South and Sound

Departing Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for - whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).

We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!

Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.

Today we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight you will be staying at the historic Mahinapua hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and gives you the chance to bond with your bus mates over a meal.

This morning it’s a short drive to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.

Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour (at own cost), or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika, or simply unwind and relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.

We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka. After a stroll around Lake Wanaka to check out he famous Wanaka Tree, we arrive in Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand! Head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots, and you'll get a minimum of two whole days here to explore everything it has to offer! Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin-pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.

Visiting Milford Sound is a must-do when visiting the South Island. The Milford Explorer departs Queenstown early, and the first stop for breakfast, coffee or just a snack is at the picturesque town of Te Anau, before getting to the Homer Tunnel, with plenty of Instagram-worthy photo stops along the way. Once we arrive in Milford, you will go on an unforgettable scenic boat cruise through the sound. Discover dolphins, penguins and seals safe within the protection of the Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve. After your cruise, we return to Queenstown for the evening.

We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.

We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, and explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.

Please note that there are limited departures during the months of June, July and August, due to fewer busses running during the winter months.