21 Day Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group 18-30's

Our Price From 2,866 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 1,033 Per Person

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Trip Length

21 Days

Trip Starts

Auckland

Trip Finishes

Wellington

21 Day Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: New Zealand

Trip Operator

G Adventures

116 Reviews

Trip Style

18-to-Thirtysomethings

Departures

Jun 2025 to Dec 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Moderate

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

ONNS

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 21 Day Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches. Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. They say good travel happens on small islands. Regardless of whether or not that's an actual saying, the small islands of New Zealand pack plenty of exploratory punch. Go from kayaking in Raglan to hiking in Abel Tasman National Park to cruising remote fjords and taking in some Insta-worthy views. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the...read more

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city. Stay: Haka House Auckland City

Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening. Stay: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (B/D)

Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose. Stay: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (B/D)

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village. Stay: Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua (B)

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake. Stay: Based by the Lake (B)

Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa. Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town. Stay: Cambridge Hotel (B)

Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches. Stay: The Barn Cabins & Camp (B/D)

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! Stay: The Barn Cabins & Camp (B)

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. Stay: Bazil's Hostel & Surf School (B/D)

Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night. Stay: Rainforest Retreat (B/D)

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! Stay: Rainforest Retreat (B)

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. Stay: Nomads Queenstown Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Nomads Queenstown Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Nomads Queenstown Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Nomads Queenstown Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park (B/D)

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. Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park (B)

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. Stay: Drifter Christchurch Hotel (B)

Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins 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. Stay: Dusky Lodge (B)

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. Stay: Cambridge Hotel (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Learn about Maori culture.
Get an adrenaline rush in Rotorua and Queenstown.
Discover Abel Tasman National Park by foot and boat.
Cruise through the remote fjords of Milford Sound.

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
Sea kayaking excursion
Maori cultural experience
Lake Taupo Sailboat trip
Visit to a seal colony
Walks in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Parks
Fiordland NP visit
Milford Sound nature cruise
Orientation walk in Christchurch
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Hostels and basic lodges (20 nts multishare)
Please note that multi-share accommodation is very popular in New Zealand and is the way you will be spending most of your nights. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. It is also worth noting that all multi-share accommodation is generally split by gender in New Zealand. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it's best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

20 breakfasts, 6 dinners

Private vehicle, kayak, boat, ferry

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

G Adventures 18-To-Thirty Somethings (2024)

So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no one perfect way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and...more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland - Raglan

Day 3: Raglan

Day 4: Raglan - Rotorua

Day 5: Rotorua - Taupo

Day 6: Taupo - Wellington

Day 7: Wellington - Abel Tasman National Park

Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park - Westport

Day 10: Westport - Franz Josef

Day 11: Franz Josef

Day 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Day 13: Queenstown

Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip - Queenstown

Day 15: Queenstown

Day 16: Queenstown to Tekapo

Day 17: Tekapo

Day 18: Tekapo to Christchurch

Day 19: Christchurch - Kaikoura

Day 20: Kaikoura - Wellington

Day 21: Wellington

Trip Inclusions Expand All

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Trip Inclusions

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Your Tour Guides

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Brochure

G Adventures 18-To-Thirty Somethings (2024)

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