21 days - Best of New Zealand - G Adventures - Prices from $3099 CAD
Compared with their enormous neighbour to the left, the islands of New Zealand don’t look especially big on the map, but don’t let their small stature deceive you. There is much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, kayaking remote coves or hiking some of the most breathtaking routes in the whole world. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South Islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.
What's Included
- Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
- Sea kayaking excursions (Raglan & Doubtful Sound)
- Surf lesson (Raglan)
- Maori cultural experience
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (seasonal)
- Te Papa Museum (Wellington)
- Visit to a seal colony
- Walks in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Parks
- Mountain biking excursion (Central Otago)
- Orientation walks in Wellington and Christchurch
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 10 dinners. (Allow NZD200-250 for meals not included.)
- Private bus, kayak, boat, ferry
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
- Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16
- Hostels (8 nts), basic hotel (4 nts), basic lodges (7 nts), floating boat hostel (1 nt, summer, cabin in winter months). Most nights are multi-share.
Itinerary
Day 1 Auckland Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Auckland/Raglan(1B, 1L) Visit a special conservation farm to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a harbour for a picnic lunch.
Day 3 Raglan(1B, 1D) Enjoy an included surf lesson in one of the world's most famous surf areas, then opt to take a bone carving lesson with local Maori.
Day 4 Raglan/Rotorua(1B, 1D) Opt to go caving before heading to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture. Visit a local village to gain insight into Maori culture. Enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' experience.
Day 5 Rotorua/National Park(1B, 1D) Travel around Lake Taupo and explore the volcanic World Heritage-listed national parks in the area. Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek (seasonal).
Day 6 National Park/Wellington(1B) Hit the nation's capital and visit the national museum, Te Papa, or stroll along Oriental Parade. Check out some of the area's great bars and cafés.
Day 7 Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park(1B, 1D) Take a ferry over to the South Island and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 8 Abel Tasman National Park(1B, 1D) Hike and explore Abel Tasman's golden beaches and waterways.
Day 9 Abel Tasman National Park/Punakaiki(1B, 1D) Head south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Visit a seal colony and take in the pancake rock formations at Punakaiki.
Day 10 Punakaiki/Franz Josef(1B, 1D) Stay in a lodge surrounded by rainforest and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Day 11 Franz Josef(1B) Free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.
Day 12 Franz Josef/Queenstown(1B) Visit the adventure capital of the world—Queenstown.
Days 13–14 Queenstown(1B) Free time in Queenstown. Get the heart pumping with some adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain biking or skydiving.
Day 15 Queenstown/Doubtful Sound(1B, 1L, 1D) Visit Fiordland National Park en route to Doubtful Sound.
Day 16 Doubtful Sound/Wedderburn(1B, 1D) Enjoy a guided kayak excursion through jaw-dropping scenery. Travel to Central Otago.
Day 17 Wedderburn(1B) Bike 35 km of the Otago Rail Trail, passing through one historic town to the next. Along the way sample some local food and drink.
Day 18 Wedderburn/Christchurch(1B) A free afternoon to explore Christchurch.
Day 19 Christchurch/Kaikoura(1B, 1D) Opt to go whale watching, swim with seals or take a walk along the coast.
Day 20 Kaikoura/Wellington(1B) Morning visit to a seal colony before catching the ferry back to Wellington. Opt for a final night out with the group.
Day 21 Wellington(1B) Depart at any time.
Contact one of our Adventure Specialists today for more information!