New Zealand is the perfect place for adrenaline and activity, and there's nowhere in the country more suited to that than the South Island. On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two wheels through the trails around Mt Cook. If you're not out of breath just from reading all that, then it's time to start packing.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef. Abel Tasman National Park hike. Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. Punakaiki pancake rocks visit. Seal colony stop. Okarito Lagoon walk. Full-day Routeburn Track hiking excursion. Fiordland National Park visit. Cruise through Milford Sound. Mount Cook cycling excursion. Hike the Mt Cook region. Orientation walk in Christchurch. Free time in Franz Josef and Queenstown. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Kayak in the waters of Abel Tasman National Park, try exhilarating adventures in Queenstown, cruise through Milford Sound, cycle at the base of Mt Cook, hike a section of the Routeburn Track.
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
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.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels/hostels (14 nts).
Itinerary
Christchurch
Arrive at any time.
Christchurch/Kaikoura
Transfer north, along the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoura. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area or take in an optional activity. A free afternoon can be spent visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, partaking in a peninsula walkway walk, 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.
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Take in the scenery of the South Island while travelling to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Sample some local produce and wine as you travel through the renowned Marlborough wine region. Enjoy free time to explore upon arrival.
Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by boat, sea kayak and on foot. After a full day of exploring, reward your efforts with a well earned meal at one of Marahau local eateries.
Marahau/Lake Brunner
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Lake Brunner/Franz Josef
Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon en route. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as hiking and checking out the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include a helicopter hike, a glacier valley walk, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef/Wanaka
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to hiking or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Wanaka/Queenstown
Drive the winding route between Wanaka and Queenstown passing through picturesque wine country and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Watch as the scenery shifts from vast open valleys to the hustle and bustle of the city, and get ready to enjoy a free afternoon in the "adventure capital of the world." Enjoy a free afternoon to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boat outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Queenstown
Travel to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Queenstown
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Queenstown/Twizel
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
Twizel
Prepare for an action packed day! Start on two-wheels on a mountain biking excursion around the Aoraki/Mt Cook region. In the afternoon, discover stunning landscapes on foot.
Twizel/Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
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. 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.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
