New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

16 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Wellington, New Zealand

Ends

Wellington, New Zealand

Highlights

Explore the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot.

Get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown.

Cruise through the remote fjords of Milford Sound.

Explore Franz Josef

Itinerary

Craving adventure and adrenaline amidst jaw-dropping scenery? New Zealand: South Island Encompassed is a 16-day group trip tailored for young adults who want action-packed days and wild nights. From Wellington, traverse the island’s rainforests, glaciers, and rugged coastlines, taking part in everything from photography walks to wilderness hostel stays deep in the rainforest. The itinerary offers endless opportunities for thrill-seekers—whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the epic landscapes. The trip’s USP is its energetic, social vibe and focus on immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences, ensuring every day is a new adventure in New Zealand’s south.

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.

Accomodation:Cambridge Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Connect With New Friends, Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Te Papa Museum Visit Entrance to the museum is free (but there is a charge for special exhibits). , Weta Workshop Visit Guided tours start every 30 minutes from 10am to 5pm. Tours take approx 30-40 minutes. Maximum 20 people per tour

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:The Barn Cabins & Camp (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 200 km, Ferry Duration : 3.5 hr Distance : 92 km

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!

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:The Barn Cabins & Camp (or similar)

Included Activity:Abel Tasman National Park Walk Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 12 km

Optional Activities:Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking Explore the coastline and beaches in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak from Watering Cove along the coastline to Marahau., Canyoning , Sailing Sail through crystal clear waters, admire spectacular scenery and investigate secluded cloves, small islands, golden beaches and lush forest. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen!

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Bazil's Hostel & Surf School (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 270 km

Included Activity:Seal Colony Visit Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 1 km

Optional Activities:Surfing in Westport

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr - 5.5 hr Distance : 285 km

Included Activity:Pancake Rocks Trek Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr Distance : 1 km

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!

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Optional Activities:Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing , Franz Josef Kayaking Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views., Hiking There are many free hikes in the area but please note treks that start at locations that require a shuttle will require the cost of transport (typically $12 NZD).

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 drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. 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 the next few days.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr - 9.0 hr Distance : 420 km

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Vineyard Tour , Bungee Jumping Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss., Gondola Ride Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. , Shotover Canyon Swing , Skydiving , Queenstown Jet Boating

day 9 - Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown

Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr

Included Activity:Milford Sound Cruise Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr

day 10 - Queenstown

Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Nomads Queenstown Hostel (or similar)

day 11 - Queenstown to Tekapo

Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Lakes Edge Holiday Park (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 265 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr Distance : 93 km

day 12 - Tekapo

Start the Day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the Day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Lakes Edge Holiday Park (or similar)

Included Activity:Lake Tekapo Bike Ride Distance : 35 km

Optional Activities:Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience , Tekapo Hot Springs

day 13 - Tekapo to Christchurch

Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Drifter Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 230 km

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 seals, 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Dusky Lodge (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr

Optional Activities:Hiking , Whale Watching , Scenic Flight Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals., Dolphin Tour

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Cambridge Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 150 km, Ferry Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 92 km

Included Activity:Big Night Out

day 16 - Wellington

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

15 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Note: Allow USD335-435 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz JosefYour Discover Moment: QueenstownYour Big Night Out Moment: WellingtonBoat excursion to Abel Tasman National ParkWalk in Abel Tasman National ParkSeal colony visitPancake RocksLake Matheson walkAoraki/Mt Cook National ParkMilford Sound day cruiseLake Tekapo Bike Ride

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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5.0

based on 8 reviews

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