South Island Adventure Itinerary

10 Day Trip Itinerary

Day 1
The 10 day South Island Adventure begins at JUCY Snooze in Christchurch, where you get to meet your guide and new best friends. Hop aboard the Backyard Roadies small group bus and start the first leg of your South Island journey with the stunning drive through Rakaia Gorge to Lake Tekapo. Located in the International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is the perfect place for stargazing and taking a dip in the hot springs.

• Included meals: BBQ Dinner

Day 2-3
The next two days of your road trip are spent meandering your way south towards Milford Sound, the unofficial Eighth Wonder of the World. Look out for New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook, on route to your lunch stop in the historical mining town of Arrowtown. Following a night in Te Anau, Milford Sound is a magical drive through the mountains and rainforest of Fiordland National Park. Once you arrive, a 2 hour boat cruise gets you up close and personal to the fiord’s abundant wildlife, such as dolphins and seals, as well as cascading waterfalls.

• Included meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner

Day 4-5
After getting back to nature, what better way to continue your 10 day South Island Adventure than with 3 nights in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt for adrenaline activities such as bungy jumping, skydiving and jet boating, or visit beautiful surrounding areas such as Glenorchy or Bob’s Cove with your Backyard Roadies guide. In the evenings, make the most of Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife and why not try a famous Fergburger?

• Included meals: 2 x Breakfast

Day 6-8
Your Backyard Roadies adventure continues up the wild West Coast to New Zealand’s incredible glaciers. On the way from Queenstown, stay the night in the lakeside town of Wanaka where you can visit the famous Wanaka Tree, go cable climbing or even head up to Cardrona Alpine Resort for a half day of skiing. From Wanaka, sit back and enjoy a scenic drive with stops at the famous Haast Pass Blue Pools, waterfalls and the beach. With the next two nights spent in Franz Josef, take the chance to kayak along the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika and stroll over to see the natural wonder of Franz Josef glacier. 

• Included meals: 3 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch, 2 x Dinner

Day 9-10
The final leg of your South Island road trip leads you further up the West Coast to Hokitika, where you can visit the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge. The Backyard Roadies bus then makes for the highest pass across the Southern Alps through Arthurs Pass National Park. With an overnight stay at an exclusive ski lodge in Castle Hill, enjoy the last dinner with your group before travelling back to Christchurch in the morning.

• Included meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner