New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

About New Zealand - From $2,159.20 USD

View Itinerary

New Zealand's South Island doesn't do things by half. This action-packed adventure moves through rainforests, glaciers, and coastline so gorgeous it feels made up — with an adrenaline hit waiting around every corner. You'll even sleep in a wilderness hostel buried deep in the rainforest itself. Queenstown, Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mount Cook — New Zealand's greatest hits, all in one trip.

Travel Style

18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level

Basic

Physical Grading

3 - Average

What's Included

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your 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. Walk in Abel Tasman National Park. Seal colony visit. Pancake Rocks. Lake Matheson walk. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Hike the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot and boat, Get your adrenaline fix in the adventure capital of the world: Queenstown, Take a jaw-dropping trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Explore the wild glaciers and rainforests of Franz Josef

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?

Max 20, avg 16

What meals are included in this trip?

14 breakfasts, 3 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hostels & basic lodges (15 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

  1. Wellington

    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.

  2. Wellington/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.

  3. Abel 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!

  4. Abel 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 rugges West coast. 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. On arrival discover the true charm of this coal mining town.

  5. Westport/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.

  6. Franz 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 explore the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat and chill, taking in the beautiful surrounds... the choice is yours!

  7. Franz Josef/Queenstown

    Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and gaze out the window as you leave Glacier Country, winding through lush forests and over Haast Pass. Along the way, make a stop in Wanaka, where you’ll have the chance to snap a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree, one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural landmarks. 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 over the next few days.

  8. Queenstown

    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.

  9. Queenstown

    Let your breathing return to normal today with a slower pace in Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore at your own rhythm — stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, browse local boutiques, relax in a lakeside café, or opt for one of the many adventure activities the town is famous for. For those wanting to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders, an optional excursion to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound is available. Journey through dramatic alpine scenery before boarding a boat cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls in this breathtaking fjord — one of the wettest and most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Whether you choose relaxation or adventure there's something for everyone here!

  10. Queenstown

  11. Queenstown / Arrowtown / Tekapo

    Start the day with a relaxed start to the day in Queenstown before departing for a scenic drive. Stop in the charming historic village of Arrowtown, often considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful small towns and known for its gold-rush history and beautifully preserved streets. Then continue on to the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.

  12. Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park / Tekapo

    Spend the day visiting Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, taking in the breathtaking alpine scenery. Explore the park at your own pace, enjoying options such as walking along the Hooker Valley Track, visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or simply admiring the stunning views and glacial lakes of New Zealand’s highest peak.

  13. Tekapo to Christchurch

    Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island's largest city, famous for its English-style gardens and quirky street art. Enjoy free time to wander the city, check out its café culture and creative vibes, and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe.

  14. Christchurch/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 dolphins, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on a 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.

  15. Kaikoura/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.

  16. Wellington

    Depart at any time.

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Contact our travel experts for more details

More Travel Experiences

Maldives Dhoni Cruise

White sands, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters — cruise the extr...

View details »

Costa Rica: The Wonders & Wildlife of the North

If you're craving a wilder side of Costa Rica, this six-day adventu...

View details »

Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Looking for a fast, jam-packed, but immersive visit around Iceland?...

View details »

Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens

Hokkaido in winter doesn't do subtle either — everything's just qui...

View details »

Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines

Hey, bucket list: prepare to get shorter, because this six-day trip...

View details »

Solo-ish Jordan

The magic of Jordan is undeniable. From the ancient wonders of Petr...

View details »

Thailand Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Street Food Crawls

There’s no two ways about it: we fit a whole lot of Thailand into t...

View details »

Signature: Iceland's Winterscapes, Golden Circle & Northern Lights

In winter, Iceland is elemental. Walk the fractured rift between tw...

View details »