Loading...
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
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.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Merchandising: Top Seller
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed - Itinerary
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. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Check out New Zealand's National Museum, a must-see with great displays of historical Maori artifacts and relatively modern exhibits such as the motorbike that was built in a shed and won the world championships. Afterwards, opt for a night out on the town. Wellington has an abundance of nightlife, bars, cafes and restaurants all located on and around the entertainment district of Courtenay Place.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Cambridge Hotel:
Cambridge Hotel
Optional Activities
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed - Itinerary
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. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Check out New Zealand's National Museum, a must-see with great displays of historical Maori artifacts and relatively modern exhibits such as the motorbike that was built in a shed and won the world championships. Afterwards, opt for a night out on the town. Wellington has an abundance of nightlife, bars, cafes and restaurants all located on and around the entertainment district of Courtenay Place.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Cambridge Hotel:
Cambridge Hotel
Optional Activities
What’s Included
- 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
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hostels & basic lodges (15 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
- 15 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, walking.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Feb 12 2026 | Fri, Feb 27 2026 | Sold Out | $2,879.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Feb 19 2026 | Fri, Mar 06 2026 | Sold Out | $2,879.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Feb 26 2026 | Fri, Mar 13 2026 | Sold Out | $2,879.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Mar 05 2026 | Fri, Mar 20 2026 | Sold Out | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Mar 12 2026 | Fri, Mar 27 2026 | Open (6) | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Mar 19 2026 | Fri, Apr 03 2026 | Open (8) | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Mar 26 2026 | Fri, Apr 10 2026 | Open (4) | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Apr 02 2026 | Fri, Apr 17 2026 | Open (11) | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Apr 09 2026 | Fri, Apr 24 2026 | Open (13) | $2,249.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Apr 16 2026 | Fri, May 01 2026 | Open (14) | $2,699.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
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. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, Get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, Cruise through the remote fjords of Milford Sound, Explore Franz Josef
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Please also note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
