SOUTH ISLAND WONDERS

‍Days 1-2 | Free Days

Join your ZigZag tour in the adventure capital of the South, Queenstown.

Queenstown is a vibrant alpine town nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic peaks, including the aptly named Remarkables and offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing thrills, seeking relaxation, or simply want to soak in the scenery.

For the adrenaline seekers, Queenstown is your playground. Take the leap at the world’s first commercial bungy jump, experience high-speed spins on a jet boat, go white water rafting or try riverboarding, soar above the mountains on a skydive, or fly through the treetops on a zipline. For something truly unique, don’t miss the wild ride in a semi-submersible “shark” boat, or head off-road with a 4WD adventure into the backcountry.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, there’s just as much to enjoy. Ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then perhaps take a paraglide back down. Cruise across the lake aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a 100-year-old coal-fired steamship, or explore Queenstown’s beautiful botanic gardens and waterfront walkways. Nearby Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions—join a wine tour and sample world-class pinot noir while taking in stunning vineyard views.

Film buffs can take a day trip to Glenorchy, a picturesque village at the head of Lake Wakatipu and the gateway to many famous Lord of the Rings filming locations. The drive itself is worth it—often called one of the most scenic in the world.

With two days to explore, you could also hire a bike, go fishing, enjoy the local restaurants and cafés, or take a drive up to Deer Park Heights for some of the best views in town (and perhaps spot a few friendly Highland cattle and alpacas).

However you choose to spend your time, Queenstown never disappoints—whether you're ticking off your bucket list or simply enjoying the atmosphere in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations.‍

Accommodation: Camping (Queenstown)

Meals Included:

Day 1 - None

Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

This morning we depart Queenstown and begin our journey towards Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The drive is incredibly scenic from the start, as we follow the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, winding along cliffside roads with stunning lake and mountain views. We soon reach the Devil’s Staircase, a dramatic zig-zagging section of highway that climbs steeply above the lake and offers panoramic views back across to the Remarkables and Queenstown.

From there, the road opens out as we pass through high country farmland and large commercial deer stations, with towering peaks lining the route. By early afternoon, we arrive in Te Anau, a peaceful lakeside town surrounded by spectacular natural beauty—and our base for exploring the world-renowned Fiordland region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Te Anau)

Days 4 & 5 | Free Days

Fiordland is a breathtaking wilderness of towering mountains, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest. Experiencing this natural wonderland is easy, with the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound both within reach.

Known as the ‘8th Wonder of the World,’ Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. Its dramatic, waterfall-draped peaks rise sharply from the dark fiord waters, with the majestic Mitre Peak—one of the country’s most photographed landmarks—standing proudly at its heart.

Further south lies Doubtful Sound, larger and even more remote than Milford. Accessible via a scenic boat ride across Lake Manapouri, Doubtful Sound is best explored on an overnight cruise. Enjoy delicious meals, your own private cabin, and the unforgettable experience of waking to sunrise over this pristine, silent paradise.

Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland and offers a wealth of sightseeing options, from cruises and helicopter flights to 4x4 adventures, guided hikes, kayaking, and scenic seaplane tours. You can even book combined tours to both Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Whichever you choose, this region is sure to become one of your most treasured Kiwi memories.

Accommodation: Camping (Te Anau)

Meals Included:

Day 4 - Breakfast

Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Leaving Te Anau, the road unfolds through lush valleys and rolling farmland as we head northeast towards Roxburgh, known as the “Fruit Bowl of the South.” Along the way, we enjoy sweeping views of the South Otago hill country and the Clutha River as it winds through the rugged landscape, with occasional stops to take in the peaceful rural scenery.

At Roxburgh, a charming historic town famous for its stone bridges and orchard heritage, we stretch our legs and soak up the small-town atmosphere before continuing our journey inland. The drive then climbs gently into Central Otago’s dry, golden hills, where the landscape shifts dramatically to a more arid, high-country feel.

