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Picton to Christchurch: Weka Tour

The 11 Day Weka Adventure tour is the best way to explore the South Island. Travel from Picton down the wild west coast on our small group tour, meeting the friendly locals and ticking off those bucket list highlights as you go. Our fully guided Adventure tours include some meals and activities but we leave plenty of room for optional extras so you can make the adventure your own!


Book with confidence

✔️ Money-back guarantee: full refund if the tour doesn't go ahead.

✔️ Flexibility: no fee to make changes.

Confirm your place now with only a $200 deposit and pay the rest in flexible installments. Find out more here.

Tour Highlights:



What's included:

23 24 Accommodation AAccommodation

10 nights dorm share accommodation is all included. You'll stay in quality comfy hostels and unique locations from scenic lodges close to waterfront to alpine chalets next to a national park!


23 24 Activity AActivities

During the adventure tour, you will experience the fantastic NZ by joining activities in both islands.

    • Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
    • Trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • Day trip and Cruise to the Milford Sound
    • Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo
    • Seal Colony in Kaikoura Coast

23 24 Meal AMeals

10 breakfasts are included on your tour. We've also included other meals here and there, be sure to check your itinerary for details. 


23 24 Transport APrivate Coach Transport

Take the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. You'll travel by private, air-conditioned bus.


23 24 Group ASmall Group Tours

We are fun and multicultural small group tours with a maximum of 24 passengers plus a driver guide per bus. Most travellers on our Adventure Tour are aged between 18-40 although we have no maximum age because we believe age doesn't matter - it's all about attitude!


23 24 Guide ATour Guide

Expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide. They know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search!


Experience15Top Rated Experiences

  • Spend two days in paradise as you explore the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park.

  • Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes before staying in the rainforest at Franz Joseph 

  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat among the mountains at the Rainforest Retreat Franz Joseph 

  • Enjoy at stop at the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake

  • Enjoy four nights in Queenstown including two full free days 

  • Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife during a day trip to the iconic Milford Sound

  • Discover the wonders of tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central role in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.

  • Explore the city and then enjoy the quality hospitality at newly renovated Drifter Christchurch complete with it’s own bar.

  • Relax in quality accommodation at Haka House Queenstown & Tekapo.

  • Free time in Franz Joseph, Queenstown & Lake Tekapo 

 


Next Available Tour Dates: 

2025

  • 17 July 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 21 August 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 18 September 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 2 October 2025 - GUARANTEED

ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!

2025 (NEW SEASON STARTS / NZD3,565 per person)

  • 09 & 23 October 2025
  • 06 & 20 November 2025
  • 04 & 11 December 2025

2026 (ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!)

  • 15 & 22 January 2026
  • 05 & 19 February 2026
  • 05 & 19 March 2026
  • 02, 16 & 30 April 2026
  • 14 & 28 May 2026
  • 11 June 2026
  • 16 July 2026
  • 13 August 2026
  • 17 September 2026
  • 01 October 2026

What’s Included:

  • Experienced tour guide
  • Private coach transport
  • 11 days of once in a lifetime experiences
  • 10 nights’ accommodation (dorm-style)
  • 10 x Breakfasts, 1 x Dinner
  • Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
  • Trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Day trip and Cruise to the Milford Sound
  • Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

Picton to Christchurch: Weka Tour

$3,460

Book Your Travel

Itinerary

Picton Pick Up Information

  • Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 23kg plus a day pack

  • A basic level of fitness is required for medium length walks

  • Tour starts on a Thursday and ends of a Sunday (11 days later)

  • Pick up (3 options):

    • Picton - 11:45AM - 12:15PM, The bus stop on Auckland Street outside i-SITE Information Centre (opposite to Picton Railway Station). Subject to change depending on ferry arrival time. Please be ready at the pickup 15 minutes prior to the departure.

    • Christchurch - 7:30AM, outside Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street. Subject to change. Please be ready at the pickup 15 minutes prior to the departure. Please Note: Your first leg unguided public bus journey ends in Blenheim at approx. 12:40PM. You will meet your Stray Guide outside Blenheim i-SITE Information Centre (The Railway Station). In the event the pickup will significantly delay due to the ferry arrival, we will notify you by email in advance.

    • Wellington - Meet your Stray Guide & group outside Ibis Hotel Wellington at 6:30AM before heading to check in the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry together. Subject to change. Please arrive at the Hotel 5 minutes prior to the departure time.

  • Drop off: Drifter Christchurch, 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Check out is 10am.

  • Our itinerary is a guide. Given the spontaneous nature of our trips and lack of control over New Zealand's weather(!), what we do each day might occasionally vary.

CHECK OUT FULL ITINERARY HERE:

If you are travelling before September 29th 2025

DOWNLOAD THIS ITINERARY

If you are travelling after September 30th 2025

DOWNLOAD THIS ITINERARY

 

Picton to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

Kia ora (hello)! Your Stray Adventure Journey kicks off from the picturesque harbour town, Picton - the Heart of the Marlborough Sounds. We will then set off through the Marlborough Region to Marahau, our accommodation is situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park - perfect for exploring arguably the best National Park in NZ.

Accommodation: The Barn Marahau or similar

Optional paid activities: Wine tasting ($15pp)

Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner

Free activities: Stargazing

Count yourself lucky because you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park today. From our accommodation we’ll head by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide and then, we’ll walk approximately 4 hours back to our accommodation, stopping along the way to take amazing photos and swim in the secluded bays.

Accommodation: The Barn Marahau or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs

Included activity: Water taxi into Anchorage Bay

Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools

Optional paid activities: Kayaking, sailing, skydiving, canyoning - (PM)

Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much phone reception but you are NOT going to need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even just a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner together at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Free activities: Buller Gorge, Pancake Rocks and blowholes, Hokitika

Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to see the terminal face for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Free activities: Glacier Valley Hikes, soak in the spa

Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track, Heli Hike, Kayak across Lake Mapourika

It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea and into Queenstown. Once settled, put on your dancing shoes and head out to explore this lakeside resort, there are over 100 clubs and bars to choose from in Queenstown!

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With awesome night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak

Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…)

Today you’ll hop aboard the Coach and we’ll take you to the stunning and world famous Milford Sound. After a super scenic drive, you’ll board the boat and cruise across the Sound. Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and (if it’s been raining) thundering waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot lots of amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown where you can check out some one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer - or try the famous Fergburger!

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Included activity: Day trip to Milford Sound

It’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo this morning where we’ll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake for some awesome photo opportunities.

In the afternoon take part in an engaging experience that offers deep insight into Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central place in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.

Accommodation: Haka House Lake Tekapo or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Self-catering in the hostel kitchen or local bars and restaurants

Included activity: Dark Sky Crater Experience

Free activities: Mount John Observatory Hike, Church of the Good Shepherd, stargazing

Optional paid activities: Tekapo Hot Springs (All seasons), Ice Skating, Snow tubing (Winter only)

Our next stop is Christchurch, a super cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and cool laneway bars! Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets to discover creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram and see the sights!

Accommodation: Drifter Christchurch or similar

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Free activities: Explore Christchurch by foot, check out the new Riverside Market, Botanic Gardens

Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future!

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Picton to Christchurch: Weka Tour

$3,460

Book Your Travel

Accommodation

You'll stay in quality comfy hostel or backpacker standard accommodation including high country farm, scenic lodges close to waterfront or national park in our unique destinations.

10330 STRAY Maps NZ3 WEKA