From CAD $5,174 Was CAD $6,899
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(21 reviews)
Experience Overview
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.
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
Trip Details
Product Code: 2655
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Supplier Code: ONAC
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your 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
Accommodation
- Hotels/motels (14nts).
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5174 (CAD $345 /day)
Itinerary
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.Accommodation - Oaks Auckland Hotel
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
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 pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.Free_time - Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua/Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel 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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city. Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
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.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site. Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The White Morph
Day 7: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Drifters Inn Hanmer 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
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 plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Don't waste a minute—get exploring.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's tons to do, get out and get going.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Activity - Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.Activity - Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Godley Hotel
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Enjoy a last night out.Accommodation - Bealey Quarter
Day 15: Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
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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
Reviews
Shagufta D. - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent organization, itinerary, good accommodation and transport, group size great,
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Nancy S. - Traveled, December 2023
I like the smaller group style of travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Nazmulhussein D. - Traveled, December 2023
Our 7th tour with G - we like your style
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Mateusz S. - Traveled, December 2023
Really enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Ariel B. - Traveled, November 2023
Great CEO, Fantastic group, Good viverage of New Zealand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Ruth M. - Traveled, November 2023
The guide on our tour Josey had a passion for New Zealand which she shared with us. She was so informed on so many facets of New Zealand life including fauna, flora, music , politics .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Michael M. - Traveled, November 2023
Very well organized and covers a lot of ground in New Zealand
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Kevin T. - Traveled, November 2023
I don't think the experience is for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Nicholas W. - Traveled, November 2023
The whole trip was excellent. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and really added to the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Junius M. - Traveled, November 2023
Exciting and adventurous experience with a fantastic tour guide Josey Wallace
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Isaac E. - Traveled, November 2023
I had a great time but one hotel was small
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Laurie S. - Traveled, November 2023
The trips are very well organized, the tour members are always very interesting, the tour leader is always friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable, and you always have a great selection of spots to visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Isaac E. - Traveled, November 2023
I had a great time but one hotel was small
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Claire B. - Traveled, December 2023
The itinerary was great and we saw the best that New Zealand has to offer. The hotels were great. The company needs to review the hotel location in Christchurch - it is too far from the central action of town. I was able to book a Hotel 'Give' for US$ 88.00 through RCI located right across from the Botanical Gardens. Your company charged me NZ 150.00. Seems high for the location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Marc A. - Traveled, December 2023
Mainly the group CEO Tori. She was simply amazing, always going above and beyond to ensure we (our group) had the best possible experience. Her knowledge of the local area, plus her driving ability was excellent. She is a credit to G Adventures, and someone you should cherish, as her dedication to her profession is very rare.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Michael L. - Traveled, December 2023
Meal quantity and quality Accommodations lacking basics: functional room safes, gyms with weights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Andrea C. - Traveled, December 2023
One driver and tour guide and very few included activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Melinda D. - Traveled, December 2023
Friendly CEO. Well organized tours. Would like more included and less optional/extra activities and costs (dinner)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Anne L. - Traveled, December 2023
Fabulous experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Geoffrey L. - Traveled, December 2023
We had a brilliant host/driver (Peter Fletcher) who was very knowledgeable and passionate about New Zealand. We visited some lovely places and scenery in this great country, although we didn't partake in a lot of the activities it was lovely to share the joy of the youngsters that did and Peter certainly gave great advice as to alternative walks etc to fill our days. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to all and have already done so.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Judith M. - Traveled, November 2023
Extremely well planned, lots of individual experiences to choose from, amazing CEO - Josey Wallace
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
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