New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

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New Zealand: South Island Encompassed



Tour Description:

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. If you prefer your travel experiences paired with adrenaline-pumping activities, then look no further than the South Island of New Zealand. Action is the common thread throughout this trip across a variety of landscapes — think rainforests, glaciers, and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is a, um, trip even when you’re not moving; accommodations include a wilderness hostel deep in the rainforest itself. Do people still say rad? Well, this is rad.

Map for New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Thursday 12 Dec 24 — Friday 27 Dec 24Starting at $2,549Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 16 Jan 25 — Friday 31 Jan 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 23 Jan 25 — Friday 07 Feb 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 30 Jan 25 — Friday 14 Feb 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 06 Feb 25 — Friday 21 Feb 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 13 Feb 25 — Friday 28 Feb 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Feb 25 — Friday 07 Mar 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 27 Feb 25 — Friday 14 Mar 25Starting at $2,719Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 06 Mar 25 — Friday 21 Mar 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 13 Mar 25 — Friday 28 Mar 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Mar 25 — Friday 04 Apr 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 03 Apr 25 — Friday 18 Apr 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 10 Apr 25 — Friday 25 Apr 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 17 Apr 25 — Friday 02 May 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 24 Apr 25 — Friday 09 May 25Starting at $2,592Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 01 May 25 — Friday 16 May 25Starting at $2,744Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 15 May 25 — Friday 30 May 25Starting at $2,744Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 29 May 25 — Friday 13 Jun 25Starting at $2,744Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 12 Jun 25 — Friday 27 Jun 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 26 Jun 25 — Friday 11 Jul 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 10 Jul 25 — Friday 25 Jul 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 24 Jul 25 — Friday 08 Aug 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 07 Aug 25 — Friday 22 Aug 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 21 Aug 25 — Friday 05 Sep 25Starting at $2,519Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 04 Sep 25 — Friday 19 Sep 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 18 Sep 25 — Friday 03 Oct 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 02 Oct 25 — Friday 17 Oct 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 09 Oct 25 — Friday 24 Oct 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 16 Oct 25 — Friday 31 Oct 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 23 Oct 25 — Friday 07 Nov 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 30 Oct 25 — Friday 14 Nov 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 06 Nov 25 — Friday 21 Nov 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 13 Nov 25 — Friday 28 Nov 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Nov 25 — Friday 05 Dec 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 27 Nov 25 — Friday 12 Dec 25Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 04 Dec 25 — Friday 19 Dec 25Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 11 Dec 25 — Friday 26 Dec 25Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 18 Dec 25 — Friday 02 Jan 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 25 Dec 25 — Friday 09 Jan 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 01 Jan 26 — Friday 16 Jan 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 08 Jan 26 — Friday 23 Jan 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 15 Jan 26 — Friday 30 Jan 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 22 Jan 26 — Friday 06 Feb 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 29 Jan 26 — Friday 13 Feb 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 05 Feb 26 — Friday 20 Feb 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 12 Feb 26 — Friday 27 Feb 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 19 Feb 26 — Friday 06 Mar 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 26 Feb 26 — Friday 13 Mar 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 05 Mar 26 — Friday 20 Mar 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 12 Mar 26 — Friday 27 Mar 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 19 Mar 26 — Friday 03 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 26 Mar 26 — Friday 10 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 02 Apr 26 — Friday 17 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 09 Apr 26 — Friday 24 Apr 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 16 Apr 26 — Friday 01 May 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 23 Apr 26 — Friday 08 May 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 30 Apr 26 — Friday 15 May 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 14 May 26 — Friday 29 May 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 28 May 26 — Friday 12 Jun 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 11 Jun 26 — Friday 26 Jun 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 25 Jun 26 — Friday 10 Jul 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 09 Jul 26 — Friday 24 Jul 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 23 Jul 26 — Friday 07 Aug 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 06 Aug 26 — Friday 21 Aug 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Aug 26 — Friday 04 Sep 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 03 Sep 26 — Friday 18 Sep 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 17 Sep 26 — Friday 02 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 24 Sep 26 — Friday 09 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 01 Oct 26 — Friday 16 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 08 Oct 26 — Friday 23 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 15 Oct 26 — Friday 30 Oct 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 22 Oct 26 — Friday 06 Nov 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 29 Oct 26 — Friday 13 Nov 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 05 Nov 26 — Friday 20 Nov 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 12 Nov 26 — Friday 27 Nov 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 19 Nov 26 — Friday 04 Dec 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 26 Nov 26 — Friday 11 Dec 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 03 Dec 26 — Friday 18 Dec 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 10 Dec 26 — Friday 25 Dec 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 17 Dec 26 — Friday 01 Jan 27Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 24 Dec 26 — Friday 08 Jan 27Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 31 Dec 26 — Friday 15 Jan 27Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Wellington
Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your group on a night out in Wellington. Choose to head to your CEO’s favourite local spot for dinner together before enjoying a social evening of bar games, music, and singing.

Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park
Don't forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman National Park
Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand. This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!

Abel Tasman National Park/Westport
It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.

Westport/Franz Josef
Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets, Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create.

Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list. If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!

Franz Josef/Queenstown
Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.

Queenstown
Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you! Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.

Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown
Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.

Queenstown
Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.

Queenstown to Tekapo
Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.

Tekapo
Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Tekapo to Christchurch
Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.

Christchurch/Kaikoura
Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula.

Kaikoura/Wellington
Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out together in New Zealand.

Wellington
Depart at any time.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.