New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs

New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs
New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs
New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs
New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs
New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs

From:

CAD $4699

21 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Two islands. Twenty-one days. Zero reasons to stay home. From Maori culture in Rotorua to kayaking Abel Tasman and hiking trails that'll break your camera roll, New Zealand doesn't do anything small — including the adventure.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Jun 2027

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Experience Overview

Two islands. Twenty-one days. Zero reasons to stay home. From Maori culture in Rotorua to kayaking Abel Tasman and hiking trails that'll break your camera roll, New Zealand doesn't do anything small — including the adventure. North Island, South Island, one gloriously affordable trip that moves fast enough to keep things spicy but slow enough to actually feel it.

Highlights

  • Dive into Maori culture and come out knowing things you didn't before
  • Get your adrenaline fix in Rotorua and Queenstown
  • Explore Abel Tasman by foot
  • By boat
  • And by total disbelief
  • Take a jaw-dropping trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 41357

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Basic

TransportTransport: Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, kayak, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ONNS.B

StartStarts: Auckland, New Zealand

FinishFinishes: Wellington, New Zealand

DurationDuration: 21 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
  • Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
  • Surf lesson in Raglan
  • Maori cultural experience
  • Huka Falls
  • Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip
  • Boat excursion to Abel Tasman National Park
  • Walks in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Seal colony visit
  • Pancake Rocks
  • Lake Matheson walk
  • Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
  • Milford Sound day cruise (available through September 30)
  • Lake Tekapo Bike Ride (available through September 30)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hostels and basic lodges (20 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people) **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
  • 19 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, kayak, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4699 ($224 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.


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

2

Day 2: Auckland/Raglan

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You'll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.

3

Day 3: Raglan

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.Activity - Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).

4

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.

5

Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.

6

Day 6: Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

7

Day 7: 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.

8

Day 8: 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.

9

Day 9: 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.

10

Day 10: 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.

11

Day 11: 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.

12

Day 12: 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.

13

Day 13: 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.

14

Day 14: 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!

15

Day 15: 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.

16

Day 16: 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.

17

Day 17: 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.

18

Day 18: 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.

19

Day 19: 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.

20

Day 20: 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!

21

Day 21: Wellington

Depart at any time.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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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