The "Short Q" travels a counter-clockwise loop in the centre of the South Island!
You journey starts with a trip across the Southern Alps. The base price includes a bus, however you can choose to upgrade and take the incredibly scenic TranzAlpine train to Greymouth for only $99. You’ll then catch the main hop on hop off bus in Greymouth where you will travel down the West Coast to Franz Josef.
Although you can complete the loop in 7 days, we suggest at least 1-2 weeks to get the most out of your trip and and explore your favourite destinations for longer.
Number of Days 8
Starts: Christchurch Finishes: Christchurch
Tour Type: Hop on Hop Off Bus Pass
You’ll leave Christchurch first thing this morning, so will need to arrive the morning before your planned departure. It’s across the incredibly scenic Southern Alps – watch the landscape change from rolling farmland to snow capped mountains to West Coast bush. It’s an incredible way to start your travels around the South Island.
Once you reach Greymouth, you’ll hop on the main hop on hop off bus and head down the West Coast to Franz Josef. Spend the night in a backpackers lodge in the rainforest before your highly recommended glacier hike the next day.
For only $99 you can upgrade to take the famous TranzAlpine Railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, whereas the base price includes a shuttle bus. $99 for the train journey is great value and highly recommended.
Lodge surrounded by the rainforest.
Free Activities: Explore the village, go for a hike. Paid Activities: Guided hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, go quad biking, go horse riding, scenic flights.
Today is yours to explore Franz Josef. Most choose to go on a guided trip of the EPIC Franz Josef Glacier.
Lodge surrounded by the rainforest.
Free Activities: Explore the village, go for a hike.
Paid Activities: Franz Josef Glacier Hike, quad biking, scenic flights.
We depart in the morning stopping for hostel pick-ups at Fox Glacier before heading for the amazing mirror Lake Matheson. Today we cross the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora towards Wanaka. We’ll pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka late-afternoon in time to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.
Central hostel.
Free Activities: Stunning views on the way to Wanaka, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls walk, explore Wanaka.
We depart around mid-morning, giving you time to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or taking a walk up Mt Iron! Then we’re off to Queenstown – the Adventure Capital of the World.
Central Hostel.
Free Activities: Watch people bungy jump, go for a hike.
Paid Activities: Bungy jump, skydiving, jet boat tour.
Today is yours to explore Queenstown, or partake in one of dozens of adventure activities. Stick around Queenstown for as long as you like, there’s plenty to do.
Central Hostel.
Free Activities: Walk up Queenstown Hill, check out the Resort Town’s great views.
Paid Activities: Too many too list! Adventure activities galore, Lord of the Rings Tours, Wine tastings.
Today it’s off over the Lindis Pass en route for New Zealand’s highest peak. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do a Mt. Cook 4WD and Argo Tour, check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park.
Stunning alpine lodge inside the National Park.
Free Activities: Take photos of stunning scenery.
Paid Activities: Cruise on a lake filled with iceburgs. Scenic flights.
Leaving Mt. Cook we’re off to Rangitata. We make a stop at the insanely blue Lake Tekapo. Tonight spend the night in one of Canterbury’s original sheep stations, a great place to get outdoors, go horse trekking or wander through native bush in Peel Forest.
One of Canterbury’s original sheep stations.
Free Activities: Take photos of stunning scenery, go for a walk.
Paid Activities: Tekapo Hot Springs, Ice skating, Snow tubing
This morning, you will have the opportunity to sign up to a top-notch grade 5 white water rafting experience on Rangitata River under the foot of the Southern Alps or to explore the stunning Peel Forest scenery on horseback. The bus arrives mid-afternoon in Christchurch, leaving you to travel on or explore the city at your leisure or catch your departing flight.
Starts In: Auckland
Finishes In: Auckland
Number Of Days: 24
Starts In: Auckland
Finishes In: Christchurch
Number Of Days: 19
Starts In: Auckland
Finishes In: Wellington
Number Of Days: 9