April Tours - School Holidays

South Island Experience Tour 

 04 April - 11 April 2026

Tour starts in Nelson - Tour ends in Nelson

Marine Wildlife in Kaikoura, scenic Lake Tekapo, Lunch in Christchurch, exciting Queenstown and the stunning Westcoast – this tour gives you the chance to experience the best what the South Island has on offer. The tour combines city activities with awesome fun adventures. Additionally, to an exciting group programme participants can book extra adventure activities. This tour can be booked on its own or together with the North Island Experience Tour for a comprehensive and fun exploration of New Zealand.

 

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$2,680*

*Plus Food Kitty $290

* Please note booking will incur an additional booking fee.

Itinerary and Extra Activities

Itinerary

DAY 1: NELSON - KAIKOURA

Kia Ora! Good to have you aboard our International Student Combo Tour! This morning we leave the sunny city of Nelson and make our way to New Zealand`s whale-watching capital Kaikoura where you’ll have the chance to learn all about the vast marine wildlife. The Maori name Kaikoura translates to “meal of crayfish” (Kai – food, koura – crayfish) so make sure you try some while exploring town. In the evening you can cool off in our hostels’ own pool or relax in their hot tub .

DAY 2: KAIKOURA - TEKAPO

The morning gives you the opportunity to swim with dolphins or spot some whales! Afterwards we leave Kaikoura and continue our journey to the picturesque, turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. Once arrived you can explore this quaint town and enjoy the beautiful views. Dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is the perfect spot for stargazing. Don’t forget to take a picture with the famous Church of the Good Shepherd in the background. The stunning lake is understandably a popular theme for postcards.

Extra Activity:

Dolphin Swim or Watch, Stargazing

DAY 3: TEKAPO - QUEENSTOWN

Today is the day all you thrill-seekers and adrenalin-junkies have been longing for – we head off to the birthplace of bungy jumping! Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, if not the world. Tonight, has a special treat in store for everyone. Before dinner we head along to the ‘Minus 5 Ice Bar’ for a non-alcoholic cocktail. The bar is made completely of ice, even your cocktail glasses. But you do not have to freeze, you will be given warm clothes and gloves, so you can enjoy your experience in comfort and marvel at the great ice sculptures at the bar.

Included Activity:

Minus 5 Icebar incl. Mocktail

DAY 4: QUEENSTOWN

Jump off a bridge, swing over a canyon, paddle your way through a raging river – there’s nothing you can’t do (as long as you have permission from your parents of course). For the more faint-hearted there are stunning cruises to Milford or Doubtful Sound that are sure to inspire. Those of you that do not book any of the extra adventure activities have a chance to explore Queenstown. We will go for walk into town, do some sightseeing and shopping, and we take a walk along famous Lake Wakatipu. Tonight is free time for everyone, take a stroll into town or spend time to look at the fantastic photos everyone has made and update your Insta pages!

Included Activity:

Skyline Gondola & Luge rides

Extra Activities:

Kawarau Bungy (43m), Nevis Highwire Bungy (134m), Nevis Catapult, Nevis Swing, Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise/Coach, Doubtful Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach, Skydiving 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft, Shotover Jet, Horseback riding, Dart River Wilderness Jet, Canyon Swing

DAY 5: QUEENSTOWN

Another free day to continue your adrenalin rush. For those of you who do not book any extra activities today there is lots to do and see in Queenstown. Go and check out the world famous Fergburger for lunch or enjoy a coffee on the shore of Lake Wakatipu.

Extra Activities:

Kawarau Bungy (43m), Nevis Highwire Bungy (134m), Nevis Catapult, Nevis Swing, Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise/Coach, Doubtful Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach, Skydiving 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft, Shotover Jet, Horseback riding, Dart River Wilderness Jet, Canyon Swing

DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF

We’ll be heading to the wild West Coast through the Haast Pass. In the afternoon we reach one of the world’s most accessible glaciers, the Franz Josef Glacier. Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Austrian emperor Franz Josef and is one of only three glaciers worldwide that Borders a rain forest. And tonight, we will relax in our cosy hostel, play some pool and might go for a little walk to find some glow worms.

Included Activity:

Glowworm walk

DAY 7: FRANZ JOSEF - WESTPORT

This morning, you’ll have the chance to fly up to the Glacier by helicopter – enjoy some amazing views of the glacier during the flight and land on the glacier to take some photos. For those, who don’t want to do this, it’s a bit of a "sleep-in" today before we travel up north to Westport. On our way, we will stop at the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki.

Extra Activity:

Glacier Helicopter Flight

DAY 8: WESTPORT - NELSON/HOME

Today we will complete our round-trip of the South Island and travel back to sunny Nelson. But before we set off you can take a surf lesson in the morning. Once arrived in beautiful Nelson we have to say "Goodbye".

Extra Activites:

Surf lesson

Extras

  • Fun and knowledgeable Tour Team
  • Comfortable accommodation at hostels/backpackers
  • All transport during the tours
  • Visit Kawarau Bungy Bridge
  • Entry & 1 alcohol-free cocktail at Minus5 Ice Bar
  • Excursions in Queenstown
  • Skyline Gondola & Luge rides in Queenstown
  • Lots of fun game evenings and group activities
Extra-Activities: Please note that prices are subject to change by the operator. If this is the case we need to pass those changes on to you. Please note Milford & Doubtful Sound Coach / Cruise / Coach trips are full day activities.
  • Transport (flights, ferry, transfers) to/from tour start/end
  • Extra Activities
  • Food – a contribution of NZ$290 towards a food kitty is mandatory (breakfast and dinner)
  • Pocket money
  • Pre-tour accommodation for NZ$225: If you outside of Nelson, you can book 1 night supervised accommodation in a hostel in Nelson for the night before the tour starts. This includes dinner and breakfast as well.
  • Minimum 15 students
  • Students who are not from Nelson will need to arrive on 03 April 2026 and will stay in supervised accommodation
  • Booking conditions apply
  • All inclusions are weather and time depending