Day 1 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.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends| Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2 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.

Day 3 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!

Day 4 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.

Day 5 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.

Day 6 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!

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Discover Moment

Day 7 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.

Day 8 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.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Discover Moment

Day 9 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.

Day 10 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.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Discover Moment

Day 11 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.

Day 12 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.

Day 13 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.

Day 14 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.

Day 15 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.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Big Night Out Moment

Day 16 Wellington

Depart at any time.

Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Add these to your tour when you book

Queenstown Jet Boating - From €90.00

It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown - need we say more? Okay, how about this - imagine a whitewater ride with sharp turns and fast pace expertly navigated by a trained driver. All you need to do is strap in and be ready to get wet.

Price per person is based on 2 sharing and includes:

• 16 day New Zealand: South Island Encompassed small group tour
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• Accommodations: Hostels & basic lodges (15 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people)
• Meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 dinners. Allow USD335-435 for meals not included.
• Transportation: Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.
• Staff & experts: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
• Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
• Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
• Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
• Boat excursion to Abel Tasman National Park
• Walk in Abel Tasman National Park
• Seal colony visit
• Pancake Rocks
• Lake Matheson walk
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
• Milford Sound day cruise
• Lake Tekapo Bike Ride

Please ask us about:

• International flights- we'll find the best fares for your chosen departure dates
• Travel insurance

Good to know:

• All nights are multi-share on this trip. If you're looking for something else, please speak with our experts

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking.

For more information please call us on 021 4279188, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.