Sample Itinerary

Note: This itinerary is subject to change dependent on when you study abroad.

Day 1: Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier

Head to the stunning Arthur’s Pass, the highest and most impressive pass across the Southern Alps, then make your way down to Franz Joseph.

Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier

Today, enjoy the option of exploring on your own or joining the optional ‘Glacier Heli-hike’ excursion add-on excursion (weather permitting!) with Stray: a short helicopter ride into the Pinnacles area of the glacier, hiking through the glacier and then relaxing in the hot pools.

Day 3: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Walk around the mesmerising mirror lake of Lake Matheson before briefly stopping in the town of Fox Glacier. Moving on, travel through the mountainous Haast Pass and onto the beautiful Lake Hawea where you will be able to stop for some awesome photos. Continuing on, we will make a brief stop at Lake Wanaka before ending our day in Queenstown – known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. This lakeside town has it all!

Day 4: Queenstown

Today is yours to explore as we recognize you might want to choose your own adventure. That said, there will still be plenty of organized add-on excursions for you to join if interested, including great local walks, a gondola ride, luging and biking!

Day 5: Queenstown with Day trip

Departing Queenstown in the morning, head for one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations – Milford Sound. You won’t want to nap on this journey – it’s stunning as you drive past Lake Wakitipu and watch the landscape change from farmland to mountains, fiords and glacier carved valleys. Once in Milford Sound, we’ll head out on a boat cruise where it’s very common to see dolphins, seals and penguins. After the cruise ends, we will express back to Queenstown for the night.

Day 6: Queenstown

Another day to enjoy Queenstown! In the morning we’ll head out on the thrilling Shotover Jet ride and then to city’s iconic gondola for breathtaking views followed by some serious fun on a luge track!

Day 7: Queenstown – Aoraki/Mt Cook

Travel over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and Lake Pukaki, then head north stopping at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki, or Mount Cook. Get ready for a 6WD tour of this remote and rugged alpine region that boasts overwhelmingly beautiful views.

Day 8: Mt Cook to Rangitata

Journey through the ‘Lord of the Rings’ landscape at Rangitata, heading past the scenic Lake Tekapo. With time for photos of the turquoise lake and picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, today is full of awe-inspiring views.

Day 9: transfer to airport