16 days tour

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

This tour includes:

Others

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington. Boat excursion to Abel Tasman National Park. Seal colony visit. Walks in Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Matheson. Milford Sound day cruise. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals

15 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Accommodation

Hostels & basic lodges (15 nts, multi-share with 2-10 people).

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, ferry, walking.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventuresโ€™ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only โ€˜Travel-Readyโ€™ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

1. COMBO TRIP This tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures prior to Day one of your tour, and may change between individual tour sections. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes. 2. WIFI Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to. 3) PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions. 4) Please note that all multi-share accommodation in Australia is generally split by gender.Wellington - Weta Workshop Visit - Te Papa Museum Visit (Free) Abel Tasman National Park - Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking (190NZD per person) - Sailing (140NZD per person) - Canyoning (255NZD per person) Westport - Surfing in Westport (80NZD per person) Franz Josef - Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (330-425NZD per person) - Hiking (Free) - Franz Josef Kayaking (130NZD per person) Queenstown - Vineyard Tour (210-230NZD per person) - Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person) - Gondola Ride (52-79NZD per person) - Shotover Canyon Swing (259NZD per person) - Skydiving (420-520NZD per person) - Queenstown Jet Boating (159NZD per person) Lake Tekapo - Tekapo Hot Springs (37NZD per person) - Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience (119NZD per person) Kaikoura - Hiking (Free) - Whale Watching (175NZD per person) - Scenic Flight (225NZD per person) - Dolphin Tour (230NZD per person)

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

  • Day 1 Day 1: Wellington
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Wellington

      Arrive at any time.

      Tonight, get to know your group on a night out in Wellington. Choose to head to your CEOโ€™s favourite local spot for dinner together before enjoying a social evening of bar games, music, and singing.
      There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.

      Check out New Zealandโ€™s National Museum, a must-see with great displays of historical Maori artifacts and relatively modern exhibits such as the motorbike that was built in a shed and won the world championships. Afterwards, opt for a night out on the town. Wellington has an abundance of nightlife, bars, cafes and restaurants all located on and around the entertainment district of Courtenay Place.

      Included Activities:
      - Connect With New Friends
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Day 2 Day 2: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)

      Donโ€™t forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park.
      Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
      - Ferry 03:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 3 Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park (1B)

      Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand.

      This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way youโ€™d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Abel Tasman National Park Walk
  • Day 4 Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)

      Itโ€™s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 - 05:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Seal Colony Visit
  • Day 5 Day 5: Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)

      Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets, Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create.
      Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 05:00 - 05:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Pancake Rocks Trek
  • Day 6 Day 6: Franz Josef (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Franz Josef (1B)

      Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, thereโ€™s bound to be something youโ€™ll want to check off that bucket list.

      If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If youโ€™d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
  • Day 7 Day 7: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

      Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world โ€” Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 8 Day 8: Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Queenstown (1B)

      Letโ€™s put it this way, if youโ€™re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you!

      Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Queenstown Jet Boating

      Additional Notes: If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

      Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your CEO which ones are in season.
  • Day 9 Day 9: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)

      Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand โ€” Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Milford Sound Cruise
  • Day 10 Day 10: Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Queenstown (1B)

      Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Additional Notes: If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

      Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your CEO which ones are in season.
  • Day 11 Day 11: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B, 1D)

      Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:15 Hr(s)
  • Day 12 Day 12: Tekapo (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Tekapo (1B)

      Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Lake Tekapo Bike Ride
  • Day 13 Day 13: Tekapo To Christchurch (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Tekapo To Christchurch (1B)

      Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Islandโ€™s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 14 Day 14: Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)

      Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Islandโ€™s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula.
      Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula.

      Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 15 Day 15: Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)

      Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know youโ€™re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out together in New Zealand.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)
      - Ferry 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Big Night Out
  • Day 16 Day 16: Wellington (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Wellington (1B)

      Depart at any time.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Departure Day
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 39

This experience is only available for adults within this age range.

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