinerary. But yes, you'll have time to zen too!

WILL I NEED ID & WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE?

The legal drinking age in NZ is 18 years old. You will need ID to be served and please be aware most placed do not accept international driving licenses therefore you will need your passport.

WHAT IF I AM TRAVELLING WITH SOMEONE ELSE?

More the merrier! Book together and our supplier will do their best to put you together or book seperately and make sure you tell us beforehand!

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TOUR?

Our group sizes vary but can be up to 18 backpackers exploring the world just like you!

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?

Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.

HOW DO I BOOK?

To book our New Zealand South Island Adventure, select your chosen departure date, enter your details and we’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as useful information about your tour and where you can meet others booked onto your start date! Got a travel date in mind but not ready to pay in full? Choose to pay a non-refundable $300AUD deposit to secure a spot on your chosen departure date. Need someone to talk through your travel plans with? Get in touch!

OUR CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Had an incredible tour across the eastcoast in 6 weeks. From Sydney to Cairns with a very nice group of people. Our travel guide Thijs did such an amazing job showing us this beautiful country. Thank you so much!!
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Hidde d. 11/05/26

The 1 week Sydney tour was so exciting and interesting I absolutely loved it! Byron is a fab tour guide, he’s clearly super passionate about what he does and took great care of us as well as being our photographer and partying with us when it was needed :) A massive thank you to Byron and the team in Sydney for going above and beyond to give us an amazing experience – I couldn’t recommend it more!
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anna c. 05/05/26

We had the best time on this tour, and a huge part of that was thanks to Jon. His knowledge of every place was incredible, he kept everyone laughing, and he always made sure we had amazing nights out. We’re genuinely so sad it’s over! Thank you again, Jon — you made the trip unforgettable.
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Imogen C. 17/05/26
I wasn't there but I heard Sam Oakley is the goat
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Samuel W. 08/04/26

So glad I chose to go with Ultimate travel! The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, and I got to see everything I wished to see, but also had enough free time to explore independently, which made the whole trip feel both structured and relaxed. Accommodation and transportation was handled smoothly, allowing me to fully enjoy the journey without any stress.
Our tour leader Byron was super helpful and always did his best to make sure everyone had the best possible experience. Whether it was sharing local insights, handling unexpected changes, or creating a fun and positive atmosphere, he made this trip unforgettable!
Overall, I couldn’t recommend Ultimate Travel more highly. It’s clear they care about the quality of their tours, and with leaders like mine, you’re in excellent hands!
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Evie P. 11/04/26

Did the one week Sydney tour with Marcus as the tour guide, brilliant man he did a great job at getting the group together, good sense of humour, fantastic cook but does need a hair cut, thank you Marcus 💃
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Hannah M. 09/04/26
I did the 3 week Australia East Coast Tour and had an amazing time.
The tour was well planned and had some unforgettable highlights.
Our tour guide Robbie also did a great job and made sure that everyone could enjoy this adventure.
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Sam S. 08/04/26

I booked onto the 5-week East Coast tour, and it was genuinely the best experience of my life. From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations. I’ve made so many incredible memories and met such wonderful people along the way - people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone even slightly considering it.
The organisation throughout the trip was outstanding. Everything ran so smoothly, which made it easy to just relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. The accommodation was consistently clean, comfortable, and welcoming, and all the Greyhound coaches were reliable.
Both the included and optional activities were amazing and really added to the overall experience. My favourite optional activity was definitely Australia Zoo. This was an unforgettable day, and I even got to see Robert Irwin, which was such a highlight! It’s moments like that that make the trip feel so special.
The absolute standout part of the tour for me was K’gari. Spending a few days off-grid, driving 4x4s along the beach, and camping was something I’ll never forget. It felt like a true adventure and such a unique way to experience Australia’s natural beauty.
However, what truly made this trip exceptional was our tour guide, Callan. He went above and beyond in every way. Callan was incredibly genuine, kind, and approachable. He is someone who made everyone feel included and comfortable from day one. His sense of humour kept the group laughing, and his energy was contagious, which really brought everyone together.
On top of that, he was super organised and always on top of everything, which made the entire trip feel effortless for us. Whether it was giving great recommendations, handling any issues quickly, or just being there for a chat, Callan made a huge difference to the overall experience. You can tell he genuinely cares about what he does and about the people on his tours. I will miss him lots!
All in all, this trip was unforgettable, and a big part of that is thanks to Callan. If you’re thinking about doing this tour - do it. You won’t regret it.
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SIAN F. 06/05/26

Just finished the 3 week East Coast tour and had an amazing experience! We got to see so many incredible places and everything was really well organised, which made it so easy to enjoy the trip. Highlights for me were driving on K’gari and the skydive at Mission Beach. Our Tour Leader Sam was always positive and really helpful - consistently going out of his way to make sure everyone had a fantastic time. He had a great vibe with the group while still keeping things professional and running the tour smoothly.
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Emma C. 09/04/26