Is it possible to extend the trip to The Catlins?

Unfortunately we do not offer any tours to The Catlins. This would be something they would have to book separately to this tour if they wish to confirm.

Is this too old for this specific tour?

This trip is for 18-39 year olds exclusively. Would you like us to offer an alternative that suits your demographic?

I will be travelling with my 14 year old grandson. We will need separate rooms.

For our trips under 18's must be roomed with a parent or guardian over the age of 18, so we would not be able to place you both in separate rooms.

How many people are on the tour and what is the age profile / demographic of the people on the tour

For the tour New Zealand: South Island Encompassed, the current group demographics are as follows: 9 people confirmed, the majority being female, 5 solo-traveller(s), birthdate decade age range being early-1990s to mid-2000s, the majority being born in the 1990s.

How is the group meeting arranged on the first day of the tour?

Upon arrival at the Joining Hotel, check for a note or bulletin board in the reception detailing the Welcome Meeting on day 1, usually between 5pm and 7pm. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details.

What are the rooming arrangements for the accommodations?

Accommodations involve 4-6 group members sharing rooms, sometimes dormitory-style, generally split by gender, with shared bathroom facilities.

Can I get a private room during the tour?

Private rooms are not available as accommodations are usually in hostels with shared rooms.

Where do I complete the necessary documents for the tour?

You should complete the Good to Go forms as soon as possible to ensure all travel requirements are met ahead of the tour.

Where does the tour start and what is the meeting point?

The tour starts at the Cambridge Hotel, Wellington. Look for a welcome note in the reception for details about the Welcome Meeting.

Can she still join the tour? Please advise.

Our 18-to-thirtysomethings tours are designed for travellers aged 18-39 years old wishing to form interpersonal connections with travellers around their age, while visiting a new destination. Travellers must be 39 years old or younger (but at least 18 years old) as of Day 1 of the departure date of the tour. We do often have travellers outside of this age range who are interested in our 18-to-thirtysomethings trips; however, we have to hold true to our promise on delivering the interpersonal experience we wish to offer with this product. We can not book anyone outside of this age range.

From

$2,699

US $2,024 per person

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

16 days

•

Start and end in Wellington

4.6

26 reviews

View all
Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer.
Rebecca, traveled in January
5.0
View all

From

$2,699

-25%

US $2,024 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Replies within 3 hours •88% response rate

Platinum Operator: G Adventures
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 10 - 20
Ages 18-39

