Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island: The Best Multi-day Tours

This Abel Tasman National Park adventure is a three-day / two-night self-guided cycle tour on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Start your 1st day at 9am as you will cycle between three to five hours per day on a vehicle free trail with an easy to moderate gradient. During your ride you will be able to visit award winning wineries, craft breweries and cafés, you can sample local produce and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of Mapua Wharf. 

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, All cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation, Luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag), Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles – Discoverer Day, Bottled water, Transport: Kaiteriteri to Nelson, Mapua Ferry crossing, 2 nights Accommodation based on twin/double share, Luggage storage for excess luggage available if returning to Nelson after tour, Airport transfers

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Enjoy our ‘Top of the South’ 11 day itinerary which showcases two wonderful coastal tracks with stunning yet varying scenery – the Queen Charlotte Track and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Both tracks are walked independently with all elements of your trip pre arranged.

Inclusions: 2 nights Motel accommodation in Picton, 2 nights Motel accommodation in Nelson, 3 nights upgrade lodge accommodation on the Queen Charlotte Track, 3 nights boat/lodge accommodation on the Abel Tasman Track, Queen Charlotte track transport connections, Abel Tasman track transport connections, Ferry from Wellington to Picton, Bus from Picton to Nelson, Packed lunches x 4 on the Queen Charlotte Track, Packed lunches x 3 on the Abel Tasman Track, Dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge on the Abel Tasman Track, Full detailed 11 day itinerary provided prior to your trip with an information pack including maps provided on arrival for each of the tracks, Lunch

Exclusions: Dinner and breakfast whilst in Picton, Dinner and breakfast whilst in Nelson, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Queen Charlotte Track, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Abel Tasman Track (except dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge which are included)

Discover the world underground at Waitomo, explore the geothermal delights of Rotorua, hike across active volcanoes and lava valleys in the world-renowned Tongariro National Park and sip coffee in the coolest little capital of the world – Wellington. We have chosen excellent quality hotels and lodges and all rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Every place we stay has something special to offer and your evenings will be just as enjoyable as your days spent outdoors. Wonderful meals are included giving you an opportunity to sample the local cuisine from the restaurants in the cities and towns we stay.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast

Exclusions:

The Ultimate North is the ideal choice for those who have a little less time but want to experience the very best that the North Island, New Zealand, can offer. Hike into a river-side hut in the middle of Jurassic-like rainforest. Explore thermal areas in Rotorua. Trek the high sections of the remote Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk deep in the magical rain forests of Te Urewera. Relax in lodges in beautiful locations. Discover the surreal volcanic wonderland of Tongariro National Park, staying high above the world in an alpine hut. The Ultimate North has short hikes, as well as two overnight hikes staying in backcountry huts.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner

Exclusions: Personal Hiking Equipment

Four multi-day hikes » Golden sands of Abel Tasman Coastal Track » Crystal clear rivers and limestone canyons of the West Coast » Cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail » Cruising the magnificent Milford Sound

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Use of bicycle, Waka experience and boat cruise

Exclusions:

Embrace the South Island of New Zealand and visit iconic locations along with enjoying your creature comforts at the end of each satisfying day. From postcard perfect Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki’s luscious green rainforests and the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook. Finish your time in this magical country under the immense peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park before arriving in Queenstown - the adventure capital.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner

Exclusions:

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

This flexible Hop-on Hop-off bus pass allows you to either take your time in each epic stop over, or cruise on through on the minimum time (21 days). We take you to the highlights of New Zealand, as well as some unknown spots that make you feel like you are having a true Kiwi Experience.   Stay overnight in stops such as the famous Franz Josef, discover the underground world of Waitomo, seek out your favourite activities in adrenaline capital of Queenstown, white water rafting through the Rangitikei River, and discover the history of New Zealand in our Capital of Wellington.  • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do  • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guaranteed Accommodation (Paid for on arrival at accommodation), Guaranteed bookings on activities (Activities not included in price, can be booked on bus with driver guide), Daily walks and photo stops, Daily cafe/supermarket breaks, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Accommodation, Ferry Ticket, Activities

Arrive at Auckland Airport on Day 1, transfer to your accommodation and settle in. Visit the Waitomo Caves on Day 2 to marvel at shimmering glow worms. Set foot on the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie sets on Day 3. Visit Taupo on Day 4 and Napier on Days 5-6 for a fun-filled wine-tasting afternoon. Continue your trip to Wellington on Days 7-8 with free time to explore the city. Arrive to Nelson on Days 9-10 for a relaxing sailing trip on the pristine waters of the Abel Tasman followed by a nature walk to Marahau along sandy beaches. Travel to Franz Josef on Days 11-12 and embark on a Glacier Valley Walk along the mighty Waiho River with spectacular views of the glacier (you will not walk directly on the ice). Reach Queenstown on Days 13-15 for a peaceful cruise through the dramatic and breathtaking Milford Sound and free time. Reach Christchurch on Day 16 for your last night. Your trip will come to an end on Day 17 with an airport drop-off.

Inclusions: Lunch, Auckland Airport Pick-up, Christchurch Airport Drop-off, All Coach Transportation as per Itinerary, 16 Nights Hostel, 3* or 4* Hotel Accommodation, Depending on Package:, 1N in Auckland, 2N in Rotorua, 1N in Taupo, 2N in Napier, 2N in Wellington, 2N in Nelson, 2N in Franz Josef, 3N Queenstown, 1N Christchurch, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Experience, Hobbiton Experience, Hawkes Bay Wine Tour, Abel Tasman by Land & Sea Experience, Franz Josef Glacier Valley Experience, Milford Sound Cruise Experience

Exclusions: Other Meals & Drinks, Transfers to/from bus stations and meeting points, Optional Activities, Personal Expenses, Tips for Guides, Travel Insurance

Allowing you to see the South Island of New Zealand in a cost friendly and flexible way. This Hop-On Hop-Off flexible bus pass allows you to take your time and see all that the South Island offers! Join in with our friendly driver guide who will show you around, offering activities and some incredible accommodation options that can all be booked in on the bus along the way.   Depart from Christchurch ( main pick-up point YMCA Christchurch 7:15am) and head in a loop around the South Island taking a minimum of 11 days to complete, or up to 365 days if you'd like! This guided tour lets you relax and see all that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer whilst we do the work for you!   • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do  • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guaranteed Accommodation (Paid for on arrival at accommodation), Guaranteed bookings on activities (Activities not included in price, can be booked on bus with driver guide), Daily walks and photo stops, Daily cafe/supermarket breaks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Accommodation (can be booked on the bus with the driver guide daily at an extra cost), Activities (can be booked on the bus with the driver guide daily at an extra cost)