From
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US $2,099

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

16 days
Start and end in Wellington
4.6
26 traveler reviews
From
$2,799
-25%
US $2,099
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $540 now + easy payments of $103 Learn More

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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 10 - 20
Age range 18 to 39
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Wellington's vibrant nightlife
  • Cross Cook Strait with stunning views
  • Hike and relax in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Visit a seal colony at Cape Foulwind
  • Cruise through the iconic Milford Sound

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Wellington
  2. Day 2 Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park (1B, 1D)
  3. Day 3 Abel Tasman National Park (1B)
  4. Day 4 Abel Tasman National Park/Westport (1B, 1D)
  5. Day 5 Westport/Franz Josef (1B, 1D)
  6. Day 6 Franz Josef (1B)
  7. Day 7 Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
  8. Day 8 Queenstown (1B)
  9. Day 9 Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown (1B)
  10. Day 10 Queenstown (1B)
  11. Day 11 Queenstown to Tekapo (1B, 1D)
  12. Day 12 Tekapo (1B)
  13. Day 13 Tekapo to Christchurch (1B)
  14. Day 14 Christchurch/Kaikoura (1B)
  15. Day 15 Kaikoura/Wellington (1B)
  16. Day 16 Wellington (1B)
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

G Adventures

Number of tours

907

Age Range

12 to 90 years old

Response time

2 hours

Response rate

96%

G Adventures gives you the opportunity to explore interesting and unusual...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Food
    Good
    3.9
  • 4.7
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • New Zealand: South Island Encompassed reviewer 1
    · February 21st, 2024
    Excellent tour. Definitely recommend
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Thanks for the recommendation, Patrick. We are glad you had such an excellent experience.
    Trip date: February 2024
  • A
    · October 28th, 2022
    Amazing met some great people and made great memories
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Our world deserves more you!
    Trip date: October 2022
    Review collected by G Adventures
  • New Zealand: South Island Encompassed reviewer 3
    · 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 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
    Trip date: March 2020
  • RD
    · 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 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
    New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 1New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 2New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 3
    Trip date: December 2019
  • GM
    · December 15th, 2019
    Great people and scenery, plenty of options to either do activities or just hang out!
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2019
  • MM
    · July 30th, 2019
    Fantastic trip with a great group and an outstanding leader, who kept us entertained throughout the trip! Everything was planned and detailed for you. Any queries, you could just ask.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Thank you Marina.
    Trip date: June 2019
  • D
    · 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 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
    G Adventures commented on this review
    So happy to hear - thank you Dain.
    New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 1New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 2New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 3New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 4New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 5New Zealand: South Island Encompassed customer review photo 6
    Trip date: February 2019
  • New Zealand: South Island Encompassed reviewer 8
    · February 28th, 2019
    Worth the price, great itinerary, Summer was an excellent guide. Breakfast could have been a bit more "colourful", but still did it. Regrettably weather is out of anyone's hand, but Summer made sure, that we have alternative options and activities. Would recommend.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    YES! Thanks Krisztina.
    Trip date: November 2018
  • New Zealand: South Island Encompassed reviewer 9
    · February 27th, 2019
    Great trip, highly recommend as a fun way to see the South Island.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    YES! Thanks Julie.
    Trip date: February 2019
  • JC
    · February 4th, 2019
    Great tour to experience 2 weeks of the...
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    YES! Thanks for sharing Jolien.
    Trip date: December 2018

Dates & Availability

16 days
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
From Wellington to Wellington

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

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Upcoming departures
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Ends on 15 Jul, 2025
  • -25%
    From Thursday
    24 Jul, 2025
    To Friday
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    English
    Check the availability with the operator
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    -15%
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    -15%
    From Thursday
    9 Oct, 2025
    To Friday
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    16 Oct, 2025
    To Friday
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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

      TravelerWritten May 2025

      No not aware of the difference I saw the tour as available.

    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten 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.

    • D
      2 more answers
  • K

    Keith

    Asked on March 18th, 2025

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

    Group size
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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.

  • P

    Pieter

    Asked on July 20th, 2024

    What are the requirements for travel insurance for the tour?

    Travel Support
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten July 2024

      It is mandatory for travelers to have emergency medical travel insurance covering medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, totaling at least $200,000 USD.

  • S

    Serhat

    Asked on June 18th, 2024

    What is meant by 'private vehicle' in the itinerary?

    Transport
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten June 2024

      A private vehicle means transport arranged by us that is not public, providing more comfort during travel.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on June 12th, 2024

    How are transport facilities arranged?

    Transport
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten June 2024

      All transportation during the tour is arranged by us and will consist of private vehicles ensuring timely and comfortable travel.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at G Adventures with your enquiry, they usually respond in less than 2 hours.
From
$2,799
-25%
US $2,099
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $540 now + easy payments of $103 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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 August 23rd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 23rd, 2025, 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
  • 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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