Our home for the next two nights is the tiny village of Naseby, nestled in a beautiful forest. Once a bustling gold-mining hub, Naseby has retained much of its historic charm, with stone hotels, old miner’s cottages, and the wonderful Naseby Museum telling the stories of the past.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Naseby)

Day 7 | Free Day

Today is all about slowing down and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Maniototo region. You have the option to explore this high-country landscape on foot, by bike, or at our own relaxed pace.

For those wanting to stretch their legs, you can walk or cycle a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s original and most iconic multi-day trail. The section between nearby Ranfurly and Wedderburn is a popular day option, offering big skies, rolling golden hills, and sweeping views of the distant ranges. The old railway line is wide, gently graded, and well-maintained—perfect for casual cyclists or walkers. Along the way, you’ll pass restored stations, old stone bridges, and maybe even a herd of curious sheep.

If you’d rather stay closer to base, Naseby Forest offers a beautiful network of walking and mountain biking trails through tall pine trees and historic water races from the goldmining era. The cool forest shade and peaceful atmosphere make this a refreshing contrast to the open tussock-land of the surrounding region.

Prefer a slower pace? Why not stroll through Naseby’s historic village, visit the local museum, or grab a coffee and soak up the charm of a town where time really does seem to stand still.

Tonight, we enjoy a uniquely local experience—curling. Played here since 1878, this quirky Olympic sport is best described as ‘bowling on ice.’ We’ll organise a group session at the indoor curling rink, where you’ll learn the basics and have a go - it's fun, competitive, and surprisingly addictive!

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Naseby)

Day 8

Today, we depart Naseby and travel further into the remote ‘Maniototo’, an elevated inland region famous for its meandering streams, granite-strewn landscapes, high rolling hill ranges, and large country stations. After a fascinating drive through this dramatic landscape dotted with large, ancient rocky outcrops and historical gold settlements, we descend from the lofty Rock and Pillar Range down onto the Taieri Plains and veer northeast towards our next destination – the city of Dunedin on the wonderful Otago Peninsula.

This afternoon, you are free to spend time exploring Dunedin, the second largest urban area in the South Island. Its rich cosmopolitan culture is enhanced by its strong Scottish heritage and a large tertiary student population that enlivens the city’s centre.

The city boasts a popular food and brewery scene, which combines with excellent museums, galleries and botanic gardens to attract visitors all year round. The University and iconic Railway Station are just some of the many beautiful buildings that have survived from Dunedin’s wealthy Edwardian and Victorian eras, when the proceeds from farming and the gold rush saw it become the country’s early ‘pseudo’ capital.

Other attractions include the central Octagon and its statue paying homage to the Scottish poet Robbie Burns, and Baldwin Street (officially, the steepest street in the world).

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cabins (Dunedin)

Day 9 | Free Day

Today, you can spend another day exploring this interesting city, or you have the option of joining us for a complimentary day tour of the Otago Peninsula—a striking, volcanic finger of land forming the southern edge of Otago Harbour.

Known for its rugged coastline, sheltered bays, and stunning views, the peninsula is also a haven for native wildlife. Keep an eye out for fur seals and sea lions basking on the rocks, and if we’re lucky, the rare yellow-eyed penguin or the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue.

At the far tip of the peninsula lies Taiaroa Head, home to the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world—a rare sight, and one that’s unforgettable.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cabins (Dunedin)

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Day 10

This morning, we head north out of Dunedin and follow a quiet stretch of stunning coastal road with dramatic cliffs, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and peaceful seaside villages along the way. Keep your camera ready!

We continue on until we reach the famous Moeraki Boulders. These smooth, spherical stones, scattered like giant marbles across the sands of Koekohe Beach, have become one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural sights, and are a must-see photo opportunity.

Our journey then brings us to Oamaru, a harbour town renowned for its grand Victorian architecture, penguin colonies, and its title as the ‘Steampunk Capital’ of New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Oamaru)

Day 11 | Free Day

Today is yours to explore the unique charm of Oamaru, a town where Victorian elegance meets quirky creativity. Start your day with a stroll through the beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct, where cobbled streets are lined with limestone buildings housing artisan bakeries, boutique galleries, antique stores, and steampunk-themed curiosities. Step inside the fascinating Steampunk HQ—a surreal, interactive museum of retro-futuristic art—or learn more about the region's past at the North Otago Museum.

