This is the New Zealand you’ve always heard about – endless lakes, snow-capped mountains and pristine glaciers. Discover the laidback delights of postcard-perfect Wanaka, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier, and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. With a friendly leader to guide the way you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Between glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. 

Want more of New Zealand?  There is another New Zealand trip that covers different areas that takes place before this trip. Join us for both.

**Please be aware that you must be able to walk up to 4 miles during a day and be able to manage your own luggage up steps if need be.

We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements?
Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations, and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore, a COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.

Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.

Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. 

By making a deposit you agree to above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want.  You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required for all of our trips (but not required at the time of booking). We recommend and use World Nomads. If you are over 70, we recommend using Insure My Trip.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

Welcome to your New Zealand Nature Adventure. Your trip starts in Christchurch with a welcome meeting at 6pm to meet your guide and fellow travelers.

Arrival Transfer

• Excluded but can be added upon check out

Accommodation

Drifter Hotel

Note- the flight here is long and jet lag is a real possibility. We highly recommended coming in a day or two early, if you can, so that you are feeling your best when the trip starts. 

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After enjoying breakfast head to the small French themed town of Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula.  Stop to grab yourself a picnic lunch, before boarding a boat and heading out into the harbour to cruise around an extinct volcanic crater. Take in its majestic beauty while keeping an eye out for native dolphins playing in the waves at the bow of the boat. If you would like you can upgrade your cruise to swim with these incredible creatures for $160 available at check out.

This  afternoon head back to Christchurch for a free afternoon to explore on your own.

Included 

Breakfast

Boat trip 

Accommodation

Drifter Hotel

This morning after breakfast you will board the Tranzalpine train to experience one of the most scenic train rides in the world.  Continue to Kumara, a former gold rush town with an intriguing history (this little place was the home of New Zealand's longest serving Prime Minister). 

On arrival, settle into your hotel, then the rest of the day is yours to explore. Kumara town is rich in history and is proud to be the site of one of New Zealand’s last great gold rushes. There are several short walks accessible from the township including Taylor's Hill (15 min loop) which provides a panoramic, elevated view of both Kumara, the magnificent Taramakau River and surrounding mountains. Payn Track is an old tram track that meanders through regenerating native bush. 

Once the sun has gone down, be sure to look up. With very little light pollution, the stargazing in Kumara is absolutely out of this world (literally).

Included 

Breakfast

Train ride

Accommodation

Theatre Royal Hotel

Today begins with a visit to the Hokitika gorge, one of the West Coasts most stunning spots. Shimmering turquoise waters wreathed with lush native bush make a sight to remember.  Then it's on to Okarito Lagoon, alive with the calls of 70 unique species of birds. Head out on a nature walk culminating in a lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can enjoy an unbeatable view over Westland National Park from the snow capped Southern Alps across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast.

Continue your journey south to the Franz Josef township, your gateway to the dramatic and enormous Franz Josef Glacier and your base for the next two nights.

Included 

Breakfast

Nature Walk

Accommodation

Bella Vista Hotel

Wake this morning to the sounds of birds in the rainforest behind the village. After breakfast, you will have a morning for your own exploration of the glacier. Choose to either Heli-hike ($525) or kayak ($115). (You can add these upon check out) or take the day to rest.

This afternoon visit a local gallery where you will carve your own pounamu pendant. Treasured, valuable and with spiritual significance, pounamu – New Zealand's highly prized stone – has been used by Māori to denote status and authority, for adornment, and for making peace.

Heli-Hike - Take a scenic flight over spectacular ice formations and land on the glacier. Experience the sensation of touching the ancient ice, feeling its chill, and breathing in the crisp, invigorating air. With specialized glacier boots and crampons, you will embark on a guided walk, immersing yourself in the extraordinary and ever-changing ancient ice formations forged over millennia.

• Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanche, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slips trips and falls, sun exposure.

• We cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks so take a balanced and conservative approach to safety management.

• Agreeing to participate is your personal decision accepting there are environmental and external elements outside our control that may cause harm
  

Included 

Breakfast

Accommodation

Bella Vista Hotel

After breakfast we head to Mt Aspiring National Park. Take the short walk to the incredible thunder Creek Falls, featuring an impressive 96 metre cascade. Next is a one hour walk along the wonderful Blue Pools Track, passing through forests of beech and podocarp which surround sapphire blue pools of glacier water. 

Upon arrival in wanaka we will visit That Wanaka Tree, also known as the Wanaka Willow, is a willow tree  located at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region of New Zealand. The tree sits alone in the water and is a popular destination for tourists to take Instagram photos.

Included 

Breakfast

Nature walk

Accommodation

Wanaka Hotel

Enjoy a day in Wanaka. Cruise across Lake Wanaka this morning to visit Mau Waho Island-see the lake on top of an island on a nature walk. Stunning 360 degree views await. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon beside the lake and perhaps enjoy a final dinner with your travel friends.

Included 

Breakfast

Mou Waho Island Tour

Accommodation

Wanaka Hotel

Depart after breakfast and drive through the magnificent scenery of the Crown Range. Arrive in Queenstown in the late morning at which point your adventure comes to an end. 

Note 

Schedule departing flights for later in the day or evening or elect to stay an extra night and leave the next day. 

Want more of New Zealand?  Join us in the trip right before this one.

Included 

Breakfast