New Zealand: Wild Coasts & Alpine Climbs

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the rugges West coast. 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. On arrival discover the true charm of this coal mining town.

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.

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 explore the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat and chill, taking in the beautiful surrounds... the choice is yours!

Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and gaze out the window as you leave Glacier Country, winding through lush forests and over Haast Pass. Along the way, make a stop in Wanaka, where you’ll have the chance to snap a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree, one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural landmarks. 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 over 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.

Let your breathing return to normal today with a slower pace in Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore at your own rhythm — stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, browse local boutiques, relax in a lakeside café, or opt for one of the many adventure activities the town is famous for. For those wanting to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders, an optional excursion to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound is available. Journey through dramatic alpine scenery before boarding a boat cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls in this breathtaking fjord — one of the wettest and most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Whether you choose relaxation or adventure there's something for everyone here!

Today's your chance to get out of Queenstown with your CEO on a scenic day trip to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, where dramatic alpine landscapes made famous as filming locations for The Lord of the Rings create an unforgettable backdrop. Weather permitting, you'll also have the option to discover the beautiful Bob’s Cove Track, an epic coastal hike with stunning lake and mountain views. Note: Weather can be a wild card—your CEO may switch things up to keep the day epic, rain or shine.

Start the day with a relaxed start to the day in Queenstown before departing for a scenic drive. Stop in the charming historic village of Arrowtown, often considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful small towns and known for its gold-rush history and beautifully preserved streets. Then continue on to the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.

Spend the day visiting Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, taking in the breathtaking alpine scenery. Explore the park at your own pace, enjoying options such as walking along the Hooker Valley Track, visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or simply admiring the stunning views and glacial lakes of New Zealand’s highest peak.

Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island's largest city, famous for its English-style gardens and quirky street art. Enjoy free time to wander the city, check out its café culture and creative vibes, and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe.

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 a 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.

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.

Depart at any time.

Hostels and basic lodges (20 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people) **All nights are multi-share on this trip.

Private vehicle, bus, boat, ferry, kayak, walking.