Description
Discover the magic of New Zealand’s South Island with the Southern Light tour, a journey designed to showcase the region’s most breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind, this tour takes you through the heart of the South Island’s stunning scenery, from majestic mountains and serene lakes to pristine coastlines and lush rainforests.
Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the Garden City, where you’ll explore its vibrant culture and beautiful parks. From there, travel to Kaikoura, renowned for its marine life and whale-watching opportunities. Continue to the adventure capital of Queenstown, where you can indulge in thrilling activities like bungee jumping or simply relax by the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.
The tour also includes a visit to Fiordland National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Milford Sound. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene beauty of this world-famous destination. Finally, explore the golden beaches and crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park, a paradise for hikers and beach lovers alike.
With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully crafted itinerary, Southern Light ensures you experience the very best of the South Island. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Departures
- Departs Christchurch
- Finishes Queenstown
Highlights
- World heritage site
- NZ cycle trail
- Queenstown
- Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound
- Abel Tasman
- Kayaking
- White water rafting
- Glow-worm walks
- Accommodation by coasts, mountains & lakes.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Wake up close to lakes and oceans in our perfectly designed tents, included in the tour cost is shared tent accommodation, two people per tent. You can upgrade to your own tent for the duration of the tour for a small additional cost if you choose.
- Food: Delicious, tasty and healthy meals are included. See our detailed itinerary for details of which meals are included on a day-to-day basis. If you have a certain dietary requirement just let our team know, we can cater for most dietary needs.
- Hikes: Free walks are enjoyed every day (from 10mins to a few hours).
- Bike Rides: These include sections of the NZ Cycle Trail, on-road cycling and bike paths, something for everyone.
- There are lots of museums and attractions that are free of charge, as well as all access to National Parks. We take in many of these on the Southern Light tour.
Your Travel Itinerary
Pickup location: Latimer Square Coach Parking. Corner of Hereford Street & Latimer Square.
Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! Your tour begins in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations which has been rebuilding since the infamous earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now home to great shopping, cool laneway bars and amazing eateries. You’ll meet your group and Guide at 2pm outside the Rydges Hotel and then continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights camping. Meals included: Dinner Walks: Explore Christchurch City Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front
Today you have a full free day to explore Lake Tekapo. Hike the Mt John Walkway for 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Basin flats and the surrounding lakes and mountains, go and see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, play some frisbee golf or just relax at the campsite. This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory – you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Mt John walkway, walk along the lakefront, Cowans Hill Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains. We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker Valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier – trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This afternoon we’ll travel back towards the Pacific coast. We’ll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley, explore the historic precinct Oamaru Bike rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride Optional Activities: Scenic flights, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Oamaru Penguin Colony Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities. Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island’s second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island’s largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+) Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you’ll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+) Optional Activities: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details) Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries – a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km) Activities (own cost): Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details) Private room upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers!
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Multiple walking options
Important info before travel
- Camera
- Hiking Clothes
- Smile
Flying Kiwi Standard Terms and Conditions
Over the years we have carefully refined our tour processes to ensure a safe, stress-free New Zealand tour. Please take time to read our Standard Terms and Conditions to ensure you understand how our trips work. You will find information on our Future Tour Credit and Re-Scheduling tour details further down the page.
- Disruptions or variations to your tour while travelling: In respect of the flexible style of our product we cannot guarantee that any activity or amenity, especially those we have no direct control over and including those marked optional in our brochure will be available. Failure to participate in, or disputes over any such activity or amenity can in no way be held the responsibility of Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions Ltd. (Flying Kiwi). Inability to visit a location, partake in an event or continue the trip as outlined in our brochure because of an unforeseeable event, including but not exclusive to; natural disasters, terrorism, weather, road conditions or other inhibiting factors can in no way be held to be the responsibility of Flying Kiwi. We reserve the right to make changes to our itineraries, without notice if necessary.
- If for any reason it is necessary for us to cancel your booking prior to departure, of which a payment has been made, you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. If an alternative trip is chosen and is of lesser value you will be refunded the price difference, if alternative trip is of a higher value then payment of the price difference will be required prior to travel. Flying Kiwi is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the cancellation such flights or visa costs.
