Highlights of New Zealand

15 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Discover ethereal glowworm caves in Waitomo, discover Maori culture, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider t...
26%
$4,535
From$3,359
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Marvel at the striking franz josef glacier
    • Feast on a hangi in a maori village
    • Let loose in queenstown
    • Cruise around the fjords of doubtful sound

What's this trip about?

    Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Discover ethereal glowworm caves in Waitomo, discover Maori culture, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Transformative

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Mount Cook
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Waitomo
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Photography

Trip includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz JosefYour Discover Moment: Queenstown
    • Waitomo Glowworm caves visit
    • Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch
    • Wine tasting
    • Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise
    • Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
    • Internal flight between Wellington and Christchurch
    • Free time in Rotorua
    • Wellington
    • Franz Josef
    • and Queenstown
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time.

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

This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like a local winery, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.

Day 2 Auckland/Rotorua

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Day 3 Rotorua

Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.

Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured ...

Day 4 Rotorua/Wellington

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.

Day 5 Wellington

Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.

Day 6 Wellington/Kaikoura

Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.

Day 7 Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

Day 8 Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef

Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.

Day 9 Franz Josef

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.

There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

Day 10 Franz Josef/Queenstown

Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.

Day 11 Queenstown

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Day 12 Queenstown

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.

Day 13 Queenstown to Tekapo

Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

Day 14 Tekapo to Christchurch

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.

Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

Day 15 Christchurch

Depart at any time.

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  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,359
Price per day$224
Last Updated: 5/13/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
19 May 2024
02 Jun 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
23 May 2024
06 Jun 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
02 Jun 2024
16 Jun 2024
$3,359
Sold Out
06 Jun 2024
20 Jun 2024
$4,199
12 spots left
16 Jun 2024
30 Jun 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
30 Jun 2024
14 Jul 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
04 Jul 2024
18 Jul 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
14 Jul 2024
28 Jul 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
28 Jul 2024
11 Aug 2024
$3,779
Sold Out
01 Aug 2024
15 Aug 2024
$4,199
1 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels/motels (14nts).,Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure.

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat.,Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver. The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat. Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver. The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

1) Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to. 2) Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions. 3) ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. 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.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the M/S Expedition or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-23682

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