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Sweet as South | Westbound | Oct 2024
Oct 2025
Tour Description:
Experience the best of Southern New Zealand! From Christchurch to Queenstown to Lake Ohau, it’s an adventure you won’t ever want to end. In Franz Josef you’ll hike a glacier, then it’s on to Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Take the leap on a bungy, canyon swinging - the possibilities are endless. Maybe take a day break to Milford Sound cruise past stunning waterfalls or a scenic flight over Mt. Cook!
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Dates & Pricing
| Tuesday 15 Oct 24 — Wednesday 23 Oct 24 | Starting at $1,809 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 23 Oct 24 — Thursday 31 Oct 24 | Starting at $1,809 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 31 Oct 24 — Friday 08 Nov 24 | Starting at $1,809 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 16 Nov 24 — Sunday 24 Nov 24 | Starting at $1,809 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 24 Nov 24 — Monday 02 Dec 24 | Starting at $1,809 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 02 Dec 24 — Tuesday 10 Dec 24 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 10 Dec 24 — Wednesday 18 Dec 24 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 18 Dec 24 — Thursday 26 Dec 24 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Dec 24 — Friday 03 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 30 Dec 24 — Tuesday 07 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 03 Jan 25 — Saturday 11 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 07 Jan 25 — Wednesday 15 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Jan 25 — Sunday 19 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 15 Jan 25 — Thursday 23 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,948 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 19 Jan 25 — Monday 27 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 23 Jan 25 — Friday 31 Jan 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 27 Jan 25 — Tuesday 04 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 31 Jan 25 — Saturday 08 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 04 Feb 25 — Wednesday 12 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 08 Feb 25 — Sunday 16 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 12 Feb 25 — Thursday 20 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 16 Feb 25 — Monday 24 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 20 Feb 25 — Friday 28 Feb 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 24 Feb 25 — Tuesday 04 Mar 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 28 Feb 25 — Saturday 08 Mar 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 08 Mar 25 — Sunday 16 Mar 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 16 Mar 25 — Monday 24 Mar 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 01 Apr 25 — Wednesday 09 Apr 25 | Starting at $1,845 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 17 Apr 25 — Friday 25 Apr 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 03 May 25 — Sunday 11 May 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 19 May 25 — Tuesday 27 May 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 04 Jun 25 — Thursday 12 Jun 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 18 Jun 25 — Thursday 26 Jun 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 02 Jul 25 — Thursday 10 Jul 25 | Starting at $1,818 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 16 Jul 25 — Thursday 24 Jul 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 23 Jul 25 — Thursday 31 Jul 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 30 Jul 25 — Thursday 07 Aug 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 06 Aug 25 — Thursday 14 Aug 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 13 Aug 25 — Thursday 21 Aug 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 27 Aug 25 — Thursday 04 Sep 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 10 Sep 25 — Thursday 18 Sep 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 24 Sep 25 — Thursday 02 Oct 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 08 Oct 25 — Thursday 16 Oct 25 | Starting at $1,782 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Wanaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown.
Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.
Lake Ohau: Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ōhau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
Make Travel Matter®
Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
3 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Wanaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown.
Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.
Lake Ohau: Looking out at the peaks of Mt Cook across the glacial waters of Lake Ōhau... It was once a dream, but today we'll make it your reality. (You're welcome.)
Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Māori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display.
Make Travel Matter®
Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYChristchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
Christchurch what's up? New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on.
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the island’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and that’s saying something).
We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Franz Josef Glacier
This morning we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago. Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Queenstown
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago. Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Queenstown
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out ‘Dates & Pricing’ to see these "Special Departures".
Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.
Queenstown to Te Anau
Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.
Te Anau to Lake Ōhau
So long, Te Anau. It's been fun.
Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.
We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ōhau.
For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ōhau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!
Lake Ōhau to Christchurch
We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important. And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
