Kickstart your South New Zealand adventure with the ultimate New Zealand Intro South Island experience. This action-packed 9-day journey takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown, serving up the very best of the South Island’s wild landscapes, iconic highlights, and epic adventure hotspots. From alpine views at Aoraki / Mount Cook to kayaking on Lake Wanaka and cruising through the legendary Milford Sound, every day delivers a new wow-moment.
Whether you’re starting your gap year, ticking off bucket-list experiences, or chasing breathtaking road-trip scenery with new friends, this tour delivers maximum experiences at unbeatable value.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
Milford Sound scenic cruise
Queenstown adventure experiences
Jet boating on Lake Wakatipu
Job assistance for working in New Zealand
Experience the ultimate South Island adventure on the New Zealand South Intro tour. Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown over 9 unforgettable days as you explore iconic alpine landscapes, cruise through the world-famous Milford Sound, kayak on Lake Wanaka, and dive into the adventure capital of Queenstown. This guided group tour is designed for young adults and active travellers, combining breathtaking scenery, epic experiences, social travel, and expert local support. With accommodation, transport, key meals, highlights, and job-finding assistance included, it’s the perfect way to start your New Zealand journey stress-free and in style.
8 nights hostel accommodation
Breakfast x 6, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Christchurch & Queenstown orientations
Lake Tekapo hot pools
Mount John lookout hike
Mount Cook National Park visit
Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
Milford Sound cruise
Jet boating on Lake Wakatipu
All ground transport (excluding airport transfers)
Experienced group leader & local guides
24/7 support in New Zealand
NZ bank account, IRD & SIM card setup
Lifetime NZ Jobs membership
100% carbon neutral tour
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Christchurch, make your way to the hostel where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After settling in and freshening up, we’ll kick off the adventure with a welcome briefing and group introductions. We recommend arriving before 3:00 PM, as the tour officially begins this afternoon.
This morning, enjoy a guided orientation of Christchurch, a vibrant city known for its English heritage, innovative street art, and scenic river walks. After exploring, travel south through the Canterbury Plains to the stunning alpine setting of Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and star-filled night skies.
Start the day with a scenic hike up Mount John, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo below. Afterwards, unwind in the soothing Tekapo hot pools. Later, our team will guide you through everything you need to live and work in New Zealand, including assistance with your NZ Jobs Program registration.
Travel deeper into the heart of the South Island today as we journey towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable alpine walk surrounded by glaciers, braided rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery – one of the most iconic landscapes in South New Zealand.
Arrive in the picturesque lakeside town of Wanaka and explore its must-see sights. Paddle across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka by kayak, visit the famous Wanaka Tree, and later hike up Mount Iron for panoramic views across the Upper Clutha Basin, Pisa Range, and surrounding Southern Alps.
This morning we travel to Queenstown, the adventure hub of the world. After checking in, enjoy free time to explore the lakefront, browse boutique shops, relax at a café, or start ticking off your optional adrenaline activities.
An early start takes us through the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park to the world-renowned Milford Sound. Cruise beneath towering cliffs, ancient rainforest, and spectacular waterfalls as you witness one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Begin the day with a guided Queenstown orientation walk to get your bearings. This afternoon, experience your adrenaline rush with an exhilarating jet boat ride through narrow canyons at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Tonight, enjoy a final group farewell dinner to celebrate an epic South Island adventure.
Your New Zealand South Island adventure comes to an end today. Check out and travel onwards, whether you’re heading home, staying on in Queenstown, or continuing your journey around New Zealand. Our team will be on hand to assist with your next travel plans.
Skydiving
Bungy jumping
Canyon swing
Scenic heli flights
Wine tours
A: Yes, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a fully guided South New Zealand experience.
A: A moderate fitness level is recommended due to hikes, kayaking and adventure activities.
A: No, international and domestic flights are not included.
A: Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must be shown before the tour begins.
A: Yes, this tour includes lifetime job assistance, IRD setup and bank account support.
Refunds are processed according to the following time frames:
Tour prices are subject to change and should be reconfirmed at the time of quoting and booking, as rates can vary until your reservation is confirmed and paid.
We understand that sometimes plans change. If, after making a booking, you wish to change your departure date or tour, you can do so. Date or tour changes made more than 30 days before your start date are free of charge. However, changes made within 30 days of your start date will incur a minimum administrative fee of $400.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours and must cover the full duration of your trip, including medical emergencies and cancellations.
By booking this tour you agree to the full terms and conditions. Please ensure you have read them carefully at: https://dundeeadventure.com/terms-conditions/
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