Highlights of New Zealand — G Adventures | TripFinder.ca
GOperated by G Adventures
Highlights of New Zealand
From
CAD 5,999
Duration
15 days
Countries
New Zealand
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
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.
◆Arrive at any time.
◆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.
◆Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
◆Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way at places like the mighty Huka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
◆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.
◆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.
◆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.
◆Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier, or, as its known in local Māori legends, Kā Roimata-o-Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere).
◆Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
◆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).
◆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.
◆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.
◆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.
◆Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation drive with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
◆Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
15 days
Route
Auckland → Christchurch
Countries
New Zealand
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
New Zealand
Showing Days 1-7
15-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2Drive to the lakeside town of 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.
Day 3Today is yours to explore Rotorua
Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Day 4Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North…
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way at places like the mighty Huka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
Day 5Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city
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.
Day 6Fly to the South Island and travel…
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.
Day 7Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura
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.
TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and Brandi Leanna can handle the booking — and you pay the same as booking G Adventures direct, never more, because the operator pays our commission. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.
