Auckland & the best of the stunning South Island
2 week adventure discovering some of the very best of New Zealand staring in Auckland and touring the amazing South Island.
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South Island New Zealand is an outdoor adventurer's dream, snow capped mountains, golden sand beaches, majestic fjords, and wonderful food and wine. There are few places on earth that pack as much punch per square km.
Although you really need a month to do the South Island justice you can see the very best at a nice pace in 2 weeks, New Zealand is ''Outside the Squares - adventure holidays'' home base and there is nothing more satisfying than showing others our adventure playground. This is a trip for those who love the great outdoors, we will get our "City fix" in Auckland where most international flights arrive, and after 2 days exploring this stunning city we will head south to the wonders of the South Island. Tis trip will suit people who love day walks in nature 2-3hr moderate paced walks to showcase the amazing scenery. So demographic think people for whom 2-3 hours walk a day is manageable, (terrain is modest but not flat), to see a valley or glacier etc. This is an active trip its not a coach tour. Auckland (2 nights) Most international flights arrive early in the morning, I will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel where you can freshen up. If you have the energy can join me on a afternoon city tour of Auckland after which, the jet lag usually means a early first night to recover from your flight. The next day we will head off to explore the rugged west coast and volcanic black sand beaches. A really great day out. Day 3: Christchurch (1 night) We return to the airport for our short flight to Christchurch, (the largest city in the South Island) with time to explore the city admiring the restored heritage buildings and visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Day 4: Greymouth (1 night) This morning we head off on a scenic drive along the Great Alpine Highway stopping at Arthur's Pass National Park for short hikes and making numerous stops along the way to admire the stunning views from lookout points. Lunch stop is the small town of Arthurs Pass and then it's on to Greymouth, a historic town known for its greenstone (pounamu) carving. Day 5: Franz Josef Glacier (1 night) In the morning we hike up the Hokitika Gorge, which is truly beautiful and after a picnic lunch we travel on to Franz Josef Glacier village, nestled amidst towering mountains, where we are based for the night. Here there is the option for a scenic helicopter flight or a guided walk on the Franz Josef Glacier itself, or a walk to the base of the Glacier with Richard. Day 4: Wanaka (1 night) Today we continue your journey with lots of scenic stops along the way to Wanaka, a charming lakeside town surrounded by majestic mountains. There is time to explore the town's shops and cafes, or take a scenic cruise on Lake Wanaka and in the evening, head out for a bit of stargazing - Wanaka boasts some of the darkest skies in the world. Day 5: Wanaka (1 night) Today is a very scenic drive through stunning landscapes, stopping at viewpoints along the way, with a lunch stop at a historic roadhouse on our way to the charming town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Day 6 & 7: Te Anau (2 nights) Today is a full day exploring the wonders of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, the towering waterfalls and dramatic fiords. We take a cruise in Milford Sound and have 3-4 short 30 min walks to view the spectacular scenery on the way. If time there is the option to take a tour to the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the darkness. Day 8 & 9: Kinloch (2 nights) We travel to Kinloch, a paradise nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This is real "Chill out in paradise" stuff, and here we will have the option either to relax in your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the breath taking scenery. Go for a swim or kayak on the crystal-clear lake, or explore the surrounding hiking trails. In the evenings, enjoy cosy nights by the fireplace, perfect for unwinding and stargazing. Day 10 & 11: Queenstown (2 nights) We travel onto Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Choose from a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or white-water rafting. Explore the vibrant town center with its shops, restaurants, and bars.Take a gondola ride up Bob's Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal pools at the Onsen Hot Pools (optional) Day 12: Depart Queenstown On our final day it's free time before a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Flights generally leave mid afternoon connecting to international flights from Auckland to your home base. Queenstown is a great place to extend your holiday if you have the time. Accommodation on this trip is an eclectic mixture, of lodges, motels, guest houses, and hotels, all with the X factor. (if solo we will buddy you up with a mate or pay a small single supplement to have a room of your own guaranteed) Wherever possible we stay in gay owned or managed accommodation, and as always on our trips we choose character value places over ''Glam'', around 3-4* with a central location. All are clean and comfortable and give you a real Kiwi feel. No chain hotels here, so again think adventure rather than tour group bland hotels. Breakfast is not always included in New Zealand accomodation, where it is not we will get to enjoy the famous Kiwi cafe culture. On this trip you will need a pair of good walking boots, a light day pack, and a rain jacket for or walking days and a swimming costume for when the sea looks too tempting to resist. The south island has little commercial gay life in the places we visit. Mostly, with 6-8 people travelling together, we'll create our own environment. 
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New Zealand
Auckland and the South Island a 14 day adventure. Arrive Auckland (AKL) and depart Queenstown (ZQN) Min of 8, Max 10 adventurers looking to explore New Zealand. Highlights inc:-
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Cost guideline for 2026 Twin share USD $5950 Single room USD $7500 Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before the departure. 
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