View Dates

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Auckland & Finishing: Auckland

There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Instructions

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.

Day 2 - Starting: Auckland & Finishing: Hahei

Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt out in favour of sea kayaking. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach.

Day 3 - Starting: Hahei & Finishing: Rotorua

Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, like Hell's Gate, or go whitewater rafting nearby. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts.

Instructions

Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions.

Day 4 - Starting: Rotorua & Finishing: Wellington

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.

Day 5 - Starting: Wellington & Finishing: Wellington

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 6 - Starting: Wellington & Finishing: Kaikoura

For dinner, opt to chow down on the national dish – fish and chips – near the beach.

Day 7 - Starting: Kaikoura & Finishing: Hanmer Springs

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs. Take a soak in the hot springs.

Day 8 - Starting: Hanmer Springs & Finishing: Franz Josef

Travel across the Southern Alps via the stunningly scenic Arthur's Pass. Go for a hike in the mountains or rainforest. Stay in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.

Day 9 - Starting: Franz Josef & Finishing: Franz Josef

There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, horse trekking, quad biking, skydiving, glacier valley walk, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

Day 10 - Starting: Franz Josef & Finishing: Queenstown

Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.

Day 11 - Starting: Queenstown & Finishing: Queenstown

With free time here, opt to go bungy jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

Day 12 - Starting: Queenstown & Finishing: Fiordland National Park

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife before an overnight on board.

Instructions

Due to weather during the winter (May - Oct), instead of staying overnight in Milford Sound we'll be taking a day cruise around Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown for the night.

Day 13 - Starting: Fiordland National Park & Finishing: Twizel

Head through the centre of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook.

Day 14 - Starting: Twizel & Finishing: Christchurch

Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

Day 15 - Starting: Christchurch & Finishing: Christchurch

Depart at any time.

View Dates

More Information

What’s Included

Coromandel Peninsula visit. Cathedral Cove visit. Hot Water Beach stop. Traditional Maori ceremony and Hangi dinner. Overnight in Maori village. Orientation walk in Wellington. Scenic train journey. Beach time in Kaikoura. Arthurs Pass. Fiordland National Park visit. Milford Sound overnight boat excursion (Seasonal; May through September will have a day cruise). Visit to Mt Cook NP with hiking opportunity (weather permitting). Visit to Mt Cook NP Visitor’s Centre. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Check out a Hot Water Beach, feast on a hangi in a Maori village, let loose in Queenstown, cruise around the fjords of Milford Sound, travel a scenic rail route

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.

Important Notes

TRANSPORTATION
Please note that the train on the south island is seasonal and does not run from May to September. Day 6 and 7 transportation will be a public bus during this time period instead of a train.

WIFI/Internet Access
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.

Group Leader Description

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.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

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, though generally food is cheap. 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. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the M/S Expedition or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. 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.

Transport

Private van/bus, walking, ferry, train, boat.

About our Transportation

Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver.

The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.

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.

Accommodation

Hotels (12 nts), Maori village (1 nt, multi-share), boat (1 nt, seasonal).

My Own Room Exceptions

Night 3 at Maori Village

NOTE: If you have booked the My Own Room option, on Night 2 there may be shared facilities (cottage style accommodation), but you will have your own room.

My Own Room will not be available in Milford Sound on the Oct 29, 2017 departure.

About Accommodation

Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Bathroom and showering facilities are often shared and may not be en-suite.

Joining Hotel

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions

By Taxi: $70-80, approximately 30 minutes.

By Shuttle Bus: $33 for 1 person, $8 per additional. The “Super Shuttle” is a 24-hour service that takes approximately 1 hour. The shuttle waits outside of the terminal and provides door-to-door service.

By Skybus: $16 per person. Leaves from outside the airport terminal every 10-15 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Office (Melbourne)
During office hours, 9am-5pm Local Time: +61 3 9413 5820 (if dialing from outside Australia) or 03 9413 5820 (if dialing from within Australia)

After Hours Emergency Number
From outside Australia: +61 432 705 621
From within Australia: 0432 705 621

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend the use of a duffel bag, soft bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). 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.

For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.

New Zealand weather can be quite variable, even in summer, and layers are recommended throughout the year.

