generic avatar 2
generic avatar 3
generic avatar 4

125,585+ dreams turned into reality

global work and travel logo
What should I book?!

NZ Intro South Island

4.7(12,870 reviews)
New Zealand
9 days
Operated by Partner

$2,299

$495
deposit now
Limited spots • Free trip & date changes • Pay later, 0% interest

Destinations

New Zealand

Vibe

Beachy, Adventure, Nature

Intensity

Relaxed To Moderate

Seasonality

November–April

Trip 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, spot Lord of the Rings filming locations, 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!

Trip itinerary

As a rough idea, this is the daily schedule you can expect:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 1
1 day

Arrive and meet your group – Kia ora! Landing in Queenstown, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel to settle in and refresh. Tonight you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited about all the adventures yet to come in New Zealand!

Day 2
1 day

Queenstown & Jet Boating – Today we’ll get all your local essentials set up before showing you around Queenstown, a backpacker hub that’s known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. The good news is that our first jolt of adrenaline isn’t far off, as this afternoon we’ll be zipping through Skippers Canyon on a jet boat going over 80 km/h. ...

Day 3
1 day

Milford Sound Cruise - Leaving Queenstown, today we’re heading to the majestic Milford Sound. We’ll hop on a boat to cruise around the fjord, feeling tiny amongst sheer cliff faces, ancient forests, and plunging waterfalls. We might even spot some fur seals lazing about! This evening we’ll get cosy in Te Anau, a charming town in the heart of ...

Day 4
1 day

Travel to Wanaka – Driving through awe-inspiring landscapes that will have our jaws on the floor, we’ll stop at some notable Lord of the Rings filming locations nestled in the mountains. After soaking up the Tolkien-esque vistas and taking thousands of photos we’ll arrive in Wanaka, a dreamy resort town on sapphire lakeside shores.

Day 5
1 day

Discover Wanaka - Waking to the views of snow-capped peaks, today we’ll enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer. First up: a visit to the insta-famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, followed by a hike up Mt Iron that will reward our efforts with incredible views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Mt Aspiring National Park. This is the great outdoors at its finest. (B)

Day 6
1 day

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – Waving goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Known for its milky turquoise hue, Lake Tekapo is an alpine oasis - so have your phone charged and camera ready! This afternoon we’ll strap on our comfy shoes and stretch our limbs hiking the iconic Hooker Valley track. One ...

Day 7
1 day

Lake Tekapo – Today we’ll have ample time to explore Lake Tekapo and its surrounds. Opt for another hike, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, or find a classic Kiwi meat pie to munch on. This evening we’ll have the exclusive chance to learn about the convergence of Maori mythology and modern science whilst relaxing our bodies at Tekapo Springs. ...

Day 8
1 day

Work & Onward Travel Planning – On arrival back in Queenstown, we’ll help sort out any onward travel for the rest of your time in New Zealand. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Eager to book a skydive, bungy jump, or ski pass? We’ve got you. Tonight we’ll get together one last time for our farewell dinner and night out in Queenstown! ...

Day 9
1 day

Check Out – This morning your unforgettable South Island adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels with the new friends you’ve made! Whatever your plans, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. (B)

What's included

Tap to expand

Activities and Logistics
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace Deals
Global Emergency Line
10% Off Getaways

See Who's going.

Book & get early access to your group, start planning meet-ups, and make new friends before your journey begins.

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mon-Fri.

This could be you!
globalwork&travel
globalwork&travel
globalwork&travel
globalwork&travel
globalwork&travel
globalwork&travel

New on the 'gram

instagram icon
700K

Why travellers choose Global Work & Travel

Plans change (and that’s ok)

Can’t travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it to someone, or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Travel backed by actual experts

With 17+ years in travel and over 120,000 travellers helped worldwide, you’re in experienced hands from day one.

Be more than a tourist

Go beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden gems and experience each destination like a local.

Book now, pay your way

Don’t wait to start your next adventure. Secure your spot today and spread the cost over time with flexible instalments that fit your budget.

We’re travelling with you

Whether you’re planning, packing or already overseas, we’re here to help every step of the way with always-on global support.

Flexible travel, built in

Life changes. Your trip can too. Change your destination or departure date on most trips up to 60 days before departure and keep your adventure moving.

Still have questions?

Check out these similar trips

Home
Tour
NZ Intro South Island