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New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

16 days, Wellington to Wellington

Map of the route for New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Itinerary Notes

Please also note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1Wellington

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on a night out in Wellington. Choose to head to your CEO’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 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.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

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Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Te Papa Museum Visit
Wellington1h-2h
35NZD per person

Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes – find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building.

Weta Workshop Visit
Wellington
99NZD per person

Step into the behind-the-scenes world of hobbits, dragons and other fantastical movie creatures. The Weta Workshop is where the props and models for films like The Lord of the Rings, Avatar and the Amazing Spiderman 2 are designed and brought to life. Watch artists working on new pieces and see some of their award-winning creations from past projects in their new exhibition space.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Cambridge Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park

Don'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.

Private Vehicle
Picton – Abel Tasman National Park3h200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ferry
Wellington – Picton3h30m92km

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Accommodation

The Barn Cabins & Camp (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3Abel Tasman National Park

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 you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!

Abel Tasman National Park Walk
Abel Tasman National Park4h 12km

Catch an Aqua Taxi from your accommodation in Marahau up to Anchorage. Walk back to Marahau at your own pace, and make stops along the way at some of the world's most scenic golden sand beaches to relax in the sun.

3

Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking
Abel Tasman National Park3h-4h
199NZD per person

Explore the coastline and beaches in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak from Watering Cove along the coastline to Marahau.

Canyoning
Abel Tasman National Park
265NZD per person

Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float down the Torrent River on this canyoning adventure. Make your way down stream and see the stunning rainforest scenery on this active adventure that will bring you into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park.

Please note this activity is only operational October-April.

Sailing
Abel Tasman National Park4h-6h30m
140NZD per person

Sail through crystal clear waters, admire spectacular scenery and investigate secluded cloves, small islands, golden beaches and lush forest. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen!

Accommodation

The Barn Cabins & Camp (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Abel Tasman National Park/Westport

It’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.

Private Vehicle
Abel Tasman National Park – Westport4h30m-5h270km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Seal Colony Visit
Cape Foulwind30m 1-2km

Stop by a viewing platform over a New Zealand fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Female seals will live in the same colony for the duration of their lives, whereas male seals move around more. The males visit the Cape Foulwind colony between late November and mid-January for mating season. All seasons offer plenty of activity to check out, from mating to the raising of baby pups and feeding out at sea.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Surfing in Westport
Westport
90NZD per person

Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten while you catch some waves. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards.

Accommodation

Bazil's Hostel & Surf School (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5Westport/Franz Josef

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.

Pancake Rocks Trek
Punakaiki15m-30m 1km

Walk along a loop trail with informative signs detailing how the 'Pancake Rocks' were formed millions of years ago. When the trail reaches the coast, there are many lookouts for photo stops and beautiful views of the coast, the rocks and the blowholes found along the area.

Free Time
Franz Josef

With tons of optional activities available around Franz Josef, get out there and explore!

Private Vehicle
Westport – Franz Josef5h-5h30m285km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6Franz Josef

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, there’s bound to be something you’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 you’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!

Your Discover Moment
Franz Josef Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Franz Josef, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a glacial hike or a helicopter hike. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing
Franz Josef15m-30m
350-445NZD per person

Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out on the snow to soak up the experience, before flying back to land. Cool!

Franz Josef Kayaking
Franz Josef3h-4h
135NZD per person

Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views.

Hiking
Franz Josef30m-8h 3-17km
Free

Take your pick of many scenic and memorable treks in Franz Josef – a true hiker’s haven. Get prepared before heading out, and be mindful of signs along the track. See majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and amazing views that you’ll definitely want your camera on hand for.

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Franz Josef/Queenstown

Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — 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.

Private Vehicle
Franz Josef – Queenstown8h-9h420km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Queenstown

Let’s put it this way, if you’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.

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.

Your Discover Moment
Queenstown Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

6

Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Vineyard Tour
Queenstown5h-7h
210-240NZD per person

Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.

Bungee Jumping
Queenstown1h30m-4h
265-450NZD per person

Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss.

Gondola Ride
Queenstown1h-2h30m
66-80NZD per person

Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.

Shotover Canyon Swing
Queenstown2h30m-3h30m
295NZD per person

The ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping!

Skydiving
Queenstown
430-535NZD per person

Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!

Queenstown Jet Boating
Queenstown
169NZD per person

Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown

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 — 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.

Private Vehicle
Queenstown – Milford Sound4h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound2h-2h30m

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Recharge your camera and be ready to shoot stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea and then search for dolphins and seals. This place is any artist's dream!

Private Vehicle
Milford Sound – Queenstown4h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Queenstown

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.

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.

Your Discover Moment
Queenstown Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

6

Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Vineyard Tour
Queenstown5h-7h
210-240NZD per person

Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.

Bungee Jumping
Queenstown1h30m-4h
265-450NZD per person

Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss.

Gondola Ride
Queenstown1h-2h30m
66-80NZD per person

Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.

Shotover Canyon Swing
Queenstown2h30m-3h30m
295NZD per person

The ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping!

Skydiving
Queenstown
430-535NZD per person

Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!

Queenstown Jet Boating
Queenstown
169NZD per person

Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Queenstown to Tekapo

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.

Private Vehicle
Queenstown – Mount Cook3h30m-4h265km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Mount Cook

Enjoy free time in the area to go for a hike in the beautiful scenery or to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre.

Private Vehicle
Mount Cook – Lake Tekapo1h15m93km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Lakes Edge Holiday Park (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12Tekapo

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.

Lake Tekapo Bike Ride
Lake Tekapo 35km

Set out on a 21km ride in Lake Tekapo. Pedal along a flat, quiet, sealed country back road pass by the canals, and soak in the grand mountain views while getting a bit of exercise.

Free Time
Lake Tekapo

Spend time exploring Tekapo today. Opt to visit some hot springs, relax around Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

2

Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience
Lake Tekapo1h-1h30m
129NZD per person

Join an unforgettable stargazing adventure with the Crater Experience in Lake Takapō (Tekapo). Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the purpose-built observation craters give you a fantastic view of the stars. Here, you'll see more, journey further, and understand the night sky like never before.

Tekapo Hot Springs
Lake Tekapo
37NZD per person

Tekapo Hot Springs are located in beautiful Lake Tekapo, which happens to be in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Soak in the warm waters at the base of Mount John and take in views of iconic Lake Tekapo and the mountain ranges beyond.

Accommodation

Lakes Edge Holiday Park (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Tekapo to Christchurch

Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’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.

Private Vehicle
Lake Tekapo – Christchurch3h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Christchurch Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Christchurch during free time.

Accommodation

Drifter Christchurch Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Christchurch/Kaikoura

Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’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.

Private Vehicle
Christchurch – Kaikoura2h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Kaikoura

Head out and explore this beautiful area. View some of the wildlife in the area or hit the trails to get a workout with a view.

4

Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Hiking
Kaikoura2h-3h 3km
Free

Set off along the hiking trail to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.

Whale Watching
Kaikoura3h-3h30m
175NZD per person

Follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider", and set out in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikoura.

Scenic Flight
Kaikoura
225NZD per person

Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.

Dolphin Tour
Kaikoura3h-4h
240NZD per person

Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. If we come upon them, depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.

Accommodation

Dusky Lodge (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Kaikoura/Wellington

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 you’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.

Private Vehicle
Kaikoura – Picton2h150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ferry
Picton – Wellington3h92km

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Your Big Night Out Moment:

Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!

Accommodation

Cambridge Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Wellington

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

| 16 days - Wellington to Wellington - from $2287 USD