11 Day Weka South Island Tour Christchurch to Christchurch

11 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Interested in joining us on our awesome 11-day New Zealand journey from Picton to Christchurch? Explore the best of what the South Island has to offer, named after the Weka, our bold and inquisitive native bird, known for its 'coo-et' call.

Kick off in Picton amid the Marlborough Sounds, then water taxi into Abel Tasman's golden coves for picnics, canyoning and secluded swims. Then marvel at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks blowholes and trek Franz Josef's glacier face through misty bush.

Prepare yourself for epic adventures in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the country, you’ll be treated to stunning hikes, iconic Fergburgers, and nightlife buzz. Cruise Milford Sound's waterfalls with seals, penguins, and dolphins.

Stargaze Tekapo's Dark Skies by the Church of the Good Shepherd, then punt Christchurch's Avon and enjoy the street art. All with an expert guide and like-minded adventurers. Which stop’s got you pumped?

What's Included

Intercity Bus Journey from Christchurch to Blenheim
Dark Sky Crater Experience
Day trip and Cruise to the Milford Sound
Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
Daily Breakfasts

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Christchurch

Outside Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street. Please Note: Your first leg unguided public bus journey ends in Blenheim at approx. 12:40PM. You will meet your Stray Guide outside Blenheim i-SITE Information Centre (The Railway Station).

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 11 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Christchurch to Abel Tasman

    2 stops
  • 1

    Start your journey with an unguided public bus from Christchurch to Blenheim, arriving around 12:40PM. You will meet your Stray Guide outside Blenheim i-SITE Information Centre (The Railway Station).

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Abel Tasman National Park

    From Blenheim, we will then set off through the Marlborough Region to Marahau, our accommodation is situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park - perfect for exploring arguably the best National Park in NZ.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Abel Tasman National Park

    1 stop
  • 3
    Abel Tasman National Park

    Count yourself lucky because you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park today. From our accommodation we’ll head by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide and then, we’ll walk approximately 4 hours back to our accommodation, stopping along the way to take amazing photos and swim in the secluded bays.

    1 day Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Abel Tasman to Franz Josef

    1 stop
  • 4
    Franz Josef

    Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much phone reception but you are NOT going to need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even just a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner together at our accommodation.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Franz Josef

    1 stop
  • 5
    Franz Josef

    Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to see the terminal face for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.

    1 day Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    1 stop
  • 6
    Queenstown

    It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea and into Queenstown. Once settled, put on your dancing shoes and head out to explore this lakeside resort, there are over 100 clubs and bars to choose from in Queenstown!

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Queenstown

    1 stop
  • 7
    Queenstown

    Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With a buzzy night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

    1 day Admission ticket free
  • Day 7

    Queenstown

    1 stop
  • 8
    Queenstown

    Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With a buzzy night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

    1 day Admission ticket free
  • Day 8

    Milford Sound Day Trip

    1 stop
  • 9
    Milford Sound

    Today you’ll hop aboard the Coach and we’ll take you to the stunning and world famous Milford Sound. After a super scenic drive, you’ll board the boat and cruise across the Sound. Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and (if it’s been raining) thundering waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot lots of amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown where you can check out some one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer - or try the famous Fergburger!

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 9

    Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

    1 stop
  • 10
    Lake Tekapo

    It’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo this morning where we’ll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake for some awesome photo opportunities. In the afternoon take part in an engaging experience that offers deep insight into Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central place in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 10

    Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

    1 stop
  • 11
    Christchurch

    Our next stop is Christchurch, a super cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and cool laneway bars! Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets to discover creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram and see the sights!

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 11

    Depart Christchurch

    1 stop
  • 12
    Christchurch

    Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future!

    12 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Stray Limited
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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Adventure Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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