Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 22
Travelling to New Zealand? Don't worry, you won't have to choose between the two islands. With all the activities available on each island, we'll keep things exciting but also give you some space to catch your breath — you're gonna need it. Across three weeks you can hike, kayak, and cycle across this diverse land. There's also time for boat cruises and local culture, just to be sure you don't miss out on anything.
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolIn a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 22
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 100
1. Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
3. Please note that during your Karangahake Gorge Cycling excursion on Day 2 of your adventure, an E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost of NZ $50. This can be arranged with the CEO on Day 1 of the trip at the welcome meeting.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Bookings for the America’s Cup are at either 11am, 1pm or 2pm - this is dependant on the season and availability. Please be sure to reconfirm your sailing 24 hours prior by phoning Explore (while in New Zealand): 0800 397 567 or International: +64 9 359 5987.
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or soak in some hot springs. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park.
Experience one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” by kayak on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Today we conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland and hop on a flight to the South Island. Meet the new members of the group and then explore Christchurch.
Transfer north, along the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoura. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area or take in an optional activity.
Take in the scenery of the South Island while travelling to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Sample some local produce and wine as you travel through the renowned Marlborough wine region. Enjoy free time to explore upon arrival.
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by boat, sea kayak and on foot. After a full day of exploring, reward your efforts with a well earned meal at one of Marahau local eateries.
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
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.
A free day for optional activities. Options include a helicopter hike, a glacier valley walk, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to hiking or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Drive the winding route between Wanaka and Queenstown passing through picturesque wine country and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Watch as the scenery shifts from vast open valleys to the hustle and bustle of the city, and get ready to enjoy a free afternoon in the "adventure capital of the world."
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Travel to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
Prepare for an action packed day! Start on two-wheels on a mountain biking excursion around the Aoraki/Mt Cook region. In the afternoon, discover stunning landscapes on foot.
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Depart at any time.
Hotels/hostels (19 nts), lodges (2 nts)
17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD485-630 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, boat, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown - need we say more? Okay, how about this - imagine a whitewater ride with sharp turns and fast pace expertly navigated by a trained driver. All you need to do is strap in and be ready to get wet.
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.