Solo-ish New Zealand
Solo-ish New Zealand
Solo-ish New Zealand
14 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Kaikoura, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26298
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Solo-ish New Zealand" adventure, a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of New Zealand. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion, starting in Auckland and concluding in Queenstown. Highlights include a walk to the Mt Eden Summit, a cruise on Lake Rotoiti to hot springs, and a full day with the Kohutapu Lodge for an authentic Maori experience. Explore the enchanting Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, visit the Kaikoura Seal Colony, and hike the breathtaking Hokitika Gorge. Experience the Franz Glacier Trek and a full-day cruise at Doubtful Sound. With 13 nights in comfortable hotels, enjoy the flexibility of free days in Rotorua, Kaikoura, and Franz Josef to tailor your adventure. Travel by flight, private vehicle, boat, and on foot, making unforgettable memories in the heart of New Zealand's natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dinner Party: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! After taking your included arrival transfer to the hotel, join your fellow solo-ish travellers for a welcome meeting. Then get hands on with a cooking class! Alongside your new mates, cook up a fresh and delicious Kiwi meal while getting to know the people you're travelling with.
Additional Information: Make sure to arrive no later than 2:00 pm as to not miss your local cooking class.
ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. New Zealand is famous for having extremely fresh and local ingredients in their dishes. Use these beautiful ingredients to make an amazing meal of Ika Mata, coconut milk ceviche, and Horopito roasted Lamb Rump, then sit down with your fellow solo-ish travellers and enjoy the feast!
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 2: G Day: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
After grabbing your first Kiwi breakfast, join your CEO for a guided walk up to the Mt Eden Summit. This area is incredibly significant to Maori people. The views of Auckland at the top are incredible-so don't forget to take some photos. Later, make your way south to Rotorua where a lunch stop at Eat Street, a local block of popular food stalls and restaurants. In the later afternoon, join your fellow Solo-ish travel mates and board a boat to cross Lake Rotoiti. Together we'll relax lakeside in hot springs, nestled within the bush. A pretty awesome day to enjoy Rotorua and to get to know your group.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take a water taxi across Lake Rotoiti to the geothermal pools. Jump between the cold lake water and the hot springs, walk through the bush that engulfs the spring pools and grab a beer or coffee from the cafe onsite.
ACTIVITY: Join your CEO for a trek up Mt Eden, or Maungawhau, which means ‘mountain of the whau tree’. This area was one of the largest and most elaborate Māori settlements in the region. At the top, enjoy spectacular 360 views over Auckland.
Day 3: We Day: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Together we head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, to explore New Zealand's indigenous culture on this full day excursion. Learn how a hangi lunch is prepared in an underground pit, the traditional way, and enjoy the feast with your Maori hosts. Learn about traditional eel traps and be welcomed into a traditiona marae. Walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in the Whirinaki Rainforest to learn about the history of the forest and spot endemic birds and medicinal plants. Today's adventure is one of New Zealand's most authentic and community-based Indigenous programs, and will surely stand out as a highlight of your Solo-ish Adventure.
ACTIVITY: Travel to Kohutapu Lodge, a social enterprise owned by a local Maori family who are making a difference in their local community through community-driven initiatives. Led by your Maori guide, start the dat at Lake Aniwhenua Domain and be welcomed onto tribal lands by your guide. Watch as the guide sets the traditional eel traps, a method still being used today. Next, witness the laying of a ground cooked hangi that you will have the opportunity to taste later in the day. Continue with your Maori guide and enjoy a number of additional activities, all based around the community and what may be happening the day of your visit. Finally indulge in a delicious hangi lunch-the very same you watched be put underground to cook. After a special surprise moment with your hosts, conclude the day in Whirinaki rainforest- a Jurassic Podocarp forest- where you will be led by your Maori guide to discover more about the Maori culture and learn about the history of the forest. Spend a final few moments bathed in the forest’s sights and smells while indulging in a cup of hot kawakawa tea.
Day 4: Rotorua: Free Day
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day free gives you the opportunity to explore this unique town how you want. With seemingly endless options, choose to visit some hot springs, go white water rafting or explore from the treetops on a Rotorua Canopy Tour.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to explore this lakeside adventure town.
Day 5: Rotorua To Auckland: Glow Worm Caves
Location: Waitomo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive from Rotorua to Waitomo to see the magical glow worms illuminate the caves. Ride a boat through the water filled caves, and as the sunlight fades, see how the bright blue glow brightens from the silk worms hanging from the ceiling. After, drive to Auckland for the night, our last evening on the North Island.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: 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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Auckland To Kaikoura: South Island
Location: Kaikoura
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Together we fly to New Zealand's South Island this morning. After arriving, sit down for a group lunch in Christchurch before driving to Kaikoura. In the evening, visit the giant and adorable fur seals that live on the peninsula.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.ACTIVITY: Stop to experience a close encounter with the many southern fur seals lying about on rocks just off the highway.
Day 7: Kaikoura: Free Day
Location: Kaikoura
Accommodation Name: hotel
Kaikoura is one if the best places in all of New Zealand to see wildlife. Spend today however you wish, but of course we recommend trying to see some of these amazing animals in the wild. Opt to go on a Giant Sperm Whale watching tour or out for a tour in hopes to swim with the Dusky Dolphins.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend today at leisure in the seaside town of Kaikoura.
