Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days
Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days
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:
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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.
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026
Saturday - Friday
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024Saturday - Friday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Friday
May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Friday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Saturday - Friday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Friday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Saturday - Friday
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Saturday - Friday
Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026Saturday - Friday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Saturday - Friday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026What are travellers saying about Tourhub
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.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."