P.O. Box 741122
New Orleans, Louisiana 70174
Phone 504-398-0056
Email: ttravel@thomascruise.com
www.thomascruise.com

 

G Adventures Arrow Australia / Pacific Arrow 18-to-Thirtysomethings: Best of New Zealand (ONNS)
18-to-Thirtysomethings: Best of New Zealand (ONNS)
Countries Visited: New Zealand
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Basic
  • Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences
  • Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character
  • Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction
  • Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget
    Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
    Group Size: Max 20, avg 16
    Meals Included: 20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
    Accommodations: Hostels (8 nts), basic hotel (4 nts), basic lodges (7 nts), floating boat hostel (1 nt, summer, cabin in winter months). Most nights are multi-share.

    Highlights
    Learn about the Maori culture, conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weave through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discover Abel Tasman National Park by foot

    Description
    Compared with their enormous neighbour to the left, the islands of New Zealand don't look especially big on the map, but don't let their small stature deceive you. There is much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, cruising remote fjords, or taking in some of the worlds most breathtaking views. But if you're short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South Islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.
  • Call 504-398-0056 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13721536
    Tour OperatorG Adventures
    Duration
    21 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1AucklandDay 1 Auckland
    Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, opt to visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island. Additional Notes: Jump right into your adventure by adding the Auckland Sailing: Americas Cup Experience extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Aucklands 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. This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2RaglanDay 2 Auckland/Raglan (1B, 1L)
    Travel backroads to a remote conservation farm where they are using natural means to boost the stocks of traditionally farmed marine life. Farmers have created a balanced ecosystem to attract native birds and animals back to the area. After, kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our lodge a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night. Included Activities: Sea Kayaking Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 160km)
    Day 3RaglanDay 3 Raglan (1B, 1D)
    Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as yoga, mountain biking or exploring the many trails in the area. Included Activities: Surf Lessons
    Day 4RotoruaDay 4 Raglan/Rotorua (1B)
    Stop en route at Waitomo. Enjoy free time to visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities, or explore this scenic area by foot. Continue to Rotorua for an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village. Included Activities: Maori Cultural Experience Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 260km)
    Day 5Tongariro National ParkDay 5 Rotorua/Tongariro National Park (1B, 1D)
    Start early to walk the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealands top-rated 1-day trek. Collect all your supplies before the hike - the transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and pick up everyone at the end. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night. An on-site spa and sauna is available to help ease tired muscles. Additional Notes: Please note that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is self-guided and will be without a CEO. The trail is clearly marked. Please note that during winter months (June-October), this is an optional hike. There is an extra cost of approximately $135NZD for winter equipment and guide if you opt to do this activity. Included Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 180km)
    Day 6WellingtonDay 6 Tongariro National Park/Wellington (1B)
    Travel to Wellington, New Zealands 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. Included Activities: Te Papa Museum Visit Big Night Out Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 400km)
    Day 7Abel Tasman National ParkDay 7 Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)
    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. Board a water taxi to transfer to the middle of the National Park for the night. The night will be spent on a floating boat hostel. Additional Notes: During the winter season (May - Oct), and when there is inclement weather in the summer, we will stay in cabins in a true rural setting on the edge of the park instead of the floating boat hostel. Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 200km) Water taxi (0.50 hour(s)) Ferry (3.50 hour(s), 92km)
    Day 8Abel Tasman National ParkDay 8 Abel Tasman National Park (1B)
    Hike and explore Abel Tasmans golden beaches and waterways. Included Activities: Abel Tasman National Park Walk
    Day 9WestportDay 9 Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)
    Head south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Visit a seal colony before travelling to Westport, the stop for the night. Included Activities: Seal Colony Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (4.50-5.00 hours, 270km)
    Day 10Franz JosefDay 10 Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)
    Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night. Included Activities: Pancake Rocks Trek Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00-5.50 hours, 285km)
    Day 11Franz JosefDay 11 Franz Josef (1B)
    Free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.
    Day 12QueenstownDay 12 Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
    Visit the adventure capital of the world-Queenstown. Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 365km)
    Days 13-14QueenstownDays 13-14 Queenstown
    Free time in Queenstown. Get the heart pumping with some adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving. 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 (late April - early Nov) 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 15Doubtful SoundDay 15 Queenstown/Doubtful Sound (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Visit Fiordland National Park en route to Doubtful Sound. Additional Notes: Depending on weather the walk and kayak may be reversed to fall on different days. Included Activities: Fiordland National Park Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 250km)
    Day 16WedderburnDay 16 Doubtful Sound/Wedderburn (1B, 1D)
    Enjoy a guided kayak excursion through jaw-dropping scenery (seasonal), then travel to Central Otago. Additional Notes: Due to cold weather during the winter months (approx May to late September), we will be going on a three hour nature cruise in Doubtful Sound instead of kayaking in the area. Included Activities: Kayaking Excursion Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 350km)
    Day 17WedderburnDay 17 Wedderburn (1B)
    Bike 35 km of the Otago Rail Trail, passing through one historic town to the next. Along the way sample some local food and drink. Included Activities: Biking Otago Rail Trail
    Day 18ChristchurchDay 18 Wedderburn/Christchurch (1B)
    Overnight in the very unique converted jail house. Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 400km)
    Day 19KaikouraDay 19 Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)
    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. Additional Notes: As a result of the recent earthquake in New Zealand, groups departing before Jan 18, 2018 will be rerouted to Picton or Nelson instead of Kaikoura today. Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 180km)
    Day 20WellingtonDay 20 Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)
    Travel to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington. Opt for a final night out with the group. Transport: Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s), 150km) Ferry (3.00 hour(s), 92km)
    Day 21WellingtonDay 21 Wellington (1B)
    We highly recommend pre- or post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city. Included Activities: Departure Day
    Dates/Pricing
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    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: N/A

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
     
    Thomas Travel & Cruise

    P.O. Box 741122 • New Orleans, Louisiana 70174  Phone 504-398-0056

    ttravel@thomascruise.com • www.thomascruise.com