Active New Zealand
Active New Zealand
Active New Zealand
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wānaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Mount Cook
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AVADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes with the "Active New Zealand" tour. This adventure kicks off in Christchurch, taking you through the lush rainforests of Hokitika, where you can contribute to forest regeneration by planting a native tree. Experience the thrill of the West Coast Tree Top Walk and the breathtaking Routeburn Track. Explore the majestic Fox Glacier, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of optional activities like bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge or skydiving in Queenstown. Relish the serene beauty of Lake Wanaka and the awe-inspiring vistas of Aoraki (Mount Cook National Park). With comfortable accommodations and meals included on select days, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable New Zealand experience. Transportation is seamlessly provided throughout, allowing you to focus on the adventure and camaraderie with your travel companions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Fox Glacier Via West Coast Tree Top Walk
Location: Christchurch, Fox Glacier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to South Island’s largest city. Christchurch (Ōtautahi) is famous for its botanical gardens, cycle routes, and sumptuous dining spots. And it’s also where you’ll meet your travel fam! Hope you’re ready to feel those crazy adrenaline rushes. We’ve got an unforgettable adventure lined up - and our first stop is the remarkable West Coast Tree Top Walk. What’s the best way to see the NZ rainforests? Getting a birds-eye view of them, ofc. Today, you’ll walk across a maze of sky bridges and soar through the treetops onto a 20-metre-high platform. Keep your camera ready for this one! You might catch a glimpse of the incredible wildlife that has made these rainforests their home. Then, we’ll hop back onto our coach to our next spot. Tonight, in Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe), at the foothills of the Southern Alps, we’ll grab a delicious dinner (and spend some time with the new crew). Better get some rest before the real adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Fox Glacier To Wānaka
Location: Fox Glacier
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Time to get exploring! Here at Fox Glacier, you’ll have the chance to look around on foot, sure, but the action doesn’t stop there. That’s right, you’ll have the opportunity to take an E-bike tour or even better, get an absolutely spectacular view of the glacier from a helicopter (!). We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to satisfy our hungry tummies. Tonight, we’ll grab some dinner at a rustic 150-year-old hotel (with the mountains as our backdrop!). And then it’s back to our hotel to rest our travel-tired limbs.
Day 3: Wānaka
Location: Wānaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another morning waking up to breathtaking natural beauty. How lucky are we? Today is yours to spend, just the way you like. Grab some breakfast at one of the many local cafes here. Rock climbing, kayaking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. Or you could even choose to ride a water taxi for a tour of Mou Waho Island. In the evening, you can join us for a cruise of the stunning Lake Wānaka. What a way to end the day.
Day 4: Wānaka To Queenstown Via Kawarau Bridge Bungy And Arrowtown
Location: Arrowtown, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning, daredevils. We’ve got some more exploration to do today. You can grab some breakfast in town before we hop onto our coach towards our next destination.Nothing spells adventure like jumping off a bridge. And you best believe, that’s exactly what we’re doing at the world’s first commercial bungy jumping site. Plus, the view of the crystal blue river is a sight in itself. It really is an experience for a lifetime.Hungry? Luckily, the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) has a spot or two to satisfy the rumble.If you thought that the day was over, you’re in for a surprise because we’ve arrived further down south. Tonight, in Queenstown (Tāhuna), you have the option to cruise over Lake Wakatipu on a historic ship and end the night with a luscious BBQ dinner spread. Jaw-dropping scenery, drool-worthy food. Best combination ever? We certainly think so.
Day 5: Queenstown And Glenorchy
Location: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey, we’re up and out bright and early today to get a head start on one of the best hikes in New Zealand. Yup, today we’re taking on the Routeburn Track. The Routeburn Track. 19 km of breathtaking mountain views, plus wildlife spotting, plus chatting with your crew in a truly romantic setting. What more could you want? Your tickets all sorted by us so you can save your mental energy for the trek? We’re already one step ahead of you. You have a free night tonight, so you can either sample Queenstown’s laid-back-yet-legendary nightlife… or you can hit the hay and dream about what a wonderful day you just had. The call is yours.
