Trip Overview
Is this trip for you? OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD. EXCITING. MESMERISING.
Take one week of pure unadulterated Kiwi adventures and turn them into a trip of a lifetime. From the adrenalin-pumping capital of Queenstown to the jaw-dropping scenery of Franz Josef, Milford Sound and Mackenzie Region, this is your chance to see all this great southern island has to offer – with a bunch of mates just as stoked to be here as you are. Get off your butt, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about.
Worth noting…
Got more time? Our Kiwi Encounter trip has all this and more - a whole North-Island-more. It's worth checking out, trust us.
YOUR #TOPDECKER TRAVEL MOMENTS
Trip Itinerary
-
Franz Josef Glacier region to Queenstown
2Rise and shine! If the weather is good, you’ll have the chance to explore this chilly playground on an optional Heli-hike. Strap on your crampons and pile into the chopper – we’ll head up to 800m above sea level to explore the maze of ice formations with an expert local guide. Or go all-out with a scenic flight that’ll leave you with goosebumps and a full camera roll. Then: we’ll turn our attention to the adventure capital of the world. Get the lay of the land with your Trip Leader, then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around the bay area or holed up in World Bar – with world-famous teapot cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to make a plan for next three days.
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Glacier Heli-hike excursion: from $485
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier: from $185
-
Meals
-
Queenstown
3If Queenstown had a Tinder profile it would read: fun-filled outdoor enthusiast – looking for a fellow adrenalin junkie to share adventures with. And be filled with pics of people throwing themselves off extreme heights. Swiping right? Hell yes! Skydiving. Bungy jumping. Jet boating. White water rafting. Canyon swinging. You want it, this place has it. And you’ve got 24hrs to embrace it all. DW if all the above makes you want to run and hide – there’s more here than death-defying antics. Take the skyline gondola for some incred views over Lake Wakatipu. Race your Topdeck buddies on the sky-high luge track. Jump aboard the TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise. Or strap on those Nikes and hike the Ben Lomond Saddle Loop – the views are worth the sore legs in the morning. Trust us. Tonight, head to Winnies and tuck into pizzas with toppings you can’t prepare for – they’re that good.
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Jet boating in Queenstown: from $129
- Canyon swinging in Queenstown: from $199
- Bungy jumping in Queenstown: from $164
- Skydiving in Queenstown: from $299
-
Meals
-
Queenstown including Milford Sound
4Today, we’ll take a break from all the high-octane screaming with a day trip to the mesmerising Milford Sound. Plaster your face to the window as we take the scenic route through Fiordland National Park. Then, the main event: a cruise on the Milford fjord complete with thundering waterfalls, razor-edge cliffs and resident seals. This place is National Geographic on steroids (like Schwarzenegger steroids). Tuck into lunch on board surrounded by a view you’ll tell your children (12 cats) about for years to come. Then, back in Queenstown – gather the gang and see if the nightlife here really lives up to the rep.
-
Included Today
- Scenic cruise on Milford Sound (including lunch)
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
-
Included Today
-
Queenstown
5Didn’t tick everything off? We’ve got your back – here’s another free day we prepared earlier. Head into Mount Aspiring National Park on a Wilderness Jet adventure. Jump in a funyak down the Dart River (like a kayak, but better). Or conquer the wild Shotover River on an adrenalin-pumping whitewater rafting experience. If you’d rather cruise in the slow-lane, sip your way through the Otago region on a wine tour or get your Fergburger take-away and head up to Queenstown Gardens for stunning views over The Remarkables. Tonight, we’ll get the gang together for an included dinner. Then? Head to the Cookie Bar. We’re talking: warm cookies, freakshakes, s’more, ice-cream...*wipes drool from chin*.
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Optional extras
- Funyaking in Queenstown: from $299
- Wilderness Jet adventure in Queenstown: from $209
- Whitewater rafting down the Shotover River: from $199
-
Meals
-
Queenstown to Lake Ohau via Arrowtown
6Ok, nobody panic – the adventure is coming to a close. But we’re sure as hell not done yet! Set the course for Arrowtown and stretch out those calves – there’s a cycle along the banks of the historic Arrow River in store for today. Venture through some ‘holy-sh*t’-worthy scenery, cross awe-inspiring suspension bridges and try not to stack it in front of your trip mates. Then: press your nose to the window and soak up all the stunning views racing past the coach window as we make our way to our lakeside-lodge for the night. Nestled between towering mountains and overlooking the sparkling lake, this is the perfect place to spend the last night of our southern expedition. We’re gonna give this trip the send-off it deserves at tonight’s final group dinner.
-
Included Today
- Mountain biking in Arrowtown
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Lake Ohau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo
7Squeeze in one last pano at Lake Tekapo before we make tracks for Christchurch. After an orientation tour of the city with your Trip Leader – it’s time to say goodbye. 7 days. Countless thrills, spills and good times. You embraced it all and shared the ride with a bunch of strangers who are now like family. Reunion trip next year? 100%.
-
Included Today
- Orientation tour of Christchurch
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
What's included
Included Experiences
- Visit Hokitika
- Visit Lake Matheson
- Stay in the scenic Franz Josef region
- Scenic cruise on Milford Sound (including lunch)
- Mountain biking excursion in Arrowtown
- Orientation tour of Christchurch
Accommodation
1 night in a lodge, 5 nights in hostels
Transport
Modern air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi
Optional activities
-Glacier Heli-hike excursion in Franz Josef Glacier region: from $485
-Scenic flight over Franz Josef: from $185
-Jet boating in Queenstown: from $129
-Canyon swinging in Queenstown: from $199
-Bungy jumping in Queenstown: from $164
-Skydiving in Queenstown: from $299
-Funyaking in Queenstown: from $299
-Wilderness Jet adventure in Queenstown: from $209
-Whitewater rafting down the Shotover River: from $199
Views & Reviews
Latest Reviews
Average rating based on 23 reviews
-
Shania C February 2020
Amazing trip great mixture of excitement and knowledge. I appreciate the amount of freedom also catered for, and never short for things to do the tour guides always have plenty of suggestions.
-
Carmen J February 2020
Good
-
Joseph H February 2020
Unlimited fun.