Active New Zealand - 9 Days

Who is this trip for
Age range
18 - 35Start / End
- Christchurch
- Christchurch
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 50Meals included
9Highlights
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- Glenorchy: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you hike up the side of this breathtaking mountain and bond with your group. This simply is a Queenstown must-do.
- Glenorchy: Come learn about the incredible work that goes behind conserving NZ's unique wildlife on this talk. With around 80,000 native species (many found nowhere else), it’s a biodiversity jackpot. But all the introduced mammals have wreaked havoc, pushing native species to the brink. That’s where the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust steps in, leading predator control efforts to save them. (Now you see why Kiwis are such eco-warriors!).
Talk to a travel expert
Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.
Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Free Brochure
Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.
Summary
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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch to Fox Glacier via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika
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. 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.
Day 2
Fox Glacier to Wanaka
Time to get exploring! Here at Fox Glacier, you’ll have the chance to look around on foot, sure, but the action doesn’t stop there. That’s right, you’ll have the opportunity to take an E-bike tour or even better, get an absolutely spectacular view of the glacier from a helicopter (!). We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to satisfy our hungry tummies. Tonight, we’ll grab some dinner at a rustic 150-year-old hotel (with the mountains as our backdrop!). And then it’s back to our hotel to rest our travel-tired limbs.
Day 3
Wanaka
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, kayaking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. In the evening, you can join us for a cruise of the stunning Lake Wānaka. What a way to end the day.
Day 4
Wanaka 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. 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!
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? You have a free night tonight, so you can either sample Queenstown’s laid-back-yet-legendary nightlife… or you can hit the hay and dream about what a wonderful day you just had. The call is yours.
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.
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!
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).
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?
What's Included
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar), A conveniently located hostel, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar), The Godley Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Nov 25
from £1,259Dec 25
from £1,193Jan 26
from £1,392Feb 26
from £1,325Mar 26
from £1,325Apr 26
from £1,325
- Save 12%Thu 4 Dec 2025 > Fri 12 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 50 leftPay Monthly£1,395£1,226Book for£150 today, pay the rest later
- Save 14%Thu 18 Dec 2025 > Fri 26 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 50 leftPay Monthly£1,395Best offer£1,193Book for£150 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Awesome tour, highly recommend!! This was my first Contiki and it was so much fun. Well organised and got to see a lot of places within the 9 days. Recommend to anyone who enjoys being active and wants to sight see. Could not fault this at all, would do again. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* our leader and bus driver were awesome
Kirsty Mar, 2025 VerifiedIncredible!!! My favorite country to visit so far because of the people, mountains, lakes, and activities. If you love the outdoors, this is definitely the holiday trip for you. I’m definitely coming back to NZ!!!!
Cameron Mar, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Why book with us
Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.