New Zealand 5-day tour 2026

Discover the heart of New Zealand’s South Island on a 5-day adventure. From canyoning and iconic hikes to glow worm caves and a Milford Sound cruise, this tour blends adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—finishing with Queenstown’s buzzing nightlife.

Tour Overview

Embark on a 5-day South Island adventure, combining scenic drives, iconic hikes, thrilling canyoning, and wildlife encounters. Begin in Queenstown, exploring Lake Wakatipu and the alpine town’s charm before heading to Te Anau for lakeside trails, native birds, and a glow worm experience.

Cruise the majestic Milford Sound—often called the eighth wonder of the world—and enjoy a scenic drive back with photo stops along the way. Experience an adrenaline-pumping day of canyoning in Queenstown’s gorges, complete with waterfalls, rock slides, and plunge pools.

A free day lets you chase your own adventures, from bungy jumping to skydiving, before wrapping up with a group night out in Queenstown. This tour blends adventure, stunning scenery, and shared experiences into an unforgettable journey.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Bring a sense of adventure as you journey through this iconic destination, exploring off-the-beaten-track locations and making impromptu stops to soak in breathtaking views. To prepare, pack light and bring a flexible, relaxed attitude ready to embrace the unexpected—while there’s no camping on this trip, we’ll be travelling to various destinations.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore Te Anau – Discover the gateway to Fiordland with serene lakefront walks, native birdlife, glow worms and charming local culture.
  • Experience Milford Sound – Cruise through breathtaking fiords, towering waterfalls, and spot wildlife at this iconic natural wonder.
  • Lake Wakatipu – Enjoy stunning alpine lake views along New Zealand’s longest lake.
  • Thrilling Canyoning & Nightlife – Get your adrenaline pumping with exciting canyoning adventures, then unwind in Queenstown’s lively bars and entertainment scene.
  • Tick off a Bucket List - Known for its outdoor activities tick off a bucket list from Queenstown’s multiple adventure offering.

Twin share (4 spots)

$3,100/person
Private room (10 spots)
$3,450/person
Tour allocation sold out
Join the waitlist
Please note: The Tour package price does not include flights to and from New Zealand.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Tue 3 March

Queenstown Meet and Greet/ Frankton Track to Perkys

Everyone arrives to Queenstown and we provide them info on accommodation prior to arrival and name of hotel.

5pm Meet at Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu—around 4 km east of Perkys to Perkys Floating Bar (Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown). Walk west along the lakeside path toward central Queenstown and Perky’s. After Perky’s we will head to a dinner location.

Day 2 - Wed 4 March

Queenstown to Te Anu (overnight at  Te Anau)

930am  - Meet the bus at the front of the accommodation for a two-hour drive and overnight stay at Te Anau. Stops along the way

At the doorstep of Fiordland National Park—home to Milford Sound and some of New Zealand’s most iconic hiking trails—lies the charming town of Te Anau. With its peaceful lakefront, cozy cafes, and stunning access to nature, it offers a truly cinematic landscape. We will meet at 9.30 am at the front of our accommodation to catch a bus to Te Anau, stopping along the way to admire breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains including the views at the Devil’s Stair Case Look Out. We will pick up lunch en route and dinner at Te Anau. Please bring water and pack snacks and have a big breakfast today.

Tonight, we will stay overnight in Te Anau to rest and recharge. In the late afternoon, we will be visiting the glow worm cave, which includes a cruise.

Day 3 - Thu 5 March

Te Anau to  Milford Sound

Pick 9.30am - dropped off at 7.30pm  (Private Bus).

No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the 8th Wonder of the World, UNESCO Heritage-listed Milford Sound. Carved by ancient glaciers and  surrounded by sheer cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush rainforest, Milford Sound is a breathtaking natural masterpiece located in Fiordland National Park. Today we will take a bus to the fiord and take a 2-hour boat cruise. Includes coach pickup, buffet lunch, cruise, and return to Queenstown.

Day 4 - Fri 6 March

Free Day

Whether you're craving adrenaline, relaxation or exploring, Queenstown has it all. Here are some ideas. You can visit the Queenstown Information Centre to make bookings or book direct with your preferred operator:

  • Bungy jumping (Kawarau Bridge or Nevis)  
  • Shotover Jet or Dart River Jet Boat  
  • Onsen Hot Pools (private cedar tubs with alpine views)  
  • Skydiving (Remarkables)  
  • Explore Arrowtown (historic gold mining village)

Day 5 - Sat 7 March

Half Day CANYONING + Super Saturday Walk

Meet at the departure lounge located at 39 Camp Street, Queenstown. Arrive 15 minutes before start time.

Pack plenty of action and fun into this 4-hour canyoning adventure just minutes from Queenstown. Perfect for first-timers, thrill-seekers, and ideal for various fitness levels, the experience begins at the Adventure Centre with a safety briefing before a short drive to the canyon base. From there, descend through native beech forest and tackle natural features like zip lines, abseils, slides, chutes, and pools—choosing your challenge level along the way. After the adventure, return to base for hot showers and complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and then lunch in Queenstown.

Bring swimwear and towel for this activity and advise us of any medical, health or other safety related information. You don’t need previous canyoning experience but you should be confident moving in water and have a reasonable level of fitness.

Later in the evening we will meet at a designated location at 7pm to explore Queenstown’s night life with a Signature Social Walks Super City Walk.

Day 6 - Sun 8 March

DEparture day

Today marks the end of our adventure. There are no scheduled activities, so you’re free to check out and make your own onward travel arrangements.

