TranzAlpine Train Journey – Cross the Southern Alps together on one of the world’s most breathtaking train rides, sharing window-seat wonder and stories as the landscapes unfold.
Pancake Rocks & Blowholes – Stand side by side in awe of the Tasman Sea’s raw power on a coastal walk through Punakaiki’s wild rock formations.
Glowworm Cave Expedition – Travel by rainforest train into a magical underworld, where thousands of glowworms light your path — an unforgettable moment to experience with your travel sisters.
Jetboat the Haast River – Feel the rush of adventure as you journey into UNESCO-listed wilderness, ending at the misty beauty of Roaring Billy Falls.
Wildlife Cruise in Dunedin – Spot albatross, fur seals, and sea lions on a guided boat tour of the Otago Peninsula, swapping cameras and capturing each other’s best moments.
Kiwi Encounter on Stewart Island – Go nocturnal together to glimpse the elusive national bird in its natural habitat — a bucket-list sight you’ll never forget.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise – Venture deep into Fiordland for a serene fjord experience, where still waters and shared silence speak volumes.
Guided Kepler Track Hike – Jetboat into “Middle Earth” and walk a portion of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, encouraging each other every step of the way.
From glowworm caves to glacier lakes, Rad Women’s hand-curated New Zealand adventure reveals the South Island at its most enchanting — with every moment enriched by connection, laughter, and life-long friendships. Departures are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Premium Accommodation: Twin Share in handpicked 3-4 star hotels and lodges. Single rooms available for a supplement.
Local, Authentic Meals: Daily breakfast, some lunches, and some dinners. Included meals are as specified in the itinerary.
Adventure Activities: Cruising the stunning New Zealand Wilderness by boat, Guided hiking, searching for elusive wildlife, and so many more once in a lifetime adventure experiences.
Private Transportation: Comfortable transportation based on group size.
Local Legend: Your guide knows this region like no others and they are excited to share their stories with you.
Small Group Experience: Tours will have a maximum group size of 16 passengers.
Flights: Your international airfare.
Airport Transfers: Available to book through Radventures at additional cost.
Beverages: Drinks (both soft and alcoholic) are at your own expense.
Gratuities: Tips, especially for your guide are not required but encouraged for great service.
Single Room: Limited single rooms are available for a supplement.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended and available for purchase.
Tourist Visa: Visas may be required for certain nationalities and are not included.
Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city, where innovation and heritage blend in striking harmony. After settling into your hotel, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a warm welcome. This evening, connect with your new travel sisters over a cultural walking food tour, exploring Christchurch’s exciting culinary scene while sharing stories, laughter, and the anticipation of the journey ahead. It’s the perfect way to start building friendships that will grow throughout your adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Christchurch
Sample Hotel: Fable Christchurch or similar
Venture deep into the heart of Paparoa National Park aboard a rainforest train that snakes through primeval forest and towering cliffs. Our destination is a vast, ancient cave system where thousands of glowworms cast an ethereal blue-green light, illuminating the darkness like a starlit sky – a truly magical experience unique to New Zealand.
After exploring this subterranean wonder, journey to Hokitika, renowned for its rich deposits of pounamu (greenstone). Here, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting a jade factory and learning about the significance of this treasured stone. Later, arrive in Franz Josef and partake in a special workshop with a Maori artist, carving your own pounamu piece to take home – a meaningful keepsake of your time in the South Island.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Franz Josef
Sample Hotel: Rainforest Retreat or similar
Today’s adventure takes you across the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on a guided kayak and walking tour. Paddle gently through crystal-clear waters framed by ancient native trees, feeling the calmness of the untouched wilderness all around. Step ashore to a private rainforest trail in the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where the air is thick with the scent of moss and ferns and the calls of rare native birds echo softly through the canopy. This sanctuary is a refuge for endangered species, and with luck, you may spot elusive kiwi or white herons amid the lush greenery. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the alpine town of Franz Josef.
Note: Today is your guide’s legally required day off. A guide for the day is provided as a part of the kayak tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Franz Josef
Sample Hotel: Rainforest Retreat or similar
Today we journey south through a lush mosaic of moss-draped rainforest and rugged coastline to the remote Haast region, the gateway to the pristine Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Feel the rush as you board a jetboat for a thrilling safari along the Haast River, skimming past towering ancient forests and cascading waterfalls before arriving at the stunning Roaring Billy Falls. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, this is a true encounter with New Zealand’s raw natural beauty.
Afterward, we cross the dramatic Haast Pass – a landscape of soaring peaks and crystal-clear rivers – and arrive at the tranquil lakeside town of Wānaka.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wānaka
Sample Hotel: Edgewater Wānaka or similar
This morning, set sail across the tranquil waters of Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free sanctuary celebrated for its unique ecosystems. Embark on a gentle hike to discover a hidden lake nestled within the island’s lush forest – a rare sight in the world. Along the way, help restore native vegetation by planting a tree, leaving your mark on this peaceful refuge. Watch for the flightless Buff Weka, a curious bird thriving in this protected environment. Later, journey through the rolling hills and rugged coastline of Otago, arriving in Dunedin – a city rich with Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Dunedin
Sample Hotel: Fable Dunedin or similar
We set out this morning on a wildlife cruise along the rugged Otago Peninsula, where towering cliffs meet the wild Southern Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for playful New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky shores, majestic sea lions, and the rare albatross soaring overhead – the world’s only mainland breeding site for these graceful seabirds. Your expert guide will share captivating stories about the region’s geology, history, and incredible biodiversity.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure in Dunedin, wandering charming Victorian streets, visiting local cafés, or exploring the iconic railway station known for its ornate architecture.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Dunedin
Sample Hotel: Fable Dunedin or similar
Today we follow the scenic Southern Scenic Route through the wild and windswept Catlins – a region of lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visit the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched atop jagged rocks where waves crash dramatically below. Then we continue to Bluff, the southernmost town on New Zealand’s South Island, famed for its fresh oysters. Here we board a comfortable ferry to Stewart Island, a remote wilderness island where nature reigns supreme. We arrive in the quaint settlement of Oban, surrounded by native forest and ocean views, and settle in for a peaceful evening at the edge of the world.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Oban, Stewart Island
Sample Hotel: South Sea Hotel or similar
Today is a day at leisure to rest or explore Steward Island or the surrounding areas.
