-
Exclusive DiscountsGet the best rates plus exclusive discounts and promotions
-
Best Tour SelectionWe've got multiple top rated tour suppliers to choose from
-
Best AdviceOur local travel consultants can help you select the best tour for needs.
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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
Trip Details
Product Code: 41359
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: ONSE.B
Starts: Wellington, New Zealand
Finishes: Wellington, New Zealand
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- 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
Accommodation
- Hostels & basic lodges (15 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
- 14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3033 ($190 /day)
Itinerary
Day 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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Cambridge Hotel
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Accommodation - The Barn Cabins & Camp
Day 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!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - The Barn Cabins & Camp
Day 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 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Bazil's Hostel & Surf School
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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 - With tons of optional activities available around Franz Josef, get out there and explore!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
Day 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 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!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Franz Josef area.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - En route to Queenstown, pause in Wanaka for free time to explore the lakeside town and snap a photo of the iconic That Wanaka Tree, set against the stunning Southern Alps backdrop.Accommodation - Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area.Accommodation - Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Day 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, regroup in Queenstown this evening and swap stories from the day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - 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 Milford Sound, mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Accommodation - Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Day 10: Queenstown
Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a daredevil and get those hearts pumping with adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, or skydiving. If you prefer a slower pace, take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you explore local restaurants and cafés. You might also venture out with your CEO on a scenic day trip to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, where dramatic alpine landscapes made famous as filming locations for The Lord of the Rings create an unforgettable backdrop. Weather permitting, you'll also have the option to discover the beautiful Bob's Cove Track, an epic coastal hike with stunning lake and mountain views.
Note: Weather can be a wild card—your CEO may switch things up to keep the day epic, rain or shine.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area. Queenstown is the perfect place to venture out of those comfort zones as you take part in adrenaline pumping activities.Accommodation - Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stop in Arrowtown for time to explore its charming historic streets, browse local boutiques and cafés, and experience the gold-rush heritage of this picturesque alpine village — recently awarded one of New Zealand’s “Most Beautiful Small Towns” and now one of the country’s most trending destinations.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Day 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 relaxing by the shores of the glacial lakes while admiring views of New Zealand's highest peak.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy free time in the area to go for a hike in the beautiful scenery or to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend the afternoon exploring Christchurch during free time.Accommodation - Drifter Christchurch Hotel
Day 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 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Dusky Lodge
Day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Activity - 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
Day 16: Wellington
Depart at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