  • Flights & Transport: Please remember that flights and airport transfers are not included in this tour. You’ll need to organise your own transport to the airport or your next destination.
  • Extend Your Stay: If you’d like to spend more time in Queenstown, we encourage you to book your own accommodation and continue exploring this vibrant alpine town at your own pace.

Things to know

1. Register your interest

Complete the form on this page to show your interest in joining this tour.

2. Pay the deposit to secure your place

We will be in touch once we receive your details. To confirm your place, you’ll need to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit within 7 days of notice.
If a deposit is not received within the 7 days, your spot will be released to the next person on the waitlist.

3. Final Balance

The remaining balance is due January 16, 2026. Failure to pay the balance by this date will result in forfeiting your place and deposit.

While we’ve included plenty of highlights to make this an unforgettable trip, there are a few things not covered in the package. Please review the exclusions below so you can plan and budget accordingly.

  • Airfares to and from Queenstown, New Zealand
  • Travel insurance (compulsory for all participants)
  • Meals & drinks. Other than the buffet lunch included as part of the Milford Sounds cruise
  • Optional activities on the free day (e.g. bungy jumping, skydiving, spas, wine tours, scenic flights)
  • Transport or transfers outside of the scheduled group itinerary (e.g. Uber during free time)
  • Visa fees or passport costs (if applicable)
Social Walks – Queenstown 5 Day Tour Terms & Conditions

These Booking Conditions, together with our privacy policy and any other written information provided before your booking was confirmed, form the basis of your contract with Social Walks (“we”, “us”, “our”).

Please read these carefully, as they set out your rights and obligations. References to “you” and “your” include the first-named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made. By making a booking, the first-named person confirms that they have the authority to agree to these Terms on behalf of all travellers.

1. Booking & Payment

A booking is confirmed when we receive a 30% deposit (due immediately to secure your place) and issue you with a booking confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable.
The balance of your booking is due 16 January 2026. If payment is not received, we may treat your booking as cancelled and retain your deposit.

2. What’s Included & Additional Activities

Your booking confirmation will set out exactly what is included. Flights to and from Queenstown are not included and are your responsibility.
You may choose to join additional activities operated by third-party providers during the tour. Any such bookings are your contract directly with the provider. You accept all associated risks, and Social Walks is not liable for the provision of third-party services.

3. Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover medical treatment, cancellation, repatriation, baggage, and personal liability for the duration of your trip. You confirm you have arranged adequate insurance before departure.

4. Pricing

Prices are correct at the time of publication but may be adjusted for currency fluctuations, government taxes, or supplier changes. We reserve the right to correct errors or update pricing before confirmation.

5. Jurisdiction & Law

Your contract is governed by Australian Consumer Law, and any disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia. While in New Zealand, you must comply with all applicable NZ laws and safety regulations.

6. Curtailment

If you leave the tour early, no refunds will be given for unused services. Claims should be directed to your travel insurer.

7. Changes by You

If you wish to change your booking, you must notify us in writing. Changes may incur an administration fee (AUD $50 per person per change) plus any costs imposed by suppliers. Some arrangements cannot be changed once confirmed.

8. Cancellations by You

Cancellations must be notified in writing and will be effective from the date received. The following charges apply:

  • More than 12 weeks before departure: Deposit only (30%)
  • Less than 12 weeks before departure: 100% of booking cost

We recommend you check your insurance policy for cancellation cover.

9. Changes or Cancellation by Us

We may alter itineraries, accommodation, or transport if necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always aim to provide an alternative of equal or higher quality where possible.

If we are forced to cancel the tour entirely, you will receive a full refund of monies paid, but we are not responsible for incidental costs such as flights or visas.

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for events outside our control, including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or government restrictions. No refunds or compensation will be provided in such cases.

11. Special Requests & Health Requirements

Any special requests (dietary, medical, accessibility) must be made in writing at the time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee. Failure to disclose relevant medical conditions may result in refusal of service.

12. Behaviour & Conduct

Participants are expected to behave respectfully towards guides, fellow travellers, and local communities. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose behaviour is disruptive, unsafe, illegal, or offensive. No refunds will be given.

Alcohol consumption must be responsible and at your own risk.

13. Our Responsibilities

We will deliver the services stated in your booking confirmation with due care and skill. However, we are not responsible for the acts or omissions of independent third-party suppliers.
Our liability is limited to the cost of your booking, except where Australian Consumer Law provides non-excludable rights. You travel at your own risk and must rely on your insurance for losses or injuries not directly caused by our negligence.

14. Passports, Visas & Health

It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport, visa (if required), and meet all entry and health requirements for New Zealand. We accept no liability if you are unable to travel due to non-compliance.

15. Complaints

If you encounter an issue during your tour, please raise it immediately with your guide. If not resolved, submit a formal complaint in writing within 28 days of the tour ending.

16. Marketing Consent

By joining a Social Walks tour, you consent to photographs or videos taken during the trip being used for promotional purposes unless you inform us in writing before or during the tour.

17. Fitness Requirements

A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in most Social Walks tours and activities. Our Queenstown tour may include walks, hikes, and outdoor activities on uneven terrain. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically capable of participating. If you are unsure of your suitability, please consult a medical professional before booking.

18. Definitions
  • Deposit – 30% of the booking cost, due immediately to secure your place. Non-refundable.
  • Force Majeure – events outside our reasonable control.
  • Working Days – Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in Victoria, Australia.