As an optional excursion (pre-booking recommended), you can join a tour to explore Ulva Island, one of New Zealand’s most pristine environments. As you wander the predator-free sanctuary with local naturalists, encounter rare native birds like the saddleback, tūī, and inquisitive kākā in their natural habitat. Fern-fringed paths lead you to secluded beaches and ancient rimu forests, offering a glimpse into what much of Aotearoa once looked like.
In the evening we set out on a special Wild Kiwi encounter. Venture into the darkness with red-light torches and hushed voices as you search for the elusive, nocturnal kiwi-an unforgettable moment for any nature lover.
Note: Today is your guide’s legally required day off. Guide is provided by activity operators.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Oban, Stewart Island
Sample Hotel: South Sea Hotel or similar
Bid farewell to Stewart Island as we return to the mainland by ferry. From Bluff, we journey inland through the fertile landscapes of Southland – where green pastures stretch to the horizon and rustic farms dot the hills. We stop along the way for photo-worthy views and local stories before arriving in the lakeside town of Te Anau, nestled on the edge of Fiordland National Park. This afternoon, visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered species including the bright-beaked takahē and the cheeky alpine parrot, the kea.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Te Anau
Sample Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas or similar
Today, venture deep into the untamed beauty of Fiordland National Park. We begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, its glassy waters flanked by lush forested peaks. Then journey over Wilmot Pass, where panoramic views hint at the grandeur ahead. Arrive at Deep Cove and board a purpose-built vessel for an unforgettable exploration of Doubtful Sound—New Zealand’s deepest and most remote fjord. As you glide through this untouched wilderness, watch for fur seals lounging on rocks, bottlenose dolphins dancing in the waves, and waterfalls cascading down sheer granite cliffs cloaked in mist.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Te Anau
Sample Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas or similar
Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city, where innovation and heritage blend in striking harmony. After settling into your hotel, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a warm welcome. This evening, connect with your new travel sisters over a cultural walking food tour, exploring Christchurch’s exciting culinary scene while sharing stories, laughter, and the anticipation of the journey ahead. It’s the perfect way to start building friendships that will grow throughout your adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Christchurch
Sample Hotel: Fable Christchurch or similar
Your journey through New Zealand’s South Island comes to a close, but the friendships, memories, and shared adventures you’ve created will last a lifetime. Safe travels, and may this be the first of many journeys together!
Meals: Breakfast
Wherever possible, our Rad Women journeys are led by inspiring female guides. In some destinations, where a female guide may not be available, you’ll still be escorted by expert local leaders who share our values of creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for women travellers.
Your deposit is refundable for 24 hours after booking. After that, there is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies to changes you want to make to your tour (ie. to change the tour date or to choose a different tour). Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified. Of course, if Radventures cannot confirm your tour by the final payment deadline, your deposit can be refunded or transferred to another tour free of charge.
Of course! There is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies. Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified.
Radventures lives for those who want to escape the ordinary. Those who want to steer clear of the tourist traps and queues of cashed up pensioners. Those who are nomadic by nature and desire deep, authentic and local connections to make their trip as much about the journey as the destination. If that sounds like you, then you’re just like us, and between our relentless efforts to blow your expectations out of the water and our super knowledgable team, we’re your travel experts!
Different tours/trips have varying physical demands, but our most adventurous are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary and itinerary carefully to assess your ability and to cope with our style of travel. Some trips visit remote areas with limited or non-existent medical facilities so you must be in good health. Factors such as altitude, cold temperatures, delays, unfamiliar food and different customs and cultures can also add to the physical toll. Keep in mind you will sometimes need to carry your own bags. Please note that if, in an extremely unlikely case, in the opinion of our guide, any guest is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Radventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Yes! We would definitely recommend an “All Inclusive” policy that covers you for both medical expenses as well as any trip cancellation or interruptions. You can purchase this from our booking platform, “WeTravel”, or contact us for more information.
At Radventures we pride ourselves on our flexibility. If you wan’t to enjoy more of this beautiful country before and after your time with us, we’d be more than happy to make any arrangements for you. As for being partly involved in a tour, whilst we can’t make any guarantees about whats possible or not, it’s best that you get in touch with us when you’re considering booking a tour or trip with us and let us know how you want things to work so we can see if we can make it work.
This is a tricky one. We don’t know when other people will book, so it’s hard to know if and when the tour will fill up. Our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel, that way you won’t be disappointed. Most of our service providers have a cutoff date of 2-3 months before departure that we need to advise them to release any excess space, and while we may be able to get these services back after the cutoff date it’s definitely safer to book early while we can still guarantee enough space for you.
You’re in great company! We have two options for solo travellers on our tours – you can join our share program to be matched with another rad solo traveller (of the same sex), or you can purchase the single supplement to have your own private room.