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Wellington
Accommodation
Hotel (Cambridge Hotel)
Included Activities
- Connect With New Friends
- Meet Your CEO and Group
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum (New Zealand's National Museum with Maori artifacts and exhibits)
- Explore Wellington's nightlife, bars, cafes and restaurants on Courtenay Place entertainment district
Landmarks
Te Papa Museum
Courtenay Place
Day 2
Wellington to Abel Tasman National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Camping (The Barn Cabins & Camp)
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Cook Strait
Marlborough Sounds
Day 3
Abel Tasman National Park
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Camping (The Barn Cabins & Camp)
Included Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park Walk
Optional Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking/Hike (230 NZD per person)
- Canyoning (280 NZD per person)
- Sailing (148 NZD per person)
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Day 4
Abel Tasman National Park to Westport
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hostel (Bazil's Hostel & Surf School)
Included Activities
- Seal Colony Visit
Optional Activities
- Surfing in Westport (90 NZD per person)
Landmarks
Cape Foulwind
Day 5
Westport to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Included Activities
- Pancake Rocks Trek
Landmarks
Pancake Rocks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6
Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Kayaking (149-169 NZD per person)
- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (385-655 NZD per person)
- Hiking (Free)
- Glacier Hot Pools spa treatment
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Landmarks
Haast Pass
Day 8
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Jet boating
- Bungee jumping
- Skydiving
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Vineyard tour
- Gondola ride
- Shotover Canyon Swing
Landmarks
Queenstown
Southern Alps
Day 9
Queenstown to Milford Sound and back
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Cruise
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park
Day 10
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Queenstown Jet Boating (179 NZD per person)
- Vineyard Tour (189-265 NZD per person)
- Gondola Ride (66-215 NZD per person)
- Shotover Canyon Swing (295-590 NZD per person)
- Skydiving (449-549 NZD per person)
- Bungee Jumping (320-805 NZD per person)
- Mountain biking
Landmarks
Queenstown
Day 11
Queenstown to Tekapo
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Lakes Edge Holiday Park)
Included Activities
- Visit Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Explore Arrowtown (winter season: 26 May - 30 Sept only)
Landmarks
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre
Lake Tekapo
Arrowtown
Day 12
Lake Tekapo
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lakes Edge Holiday Park)
Included Activities
- Lake Tekapo Bike Ride (21km)
Optional Activities
- Visit Tekapo Hot Springs (40-189 NZD per person)
- Hike to Mt John Observatory
- Explore Dark Sky Reserve
- Relax on Lake Tekapo shores
- Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience (129-219 NZD per person)
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Mt John Observatory
Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve
Day 13
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Drifter Christchurch Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch's nightlife and restaurants
Landmarks
Christchurch
Day 14
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Lodge (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Whale Watching (175 NZD per person)
- Dolphin Tour (135 NZD per person)
- Scenic Flight over the peninsula (250 NZD per person)
- Coastal walk
- Bird watching
Landmarks
Kaikoura
Day 15
Kaikoura to Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Cambridge Hotel)
Included Activities
- Big Night Out
Landmarks
Picton
Day 16
Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Departure Day

Landmarks
Te Papa Museum
Courtenay Place

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Cook Strait
Marlborough Sounds

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park

Landmarks
Cape Foulwind

Landmarks
Pancake Rocks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Haast Pass

Landmarks
Queenstown
Southern Alps

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park

Landmarks
Queenstown

Landmarks
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre
Lake Tekapo
Arrowtown

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Mt John Observatory
Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve

Landmarks
Christchurch

Landmarks
Kaikoura

Landmarks
Picton

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Cambridge Hotel
Hotel
Days 1, 15
The Barn Cabins & Camp
Camping
Days 2, 3
Bazil's Hostel & Surf School
Hostel
day 4
Rainforest Retreat
Hotel
Days 5, 6
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Hostel
Days 7, 8, 9, 10
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Hotel
Days 11, 12
Drifter Christchurch Hotel
Hotel
day 13
Dusky Lodge
Lodge
day 14

Operated by

G Adventures

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7(12,641 reviews)
Response time: 3 hours
Response rate: 88%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.6

Overall rating based on 26 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
4.5
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.3
Food
3.9
Tour Operator
4.7

