Skippy
Start: Queenstown
Finish: Queenstown
This Skippy pass will have you skipping around the South Island checking out all the best bits from natural beauty to wildlife and adventure. What more could you want?
Jump onboard in Queenstown and embark on a breathtaking adventure of New Zealand's South Island. Leave the adventure capital behind (for now) as we head towards the serene Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters. Next up, Christchurch. A revitalized city home to art, food, culture and a whole heap of history perfect for those who love learning. Next up on this epic adventure is a visit to Kaikoura where the opportunity to get up close and personal to marine life awaits. Abel Tasman is the next stop and is up there with one of our favourite places. Enjoy your time here before we begin our journey to Westport and the quaint township of Mahinapua. Experience the awe-inspiring Franz Josef and check out the local glacier, join in on some experiences, make your friends and family not on this epic adventure jealous and then hop back on the bus as we head back to Queenstown where the adventure awaits.
What's included
- Start Queenstown, Finish Queenstown
- Minimum 12 days travel time*
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
The Extra Bits
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees (subject to availability)
- Pre-book and pay for accommodation via the Trip Planner (pre-book and pay by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-book and pay for activities via the Trip Planner
- Limited departures available in June, July & August (winter schedule)
- *The minimum time is the shortest amount of time you can complete this pass by travelling our standard itinerary and not hopping off the bus. Please note this minimum time can change slightly depending on the season.
To view our current bus timetables, please click here.
NZ $719
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (May - October)
Please note, on selected Saturdays from 3rd May to October 7th 2025 this route will be an express service from Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura and will only pass through Christchurch to drop off and pick up guests. If you choose to hop off the bus in Christchurch, the amount of days to wait for the next bus will be extended.
The selected Saturdays are as follows:
03rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st May 2025
07th, 14th, 21st, 28th June 2025
05th, 12th, 19th, 26th July 2025
02nd, 09th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August 2025
06th, 13th, 20th, 27th September 2025
04th, 07th October 2025
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand before we continue on to Kaikoura where our day comes to an end. Hopping off the bus in Christchurch? Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens, and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times. Otherwise, stay on and lets head to Kaikoura.
Accommodation
- Hotel Give (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Included Experiences
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Free)
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins (optional extra)
- Whale Watching (optional extra)
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!
Accommodation
- Kaiteri Lodge (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Abel Tasman Skydive (Book via the Online Trip Planner)
Abel Tasman to Westport
Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.
Accommodation
- Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing (optional extra)
Westport to Lake Mahinapua - Seasonal location*
*Lake Mahinapua is a seasonal location from 10 October 2024 - 8 May 2025. When out of season, the bus will travel directly from Westport to Franz Josef.
Today, we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, which stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes that never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight, you will stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and allows you to bond with your bus mates over a meal.
Accommodation
- Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (free)
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
This morning it’s a short drive to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Included Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
Franz Josef (Free Day)
Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour, or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
Franz Josef to Wanaka (From 12 May 2025)
Trade glaciers for lakes and rugged coastlines for alpine vistas as we journey from Franz Josef to Wanaka! We'll rumble south, conquering the mighty Haast Pass. We hug the shores of lakes, where the mountains reflect in the crystal-clear waters, before rolling into the lake side town of Wanaka. Get snap-happy at the iconic 'That Wanaka Tree,' stroll the vibrant lakefront, and dive into Wanaka's buzzing atmosphere. Feel like hopping off the bus and visiting in the winter months? Jump onto the ski fields and practice your best pizza in a pair of skis or glide down the mountains on a snowboard. The summer months in Wanaka boast a range of options including mountain biking, mountain carting or there are a range of day hikes in the area sure to impress. Whatever your time in Wanaka may present, the town has your vibe. Get ready for a blast of pure Kiwi scenery.
Accommodation
- Adventure Hostel (or similar from May to October 2025)
- The Brownston Hostel (or similar from November 2025 to April 2026)
Experiences
- Cardrona Resort lift pass & transport (available June 14th - October 5th)
- Cardrona Resort hire, lift pass & transport (available June 14th - October 5th)
- Cardrona Resort hire, lift pass, lesson & transport (available June 14th - October 5th)
-
Cardrona Resort mountain karting (available December 14th - March 2nd)
- Cardrona Resort gondola ride (available December 14th - March 2nd)
- Cardrona Resort mountain bike hire & lift pass (available December 14th - March 2nd)
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wake up to Wanaka's magic and choose your own adventure! Fancy a hike but also feel like heading to Queenstown today? Wake up early and tackle Roy's Peak for those iconic views. Early bird catches the worm right? Head back to Wanaka and grab a spot on the bus before roll on to Queenstown! We'll hug the shores of Lake Hawea, then wind through the dramatic Crown Range, snapping epic mountain panoramas.
Arriving into Queenstown we will stop at the famous Kawarau Bridge where you can catch adrenaline thrills in action. The adventure is just getting started, Queenstown explodes with options! Get ready for adrenaline-pumping activities, vibrant nightlife, and scenery that'll blow your mind. Queenstown's got everything from bungy jumping and jet boating to scenic gondola rides and lakeside strolls.
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Kiwi Crawl (optional extra)
- Kawarau Bridge AJ Hackett - various options (optional extra)