Day 8: Kaikoura To Hokitika
Location: Hokitika
Accommodation Name: hotel
Drive to Hokitika, a town nudged between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Hokitika River to the south. Full of beautiful nature, wildlife and a history of ship wrecks, gold and green stone miners, Hokitika is not to be missed. The drive takes about 5 hours in total, but we'll make some pitstops along the way in notable towns like Reefton and Greymouth. After arrival, enjoy free time to explore the town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon in Hokitika.
Day 9: Hokitika To Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: hotel
Hike the remarkable Hokitika Gorge, crossing the suspension bridge and admiring the incredibly blue water. Then drive to Franz Josef, and hike through the rain forest of Franz Josef with views of the beautiful glacier.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Hike the short and easy trek through the Franz Josef rainforest with views of the glacier and snow covered mountains.
ACTIVITY: Visit the crystal blue water of Hokitika Gorge. Hike through the bush and look for the rare blue mushroom, walk across the suspension bridge over the beautiful water and admire the incredible beauty of the South Island.
Day 10: Franz Josef: Free Day
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A free day today in Franz Josef calls for adventure. Opt to take a scenic helicopter flight up to the impressive glacier, or kayak on Lake Mapourika. Or choose to join the Guided Heli Hike, taking a helicopter to the glacier and hiking through the snow capped mountains and over the bright blue glacier.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend today however you'd like in Franz Josef.
Day 11: Franz Josef To Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive with your fellow solo-ish travellers to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. After arrival, settle in and enjoy an evening stroll in this picturesque lakeside town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 12: We Day: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your Me Day, which means today is all about me... well you! With so much to do in Queenstown, opt to spend today exploring the adventure capital however you so wish. Or choose to join your CEO and other solo-ish travellers to ride the famous Queenstown gondola. Ride to the top of the mountain and take in the beautiful view of the lake and mountain peaks. Then tonight, choose to join your CEO for a final group dinner. This may be an early dinner because we have an early morning tomorrow, but come together for a bite and a drink before our final day together.
ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
Day 13: Fiordland National Park
Location: Fiordland National Park
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake early for a visit to one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations on a day trip to Fiordland National Park. Drive from Queenstown, board a boat and cruise between the breathtaking mountain slopes, cascades and sea. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and rainbows made by the waterfalls. After the boat ride, drive back to Queenstown and enjoy one last free evening in Queenstown.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Cruise through stunning Fiordland National Park, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Depending on the departure, the cruise will be in either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound – two of the most stunning regions within the park. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 14: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Dinner Party
Enjoy a dinner party in Auckland as part of your welcome moment.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
A complimentary arrival transfer is included.
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Mt Eden Summit Walk
Participate in a guided walk up to the Mt Eden Summit.
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Cruise Lake Rotoiti
Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot springs.
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Full Day Immersion with Kohutapu Lodge
Experience a full day immersion with Kohutapu Lodge.
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Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
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Visit to Kaikoura Seal Colony
Visit the Kaikoura Seal Colony.
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Hike Hokitika Gorge
Hike the Hokitika Gorge.
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Franz Glacier Trek
Trek through the Franz Josef Glacier.
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Full Day Cruise at Doubtful Sound
Enjoy a full day cruise at Doubtful Sound.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Meals are generally not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
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Personal Spending
Personal spending such as drinks, shopping, and tipping is not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities during free time are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with a combination of flights, private vehicles, boats, and walking, ensuring a smooth and varied journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 13 nights, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures across New Zealand.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
On this trip we include one local breakfast experience. We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
What to Take
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What's Included
Dinner Party: Dinner Party, Auckland
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
G Day: Mt Eden Summit Walk, Auckland
We Day: Kohutapu Tribal Tour, Rotorua
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
Me Day: Queenstown Me Day, Queenstown. Complimentary arrival transfer. Mt Eden Summit Walk. Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot springs. Free time in Rotorua. Full day immersion with Kohutapu Lodge. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Visit to Kaikoura Seal Colony. Free time in Kaikoura. Hike Hokitika Gorge. Franz Glacier Trek. Free time in Franz Josef. Full Day Cruise at Doubtful Sound. Free time in Queenstown. Transport to/from included activities. -
Highlights
Mt Eden Summit Walk, Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot springs, Full day immersion with Kohutapu Lodge, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Visit to Kaikoura Seal Colony, Hike Hokitika Gorge, Franz Glacier Trek, Full Day Cruise at Doubtful Sound
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
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Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
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Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
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Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
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Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
On this trip we include one local breakfast experience. We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. -
Transport
Flight, private vehicle, boat, walking.
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Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
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Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
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Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts)
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My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
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Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Arrive to your start hotel no later than 2pm in order to head to your cooking class.
During your Welcome Meeting, you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day. -
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. Included arrival transfers are provided from the nearest airport to your starting location. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Office and after office hours emergency number
From outside New Zealand +64 211935846
From within New Zealand: 0211935846
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 -
What to Take
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle. -
Packing List
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear -
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here -
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
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Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Optional Activities
Rotorua
- Hot Springs (45-75NZD per person)
- Whitewater Rafting (125NZD per person)
- Rotorua Canopy Tours (189-259NZD per person)
Kaikoura
- Whale Watching (175NZD per person)
- Dolphin Tour (240NZD per person)
Franz Josef
- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (350-445NZD per person)
- Franz Josef Kayaking (135NZD per person)
- Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) (698NZD per person)
Queenstown
- Vineyard Tour (210-240NZD per person)
- Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person)
- Skydiving in Queenstown -
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling. -
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects. -
Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com
ewsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit. -
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport. -
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout
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Max Pax
16
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.