Both Islands 11 Days School Groups

South Island Grand Tour -11 Days
Auckland Christchurch

4.9 (74 reviews)

Departs Auckland 8AM Ends Christchurch 4PM 11 Days / 10 Nights School Groups (14-8) 10 nights shared accommodation 10B + 7D + 2L included

Tour Overview

The ultimate New Zealand school adventure -11 days exploring both the North and South Islands. From the volcanic plateau of the central North Island through Wellington's vibrant capital city, across the Cook Strait to the South Island's stunning Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown adventure capital, and the otherworldly fiords of Milford Sound before ending in Christchurch.

This tour is specifically designed for high school students (ages 14-8) and includes experienced, trained tour leaders, all accommodation, most meals, and incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Return flight from Christchurch to Auckland is not included and must be arranged separately.

Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day	Route	Highlights	Meals
1	Auckland National Park	Lake Taupo, Huka Falls (220,000 litres/second!), volcanic mountains Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe	LD
2	National Park Wellington	Mt Victoria panoramic views, Cuba Street, Te Papa Museum (optional), 10-pin bowling + pizza evening	BD
3	Wellington Kaikoura via Cook Strait ferry	Cook Strait ferry crossing to South Island, scenic Kaikoura coastal stop, whale-watching country	BD
4	Kaikoura Abel Tasman	3-hour Marlborough Sounds scenic cruise, Picton, Nelson stop, arrive Abel Tasman National Park	BD
5	Abel Tasman (Free Day)	Sea kayaking along Golden Bays near Kaiteriteri, marine wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals), golden beaches	BD
6	Abel Tasman Franz Josef via Hokitika	West Coast scenery, live kiwi viewing at Hokitika, Greenstone (jade) factory, glacier views	BD
7	Franz Josef Queenstown	Haast Pass (World Heritage), Fantail & Thunder Creek waterfalls, coastal beaches, rainforest walks	BD
8	Queenstown (Free Day)	Optional bungy jumping, skydiving, gondola/luge. Evening: Ice Bar mocktail experience & dance party (included)	BD
9	Queenstown Te Anau via Milford Sound	Milford Sound catamaran cruise through Fiordland National Park -dramatic cliffs, Bowen waterfalls, seals, dolphins	BL
10	Te Anau Lake Tekapo	Twizel (Lord of the Rings 'Gondor' filming location), Aoraki/Mt Cook views, Church of the Good Shepherd, salmon feeding, evening hot pools	BD
11	Lake Tekapo Christchurch	Christchurch city tour -Re:START Container Mall, Botanic Gardens, CBD. Drop-off at Christchurch Airport 4:00 PM	B

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

What's Included

All ground transport (coach)

10 nights shared accommodation

Trained tour leaders throughout

10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 2 lunches + snacks

Cook Strait & Marlborough Sounds ferry crossing

Milford Sound catamaran cruise

Abel Tasman sea kayaking

Jet boat ride (Queenstown)

Lake Tekapo hot pools

Live kiwi viewing (Hokitika)

Greenstone (jade) factory visit

Ice Bar mocktail & dance party

Huka Falls & Lake Taupo

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Return flight CHC AKL

Optional activities (bungy, skydiving, helicopter)

Some lunches & personal spending

Personal travel insurance

Good to Know

What to Bring

Max bag size: 63cm/25" carry-on
Warm & waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear & towel
Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
Camera / phone + charger
NZD cash for optional activities

Important Notes

Ages 14-8 (parent permission required)
One-way tour: AKL CHC
Return flight NOT included
Complies with NZ Code of Practice for international student care
Minimum 8 passengers to run