NZ’s Southern Alps are a serious mountain range. Mt Cook, tops out at 3724 metres, and there are 16 other peaks in the alps over 3,000 metres. This means, NZ’s south is a very easy place to get high. And you’ll be doing that for much of this nine day tour, as you explore the Alps and the surrounding landscape. Cruise on Milford Sound, take a jet boat through a canyon, explore where Lord of the Rings was filmed, and get high on the nightlife in Queenstown.&nbsp;

NZ Adventure South | by Intro Travel

We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel to settle in and refresh. Tonight you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited about all the adventures yet to come in New Zealand.&nbsp;

Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown

Today we’ll show you around Queenstown, a backpacker hub known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. In the afternoon we’ll rush through Skippers Canyon at over 80 km/h on a jet boat ride. Tonight we’ll top off our first day by seeing what Queenstown has to offer after dark.&nbsp;

Day 2: Queenstown orientation and jet boating

Today we’re heading to Milford Sound. We’ll hop on a boat to cruise around the fjord, sailing beneath sheer cliff faces, ancient forests, and plunging waterfalls. If we’re lucky, we might even spot some seals lazing about. This evening we’ll get cosy in Te Anau, a charming town in the heart of Fiordland.

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Day 3: Milford Sound cruise

The day starts with a drive through some awe-inspiring landscapes, stopping at several Lord of the Rings filming locations in the mountains. After soaking up the Tolkienesque vistas and taking thousands of photos, we’ll arrive in Wanaka, a beautiful resort town on the shores of a sapphire coloured lake.&nbsp;

Bothy's Backpackers

Day 4: Travel to Wanaka

Waking to the views of snow-capped peaks, today we’ll enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer. We kick off with a visit to the Insta-famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, followed by a hike up Mt Iron for rewarding views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Mt Aspiring National Park. This is New Zealand’s great outdoors at its finest.&nbsp;

Day 5: Discover Wanaka

After breakfast we’ll take a scenic drive through the Southern Alps towards Tekapo. Known for its milky turquoise hue, Lake Tekapo is an alpine oasis - so be ready for an Instagram ‘Pic of the Day’. In the afternoon we’ll be hiking the iconic Hooker Valley Track, one of the most well-known walks on the South Island. The trek winds upwards through the valley for unforgettable views of Aoraki/Mt Cook; the highest mountain in New Zealand.

Day 6: Aoraki/Mount Cook

Today we’ll have ample time to explore Lake Tekapo and its surrounds. Opt for another hike, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, or find a classic Kiwi meat pie for lunch. In the evening we’ll be learning about the convergence of Maori mythology and modern science, whilst soaking our bodies at Tekapo Springs; an official ‘Dark Sky Reserve’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Day 7: Lake Tekapo

Day 8: Queenstown

This morning your unforgettable South Island adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Summary

NZ Adventure South | by Intro Travel

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