New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
16 days
from Wellington to Wellington
From
$ 2499
Duration16 days
Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand’s South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, cycling, and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers, and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you’re not moving; accommodations include a seasonal floating boat hostel and a wilderness hostel deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 16 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: WellingtonPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: WellingtonAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Wellington
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.
Check out New Zealand'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.
Check out New Zealand'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.
Arrive at any time. Start the adventure with a Big Night Out with the group.
Day 2: Wellington/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. Board a water taxi to transfer to the middle of the National Park for the night. The night will be spent on a floating boat hostel.
Take a ferry over to the South Island and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park.
During the winter season (May - Oct), and when there is inclement weather in the summer, we will stay in cabins in a true rural setting on the edge of the park instead of the floating boat hostel.
End place: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park
Start place: Abel Tasman National Park
Hike and explore Abel Tasman's golden beaches and waterways.
End place: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals: B
Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport
Start place: Abel Tasman National Park
Head south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Visit a seal colony before travelling to Westport, the stop for the night.
Create a meal together as a group and show off your cooking skills!
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Westport/Franz Josef
Start place: Westport
Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.
Take in the pancake rock formations at Punakaiki before continuing on to Franz Josef. Enjoy free time for optional activities like hiking, horseback riding, and quad biking.
End place: Franz Josef
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Franz Josef
Start place: Franz Josef
Free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.
End place: Franz Josef
Meals: B
Day 7: Franz Josef/Queenstown
Start place: Franz Josef
Visit the adventure capital of the world—Queenstown.
End place: Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 8-9: Queenstown
Start place: Queenstown
Free time in Queenstown. Get the heart pumping with some adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving.
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.
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.
End place: Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 10: Queenstown/Te Anau
Start place: Queenstown
Visit Fiordland National Park and enjoy a boat cruise through breathtaking Milford Sound. In the evening, opt to cruise across Lake Te Anau and visit a cave that is home to thousands of glowworms.
End place: Te Anau
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Te Anau/Central Otago
Start place: Te Anau
Enjoy free time in the morning to discover the natural beauty of Te Anau. Later, transfer to Wedderburn in Central Otago.
End place: Wedderburn
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Central Otago
Start place: Wedderburn
Bike 35 km of the Otago Rail Trail, passing through one historic town to the next. Along the way sample some local food and drink.
End place: Wedderburn
Meals: B
Day 13: Wedderburn/Christchurch
Start place: Wedderburn
Overnight in the very unique converted jail house.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Christchurch.
Central Otago/Christchurch
End place: Christchurch
Meals: B
Day 14: Christchurch/Kaikoura
Start place: Christchurch
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.
Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.
Opt to go whale watching, swim with seals or take a walk along the coast.
End place: Kaikoura
Meals: B
Day 15: Kaikoura/Wellington
Start place: Kaikoura
Travel to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington. Opt for a final night out with the group.
End place: Wellington
Meals: B
Day 16: Wellington
Start place: Wellington
We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city. Looking for a lift back to Auckland? Add on the "Auckland Express" and ride with your CEO back north. Ask your sales CEO or agent about this Extra.
What is the Auckland Express Extra? Depart Wellington at 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time). If you have booked this transfer NOT on the last day of your tour, you must book post-accommodation through G Adventures. All services must be connected.
What is the Auckland Express Extra? Depart Wellington at 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time). If you have booked this transfer NOT on the last day of your tour, you must book post-accommodation through G Adventures. All services must be connected.
Depart at any time.
End place: Wellington
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Excursion to Abel Tasman National Park
- Seal colony visit
- Walks in Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Matheson
- Milford Sound day cruise
- Cycling excursion (Central Otago)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Boat, Ferry, Bicycle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hostels (11 nts), Basic lodges (4 nts) Most nights are multi-share