Active New Zealand

Package Overview

This trip sees you exploring magical valleys, gigantic glaciers and truly lovely lakes. From Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka & Fox Glacier (and a 4-day stint in Queenstown!) - you’re in for a thrill-packed ride. With plenty of hiking, biking, skydiving, stargazing and lake exploration to channel your energy into. And enough incredible views to clog up your camera reel  - this is adventure done right.

Routing

Trip Duration: 9 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Fox Glacier via Arthur's Pass, Hokitika and Franz Josef

Hello & welcome adventurers! We kick off our journey right here in Christchurch (Ōtautahi), famous for its botanical gardens, cycle routes and sumptuous dining spots. With no time to waste, we’ll hit the road to our very first stop, Arthur's Pass. Driving through Arthurs Pass National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park, we’ll make a quick stop for refreshments and take in all the magical alpine scenery. Lunch breaks are rarely ever this scenic. So make sure your camera’s fully charged when we hit Hokitika.  Along the way, we'll stop for a short walk to see the nose of the one and only Franz Josef Glacier and the glacial moraine field up close. And, here we are - in the Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe)! Come bond with your crew over a delicious 2-course dinner and then catch some sleep for the big day tomorrow.

• Accomodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
• Meals: Dinner
• Location Visited: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier,

Day 2 - Fox Glacier to Wānaka

Time to get exploring! Here at Fox Glacier, you'll have the chance to look around on foot, but the adventure doesn't stop there. Opt to jump on an E-bike tour and cruise the trails, take a scenic helicopter flight for unbeatable glacier views, or level things up with a heli-hike that combines a helicopter landing with a guided walk on the ice itself. You're in for some seriously impressive scenery. We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to satisfy our hungry tummies. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner at the historic Hawea Hotel, sharing family-style dishes on the edge of the lake with mountain views all around.

• Accomodation: A conveniently located hostel
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Location Visited: Fox Glacier, Wānaka,

Day 3 - Wānaka

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. Via ferrata, hiking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. In the evening, find a spot by the lake, grab a bite, and kick back as the sun sets over Mount Aspiring National Park. What a way to end the day.

• Accomodation: A conveniently located hostel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Wānaka,

Day 4 - Wānaka to Queenstown via Kawarau Bridge Bungy and Arrowtown

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.Next up, we’ll stop by the Shotover River. Feeling adventurous? You can choose to hop aboard the legendary Shotover Jet for a high-speed ride through the canyon. Prefer to keep things relaxed? Sit back and soak up the scenery from the riverbank instead. Our home for the coming few days? The adventure capital of the world! Tonight you can choose to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. We’ve got 4 days of non-stop adventure ahead of us. So rest up!

• Accomodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Wānaka, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Arrowtown, Shotover River, Queenstown,

Day 5 - Queenstown (Including the Routeburn Track)

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 world famous Routeburn Track: 19 km of jaw-dropping mountain views and plenty of chats with your crew in a seriously picturesque setting. What more could you ask for? Well, how about us taking care of your tickets, so you can save all your brainpower for the trek? We’re already a step ahead. Oh, and did we mention you’ll get the inside scoop on the Routeburn’s incredible wildlife and the conservation efforts making it all possible? After a big day out on the Routeburn Track, you've earned some well-deserved downtime. Spend the evening exploring Queenstown at your own pace, grab a bite with the crew, or soothe tired muscles with an optional session at Watershed Sauna. However you choose to unwind, tonight is all about recovery before the adventures continue.

• Accomodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Queenstown,

Day 6 - Queenstown

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.)Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 6 & Day 7 can be booked for either day through your Trip Manager.

• Accomodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Queenstown,

Day 7 - Queenstown

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. And if you wanna explore Queenstown your way? You're welcome to! (We’re all about freedom here.) Dinner's on us tonight, so come hungry!

• Accomodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Location Visited: Queenstown,

Day 8 - Queenstown to Tekapo via Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook

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 hike time! Hike underneath the incredible Aoraki Mount Cook AKA Aotearoa New Zealand's highest mountain. It's one of NZ's most famous hiking tracks. Or as the Kiwis call it - 'tramping tracks'. Staying on the edge of one of NZ's most photographed lakes, we’ll arrive into the glacier-fed beauty of Tekapo. Tonight, you have the option to wind down inside a hot pool (surrounded by alpine scenery).

• Accomodation: The Godley Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Queenstown, Twizel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo,

Day 9 - Tekapo to Christchurch via Geraldine

You know it’s a good morning when you wake up to unreal lake views. And today, you have the chance to see it all from above with the famous Grand Traverse Flight! Next, we’ll get a move on, making our way back to Christchurch. This quaint farming town is the gateway to the oh-so-stunning central & southern lakes and the Canterbury plains too. (P.S. It’s a great stop to try local jams, chutneys, juices and cheeses!).  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?

• Accomodation:
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Lake Tekapo, Geraldine, Christchurch,