New Zealand – South Island Multisport
15 days
Duration15 days

New Zealand is the perfect place for adrenaline and activity, and there's nowhere in the country more suited to that than the South Island. On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two-wheels through the Rail Trail in Central Otago. If you're not out of breath just from reading all that, then it's time to start packing.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 12+
New Zealand – South Island Multisport - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Wellington
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park
Travel by ferry to the South Island and then transfer by bus and water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park.

End place: Abel Tasman National Park

Meals: D
Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau

Start place: Abel Tasman National Park

Start the day with a short hike before setting off from the beach to kayak along the Abel Tasman coastline towards Marahau.
Sea kayak in Abel Tasman out to the edge of the park.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Marahau/Westland District
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Westland District/Franz Josef
Continue south along the coast towards Franz Josef, stopping for an invigorating walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon. Spend 2 nights staying amongst verdant temperate rainforest.
Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon en route. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as hiking and checking out the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Meals: B
Day 6: Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Meals: B
Day 7: Franz Josef/Wanaka
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to go mountain biking, skydiving, or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Meals: B
Day 8: Wanaka/Queenstown
Free day to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boat outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless. Two nights are at a centrally-located hostel, which means you can make the most of your time here.
Continue onto the “adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown.
Meals: B
Day 9: Queenstown
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Queenstown
Enjoy a free day for optional activities in Queenstown.
Day 11: Queenstown/Te Anau
Travel to the fiords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Te Anau for the night.
Day 12: Te Anau/Central Otago District
Cycle the Rail Trail, a route created specially for mountain biking. Pass through scenery unspoiled by traffic and not visible from any roads.
Morning departure to Central Otago to spend the afternoon cycling 42km (26 mi) along the historic Otago Rail Trail.
Meals: B
Day 13: Central Otago District/Christchurch
Walk around Christchurch this afternoon and learn about how the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 2011. Enjoy some free time this evening.
Meals: B
Day 14: Christchurch/Kaikoura
Early start to drive the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoura.

A free afternoon can also be spent 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.

Hikers can opt to go on several day hikes in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains.
Transfer to Kaikoura, with optional whale- or dolphin-watching in the afternoon.
Meals: B
Day 15: Kaikoura/Wellington
Transfer to Picton and take the ferry back to Wellington where the tour ends upon arrival. Please book any onward travel after 21:00.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
  • Ferry crossing to South Island
  • Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman NP
  • Full-day Routeburn Track hiking excursion
  • Fiordland NP visit
  • Cruise through Milford Sound
  • Otago Rail Trail cycling excursion
  • Free time in Franz Josef and Queenstown
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Ferry, Water taxi, Kayak, Private vehicle, Boat, Bicycle, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels/hostels (14 nts, some multi-share)

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