Nature lovers might want to walk or cycle a section of the scenic Alps 2 Ocean trail, which starts (or ends) right here next to our campsite, or take a short walk to the Oamaru Public Gardens, one of the oldest and loveliest in New Zealand.

In the evening, don’t miss your chance to visit the blue penguin colony—just a small stroll from our camp—where you can watch these adorable birds return from the sea after a day of fishing. For a quieter encounter, walk the headland trail and keep your eyes peeled for yellow-eyed penguins, seals, and other coastal wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Oamaru)

Day 12

Leaving Oamaru this morning, we set off north along the coast for an hour, before taking a quiet road inland towards the heart of the Mackenzie Basin. The drive takes us through rolling farmland and vast open skies, where the landscape gradually transforms from coastal plains to the dry, tussock-covered hills and naturally sculpted limestone outcrops and rock formations that define this unique part of the South Island.

Our first stop is the stunning Lake Tekapo, famed for its bright turquoise waters fed by glacial melt and framed by rugged mountain peaks. Here, we can stretch our legs with a visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a tiny stone chapel set against the breathtaking lake backdrop — one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots.

After soaking up Tekapo’s alpine beauty, we take a short but spectacular drive around the striking turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki as we head toward Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. As we follow the shoreline, the road opens up to reveal unforgettable alpine scenery, with snow-capped peaks rising dramatically ahead of us and the lake’s glacial blue water stretching out beside us. Be sure to have your camera ready—this drive offers some of the most iconic photo stops in the country.

The closer we get to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the more immersive the landscape becomes, with towering mountains, braided rivers, and wide-open skies creating a truly cinematic experience.

Our destination is Glentanner, located just outside the national park boundary, where we’ll settle in for two nights with incredible views of the mountains all around.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Glentanner)

Day 13 | Free Day

Welcome to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a dramatic alpine wilderness of ice, rock, and towering peaks. Home to 19 mountains over 3,000 metres—including Aoraki/Mount Cook itself, New Zealand’s tallest at 3,724 metres—this is a place where nature takes centre stage.

There are countless ways to explore the area. Choose from a variety of well-maintained walking tracks that lead to breathtaking viewpoints of glaciers, rivers, and alpine lakes, including the renowned Hooker Valley track.

For something truly memorable, take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, cruise among real icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake, or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which includes a museum, planetarium, and cinema.

Or simply relax at The Hermitage in Mount Cook Village, enjoy a coffee, and soak in the majestic scenery that surrounds you. Whether you’re after adventure or tranquillity, this is a day you won’t forget.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Glentanner)

Day 14

This morning, we leave the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook behind and begin our journey south towards Wanaka. Along the way, we make a stop at the striking Clay Cliffs near Omarama—a dramatic series of sharp pinnacles and deep ravines made of gravel, silt, and clay. Formed over millions of years by ancient glacial rivers and uplifted by tectonic forces, these towering formations offer a short walk and fantastic photo opportunities in a surreal, otherworldly setting.

From Omarama, we head into the heart of Central Otago via the spectacular Lindis Pass, where the road winds through a vast, open landscape of golden tussock-covered hills. As we climb to the pass's summit, expansive alpine views unfold around us—this is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, and we'll make sure to pause for a few photos along the way.

The road then descends gradually into the stunning Upper Clutha Valley. Vast open skies stretch overhead as rolling hills give way to fertile farmland and picturesque vineyards. As we approach Wānaka, the scenery becomes truly spectacular—think shimmering lakes, rugged mountain backdrops, and expansive, glacier-carved valleys.

We settle into Wānaka, a vibrant alpine town to finish the tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Wanaka)

Day 15

Depart tour - we say our goodbyes this morning over breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast