Meals

20 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Others

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington. Sea kayaking excursion. Maori cultural experience. Lake Taupo Sailboat trip. Visit to a seal colony. Walks in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Parks. Fiordland NP visit. Milford Sound nature cruise. Orientation walk in Christchurch. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Transport

Private vehicle, kayak, boat, ferry

Accommodation

Hostels and basic lodges (20 nts multishare)

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Flights

International flights not included.

Others

1. This tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures prior to Day 1 of your tour, and some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Please note that all multi-share accommodation in Australia is generally split by gender. 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.Auckland - Maritime Museum Visit (24NZD per person) - Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience (Pre Tour) (195NZD per person) Waiheke Island - Waiheke Island Excursion (45-130NZD per person) Waitomo - Waitomo Valley Walk (Free) Waitomo Caves - Waitomo Cave Excursion (75NZD per person) Raglan - Legendary Black Water Rafting (179NZD per person) Rotorua - Rotorua Canopy Tours (179-249NZD per person) - Whitewater Rafting (115NZD per person) - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) Wellington - Te Papa Museum Visit (Free) - Wellington Cable Car (6-11NZD per person) Abel Tasman National Park - Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking (190NZD per person) - Sailing (140NZD per person) - Canyoning (255NZD per person) Westport - Surfing in Westport (80NZD per person) Franz Josef - Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (330-425NZD per person) - Hiking (Free) - Franz Josef Kayaking (130NZD per person) Queenstown - Vineyard Tour (210-230NZD per person) - Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person) - Gondola Ride (52-79NZD per person) - Shotover Canyon Swing (259NZD per person) - Skydiving (420-520NZD per person) - Queenstown Jet Boating (159NZD per person) Lake Tekapo - Tekapo Hot Springs (37NZD per person) - Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience (119NZD per person) Kaikoura - Hiking (Free) - Whale Watching (175NZD per person) - Scenic Flight (225NZD per person) - Dolphin Tour (230NZD per person)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Auckland

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

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience (Pre Tour)

Additional Notes: Jump right into your adventure by adding the ’Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience’ extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.
Day 2 Day 2: Auckland/Raglan (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Auckland/Raglan (1B)

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Sea Kayaking
Day 3 Day 3: Raglan (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Raglan (1B, 1D)

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There’s no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Surf Lesson
Day 4 Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua (1B)

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave’s ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you’ll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Te Puia Geyser by Night
Day 5 Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo (1B)

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand’s largest lake.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:00 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Huka Falls
Day 6 Day 6: Taupo/Wellington (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Taupo/Wellington (1B)

Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you’re here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Taupo to Wellington 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Big Night Out
Day 7 Day 7: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
- Ferry 03:30 Hr(s)
Day 8 Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park (1B)

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!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Abel Tasman National Park Walk
Day 9 Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:30 - 05:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Seal Colony Visit
Day 10 Day 10: Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 - 05:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pancake Rocks Trek
Day 11 Day 11: Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Franz Josef (1B)

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!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 12 Day 12: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
Day 13 Day 13: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Queenstown (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Queenstown Jet Boating

Additional Notes: If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your CEO which ones are in season.
Day 14 Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Milford Sound Cruise
Day 15 Day 15: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Queenstown (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your CEO which ones are in season.
Day 16 Day 16: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:15 Hr(s)
Day 17 Day 17: Tekapo (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Tekapo (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Lake Tekapo Bike Ride
Day 18 Day 18: Tekapo To Christchurch (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Tekapo To Christchurch (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
Day 19 Day 19: Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:30 Hr(s)
Day 20 Day 20: Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)
- Ferry 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Big Night Out
Day 21 Day 21: Wellington (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Wellington (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+18

21 days tour

Best Of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

Day 1: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland/Raglan (1B)

Day 3: Raglan (1B, 1D)

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua (1B)

Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo (1B)

Day 6: Taupo/Wellington (1B)

Day 7: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)

Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park (1B)

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)

Day 10: Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)

Day 11: Franz Josef (1B)

Day 12: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

Day 13: Queenstown (1B)

Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)

Day 15: Queenstown (1B)

Day 16: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B, 1D)

Day 17: Tekapo (1B)

Day 18: Tekapo To Christchurch (1B)

Day 19: Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)

Day 20: Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)

Day 21: Wellington (1B)

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