patrick
February 21st, 2024
Excellent tour. Definitely recommend
Traveled in February 2024
Reply from: G Adventures
Thanks for the recommendation, Patrick. We are glad you had such an excellent experience.
Show more
A
Sarah
October 28th, 2022
Amazing met some great people and made great memories
Traveled in October 2022
Review collected by G Adventures
Reply from: G Adventures
Our world deserves more you!
Show more
Pavla
May 30th, 2020
ZERO stars if i could. I have booked a trip with this company as i met some people in Central America seemingly...
ZERO stars if i could. I have booked a trip with this company as i met some people in Central America seemingly enjoying their time. Wow - how things changed fast with COVID. After i find out our country closes borders i immediately contacted Gadventures to let them know im cancelling 10 days ahead and take the cost of cancellation fee as i know for fact i wont be able to make it for the trip. I hang on the chat for endless hours only to be cut off every 3-4 hours (every single time being 1 hour "next to chat to the agent"). So i emailed them. Automatic reply they will get back in 4-6 weeks. OK, no problem i get you are busy with all the COVID stuff i cant wait some time. But since no one was available on the phone imagine you exchange emails: i write - reply in 4 weeks - i reply the same day - reply in 4 weeks and so on. "we are sorry you are frustrated" in every email, but surely you undestand our situation. So are you stealing from me or are making me your free money lender?? There are institutions for this called BANKS, you arrogants! Funnily enough after I cancelled and took the loss - they sent out their email they are "suspending". They asked me to file a claim with insurance company - isnt it you business to refund since you cancelled in the end (not suspended! never opted for this!!)?. They still refuse to refund anything! ZERO. Totally self-oriented and dont care about their customers at all (wont be able to travel to NZ anymore and do not wish to travel with them EVER again after this). Once you hand them the money its lost FOREVER. Such rude and unethical behaviour - which i believe is also completely illegal - it completely unacceptable. As i have seen on trustpilot i am one of many customers they cheated and mistreated like this. I have already started the legal efforts. Wishing we were suing? Alright. Im sure more people will. Awful. Never, ever, again. Be smart, don't lose your money with this "100% departures guaranteed" company which is rather "never see you money again". Wish you good luck Gadventures with all the suing ahead of you. You surely deserve it for how you treat your customers that spend their hard-earned money with you just to get cheated on and laughed in their face in the end!Show more
Traveled in March 2020
R
Rebecca
January 19th, 2020
Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to...
Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer. Although it’s an amazing area of the world, I’m sure I’ll be back one day. I met some lovely people. CEO Robyn was an amazing organiser and was the best!Show more
Traveled in December 2019
G
Grace
December 15th, 2019
Great people and scenery, plenty of options to either do activities or just hang out!
Traveled in November 2019
M
Marina
July 30th, 2019
Fantastic trip with a great group and an outstanding leader, who kept us entertained throughout the trip! Everything...
Show more
Traveled in June 2019
Reply from: G Adventures
Thank you Marina.
Show more
D
DainRowley
March 6th, 2019
The itinerary was very good always busy but I would of liked an extra day in kaikora and maybe a bit more time in...
The itinerary was very good always busy but I would of liked an extra day in kaikora and maybe a bit more time in Christchurch. The bus ride was very comfy and always entertaining it just got bit to hot sometimes. All the hostels was very good unfortunately we wasn’t able to make it franz Josef and had a night Dunedin and that hostle wasn’t very clean and didn’t feel safe their. 4 stars for meal didn’t mean to click 3 food was good could of done with couple extra meals. Sparkles was amazing she so bubbly and fun always made sure everyone was okay even when the landslide happened she was so chilled out and made such a poor situation all good and didn’t course stress , wonderful women and hope to see her again!!!Show more
Traveled in February 2019
Reply from: G Adventures
So happy to hear - thank you Dain.
Show more
Krisztina
February 28th, 2019
Worth the price, great itinerary, Summer was an excellent guide. Breakfast could have been a bit more "colourful",...
Show more
Traveled in November 2018
Reply from: G Adventures
YES! Thanks Krisztina.
Show more
Julie
February 27th, 2019
Great trip, highly recommend as a fun way to see the South Island.
Traveled in February 2019
Reply from: G Adventures
YES! Thanks Julie.
Show more
J
Jolien
February 3rd, 2019
Great tour to experience 2 weeks of the highlights of the South island
Traveled in December 2018
Reply from: G Adventures
YES! Thanks for sharing Jolien.
Show more

Dates & Availability

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends on 13 May, 2026

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28 May, 2026
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3 Sep, 2026
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US $2,549 per person
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From Thursday
17 Sep, 2026
To Friday
2 Oct, 2026
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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$2,999
US $2,549 per person
Instant Confirmation
-15%
From Thursday
24 Sep, 2026
To Friday
9 Oct, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,999
US $2,549 per person

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What our customers ask about this tour

