Compare New Zealand South Island Family Journey by Classic Journeys vs New Zealand – South Island Multisport by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 4,995 | $ 4,049 |
| Price Per Day | $ 555 | $ 270 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner |
| Description |
We have four words for you: Lord of the Rings. The movies were shot on New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. While you won’t spot any Hobbits, your local guides will lead the whole family to plenty of miraculous discoveries. You'll walk on amazing beaches and explore a parrot-filled jungle with its own glacier. At a high country sheep station, you’ll spend the day checking on baby lambs and watching the sheepdogs do their work. There’s even a jet boat ride on the Dart River. The adults will enjoy sipping their way through award-winning wineries as well as some of the most scenic walks on earth and fine shopping in Queenstown. New Zealand is a friendly country that captures the imaginations of all ages. |
New Zealand is the perfect place for adrenaline and activity, and there's nowhere in the country more suited to that than the South Island. On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two wheels through the trails around Mt Cook. If you're not out of breath just from reading all that, then it's time to start packing. |
DAYS 1-2 - CHRISTCHURCH / ARTHUR'S PASS
Meet in Christchurch. If you’re an early riser and a train-lover, consider boarding the TranzAlpine Express for the scenic ride to Arthur’s Pass. Or join our guide for the equally spectacular drive to Arthur’s Pass. Either way, you’ll cross the lovely Canterbury Plains—featured in the film The Lord of the Rings.
Into the Southern Alps, spend a day on a working merino sheep station near Arthur’s Pass (2 nights). Kids have been known to feed and name the baby lambs. Adults like birding in wildflower meadows. Everyone enjoys watching our hosts put the sheepdogs through their paces.
DAY 3 - FOX GLACIER
The next day, grab your ice pick! It’s on to dramatic Fox Glacier (1 night) for a walk that starts, of all places, in a parrot-bedecked rain forest.
DAYS 4-5 - LAKE MOERAKI
At your lodge at Lake Moeraki (2 nights) you have canoes to paddle, fishing gear and great guide-led walks on an easy rainforest track to wide and beautiful Munro Beach. Kids love exploring and gold panning in the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Adults enjoy even more the walk through the vineyards to an acclaimed winery for a tasting.
DAYS 6-7 - QUEENSTOWN
Settle in to your lakeside hotel in Queenstown (2 nights). If you must, today is the day to bungy jump. A more “reserved” activity finds us on a jet boat ride on the Dart River, followed by a walk in Fiordland National Park and a guide-led talk about the original Maori settlers.
DAYS 8-9 - MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN
Your grand finale is Milford Sound (1 night), the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. It’s a true natural wonder, and we’ll see it in the very best way – from the decks of the Milford Mariner. It’s not just a ship. It’s what some travelers call the ultimate bed and breakfast. From the observation lounge and the large open deck, you’ll have a front-row seat for the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Experienced onboard naturalists offer commentary and answer your questions. We’ll cruise the entire length of the sound, all the way to the Tasman Sea, and enjoy some of the best stargazing you’ve ever experienced. On final day you return to Queenstown where we part company.
Day 1 Christchurch
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Christchurch/Kaikoura
Transfer north, along the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoura. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area or take in an optional activity.
A free afternoon can be spent visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, partaking in a peninsula walkway walk, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.
Day 3 Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Take in the scenery of the South Island while travelling to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Sample some local produce and wine as you travel through the renowned Marlborough wine region. Enjoy free time to explore upon arrival.
Day 4 Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by boat, sea kayak and on foot. After a full day of exploring, reward your efforts with a well earned meal at one of Marahau local eateries.
Day 5 Marahau/Lake Brunner
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Day 6 Lake Brunner/Franz Josef
Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon en route. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as hiking and checking out the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 7 Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include a helicopter hike, a glacier valley walk, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 8 Franz Josef/Wanaka
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to go mountain biking, skydiving, or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Day 9 Wanaka/Queenstown
Drive the winding route between Wanaka and Queenstown passing through picturesque wine country and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Watch as the scenery shifts from vast open valleys to the hustle and bustle of the city, and get ready to enjoy a free afternoon in the "adventure capital of the world."
Enjoy a free afternoon to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boat outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless. Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Queenstown
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Day 11 Queenstown
Travel to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Day 12 Queenstown/Twizel
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
Day 13 Twizel
Prepare for an action packed day! Start on two-wheels on a mountain biking excursion around the Aoraki/Mt Cook region. In the afternoon, discover stunning landscapes on foot.
Day 14 Twizel/Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Day 15 Christchurch
Depart at any time.
