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Budget Christchurch Loop

New Tour

7 days

BUDGET TOUR: New Zealand's South Island boasts some of the purest natural landscapes you can encounter. Explore the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman, take a day trip to beautiful Golden Bay, encounter pods of dolphins in Kaikoura and visit world-renowned wineries. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Christchurch

Ends

Christchurch

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 18

Minimum age

18

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

Hostels & dorm rooms

Countries

New Zealand

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Dinner: 1

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium
Per Person From
CAD$2,555.00
Deposit From
Final payment
CAD$1,000.00
$4,110.00

Tour Highlights

Christchurch - Begin and end your adventure in the largest city of New Zealand's South Island
Punakaiki - See the famous Pancake Rocks and enjoy free time to explore or embark on optional excursions
Abel Tasman National Park - Take an included day trip to Golden Bay and enjoy a free day for skydiving, canyoning or kayaking
Marlborough - Taste the best New Zealand wines with an included tasting session at a local winery
Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip and enjoy scenic cliff walks along the coast

Included

6 breakfasts & 1 dinner
6 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)
Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks And Blowhole Walk
Abel Tasman National Park 
Golden Bay & Wharariki Beach day trip
Wine tasting in Marlborough
Kaikoura Coastline, Famed For Its Marine Wildlife
Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
International flights and visas
Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Punakaiki

Christchurch - Punakaiki. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes). Prepare for an epic adventure as we drive across one of three scenic passes through the Southern Alps to the west coast. We'll travel via the Lewis Pass, which takes us through unmodified beech forests, alpine wetlands, and along the Lewis River. Although we have a significant distance to cover, we'll encounter stunning landscapes and make stops along the way, finally reaching the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

Please Note: This tour offers a variety of optional excursions throughout the tour that can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. Sightseeing and activities are generally not included on tour, this gives you the flexibility to shape your own adventure!

Overnight: Punakaiki

Day 2 - Punakaiki at leisure

The idyllic coastal village of Punakaiki is the ultimate destination for beach side adventure and exploration. It offers a wealth of exciting activities and is renowned for the Pancake Rocks, where water columns burst skyward from rock formations that resemble giant stacks of pancakes. Spend your afternoon exploring the lush coastal forest, stunning limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and a breathtakingly beautiful coastline.

Overnight: Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Abel Tasman National Park

Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the wild west coast with stops to admire lighthouse views and visit seal colonies. As we venture inland, we pass through the picturesque Nelson Lakes on our way to Abel Tasman, widely considered one of New Zealand's most stunning national parks. Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint town or embark on an adventure to gather fresh green-lipped mussels.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Golden Bay & Wharariki Beach day trip

Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Bay - Wharariki Beach - Abel Tasman National Park. Today, we venture to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit, featuring stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. Prepare for a day of adventure as we first explore the Ngarua Caves. Our next stop is Te Waikoropupu Springs, renowned for having some of the clearest water in the world. Lastly, we'll follow the track to Wharariki Beach, the northernmost point on the South Island. We head back to Abel Tasman National Park for the night.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Abel Tasman free time

Relax on the beach, or if you're up for some adventure, explore the pristine natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park with a range of optional activities. Experience hiking sections of the park, or paddle a kayak to navigate the coastal route. With some luck, you may encounter native wildlife like the Tui or Tuatara.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Marlborough wine tasting & Kaikoura

Abel Tasman National Park - Kaikoura. After a few epic adventures on our way out of town, we head to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region. We drive through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds before settling into one of our favourite wineries for an included wine tasting. Enjoy a sip or two of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and capture some Instagram-worthy shots in the vineyards.

Next up is Kaikoura, boasting natural wonders both on land and at sea. As we arrive, you'll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs on the town's edge. As well as checking out the cliffs, you can enjoy optional whale watching and dolphin swimming experiences in Kaikoura.

Please note: There is one included group dinner on this tour. This will take place at a favourite spot of your guide, and the day on which it takes place varies by tour and guide!

Overnight: Kaikoura
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Christchurch

Kaikoura - Christchurch. Spend the morning checking off the remaining items on your bucket list, whether that involves spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. Following an adventurous morning, we will hit the road for our final drive back to Christchurch. Say your farewells to your tour group or encourage them to continue the adventure through the vibrant neighborhoods of Christchurch. We aim to drop you off back at our pick up point at around 3 pm (details in Trip Notes), where we'll part ways. But don't be sad - you'll leave with memories to last a lifetime!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Punakaiki

Punakaiki Beach Camp provides budget-friendly mixed dorm accommodation for those looking to explore the rugged West Coast. The dorms are simple and comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities. The camp offers communal kitchens, a BBQ area, and a cozy lounge for socializing, along with outdoor picnic spots that overlook the beach. Located just a short walk from the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the camp is set right by the beach, offering stunning coastal views. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, making it easy to explore the shoreline, go kayaking, or try surfing. With the nearby Paparoa National Park offering hiking trails and stunning natural scenery, Punakaiki Beach Camp is an ideal base for nature lovers seeking a peaceful and scenic stay.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Adventure Inn Marahau Backpackers
Abel Tasman National Park

Located in Marahau, just 300 metres from Marahau Beach, Adventure Inn Marahau offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and barbecue facilities. The property features evening entertainment and a communal kitchen, with Porters Beach 1.9 km away. For dining options, Hooked on Marahau is 1.4 km away, The Park Café is 900 metres away, and the Salty Swamis food truck is 1.2 km away. Nelson Airport is the nearest, 62 km from the inn. All rooms at the hostel come with air conditioning and shared bathrooms. Guests can enjoy billiards on-site, and the area is well-known for hiking and cycling.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Dusky Lodge
Kaikoura

Situated in an out-of-town business area, this straightforward roadside hostel is just a minute's walk from Kaikoura's beach and 1 km from Kaikoura Station. The basic dormitories offer free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. Guests at Dusky Lodge Kaikoura can make use of the shared kitchens, while those looking to unwind can relax on the sun decks or seek advice from the tour desk about nearby attractions. Amenities include an outdoor saltwater pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a BBQ area, along with three kitchens and communal areas with TVs, wood-burning stoves, and guest computers. Local dining options, including Strawberry Tree, Kind Tide Eatery, Tipsy Foodies, Cods & Crayfish, and Black Rabbit Pizza, are all within 1.2 km.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms (PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DORM PRICES). There is also a 'Twin/Double' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2024
Twin
Single
14 Dec - 20 Dec
$2,605
$3,045
21 Dec - 27 Dec
$2,605
$3,045
2025
Twin
Single
4 Jan - 10 Jan
$2,605
$3,045
18 Jan - 24 Jan
$2,555
$2,995
1 Feb - 7 Feb
$2,555
$2,995
15 Feb - 21 Feb
$2,555
$2,995
1 Mar - 7 Mar
$2,555
$2,995
15 Mar - 21 Mar
$2,555
$2,995
29 Mar - 4 Apr
$2,555
$2,995
12 Apr - 18 Apr
$2,555
$2,995
2026
Twin
Single
10 Jan - 16 Jan
$2,585
$3,055
24 Jan - 30 Jan
$2,585
$3,055
7 Feb - 13 Feb
$2,585
$3,055
21 Feb - 27 Feb
$2,585
$3,055
7 Mar - 13 Mar
$2,585
$3,055
21 Mar - 27 Mar
$2,585
$3,055

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