Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days

Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days

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7 Days From

$1775

$1722

Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days

7 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay, Kaikoura

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Budget

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $1775 $1722 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$53

NB: Prices correct on 13-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling 7-day Budget Christchurch Loop adventure through New Zealand's stunning South Island. Begin and end your journey in Christchurch, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife along the way. Discover the iconic Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, and enjoy the serene beauty of Abel Tasman National Park with opportunities for kayaking, canyoning, or skydiving. Savor the exquisite wines of Marlborough with an included tasting session, and experience the marine wonders of Kaikoura, where you can spot whales and dolphins. Travel in style with luxury transport featuring Wi-Fi and leather seats, and stay in comfortable hostels. This small group tour offers the perfect blend of guided experiences and free time to tailor your adventure.

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

  • Abel Tasman National Park - Take an included day trip to Golden Bay

  • Marlborough - Taste the best New Zealand wines with an included tasting session

  • Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip

  • Golden Bay - Explore the Ngarua Caves and Te Waikoropupu Springs

  • Wharariki Beach - Visit the northernmost point on the South Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: hostel

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!

Day 2: Punakaiki

Location: Punakaiki

Accommodation Name: hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation Name: hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Golden Bay

Location: Golden Bay

Accommodation Name: hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation Name: hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6: Kaikoura

Location: Kaikoura

Accommodation Name: hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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!

Day 7: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

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!

What's Included

  • 6 breakfasts & 1 dinner

    Enjoy 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner included in your tour package.

  • 6 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)

    Stay in mixed-sex dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels for 6 nights.

  • Escorted by an expert local driver/guide

    Travel with an expert local driver/guide who will escort you throughout the tour.

  • Transportation in a luxury vehicle

    Travel in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs.

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks And Blowhole Walk

    Experience the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole Walk as part of your tour.

  • Abel Tasman National Park

    Visit the stunning Abel Tasman National Park during your tour.

  • Golden Bay & Wharariki Beach day trip

    Enjoy a day trip to Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach.

  • Wine tasting in Marlborough

    Participate in an included wine tasting session in the Marlborough region.

  • Kaikoura Coastline, Famed For Its Marine Wildlife

    Explore the Kaikoura Coastline, known for its rich marine wildlife.

  • Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies

    Visit the seal colonies at Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities and experiences

    Optional activities and experiences are not included and can be booked locally.

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide / driver

    Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.

    It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with transportation in a luxury vehicle featuring Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights of dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels with mixed-sex dorms, providing a comfortable and budget-friendly stay throughout your journey.

Age Policy

No official maximum age but these tours are aimed at the 18-30s market. Accommodation is in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. This is a budget, backpacker-type product. Older pax should be steered towards Pure Discoveries product or Wild Kiwi's premium tours.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 6 nights of dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels, which are mixed-sex.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner. The dinner is a group meal at a favorite spot of the guide, and the day it takes place varies by tour and guide.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system suitable for road trip singalongs.

  • Is there a guide accompanying the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an expert local driver/guide.

  • What activities are included in the tour itinerary?

    Included activities are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole Walk, a day trip to Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach, wine tasting in Marlborough, and visits to Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, the tour offers a variety of optional excursions that can be booked and paid for locally. These activities are not included in the tour price, allowing you to customize your adventure.

  • What wildlife can be expected to be seen during the tour?

    In Kaikoura, you can spot whales and dolphins, and there are opportunities to see seals at Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies. In Abel Tasman National Park, you might encounter native wildlife like the Tui or Tuatara.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The tour is aimed at the 18-30s market, with accommodation in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. There is no official maximum age, but older participants might prefer other products like Pure Discoveries or Wild Kiwi's premium tours.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$54

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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$54

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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$54

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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