| Starts | Auckland, New Zealand |
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| Ends | Christchurch, New Zealand |
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| Region | Australia / Pacific |
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| Duration | 15 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | ONAC 22936 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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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. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural Jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt to try sea kayaking.
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: National Park
Start early and enjoy some walking options in the small town of National Park.
Day 5 - Starting: National Park & Finishing: Wellington
Enjoy a free morning before hopping the train for a scenic journey to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city.
Instructions
On occasions when this train is cancelled, we will travel by local bus.
Day 6 - Starting: Wellington & Finishing: Kaikoura
Early morning ferry to the South Island. Travel the Coastal Railway from Picton to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its volcanic black-sand beaches.
For dinner, opt to chow down on the national dish – fish and chips – on the beach.
Day 7 - Starting: Kaikoura & Finishing: Christchurch
Opt to wander the city and see the rebuilding efforts, have a pint or two at the local pubs or walk along the Avon River.
Day 8 - Starting: Christchurch & 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
Spend the morning hiking the region surrounding Mt Cook, taking in the alpine scenery with the chance to learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the visitor's centre. Continue on to Christchurch for one final night together.
Day 15 - Starting: Christchurch & Finishing: Christchurch
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Coromandel Peninsula visit. Hot Water Beach stop. Traditional Hangi ceremony and dinner. Overnight in Maori village. National Park walks. Scenic train journeys. Beach time in Kaikoura. Arthurs Pass. Franz Josef Glacier visit. Fiordland National Park visit. Milford Sound overnight boat excursion (Seasonal. May through September will have a day cruise). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Check out a hot water beach, feast on a Hangi in Rotorua, let loose in Queenstown, cruise around the fjords of Milford Sound, travel famous scenic rail routes
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
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.
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
Train, private van/bus, walking, boat
About our Transportation
Our vans are Mini Coaches (20 seat vans which have been accommodated to occupy 18 people so you have more space while travelling). Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13 seater vehicles. All Mini Coaches tow a trailer for luggage and equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.
The vehicles are factory built, with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. They are fitted with seat belts and it is mandatory to wear them.
Solo Travellers
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.
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Bathroom and showering facilities are often shared and may not be en-suite.
Joining Hotel
Ibis Styles Auckland
20 Wyndam St
Auckland
New Zealand
+64 9-308 9140
Please note that the November 22nd, 2015 departure will begin at the below hotel:
Kiwi International Hotel
411 Queen St.
Auckland
New Zealand
93796487
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 Air Bus: $16 per person. Leaves from outside the airport terminal every 10-15 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour.
For the Kiwi International Hotel:
On the Air Bus, Route #05 via Dominion Rd (stop 1D #7063 Upper Queen Street) drops you off right outside
OR
Route #01 via Mt Eden Rd (takes you to stop 1D#7300 Langham Hotel) about 3 minutes walk
Arrival Complications
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
(Australia) +61 430 321 725
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: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
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 well-labeled duffel bag, soft bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). Suitcases or heavy luggage are not recommended for the health of the CEO! A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential as you will have the chance to walk and hike in different national parks during these trips. 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 charger
•Electricity plug adapter (220-240V, 2 flat, inverted v-shaped pins)
•First-aid kit
-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-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
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
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. Â Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Â 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
PERSONALIZE YOUR TRIP
Extras are specially designed for travellers with unique interests, they are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure.
*For specific days of each activity please see the Full Itinerary*
QUEENSTOWN JET BOATING
Queenstown, Half-day
It’s a jet-boating ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown – need we say more? Okay, how about this – imagine a white-water ride with the turns and paces expertly done by a trained driver. All you need to do is strap in and get ready to get wet.
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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) $310
Heli Hike $414
QUEENSTOWN:
Bungy Jumping $175-$225
Canyon Swing $199
Jet Boat $129
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
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
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Feedback
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Max Pax
Max pax 18
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 2 Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking -
- Cathedral Cove Scenic Walk -
Day 3 Optional Activities
- Whitewater Rafting -
- Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit -
Day 7 Optional Activities
- Whale Watching -
- Swimming With Dolphins -
Day 8 Optional Activities
Day 9 Optional Activities
Day 11 Optional Activities
- Bungee Jumping -
- Skydiving -
- Shotover Jet Boating -
- Gondola Ride -
- Paragliding -
Day 13 Optional Activities
- Scenic Flight -
- Cycling -
- Mount Cook Visit -
- Visitor's Centre -
Day 2 Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking -
- Cathedral Cove Scenic Walk -
Day 3 Optional Activities
- Whitewater Rafting -
- Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit -
Day 7 Optional Activities
- Whale Watching -
- Swimming With Dolphins -
Day 8 Optional Activities
Day 9 Optional Activities
Day 11 Optional Activities
- Bungee Jumping -
- Skydiving -
- Shotover Jet Boating -
- Gondola Ride -
- Paragliding -
Day 13 Optional Activities
- Scenic Flight -
- Mount Cook Visit -
- Visitor's Centre -
