Southern Light
Want to see stunning scenery, experience NZ's highest peaks and explore remote beaches and golden bays but short on time? This South Island tour is for you!
The South Island of New Zealand is a visual paradise filled with jaw dropping scenery.
Our shorter South Island tour, the Southern Light, will show you the highlights - perfect if you don't have much time!
What's Included:
- 7 Nights Accommodation: At our carefully selected campsites staying in a shared tent, two people per tent. Solo travellers will be paired with someone of the same gender. You can upgrade to your own tent if you prefer.
- 11 Meals Included: Tasty and healthy meals are part of the package. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know. We can cater to most but we need to know in advance.
- Transport: In our purpose-built camping coach with bike racks, camping and cooking equipment so we can get off the beaten track.
- Use of sports equipment on board: Bodyboards, frisbees and more are supplied free of charge, for your enjoyment.
- Hikes: There are heaps of free hikes included along the way, so you can see the best of NZ's natural beauty
- National Parks: Kiwis are a generous bunch - there are no costs to access our national parks!
- Wine Tasting in Marlborough: The Sauvignon Blanc wines of Marlborough are internationally recognised - tastings are on us in our specially arranged wine tasting experience.
- Free activities such as visiting the Church of Good Shepherd in Tekapo, gazing in wonder at Aoraki/Mt Cook and watching amazing sunrises and sunsets at beautiful beachside campsites.
- Visit a UNESCO World heritage site
- Cycle trails
- Queenstown
- Fiordland
- Milford Sound
- Abel Tasman
- Kayaking
- Glowworm walks
Pickup Location: Latimer Square Coach Parking, Cnr Hereford St & Latimer Square, 2pm
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: Dinner
Bike Rides: Tekapo Lakefront
Walks and Hikes: Explore Christchurch
Available Upgrades: Yes
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: Breakfast
Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle, Cowans Hill
Walks and Hikes: Mt John walkway, Cowans Hill
Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing
Available Upgrades: Yes
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: Breakfast & Lunch
Bike Rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride
Walks and Hikes: Hooker Valley, Historic Precinct Oamaru
Available Upgrades: Yes
Departures from Christchurch
October 2025
24th
November 2025
7th & 21st
December 2025
5th
January 2026
23rd
February 2026
6th & 20th
March 2026
6th & 20th
April 2026
3rd
Tour Price: $2795
Bike Hire: $240 - Includes bicycle, helmet, repair kit and high visibility vest for the length of the tour.
Single Tent Upgrade: $160 - Travelling solo? Upgrade to your own private tent.
Sleeping Bag Hire: $80 - You have the option to bring your own.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars
