Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2675
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Active
Supplier Code: ONSM
Starts: Christchurch, New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- 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
Accommodation
- Hotels/hostels (14 nts).
- 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5449 (CAD $363 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Arrive at any time.
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 - Bealey Quarter
Day 2: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Drive from Christchurch to KaikouraFree_time - A free afternoon can be spent visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, 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.Accommodation - Dusky Lodge
Day 3: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The Barn Cabins & Camp
Day 4: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Enjoy a scenic transfer via water taxi into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park.Activity - Explore the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by foot.Activity - See Abel Tasman National Park at a pleasant pace by sea kayak. Take part in a safety briefing and preparation, then head out into the water to glide in and out of the bays and islets on the route to Marahau. Look for nesting seabirds and tiny islands, and enjoy amazing views along the way.Accommodation - The Barn Cabins & Camp
Day 5: Marahau/Lake Brunner
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Stop by a viewing platform over a New Zealand fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Female seals will live in the same colony for the duration of their lives, whereas male seals move around more. The males visit the Cape Foulwind colony between late November and mid-January for mating season. All seasons offer plenty of activity to check out, from mating to the raising of baby pups and feeding out at sea.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Walk along a loop trail with informative signs detailing how the 'Pancake Rocks' were formed millions of years ago. When the trail reaches the coast, there are many lookouts for photo stops and beautiful views of the coast, the rocks and the blowholes found along the area.Accommodation - Hotel Lake Brunner
Day 6: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through the wetlands of Okarito Lagoon, bordered by forest and surrounded by nature. Enjoy spectacular views all the way up to the mountains on a clear day. Take the time to soak in the scenery – the walk is a short climb up to a viewpoint that includes a variety of landscapes on the path through the estuary out through the wetlands.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Alpine Glacier Motel
Day 7: 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.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - A variety of optional activities are available in the wildnerness around Franz Josef. Choices include a helicopter hike, glacier valley walk, quad biking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.Accommodation - Alpine Glacier Motel
Day 8: 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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Use free time to check out the optional activities around Wanaka. Accommodation - Wanaka Hotel
Day 9: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time to try some of the challenging optional activities available in the “adventure capital of the world.”Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 10: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Recharge your camera and be ready to shoot stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea and then search for dolphins and seals. This place is any artist's dream!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 11: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out for a day of hiking along the stunning Routeburn Track. Start on a gradual incline through a 130 million year old forest, with incredible views of snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear streams, and alpine meadows. After enjoying a picnic lunch, continue on the forgotten paths of the Maori while travelling along their old 'Greenstone' trails. With incredible scenery and historical significance, this hike is not one to miss!Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 12: Queenstown/Twizel
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a final morning in Queenstown, with time for optional activities.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - High Country Lodge Motel
Day 13: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hop on a bike and experience the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail.Activity - Hike in the shadow of Mt Cook.Accommodation - High Country Lodge Motel
Day 14: Twizel/Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief drive 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 the evening exploring Christchurch during free time.Accommodation - Bealey Quarter
Day 15: Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Experiences
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
Mikyong K. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organized and guide James McNicol did a fantastic job.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Anouk G. - Traveled, December 2023
Good organisation, nice guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Minetta W. - Traveled, December 2023
The tour did not provide enough flexibility when activities got cancelled due to weather or other reasons. I was not able to do the heli hike at Franz Josef (cancelled) and although people asked for it there was no option (due to G Adventures schedule) to try again the next day. Also we were not able to do the Mount Cook Valley Trek because it was closed for a few hours and there was no option (due to G Adventures schedule) to wait a few hours for it to open.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Jonathan L. - Traveled, November 2023
Most of the factors that would figure into my recommendation regard whether they are interested in this style of travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Elizabeth S. - Traveled, November 2023
The G Adventures South Island Multisport was a great trip! I loved the itinerary and the optional activities. The guide was wonderful and the group was very fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Lynn G. - Traveled, November 2023
Great trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Katrina T. - Traveled, November 2023
It is always well organized and the guides are great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Peter T. - Traveled, November 2023
Trusted provider and excellent guidance by tour CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Somdatta B. - Traveled, April 2023
the trip was fairly well organised apart from some aspects where it could have been better managed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Thomas D. - Traveled, April 2023
The tour was really well thought through with some amazing activities lined up as well as other optional activities which are truest once in a lifetime experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Reema K. - Traveled, April 2023
The age group / demographic (eg 19-82), marital status (half the group were couples) and group size (16 or so) did not really enable life long friendships (unlike another tour company I have been with)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Shay D. - Traveled, April 2023
Freedom to choose activities and involvement, meeting people across the world, CEOs who are passionate about travel and guiding us to have a good time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Barbara H. - Traveled, March 2023
Past trips, quality of CEO, customer service in scheduling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Birgit M. - Traveled, March 2023
James, our guide was fantastic. But from G Adventures side are a few things that could make his life or ours ad costumer easier (e.g. dolphin swim was fully booked)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Caitlin G. - Traveled, March 2023
Super friendly and easy way to meet lots of like minded people! It especially takes the stress away from solo travelling
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Shelli K. - Traveled, March 2023
The itinerary and CEO were amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Lydia H. - Traveled, February 2023
Everything was well organised and super easy going
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Daria E. - Traveled, February 2023
The tour itself was great, aside from 2 accommodations, and the tour director was stellar. All my troubles with G Adventures were with registration and getting signed up and getting any information back from them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
James S. - Traveled, February 2023
it's such a fun way to travel and takes all the hassle of out organising
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
Jeffrey M. - Traveled, January 2023
Have had a positive experience on this, and previous Peru, trip. CEO knowledge and organization were impressive, absolutely invaluable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience







