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

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Included Experiences

• 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.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Optional Experiences

• Maritime Museum Visit: Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.
• Waiheke Island Excursion: Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds). (62-369 NZD per person)
• Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour): As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights. 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.

Included Experiences

• Sea Kayaking: Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies. Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.
• Surf Lesson: Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).

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.

Included Experiences

• Te Puia Geyser by Night: See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.

Optional Experiences

• Waitomo Valley Walk: Explore Waitomo Valley’s amazing rugged landscape by foot on this one-way walk - the CEO will see you off at the start. Check out a small cave on your way, and then follow the trail through the forest back to Waitomo Village. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and take a rain jacket and water.
• Waitomo Cave Excursion: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!
• Huka Falls: Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.

Optional Experiences

• Rotorua Canopy Tours: Experience life among the treetops of a Kiwi forest through this one-of-a-kind nature tour. Gain a whole new perspective on the plants, animals, and insects that call this environment home, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the region's subtropical forests. Opt to book the Original Canopy Tour (3 hrs) or the Ultimate Canopy Tour (3.5 hrs). (199-269 NZD per person)
• Hot Springs: Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters. (50-360 NZD per person)
• Whitewater Rafting: Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!

Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend some time exploring the city.
• Big Night Out: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Optional Experiences

• Te Papa Museum Visit: Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes – find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building.
• Wellington Cable Car: There is simply no better way to experience the hidden charm that Wellington has to offer than to take this 5-minute ride from the heart of the city centre, up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Enjoy easy access to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place (at Carter Observatory) and Zealandia (via free shuttle). (6-12 NZD per person)

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. 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.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

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!

Included Experiences

• Abel Tasman National Park Walk: Catch an Aqua Taxi from your accommodation in Marahau up to Anchorage. Walk back to Marahau at your own pace, and make stops along the way at some of the world's most scenic golden sand beaches to relax in the sun.

Optional Experiences

• Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking/Hike: Explore the coastline and beaches in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak from Watering Cove along the coastline to Marahau.
• Canyoning: Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float down the Torrent River on this canyoning adventure. Make your way down stream and see the stunning rainforest scenery on this active adventure that will bring you into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. Please note this activity is only operational October-April.
• Sailing: Sail through crystal clear waters, admire spectacular scenery and investigate secluded cloves, small islands, golden beaches and lush forest. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen!

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.

Included Experiences

• Seal Colony Visit: Stop by a viewing platform over a New Zealand fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Female seals will live in the same colony for the duration of their lives, whereas male seals move around more. The males visit the Cape Foulwind colony between late November and mid-January for mating season. All seasons offer plenty of activity to check out, from mating to the raising of baby pups and feeding out at sea.

Optional Experiences

• Surfing in Westport: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten while you catch some waves. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards.

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. Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.

Included Experiences

• Pancake Rocks Trek: Walk along a loop trail with informative signs detailing how the 'Pancake Rocks' were formed millions of years ago. When the trail reaches the coast, there are many lookouts for photo stops and beautiful views of the coast, the rocks and the blowholes found along the area.
• Free Time: With tons of optional activities available around Franz Josef, get out there and explore!

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!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Franz Josef area.

Optional Experiences

• Franz Josef Kayaking: Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views. (149-169 NZD per person)
• Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing: Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out on the snow to soak up the experience, before flying back to land. Cool! (385-655 NZD per person)
• Hiking : Take your pick of many scenic and memorable treks in Franz Josef – a true hiker’s haven. Get prepared before heading out, and be mindful of signs along the track. See majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and amazing views that you’ll definitely want your camera on hand for.

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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area.

Optional Experiences

• Vineyard Tour: Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home. (189-265 NZD per person)
• Gondola Ride: Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. (66-215 NZD per person)
• Shotover Canyon Swing: The ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping! (295-590 NZD per person)
• Skydiving: Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like! (449-549 NZD per person)
• Queenstown Jet Boating: Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
• Bungee Jumping: Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss. (320-805 NZD per person)

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.

Included Experiences

• Milford Sound Cruise: Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Recharge your camera and be ready to shoot stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea and then search for dolphins and seals. This place is any artist's dream!

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area. Queenstown is the perfect place to venture out of those comfort zones as you take part in adrenaline pumping activities.

Optional Experiences

• Gondola Ride: Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. (66-215 NZD per person)
• Vineyard Tour: Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home. (189-265 NZD per person)
• Bungee Jumping: Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss. (320-805 NZD per person)
• Shotover Canyon Swing: The ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping! (295-590 NZD per person)
• Skydiving: Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like! (449-549 NZD per person)
• Queenstown Jet Boating: Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy free time in the area to go for a hike in the beautiful scenery or to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre.

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.

Included Experiences

• Lake Tekapo Bike Ride: Set out on a 21km ride in Lake Tekapo. Pedal along a flat, quiet, sealed country back road pass by the canals, and soak in the grand mountain views while getting a bit of exercise.
• Free Time: Spend time exploring Tekapo today. Opt to visit some hot springs, relax around Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Optional Experiences

• Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience: Join an unforgettable stargazing adventure with the Crater Experience in Lake Takapō (Tekapo). Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the purpose-built observation craters give you a fantastic view of the stars. Here, you'll see more, journey further, and understand the night sky like never before. (129-219 NZD per person)
• Tekapo Hot Springs: Tekapo Hot Springs are located in beautiful Lake Tekapo, which happens to be in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Soak in the warm waters at the base of Mount John and take in views of iconic Lake Tekapo and the mountain ranges beyond. (40-189 NZD per person)

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the afternoon exploring Christchurch during free time.

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 dolphins, 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. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Head out and explore this beautiful area. View some of the wildlife in the area or hit the trails to get a workout with a view.

Optional Experiences

• Hiking: Set off along the hiking trail to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.
• Whale Watching: Follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider", and set out in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikoura.
• Scenic Flight: Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.
• Dolphin Tour: Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. If we come upon them, depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.

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.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Big Night Out: Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!

Depart at any time.