New Zealand – South Island Multisport
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating 15-day adventure through New Zealand's stunning South Island with the "South Island Multisport" tour. This action-packed journey begins and ends in Christchurch, taking you through breathtaking landscapes and offering a variety of thrilling activities. Kayak in the pristine waters of Abel Tasman National Park, cycle at the base of the majestic Mt Cook, and hike a section of the renowned Routeburn Track. Experience the adrenaline rush of Queenstown, the adventure capital, and cruise through the awe-inspiring Milford Sound. With private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, and walking as your modes of transport, this small group tour promises an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand's natural wonders. Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels and hostels, and savor the freedom of optional activities and free time in iconic locations like Franz Josef and Queenstown. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Bealey Quarter
Arrive at any time.
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.
Day 2: Christchurch/Kaikoura
Location: Christchurch, Kaikoura
Accommodation Name: Dusky Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON 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.
Day 3: Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Location: Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation Name: The Barn Cabins & Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau
Location: Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau
Accommodation Name: The Barn Cabins & Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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.
Day 5: Marahau/Lake Brunner
Location: Marahau, Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Lake Brunner
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lake Brunner
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
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.
Day 6: Lake Brunner/Franz Josef
Location: Lake Brunner, Okarito Lagoon, Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Alpine Glacier Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
Day 7: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Alpine Glacier Motel
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 8: Franz Josef/Wanaka
Location: Franz Josef, Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Wanaka Hotel
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Use free time to check out the optional activities around Wanaka.
Day 9: Wanaka/Queenstown
Location: Wanaka, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON 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.
Day 10: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
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!
Day 11: Queenstown
Location: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 12: Queenstown/Twizel
Location: Queenstown, Aoraki/Mt Cook
Accommodation Name: High Country Lodge Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a final morning in Queenstown, with time for optional activities.
Day 13: Twizel
Location: Aoraki/Mt Cook
Accommodation Name: High Country Lodge Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
Day 14: Twizel/Christchurch
Location: Twizel, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Bealey Quarter
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
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.
Day 15: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels/hostels (14 nts). -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group.
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Discover Moment
Experience Franz Josef.
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Abel Tasman National Park Hike
Enjoy a hike in Abel Tasman National Park.
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Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
Experience sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park.
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Visit
Visit the Punakaiki pancake rocks.
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Seal Colony Stop
Stop at a seal colony.
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Okarito Lagoon Walk
Take a walk at Okarito Lagoon.
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Routeburn Track Hiking Excursion
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion on the Routeburn Track.
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Fiordland National Park Visit
Visit Fiordland National Park.
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Cruise through Milford Sound
Enjoy a cruise through Milford Sound.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights in a mix of hotels and hostels, providing a comfortable base after each day's adventure.
Transport
Private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, walking.
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Please note that most included breakfasts will be continental style, and consist of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea and instant coffee. Having a simple breakfast together most days allows us the flexibility to get on the road early and get from point A to B all that much faster.
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Mode of Transport
Travel across New Zealand's South Island using a private vehicle, kayak, boat, bicycle, and on foot, ensuring a diverse and scenic journey.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1) Please note that 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. Likewise, 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.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
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About Accommodation
You will be spending your nights in twin-share accommodation. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it's best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What types of activities are included in the New Zealand – South Island Multisport tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, hiking a section of the Routeburn Track, cycling at the base of Mt Cook, and cruising through Milford Sound. There are also opportunities for sea kayaking, visiting the Punakaiki pancake rocks, and exploring the Okarito Lagoon. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour utilizes a range of transportation methods including private vehicles, kayaks, boats, bicycles, and walking to move between destinations and activities.
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What is the accommodation like on this tour?
Accommodation during the tour consists of hotels and hostels for a total of 14 nights. The accommodations are twin-share and have been chosen to provide a local flavor to the trip. Towels and soap are not always provided, and bathroom facilities are shared.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Most included breakfasts are continental style, consisting of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea, and instant coffee.
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What should I pack for the New Zealand – South Island Multisport tour?
It is recommended to pack as lightly as possible, using a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is essential for carrying personal gear during the day. Towels and soap are not always provided, so bringing your own is advisable.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The CEO is the group manager, leader, and driver. They organize and lead meal preparations, offer suggestions for activities and dining, and provide general knowledge about the countries visited. Local guides are also used where specific knowledge will enhance the experience.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
New Zealand – South Island Multisport
15 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau, Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Lake Brunner, Okarito Lagoon, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Twizel ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24951
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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