Christchurch Trip Overview
The Weka Tour will take you on an epic adventure through the South Island. Jaunt around New Zealand’s most scenic Alpine region. Cross the mighty Southern Alps, take in the soaring heights of Mount Cook, get up close to the epic glaciers of the West Coast and the marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Christchurch Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
The Weka Tour will take you on an epic adventure through the South Island. Jaunt around New Zealand’s most scenic Alpine region. Cross the mighty Southern Alps, take in the soaring heights of Mount Cook, get up close to the epic glaciers of the West Coast and the marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown.
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef (via Greymouth)
Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch – Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
This morning you’ll take the Tranzalpine Scenic Train to Greymouth where you’ll meet your Stray Guide
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Hokitika, Hokitika, West Coast Region, South Island
We’ll make a stop in Hokitika, the best place to buy ‘Pounamu’, a native greenstone.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Franz Josef Accommoodation
Day 2: Free Day in Franz Josef
Stop At: Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
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 the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.
Duration: 1 day
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Franz Josef Accommodation
Day 3: Franz Josef to Wanaka (via Fox Glacier)
Stop At: Lake Matheson Walk, Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
First up is the amazing mirror-like Lake Matheson for a short walk.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Wanaka, Wanaka, Otago Region, South Island
We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea to arrive in Wanaka late-afternoon. It’s the perfect time to get your own photo of the famous Wanaka Tree set against a sunset backdrop. Dreamy!
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Wanaka Accommodation
Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown
Stop At: Mount Iron Track, State Highway 84, Wanaka New Zealand
Kick start your day with a brisk walk up Mt Iron or have a sleep in (we know they’re necessary sometimes!).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Mid-morning we’ll make our way to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping. We stop at Kawarau Bridge on our way into town a.k.a. the first commercial bungy jumping site in the world. If you’re feeling brave you can tick the bungy off your bucket list or if you’d prefer to just watch then you can cheer your mates on from the viewing platform!
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Nomads Queenstown
Day 5: Free Day in Queenstown
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 3 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.
Duration: 1 day
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Nomads Queenstown
Day 6: Free Day in Queenstown
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 3 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.
Duration: 1 day
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Nomads Queenstown
Day 7: Free Day in Queenstown
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 3 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.
Duration: 1 day
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Nomads Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown to Tekapo
Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Depart Queenstown to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Our final destination of the day is Lake Tekapo. The Lake is a stunning electric blue and is framed by the Southern Alps. See the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake or hike up to the Mount John Observatory to see the incredible views.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: YHA Tekapo
Day 9: Free Day in Tekapo
Stop At: Mt. Cook Village, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
This morning we’ll make our way to take in the stunning views of Aoraki Mount Cook. While you’re there you can hike the scenic Hooker Valley Track or head to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: YHA Tekapo
Day 10: Tekapo to Christchurch
Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
Our final destination is Christchurch where the tour will end. We hope you had a blast travelling with us!
If you have time at the end of your tour, there’s plenty to explore in Christchurch. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art and hidden eateries. Take a walk down Hereford St to discover the ‘Cardboard’ Cathedral and the earthquake memorial of 185 White Chairs. If you have a bit more time, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and see how Christchurch earned its nickname as the Garden City or visit the Canterbury Museum to learn about the past, present and future of the region.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
