New Zealand Adventure

12 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
New Zealand’s South Island is split by the snowcapped spine of the Southern Alps, fringed with karst cave systems and wild beaches, laced with gorgeous fjords, and iced with glaciers. It’s no wonder that the “adventure capital of the world” is found here. Set off on a multi-sport adventure, paddling along the pristine northern coast in a sea kayak, hiking coa...
From$7,695
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Sea kayak among dolphins and fur seals on the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
    • Trek across Franz Josef Glacier, exploring the maze of crevasses and towering icefalls.
    • Go tubing through caves lit up by glowworms.
    • Stargaze and watch for wildlife on an overnight cruise in glorious Milford Sound.

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand’s South Island is split by the snowcapped spine of the Southern Alps, fringed with karst cave systems and wild beaches, laced with gorgeous fjords, and iced with glaciers. It’s no wonder that the “adventure capital of the world” is found here. Set off on a multi-sport adventure, paddling along the pristine northern coast in a sea kayak, hiking coastal trails between soaring mountains and the Tasman Sea, trekking across a glacier that descends through a rain forest, and black-water rafting on a subterranean river. Get to know the charm and personality of towns like Nelson and Wanaka, and opt to try bungee jumping in Queenstown, birthplace of the commercial sport. Then cap off the adventure with an overnight cruise on the sublime Milford Sound.

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Details

Itinerary focusActive
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityNelson
End CityQueenstown

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Train & Rail Journeys
  • Sailing

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Mount Cook
  • Nelson
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Dolphin Swim
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Nelson, New Zealand

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:DeLorenzo’s Apartments Nelson

Arrive in Nelson, a sunny hub of artists and craftspeople on the northern shores of the South Island. Gather for an orientation at our waterfront hotel and enjoy time to discover this vibrant town before our welcome dinner tonight.

Day 2: Abel Tasman National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge

Travel to Kaiteriteri and catch a water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park. Set out on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, declared one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” by the Department of Conservat...

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge

Spend the day exploring the spectacular Tonga Island Marine Reserve by sea kayak. Paddle into inlets and intimate coves, keeping an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins. ...

Day 4: West Coast/Punakaiki

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort

After a leisurely morning, return to Kaiteriteri by water taxi. Follow the Buller River gorge to the wild west coast, where the snowcaps of the Southern Alps rise above the rugged shores ...

Day 5: Paparoa National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika

Ride the Charleston Nile River Rainforest Train into a jungle-covered karst canyon to our black-water cave rafting adventure. Head through a jagged wonderland of stalactites and ...

Day 6: Okarito

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Hit the trail in Okarito, taking in a magnificent panorama of wild coastline and soaring, icy peaks including, on a clear day, Mount Cook, the highest summit in New Zealand. Conti...

Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Set out on a hike this morning with our guide to explore the Franz Josef area by foot. Weather permitting, perhaps choose to book an optional flightseeing helicopter ride for views of the glacier (additional cost). This afternoon, relax at a café, or enjoy the glacier hot pools. (2 miles hiking, 2–3 hours)

Day 8: Southern Alps/Wanaka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge Resort

Travel into the Southern Alps today, crossing the Main Divide on our way to the Southern Lakes District and the charming town of Wanaka. Trace the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, and stop for short hikes along our route.

Day 9: Mt Aspiring National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge Resort

Follow the Matukituki River valley into Mount Aspiring National Park. Spend the day hiking the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain tracks, and take in stunning alpine views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. (6 miles hiking, 4–6 hours)

Day 10: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Drive to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit a local winery, go on a hike, or try out an adventure sport—bungee jumping, jet boating, and skydiving are just a few of the possibilities.

Day 11: Milford Sound

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Milford Mariner

Journey into Fiordland National Park today, taking short hikes along the way. In the afternoon, set sail on the Milford Mariner on the magnificent Milford Sound, cruising the full length with a nature guide. Celebrate our adventure amid the majesty of this fabled fjord with a farewell dinner on board.

Day 12: Queenstown/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ship before returning to Queenstown. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,695
Price per day$641
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Optional gratuities
    • Personal items
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Meals Included

11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 9 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
nation-newzeanat

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