- Bookings through a third party: Please be aware that if you have booked through a third party like a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ to our own. Be sure to check their particular terms and conditions, including cancellation policy, as they will apply should your circumstances change.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Your insurance should provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability as well as any adventure activities not covered under a standard insurance policy. Flying Kiwi are not liable for any lack of insurance on your behalf. We recommend getting a travel insurance quote from World Nomads.
- Mental/physical condition: Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication. Flying Kiwi must be advised of any prior medical conditions at time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour whilst their mental/physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of Flying Kiwi, may render them incapable of safe conduct, or they become objectionable to other passengers, or a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Flying Kiwi will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour.
- Behaviour: Our staff are entitled to a safe working environment, and our passengers to a great experience. Any threats to safety, being physical or verbal, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the trip. If a Guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refunds will be given and the passenger in question will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point. Flying Kiwi can refuse to carry a person whose behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group. Any loss or damage to our equipment through your neglect must be covered by you. By travelling with Flying Kiwi, you agree to accept the authority of the Guides.
- Third party operator services: All optional activities offered during the tour are operated by independent companies and are an additional cost to the tour price (unless stated otherwise in itinerary). We carefully select well established, professional companies who assume all responsibility for their safety and satisfactory delivery. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to their own terms and conditions. For any excursion or activity that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator, however we will endeavour to seek a fair outcome for all parties on your behalf.
- Images and video: On occasion, Flying Kiwi conducts photo and video projects for the purposes of promoting its products and services. Passengers on these trips will be given the option to opt out of any such activities. Passengers are to advise their Guide should they wish to be excluded. If you do not opt out you are consenting to Flying Kiwi using the images taken whilst on your Flying Kiwi trip for advertising and promotional purposes worldwide, royalty-free in any medium.
- Personal Risk: Passengers accept that there are degrees of risk involved on tour activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling and ball games. There are options to be involved in swimming or water-based activities during your trip. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to determine if he or she is qualified and capable of participating in any water activity, and he or she chooses to participate at their own discretion.
- Activity or Accommodation Cancellations: If you choose to cancel a pre-booked activity or accommodation booking, along with any relevant cancellation fees payable there will be a credit card fee charge of 2.38%.
- Bus Rules & Campsite Etiquette: Smoking or the drinking of alcohol is not allowed on board the bus. Keep strong smelling fragrances until you are outside of the bus as these may have an adverse effect on other travellers. When at camp please be considerate to those around you and smoke away from the campsite. Please wear your seatbelts at all times when travelling.
Booking & Payment Options
Pay in full at the time of booking OR Confirm your seat with a $200 NZD deposit.
Full payment is required 31 days prior to departure. If the full payment is not received in the designated time frame, Flying Kiwi reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. When you pay by deposit, you have committed to paying the price advertised at the time of booking, regardless of any price changes or alternative promotions that become available.
*All tours are subject to minimum numbers.
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, or you do not show for your tour departure the following will apply:
a) If you cancel your tour booking 31 days or more before your confirmed departure date:
- If you’ve booked direct with us and made full payment, the cancellation is free of charge and you will be refunded in full (less any applicable credit card fees).
- If you’ve booked direct with us and paid the $200 deposit, you will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable $200 deposit.
- If you’ve booked with an agent, you will need to go back to your agent to find out their cancellation terms.
b) If you cancel your tour booking 30 days or less before your confirmed departure date:
- If you cancel or do not show up, 100% of the tour price (full payment) is non-refundable or transferable.
Cancellations should be made with your original booking agent who may charge an additional fee and/or have their own refund/credit policies.
Disputes
Should you wish to raise any issues regarding your trip, it is your responsibility to notify Flying Kiwi as soon as possible so that we have every reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue.
- If you are currently travelling: Advise your Driver or Guide of your concern immediately so that steps can be taken to address the matter. If you would prefer to contact Flying Kiwi directly.
- If you have finished travelling: You must email us within 28 days of the dispute in question. We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
Accident Compensation Commission (ACC)
If you are injured whilst in New Zealand ACC may be able to help with the cost of treatment whilst you’re in New Zealand. However, it is important to note that you cannot sue for personal injury – ACC replaces that right. In addition, ACC only covers treatment/rehabilitation costs whilst in NZ and is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Website, brochures, and advertising
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the advertising, brochure and website information and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check the price and all other details of your chosen arrangements with us at the time of booking. The information and prices shown on our website and in our brochures may have changed by the time you come to book your arrangements.
