New Zealand Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to New Zealand!

We recommend booking pre-trip accommodations if you'd like to fully immerse yourself in the quirky city of Christchurch.

Morning/afternoon

  • Meet at Christchurch International Airport (CHC) at 1:00 p.m local time where your adventure will begin!
  • Take included transportation to your accommodation in the heart of Christchurch.
  • Get settled in as you get to know your new friends.

Evening

  • Go on a guided food tour through Christchurch with a local Māori to discover Māori cuisine.
  • Hang out with your new friends and get to know one another before settling into your Christchurch accommodations.

Day 2

TranzAlpine Train Journey

Morning

  • Enjoy an early morning breakfast together as a group.
  • Depart on a cross-country TranzAlpine Journey, which has been dubbed one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
  • Experience stunning sights of the South Island that can only be seen by train.
  • Cross through miles of untouched New Zealand beauty as you pass ice-fed rivers, the Southern Alps, and forest as far as the eye can see.
  • The trip will take just under 5 hours covering 139 miles. You’ll be on a modern train with all the amenities you need. It is truly the journey of a lifetime.

Afternoon

  • From the Wild West Coast of the country, travel south along the coast where you’ll take a scenic hike through New Zealand’s rainforest and explore this rugged and beautiful part of the country. (~2 hours drive)
  • Continue traveling south toward your final destination--Franz Josef.

Evening

  • Arrive in Franz Josef, in the heart of glacier country, where you’ll call home for the next two nights.
  • Have an included dinner at a local restaurant in town hand-picked by people who know this area best.

Day 3

Experience Glacier Country

Morning

  • Wake-up early and explore Franz Josef, where there are tons of amazing optional activities to choose from.
  • Your Trip Leader can help you organize an optional “Heli-Hike” where you helicopter to the glacier and get to spend a few hours up there. (weather dependent)
  • If that doesn’t sound fun, you’re free to jump out of a plane, go quad biking, or kayak through Franz Josef’s glacier country. It’s your day!

Afternoon

  • Reconvene with your group for a late lunch together.
  • After lunch, take a hike through the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier Valley.
    Please note that this walk takes to you to the end of a track where you will be able to see the glacier from a few hundred meters away. Due to safety you cannot reach the ice unless you do so by helicopter so make sure to let your Trip Leader know if you would like to do the Heli-Hike.

Evening

  • After a full day of adventuring, have time to relax at your accommodation before dinner.
  • You are free to have dinner tonight at our rainforest accommodations or in town (not included).

Day 4

Glamping in Wanaka

Morning

  • Breakfast has been delivered to your room the night before as you’ll leave early for a scenic drive toward the lakeside town of Wanaka.
  • Prepare for one of the most scenic drives of the trip as you make stops to visit stunning lakes, waterfalls, and beaches along New Zealand’s rugged west coast.
  • Stop off at Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier and take a short walk leading you to the lake where you’ll be greeted with views of Mount Cook in the distance, New Zealand's tallest mountain.
  • Today, we’ll take full advantage of our local guide’s knowledge as they pick out the best secret spots to take us to.

Afternoon

  • You’ll arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon where you’ll refuel with a delicious lunch in the town center.
  • After lunch, you’ll explore the picture-perfect town, its namesake lake, and #thatwankatree.

Evening

  • Check into your glamping accommodations on a lake located amongst beautiful natural landscapes.
  • Enjoy a peaceful night away from the crowds with views that few have the opportunity to experience.
  • Lastly, have a DIY BBQ under the incredible night sky as you stargaze.

Day 5

Rob Roy Glacier Track

Morning

  • Have an early morning breakfast on the farm before heading to the Rob Roy Glacier Track, one of the best hikes New Zealand has to offer.
  • Arrive in Mount Aspiring National Park (~1 hour drive) and begin the spectacular, yet challenging hike (~5 hours and 10 km) through mountains, river valleys, alpine lakes, and active glaciers.

Afternoon

  • Refuel with a hearty lunch after your active morning.
  • If you still have energy after the hike, ask your Trip Leader for recommendations of optional activities: kayaking, skydiving, etc.

Evening

  • Relax in your hotel located on the outskirts of Wanaka.
  • After some well-earned rest, grab an included dinner with your group in the center of town.
  • Cap off an amazing day with a drink next to Lake Wanaka.

Day 6

Via Ferrata Waterfall Climb

Morning

  • Today, participate in a climbing activity you'll be sure to remember for the rest of your life.
  • Prepare to scale a waterfall with a world-class Via Ferrata that will surely get your adrenaline pumping.
  • Climb the heart of the waterfall, discover hidden pools, and cross suspension bridges hundreds of feet above the ground. Soak in some incredible views of the Wanaka region you won't be able to find anywhere else. (No climbing experience necessary)

Afternoon

  • After an adrenaline packed morning, grab lunch in the center of town.
  • Take the rest of the day to discover Wanaka's boutique museums, shops, and art galleries.

Evening

  • Dinner is on your own tonight so feel free to check out the several delicious eateries that Wanaka has to offer (not included).

Day 7

Arrowtown & Queenstown

Morning

  • After breakfast in Wanaka, say goodbye to the wonderful little mountain town as you continue your journey toward Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
  • On the way, stop at the famous Cardrona hotel and the quirky Arrowtown. You’ll be enchanted by these historic New Zealand treasures and gold rush icons.

Afternoon

  • Grab lunch in Arrowtown and discover the little gems that this town has to offer.
  • Visit Kawarau Bridge where the bravest in your group can take a leap off the World's First Bungee Jump.

Evening

  • Arrive in Queenstown in the evening and check into your accommodations located just steps from the city center.
  • Take in the sights and sounds of Queenstown before having an included group dinner at one of the most delicious restaurants in town.

Day 8

Mountain Bike Queenstown

Morning

  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast steps away from your hotel at a local cafe.
  • Depart for a guided biking adventure taking you from Queenstown city center, through the Queenstown gardens, and around Lake Wakatipu, before ending at beautiful Jack’s Point.
  • This a laid-back bike ride on a mostly flat trail. The bikes also come with an electronic pedal assist option to get up those pesky hills even quicker. It's accessible for anyone who is up to the challenge!
  • Soak in the views from your mountain bike as you stand beneath the jaw-dropping Remarkables Mountain Range and learn about the European and Maori cultural influence of the area from your local guide.

Afternoon

  • Arrive back in Queenstown in the afternoon and take advantage of the rest of the day with selected optional activities.
  • Take a leap of faith off a bridge, go skydiving, or take an exhilarating jet-boat ride through Skippers Canyon.
  • If you prefer less adrenaline in the afternoon, hike Bob’s Peak or play a game at Frisbee Park.

Evening

  • After a full day of adventure, enjoy a final included dinner with your group where you can humbly brag about your day's adventure.
  • Reflect about your time in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
  • After dinner, enjoy Queenstown’s famed nightlife for a last night out with your Under30Experiences family.

Day 9

Goodbye New Zealand

Morning

  • Have a final breakfast with your group before you fly back home. Don't forget to grab a few souvenirs to remember this incredible adventure.
    For those staying later, we recommend taking an iconic day trip to Milford Sound where you’ll have a very early morning departure before making your way into the Fiordland National Park
  • Airport transfers are included for your flight departing at anytime today.
  • Thank you for being part of the Under30Experiences Community!

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