Checklist

-Documents
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•NZD cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

-Weather-appropriate clothing
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Towel
•Swimwear
•Sun hat
•Sturdy walking shoes
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Money belt
•Flashlight or headlamp
•Camera, memory card(s) and battery/charger
•Electricity plug adapter (220-240V, 2 flat, inverted v-shaped pins)
•First-aid kit

-Day pack
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Insect Repellent

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

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.

Money Exchange

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in New Zealand and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.

Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so.  Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%.  Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) – do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip – but it certainly isn’t expected.

Optional Activities

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON TOUR
All prices are per person, in NZD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Please note there may be weight restrictions on certain activities (eg skydiving 100 – 110 kg).

ROTORUA:
Zorb $45
Luge $46
White Water Rafting $95
Polynesian Spa $25+

FRANZ JOSEF:
Heli-Ice Explorer Guided Hike (Heli transfer) $379 – $409
Heli Hike $449 – $499

QUEENSTOWN:
Bungy Jumping $175-$225
Canyon Swing $199
Jet Boat $139
Ziptrek $129-$179
Lord of the Rings Horse Riding Tour $195
Sky Diving $299 (9000ft) $339 (12000ft) $439 (15000ft)

KAIKOURA:
Whale Watch $145
Dolphin Swimming $170
Seal Swim $80-$110

Please note: Usually there is time for one activity in each location (except Queenstown where there are two free days for activities).

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Trip Specific Safety

*Please note: In the winter months (usually between June and October) when there is snow on the mountains the Tongariro Crossing can only be done with special equipment and a guide. If you still wish to do the crossing your CEO can arrange it and there will be an extra cost of around $100 for the equipment and guidance. If you do not wish to do the walk in such conditions we include a couple of shorter walks and visit the Volcanic Information Centre as an alternative activity during these months.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Planeterra is G Adventures’ non-profit foundation created to make a positive difference in the communities where G Adventures takes travellers. Planeterra supports sustainable social and environmental solutions in destinations travellers love to visit.

As travellers, it’s natural to want to give back to the places we’ve come to love. But to truly impact poverty, we work to build self-sufficiency, not dependency.

Planeterra partners with grassroots organizations with firsthand knowledge of local culture and true community needs. This ensures that solutions come from the people we support. Then G Adventures brings travellers to visit, fuelling sustainable local income in these communities. This model is helping many rural and marginalized communities on their way to self-sufficiency because they are harnessing the power of the tourism industry as a force for good. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit planeterra.org.

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Fifty percent of our planet lives on less than $2/day. For the price of a coffee, you can make every day of your trip count by giving back to the communities you visit through Planeterra.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking).

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Itinerary Notes

Please select the itinerary tab below based on the date you wish to travel to see the most accurate itinerary for that departure.

Max Pax

Max pax 18

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Meal Budget

Allow USD455-595 for meals not included.

Meals Included

13 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Sea Kayaking -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Whitewater Rafting -
• Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Te Papa Museum Visit -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Whale Watching -
• Swimming With Dolphins -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Arthurs Pass walks -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Helicopter Hike -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping -
• Skydiving -
• Shotover Jet Boating -
• Gondola Ride -
• Paragliding -
• Skydiving in Queenstown -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Scenic Flight -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Sea Kayaking -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Whitewater Rafting -
• Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Te Papa Museum Visit -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Whale Watching -
• Swimming With Dolphins -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Arthurs Pass walks -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Helicopter Hike -
• Ice Explorer Guided Hike (Heli Transfer) -
• Franz Josef Kayaking -
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk -
• Franz Josef Quad Bike -
• Horse Trek -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping -
• Skydiving -
• Shotover Jet Boating -
• Gondola Ride -
• Paragliding -
• Skydiving in Queenstown -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Scenic Flight -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Sea Kayaking -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Whitewater Rafting -
• Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Te Papa Museum Visit -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Whale Watching -
• Swimming With Dolphins -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Arthurs Pass walks -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Helicopter Hike -
• Ice Explorer Guided Hike (Heli Transfer) -
• Franz Josef Kayaking -
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk -
• Franz Josef Quad Bike -
• Horse Trek -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Bungee Jumping -
• Skydiving -
• Shotover Jet Boating -
• Gondola Ride -
• Paragliding -
• Skydiving in Queenstown -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Scenic Flight -

Get Inspired