New Zealand Southern Pioneer

10 Days | Discover the natural beauty of a land made for adventurers

3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,588
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New Zealand’s South Island has a reputation as one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet it still manages to defy expectations. On this 10-day round trip from Christchurch, you’ll be met with astonishing sight after astonishing sight as a local leader shows you what they love about their country. Get your heart racing in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, discover the laidback delights of postcard-perfect Wanaka, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier, and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Between glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.

Trip overview

Map of New Zealand Southern Pioneer including New Zealand
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Christchurch, New Zealand
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
New Zealand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PHKS
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Start and finish your adventure in the city of Christchurch, where your local leader will show you the innovative and creative ways the city is rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 2011.
  • Live it up in the adventure capital of the world – Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding or wine tasting, there’s something here to entice everyone.
  • Get to know Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns (and that’s saying something!) and visit Mou Waho Island – an island in a lake on an island in another lake on an island in the ocean!.
  • Visit a local gallery in Franz Josef and carve a pendant out of pounamu while learning about the precious stone’s significance to Maori culture.
  • Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 September 2023 - 30 April 2025

Map of New Zealand Southern Pioneer including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Activities
  • Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout
  • Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
  • Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
  • Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
  • Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory
Add on activities
  • Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD265
  • Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD270
  • Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD499
  • Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD52
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD674
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD789
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
  • Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD15
  • Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD135
  • Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
  • Wanaka - Skydiving - from - NZD379
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
  • Franz Josef - Skydiving - from - NZD399
  • Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Heli Hike - NZD795
  • Franz Josef - Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD325

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided.
3. This trip is operated and run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Moriah · Traveled August 2024
The South Island is pure magic! Seeing it with Intrepid takes out the guess work so you can focus on staring out the window and making memories!
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

Rosemary · Traveled February 2024
Robbie John the driver was an exceptional leader.... a safe driver and always keen to relate information as we travelled . At the accommodation he was also extremely helpful w rooms ...carrying luggage etc local knowledge too was very good, .He was the outstanding feature of the trip and deserves high praise.
Review submitted 20 Feb 2024

Gillian · Traveled February 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Itinerary was excellent & guide Duli was helpful & friendly. Liked the free time so individual preferences for activities was facilitated.
Review submitted 15 Feb 2024
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
From
EUR €2,588