Day 6: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend however you like – you can explore in your own way, or join us on an optional boat trip, vineyard tour, e-biking experience, ziplining adventure and adventure canyoning. (Safe to say adventure with a capital A lies in store for us.)
Day 7: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another day, another catapult… skydive… bungy jump… Yup, there’s loads more optional activities in store for us today, so make sure you eat all your morning oats – it’s gonna be a big one. (You’re also free to continue exploring Queenstown in your own way too. We’re all about freedom here.)
Day 8: Queenstown To Mount Cook National Park Via Twizel And Hooker Valley
Location: Queenstown, Mount Cook
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Mt Cook Lodge & Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queenstown, it’s been a blast but we’ve gotta be off now. We’re making our way to even more mesmerising views.Twizel is a worthy stop-off on any NZ trip. Luckily, this is where you'll munch on some lunch (surrounded by enchanting natural beauty). It's a feast for your tummy and your eyes...It’s trek time! Here at Hooker Valley, we’ll take a 5km hike and marvel at iceberg after iceberg, swing bridge after swing bridge as we go. But wait, there’s more…Welcome to Mount Cook National Park (Aoraki)! Remember to breathe. Because this spectacular peak is going to take your breath away. If you’re interested in exploring it even further, join us for a cruise ride across Tasman Lake, paired with a buffet dinner. You wouldn’t wanna spend the last full day of this trip any other way.
Day 9: Mount Cook National Park To Christchurch
Location: Mount Cook, Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s your last morning in this Southern Island adventure. So make the most of it. Grab some breakfast at the hotel and exchange deets with your crew. Then, we’ll hop onto the coach to head back to where it all began.It’s time to say goodbye (sadly). What an adrenaline & scenery-packed ride it has been! But not to worry, because we’ll be back again another time, in another place, for another adventure. That’s what life’s about, right?
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included on specific days, such as dinner on Day 1, breakfast and dinner on Day 2, breakfast on Day 5, breakfast on Day 6, breakfast and dinner on Day 7, and breakfast on Day 8 and Day 9.
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Activities
Activities include the West Coast Tree Top Walk, hiking the Routeburn Track, and a 5km hike in Hooker Valley.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided throughout the tour, including coach transfers between locations.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Heartland Fox Glacier, The Brownston Hostel, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, and Mt Cook Lodge & Motel.
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Included Experience
Experiences include hiking in Glenorchy, the Hooker Valley track, and viewing Lake Ohau.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as E-bike tours, helicopter rides, rock climbing, canyoning, kayaking, skydiving, water taxi tours, and vineyard tours are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as additional meals, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Hokitika: Discover the rainforests of the south island from a whole new angle. 20 metres high and 450 metres long, this platform lets you get up close and personal to the beauty of the forest – and its local birds. You’ll also contribute to the regeneration of the forest, with the opportunity to plant a native tree included in your visit. Don’t miss your chance to climb to the top of Hokitika tower too.
- Glenorchy: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you hike up the side of this breathtaking mountain and bond with your group. This simply is a Queenstown must-do.
- Hooker Valley: The Hooker Valley track is one of NZ’s most picturesque hikes, ending with an unspoilt view of Mount Cook and the glacial valley below. Saving the best picture spot ’til last? If you say so.
- 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.)
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as the West Coast Tree Top Walk, hiking the Routeburn Track, and a 5km hike in Hooker Valley. There are also opportunities for optional activities like E-bike tours, helicopter rides, rock climbing, canyoning, kayaking, skydiving, water taxi tours, and vineyard tours.
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Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, meals are included on specific days. For example, dinner is provided on Day 1, breakfast and dinner on Day 2, breakfast on Day 5, breakfast on Day 6, breakfast and dinner on Day 7, and breakfast on Day 8 and Day 9.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Heartland Fox Glacier, The Brownston Hostel, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, and Mt Cook Lodge & Motel.
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Is transportation included in the tour package?
Yes, transportation is provided throughout the tour, including coach transfers between locations.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available such as E-bike tours, helicopter rides, rock climbing, canyoning, kayaking, skydiving, water taxi tours, and vineyard tours.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and it is recommended to be purchased separately.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.