Neuseeland Südinsel Entdeckertour

1. Tag: Wellington

Arrive at any time. Start the adventure with a Big Night Out with the group. 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.

Optional Activities:
- Weta Workshop Visit
Step into the behind-the-scenes world of hobbits, dragons and other fantastical movie creatures. The Weta Workshop is where the props and models for films like The Lord of the Rings, Avatar and the Amazing Spiderman 2 are designed and brought to life. Watch artists working on new pieces and see some of their award-winning creations from past projects in their new exhibition space.

- Te Papa Museum Visit
Free. 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.

2. Tag: Wellington - Abel Tasman Nationalpark

Take a ferry over to the South Island and transfer 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. Board a water taxi to transfer to the middle of the National Park for the night. The night will be spent on a floating boat hostel.

During the winter season (May - Oct), and when there is inclement weather in the summer, we will stay in cabins in a true rural setting on the edge of the park instead of the floating boat hostel.

3. Tag: Abel Tasman Nationalpark

Hike and explore Abel Tasman's golden beaches and waterways. Walk along a coastline track from Anchorage to Marahau to one of the world's most scenic golden sand beaches.

Optional Activities:
- Sailing
90-176NZD per person. 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!

- Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking
110NZD per person. Explore the coastline and beaches in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak from Watering Cove along the coastline to Marahau.

- Canyoning
235NZD per person. 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.

- Skydiving
249-399NZD per person

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Abel Tasman National Park Walk

4. Tag: Abel Tasman Nationalpark - Westport

Head south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Visit a seal colony before travelling to Westport, the stop for the night. 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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Seal Colony Visit

5. Tag: Westport - Franz Josef

Take in the pancake rock formations at Punakaiki before continuing on to Franz Josef. 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. Enjoy free time for optional activities like helicopter hiking, glacier valley walking, and kayaking. Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.

Optional Activities:
- Helicopter Hike
459-539NZD per person. Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out and trek on the white and blue ice. Cool!

- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
79NZD per person. Enjoy spectacular views on a guided interpretive walk that follows a riverbed along the Franz Josef Glacier's retreat. At the end, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the glacier off in the distance.

- Franz Josef Kayaking
99-129NZD per person.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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Pancake Rocks Trek

6. Tag: Franz Josef

Free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.

Optional Activities:
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
79NZD per person. Enjoy spectacular views on a guided interpretive walk that follows a riverbed along the Franz Josef Glacier's retreat. At the end, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the glacier off in the distance.

- Helicopter Hike
459-539NZD per person. Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out and trek on the white and blue ice. Cool!

- Franz Josef Kayaking
99-129NZD per person. 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.

- Hiking
Free. 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.

- Horseback Riding
65-150NZD per person. Hop in the saddle and explore Franz Josef’s amazing glacier landscape on horseback. Ride amid rainforests and mountain scenery, and enjoy fresh open air and natural beauty on this unforgettable trip.

7. Tag: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Visit the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown.

8-9. Tag: Queenstown

Free time in Queenstown. Get the heart pumping with some adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving. If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your tour guide will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your tour guide which ones are in season.

Optional Activities:
- Bungee Jumping
165-205NZD per person. 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.

- Mountain Biking
31.50-140NZD per person. Hop on a bike and get familiar with some of the great trails in the area. There are routes for all levels of cyclist to enjoy so rent a and start exploring the hills.

- Skydiving
299-459NZD per person. 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!

- Vineyard Tour
185-230NZD per person. 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. Sample local cheeses and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.

- Paragliding
210NZD per person. Hang on! Get a birds-eye view of Queenstown on an exciting ride in the sky.

- Gondola Ride
35-56NZD per person. 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.

- Scenic Horse Riding Tour
165-325NZD per person. Head out on a scenic horse ride and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southwest of New Zealand. Take in the breathtaking views on your journey of discovery through the magnificent Dart Valley - the backdrop for many famous film locations.

- Ziptrek
120-170NZD per person

- Shotover Canyon Swing/Shotover Canyon Fox
169-299NZD per person. 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 or the 182m high Canyon Fox. This is sure to get your heart pumping!

- Queenstown Jet Boating
It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown — need we say more? Okay, how about this, imagine a fast-paced whitewater ride with sharp turns and spins expertly navigated by a trained driver. So strap in and get ready to get wet.

10. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau

Visit Fiordland National Park and enjoy a boat cruise through breathtaking Milford Sound. 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! In the evening, opt to cruise across Lake Te Anau and visit a cave that is home to thousands of glowworms.

Optional Activities:
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
88NZD per person. Head underground to see the mysterious and beautiful glowworms that magically shine bright deep in limestone caves. Learn about local history, and experience an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind natural wonder.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

11. Tag: Te Anau - Wedderburn

Enjoy free time in the morning to discover the natural beauty of Te Anau. Later, transfer to Wedderburn in Central Otago.

Optional Activities
- Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and head out on a trek to take in the amazing scenery around Te Anau. Hikes range from short walks to more challenging full-day treks -- take your pick!

12. Tag: Central Otago

Bike 35 km of the Otago Rail Trail, passing through one historic town to the next. Drive to one of the best starting points of the Historic Otago Rail Trail. Spend the better part of the day cycling along an easy gradient through stunning scenery along 35km of the old rail trail. Cycle through scenery unspoiled by traffic and not visible from any roads. Along the way sample some local food and drink.

Optional Activities:
- Curling
30NZD per person. Try your hand at throwing a curling rock and sweeping the ice at the only year-round curling facility in Australasia. The sport of curling was introduced to New Zealand in the late 19th century by Scottish settlers.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Biking Otago Rail Trail

13. Tag: Wedderburn - Christchurch

Walk around Christchurch this afternoon and learn about how the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 2011. Enjoy some free time this evening. Overnight in the very unique converted jail house.

14. Tag: Christchurch - Kaikoura

Opt to go whale watching, swim with seals or take a walk along the coast. 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.

Optional Activities:
- Swimming With Dolphins
170NZD per person. Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. Depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.

- Scenic Flight
135-180NZD per person. 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.

- Whale Watching
145NZD per person. 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 Kaikora.

Hiking
Free. Set off along one of many hiking trails to take in the beautiful scenery surrounding Kaikoura.

Sea Kayaking
95NZD per person.

15. Tag: Kaikoura - Wellington

Travel to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington. Opt for a final night out with the group.

16. Tag: Wellington

Depart at any time.
We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city.

Looking for a lift back to Auckland? Add on the "Auckland Express" and ride with your tour guide back north.
What is the Auckland Express Extra? Depart Wellington at 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time). If you have booked this transfer NOT on the last day of your tour, you must book post-accommodation through your travel agent. All services must be connected.