NZ Intro South Island
NZ Intro South Island
NZ Intro South Island
9 Days Starting and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NSINT
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the soaring southern alps to bright blue lakes that put Instagram filters to shame, New Zealand’s South Island is full of spectacular natural beauty and good times galore. Planning on spending a gap year or working holiday in New Zealand? Our NZ Intro package is designed just for you! As well as sorting your life admin and helping find you a job in NZ, we’ll show the highlights of the scenic South, along with some off-the-beaten-path adventures. Cruise Milford Sound, hike rugged landscapes, jet boat through canyons, hit up the nightlife in Queenstown, and so much more! Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with an experienced group leader and a new crew of mates? There’s no better way to kick off your adventure in New Zealand!
+ Our tours are all 100% carbon neutral!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive & Meet Your Group
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Kia ora! Touching down in Queenstown, We'll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa!
Day 2 : Queenstown Orientation & Jet Boating
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!), getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as highly skilled driver keep things pumping with 360 degree spins and speeds in excess of 80km/h.
Day 3 : Milford Sound Cruise
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we make tracks to New Zealand’s most majestic attraction - Milford Sound. Jumping on a fjord cruise, we’ll experience the spellbinding combination of towering peaks, forested cliffs, resident seals, and plummeting waterfalls up close and personal. Pick your jaw up off the floor, this is nature at her finest. Tonight we’ll cosy up in Te Anau, a picturesque town in the heart of Fiordland. (B, L)
Day 4 : Travel To Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After soaking up Middle Earth’s awe-inspiring vistas and filling our camera rolls we’ll continue on to Wanaka, a quaint resort town on a lake dwarfed by snow-capped peaks. For Lord of the Rings fans - we'll be checking out some iconic filming spots!
Day 5 : Explore Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka. We'll then head off hiking up Mt Iron, taking in the beautiful 360 degree landscape.
Day 6 : Aoraki/Mt.Cook
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo is alpine in the purest sense - boasting sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins - so have your camera at the ready! On the way we'll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, this track will wind us through the valley to give us awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand. (B)
Day 7 : Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will hike up Mount John where we'll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps. After the walk we'll soak our tired muscles in some hot pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving. (B)
Day 8 : Work & Onward Travel Planning
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, securing you a paid job in New Zealand is number one on the agenda for today. Our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs program. Tonight we’ll get the gang together one last time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and final night out on the town! Sweet as, Bro. (D)
Day 9 : Check Out
Location: Queenstown
This morning your Southern Kiwi adventure comes to an end. Prepped and ready for the next leg of your travels along with the new friends you’ve made, we’ll be there for support every step of the way. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
-
Entrance Fees
-
Fully Guided
-
Local Taxes
-
Meals – Half Board
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners included
-
NZ bank account, IRD number, SIM card, NZ Jobs membership, unlimited job finding assistance, 24/7 help & support in New Zealand, help with all onward travel after NZ Intro.
What's Not Included
-
Country Entry Visas
-
International Travel
Check out our Q&As
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. We will provide a detailed accommodation list and guide.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. A personal airport pick up from Queenstown Airport is included.
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Private rooms can be provided subject to availability at certain locations. Please contact us for more info.
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No.
-
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. You will have both a western group leader alongside local guides, who all speak English.
-
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
You will have a dedicated group leader with you throughout the entire tour.
-
What is the tipping policy?
No tipping is required, it's all included in the tour price.
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. 18+ year olds only.
-
What is the maximum group size?
18
-
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
We will contact you with reasonable notice and offer alternative groups or dates. Or potentially operate the tour if no other good option is available for you.
-
Company Instant Book
Yes.
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Any entry visa costs are to be paid yourself.
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. All activities are included, however you will have some free time to explore other places.
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. Just let us know at time of booking, and we will pre-book any pre or post nights accommodation at our properties. You can pay for these extras nights on arrival.
-
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
No. However we recommend packing relatively light as we do move around a bit. We suggest anywhere from 10-20 kgs as a good amount.
-
What is the maximum age limit for this tour?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. All activities, fees and experiences are included in the price.
-
What currencies are required for this tour?
New Zealand Dollar
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low to medium fitness level.
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Nice quality budget hostels.
-
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes. Our groups have a mix of nationalities.
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
If you intend to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for your Working Holiday Visa. For tourism purposes, you may still need a visa depending on your nationality Please contact us for more information.
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this tour. However, a Covid vaccine may be needed to travel freely enough to participate in the tour.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We operate our own socially conscious initiative called Small Change that aims to protect the environment, promote cultural exchange, support local communities and protect animal welfare. We use money a portion of the money you pay for the tour to achieve or goals. We also plant 10 trees for every booking we receive.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
An emailed 'Before you Go' Info pack along with access to the INTRO Travel App, which contains all the destination and tour information you'll need.
-
What is the maximum age limit on Intro Travel tours?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
A variety of like-minded travellers from all over the world aged 18 - 40's
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. We pride ourselves on our high standard of accommodation.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
At INTRO we want all group members to feel safe and comfortable whilst travelling with us. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facial coverings, hand sanitisers, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes, as well as social distancing measures will be practised where appropriate or deemed necessary on our tours.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer free date changes up to 30 days before your start date. Within 30 days there may be some small fees incurred.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. Some tours we offer a private room option upon request.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Friday
Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025Friday - Saturday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025Sunday - Monday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025Friday - Saturday
Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Thursday - Friday
Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
May 06, 2025 - May 14, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Thursday - Friday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Thursday - Friday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intro Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intro Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intro travel, 30 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intro Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intro travel charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.