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C
Christine
Asked on January 5th, 2026
Is it possible to extend the trip to The Catlins?
Tour Details
- G AdventuresOperator•Written January 2026
  Unfortunately we do not offer any tours to The Catlins. This would be something they would have to book separately to this tour if they wish to confirm.
C
Carol
Asked on August 12th, 2025
Is this too old for this specific tour?
Age Range
Tour Details
- G AdventuresOperator•Written August 2025
  This trip is for 18-39 year olds exclusively. Would you like us to offer an alternative that suits your demographic?
A
Anna
Asked on August 11th, 2025
I will be travelling with my 14 year old grandson. We will need separate rooms.
Accommodation
Age Range
- G AdventuresOperator•Written August 2025
  For our trips under 18's must be roomed with a parent or guardian over the age of 18, so we would not be able to place you both in separate rooms.
D
Diane
Asked on May 4th, 2025
How many people are on the tour and what is the age profile / demographic of the people on the tour
Age Range
Group size
- G AdventuresOperator•Written May 2025
  For the tour New Zealand: South Island Encompassed, the current group demographics are as follows: 9 people confirmed, the majority being female, 5 solo-traveller(s), birthdate decade age range being early-1990s to mid-2000s, the majority being born in the 1990s.
- D
  Diane
  Traveler•Written May 2025
  No not aware of the difference I saw the tour as available.
- G AdventuresOperator•Written May 2025
  Please note that this tour is On Request. This means your booking is not confirmed until we receive notification from our local operations team. Please allow 3-4 business days for processing, in order to confirm that all of the components of the tour package can be confirmed for you. This may include but is not limited to accommodations, activities, and transport. While we endeavour to provide a response within this timeframe, it is important that you are aware that there may be certain situations that take a little longer. If your place is available, you will be booked and confirmed on the tour. If it is not available, you will be issued a full refund of any pre-authorised funds.
K
Keith
Asked on March 18th, 2025
How is the group meeting arranged on the first day of the tour?
Group size
- G AdventuresOperator•Written March 2025
  Upon arrival at the Joining Hotel, check for a note or bulletin board in the reception detailing the Welcome Meeting on day 1, usually between 5pm and 7pm. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details.
Y
Yannick
Asked on March 12th, 2025
What are the rooming arrangements for the accommodations?
Accommodation
- G AdventuresOperator•Written March 2025
  Accommodations involve 4-6 group members sharing rooms, sometimes dormitory-style, generally split by gender, with shared bathroom facilities.
B
Bernardo
Asked on January 18th, 2025
Can I get a private room during the tour?
Accommodation
Single supplement
- G AdventuresOperator•Written January 2025
  Private rooms are not available as accommodations are usually in hostels with shared rooms.
N
Nora
Asked on December 3rd, 2024
Where do I complete the necessary documents for the tour?
Tour Details
Visa
- G AdventuresOperator•Written December 2024
  You should complete the Good to Go forms as soon as possible to ensure all travel requirements are met ahead of the tour.
A
Anke
Asked on November 1st, 2024
Where does the tour start and what is the meeting point?
Tour Details
- G AdventuresOperator•Written November 2024
  The tour starts at the Cambridge Hotel, Wellington. Look for a welcome note in the reception for details about the Welcome Meeting.
H
Holly
Asked on October 20th, 2024
Can she still join the tour? Please advise.
Age Range
- G AdventuresOperator•Written October 2024
  Our 18-to-thirtysomethings tours are designed for travellers aged 18-39 years old wishing to form interpersonal connections with travellers around their age, while visiting a new destination. Travellers must be 39 years old or younger (but at least 18 years old) as of Day 1 of the departure date of the tour. We do often have travellers outside of this age range who are interested in our 18-to-thirtysomethings trips; however, we have to hold true to our promise on delivering the interpersonal experience we wish to offer with this product. We can not book anyone outside of this age range.

From

$2,699

-25%

US $2,024 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Replies within 3 hours •88% response rate

Good to Know

Tour ID: 46429

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before June 23rd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 23rd, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "G Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of G Adventures. Please familiarize yourself with the G Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Video

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

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