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New Zealand: South Island Encompassed - G Adventures Tour
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G Adventures Guided Tour

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

16 Days 55 Departures
From $2,024 per person

Tour Overview

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. If you prefer your travel experiences paired with adrenaline-pumping activities, then look no further than the South Island of New Zealand. Action is the common thread throughout this trip across a variety of landscapes — think rainforests, glaciers, and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is a, um, trip even when you’re not moving; accommodations include a wilderness hostel deep in the rainforest itself. Do people still say rad? Well, this is rad.

Tour Summary

Duration16 Days / 15 Nights
OperatorG Adventures
Departures55 in 2026–2027
Starting From$2,024 pp
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Tour Route

Map of your 16-day journey

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed route map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

16 days through your journey

Day 1

Wellington

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on a night out in Wellington. Choose to head to your CEO’s favourite local spot for dinner together before enjoying a social evening of bar games, music, and singing.
Day 2

Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park

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.
Day 3

Abel Tasman National Park

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!
Day 4

Abel Tasman National Park/Westport

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.
Day 5

Westport/Franz Josef

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.
Day 6

Franz Josef

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!
Day 7

Franz Josef/Queenstown

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.
Day 8

Queenstown

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.
Day 9

Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown

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.
Day 10

Queenstown

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.
Day 11

Queenstown to Tekapo

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.
Day 12

Tekapo

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.
Day 13

Tekapo to Christchurch

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.
Day 14

Christchurch/Kaikoura

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 dolphins, 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.
Day 15

Kaikoura/Wellington

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.
Day 16

Wellington

Depart at any time.

Departure Dates & Pricing

55 departures available

Departure DateEnd DateStatusPrice Per Person
Jul 9, 2026 Jul 24, 2026 Available $2,024per person Get Quote
Jul 23, 2026 Aug 7, 2026 Available $2,024per person Get Quote
Aug 6, 2026 Aug 21, 2026 Available $2,159per person Get Quote
Aug 20, 2026 Sep 4, 2026 Available $2,024per person Get Quote
Sep 3, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 Available $2,249per person Get Quote
Sep 17, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 Available $2,549per person Get Quote
Sep 24, 2026 Oct 9, 2026 Available $2,549per person Get Quote
Oct 8, 2026 Oct 23, 2026 Available $2,294per person Get Quote
Oct 15, 2026 Oct 30, 2026 Available $2,294per person Get Quote
Oct 22, 2026 Nov 6, 2026 Available $2,294per person Get Quote
Oct 29, 2026 Nov 13, 2026 Available $2,294per person Get Quote
Nov 5, 2026 Nov 20, 2026 Available $2,294per person Get Quote
Nov 12, 2026 Nov 27, 2026 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 19, 2026 Dec 4, 2026 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 26, 2026 Dec 11, 2026 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Dec 3, 2026 Dec 18, 2026 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 10, 2026 Dec 25, 2026 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 17, 2026 Jan 1, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 24, 2026 Jan 8, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 31, 2026 Jan 15, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Jan 7, 2027 Jan 22, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Jan 14, 2027 Jan 29, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Jan 21, 2027 Feb 5, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Jan 28, 2027 Feb 12, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Feb 4, 2027 Feb 19, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Feb 11, 2027 Feb 26, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Feb 18, 2027 Mar 5, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Feb 25, 2027 Mar 12, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Mar 4, 2027 Mar 19, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Mar 11, 2027 Mar 26, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Mar 18, 2027 Apr 2, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Apr 1, 2027 Apr 16, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Apr 8, 2027 Apr 23, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Apr 15, 2027 Apr 30, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Apr 29, 2027 May 14, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
May 13, 2027 May 28, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
May 27, 2027 Jun 11, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Jun 10, 2027 Jun 25, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Jun 24, 2027 Jul 9, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Jul 8, 2027 Jul 23, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Jul 22, 2027 Aug 6, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Aug 5, 2027 Aug 20, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Aug 19, 2027 Sep 3, 2027 Available $2,499per person Get Quote
Sep 2, 2027 Sep 17, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Sep 16, 2027 Oct 1, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Sep 30, 2027 Oct 15, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Oct 14, 2027 Oct 29, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Oct 28, 2027 Nov 12, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 4, 2027 Nov 19, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 11, 2027 Nov 26, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 18, 2027 Dec 3, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Nov 25, 2027 Dec 10, 2027 Available $2,699per person Get Quote
Dec 2, 2027 Dec 17, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 9, 2027 Dec 24, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote
Dec 16, 2027 Dec 31, 2027 Available $2,899per person Get Quote

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