New Zealand Adventures for Women and Their Plus-Ones
New Zealand feels like a place made for wonder. We're talking scenic views like glacier valleys, turquoise lakes, and so many more! Every corner of the South Island pulls you in.
It can be a nightmare if you have to plan out the entire trip by yourself. It can get pretty overwhelming, from figuring out the routes, checking the weather, to the transportation. Many women want the adventure without hours of logistics.
That’s why small-group New Zealand adventure tours designed for women and their chosen “plus one” work so well. We handle the lodging, guides, activities, culture, and transport so you can just enjoy the trip. "Plus 1" trips are inclusive of all genders and are an opportunity for our AdventurUs community to bring the important guys in their life! You can sign up solo or with friends too.
This blog provides an insight into what the experience is like from day to day.
Why New Zealand Is One of the World’s Best Adventure Destinations
New Zealand has a way of surprising explorers from the very start. From glaciers to lakes - you'll be experiencing sceneries that you never even knew existed - keeping you curious, awake, and your spirits lifted high.
A Landscape Built for Adventure
This country feels designed for exploring. Beautiful natural forces like the glacier valleys, bright rivers, and volcanic peaks are nested so close to each other that it feels unreal to be there. That mix makes New Zealand hiking tours great for both beginners and curious explorers.
Nature That Feels Alive
Glowworm caves sparkle like tiny blue skies. Rainforests, fjords, and quiet lakes switch up the scenery in the best way. Every spot has its own little personality.
Culture Interwoven With Nature
Māori stories add a deeper layer to every place we visit. Local food, art, and conversations make the journey feel complete. It turns the adventure into something you carry home.
New Zealand has everything an adventure trip needs to hold. Making it the perfect starting point for your journey.
Why Choose a Small Group Tour?
Exploring New Zealand feels easier when you’re not handling every detail alone. A small group removes the guesswork and adds a built-in community. Safe, supported, and ready for your adventure.
Community: Travel With OthersWomen Who Get It
Small groups make it easy to connect. Conversations start quickly, and the energy feels welcoming. Bringing a “plus one” adds extra comfort for many women and the opportunity to share a bucket-list experience with a loved one.
Safety & Confidence From Professional Guides
Local guides understand the terrain and the weather. They choose routes that fit the group and keep things flowing. With them, the whole trip feels more relaxed.
No Planning Overwhelm: Everything Is Curated
We take care of the bookings, meals, transport, and activities; just show up and enjoy the experience. It’s perfect for those who want adventure without the planning load.
Access to Iconic & Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
We mix the famous spots with hidden gems. Glowworm caves, quiet trails, and bright gorges keep things interesting. Every day feels a little different.
This trip is safe with us. We do the work, and you come to enjoy the view.
What Does This New Zealand Adventure Really Look Like?
Movement, culture, and comfort: this trip blends all three perfectly. You'd be able to experience something new every day, but at a pace that feels very approachable. You stay active, stay curious, and stay supported throughout.
Movement and Variety, Every Day
We'll be going hiking for a few miles a day, at an easy pace, with guides leading the way. Some days bring kayaking, river safaris, or boat cruises through places like Milford Sound. It keeps the trip exciting without pushing too hard.
Connection Through Culture
We spend time with Māori artists and learn from local storytellers. Food and wine moments add a warm, social feel. These touches make the journey feel grounded in the places we visit.
Travel That Feels Easy
We stay in hotels and lodges rather than tents. Meals are fresh and local, which helps the days feel nourishing. Our guides create a welcoming environment from start to finish.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. Get early access pricing now.
Your 2026 South Island, New Zealand Adventure at a Glance
This journey gives you twelve days on one of the most stunning islands in the world. We start and end in Christchurch, making travel simple and smooth. The pace stays moderate, so active beginners feel right at home.
Start & End: Christchurch, New Zealand
Dates: October 13th -24thth, 2026
Trip Duration: 12 days & 11 nights
Activity Level: Level 2, great for active beginners
Daily Activity: Around 2–4 hours each day
Hiking: Most trails are 3–5 miles
Terrain: Mixed paths with some roots, rocks, and light elevation
Group Size: 6–12 women, plus their guests
It’s designed to feel doable, enjoyable, and full of good variety without ever feeling rushed.
Daily Experience
The trip certainly has a pace, but one that would never feel rushed. Every day is going to feel different, as you'd be exploring something, and fun each time.
Day 1 – Arrival in Christchurch with a welcome gathering and a relaxed food tour - an easy and simple start
Day 2 – Travel through Canterbury and Lake Tekapo toward Aoraki/Mt Cook
Day 3 – A slow day tasting wine in Central Otago
Day 4 – Hiking in Fiordland paired with a water taxi ride
Day 5 – Cruise ride through the scenic cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound
Day 6 – Glowworm caves, a gentle boat cruise, and a BBQ evening
Day 7 – Free time in Queenstown to choose calm or adventure
Day 8 – A route through Wanaka and Haast Pass with a river safari
Day 9 – Wilderness kayaking near Franz Josef and a Māori artisan experience
Day 10 – Stops at Hokitika Gorge and Reefton, ending with hot springs
Day 11 – Scenic travel back through Canterbury
Day 12 – Final breakfast before departures
A smooth mix of movement, culture, and downtime keeps the days feeling balanced and memorable.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Few places just leave a lasting mark on you. New Zealand's South Island has successfully reserved its place in that list. Every region displays its own color, rhythm, and a unique sense of wonder. Here's what you'll be coming across while on your relaxing adventure.
Iconic Highlights
Fiordland’s sheer walls and shifting mist set the mood right away.
Milford Sound delivers those big, thundering waterfalls everyone dreams about.
Glowworm caves glow softly overhead, almost like standing under a tiny blue night sky.
Glaciers on the South Island flaunt bright and unexpected shades of blue.
Hokitika Gorge, with its distinctive turquoise waters, looks insanely magical.
Alpine ridges, clear rivers, and wide valleys appear again and again in new ways.
Wildlife
Kea parrots often wander close, curious about everything.
Dolphins sometimes glide alongside the boats in Milford Sound.
Forest and alpine trails bring regular sightings of native birds.
Glacier-shaped landscapes shift the mood from gentle to dramatic in seconds.
Cultural Elements
Māori artists share carving, design, and stories tied to the land.
Small farms and local makers add a warm, personal touch to the journey.
Wineries offer relaxed spaces to taste, talk, and take in the scenery.
This is indeed a trip that you will remember and cherish forever.
Packing & Gear for a New Zealand Hiking Tour
Packing for this trip need not be complicated whatsoever. A few reliable layers and the right basics make the whole trip feel smoother. Here are some of what we recommend bringing and what we handle for you.
What You Should Bring (a full packing list is provided to all travelers)
Lightweight hiking layers that dry quickly.
A rainproof shell for sudden weather shifts.
Waterproof hiking shoes that feel good on uneven terrain.
A small daypack for daily essentials.
A water bottle you’re comfortable carrying.
Sun protection for long, open sections of trail.
Swimwear for hot springs and water days.
Something comfortable for wine tastings and cultural stops.
What AdventurUs Provides
All activity-specific gear.
Local guides who know the routes inside and out.
An AdventurUs trip leader supporting you before, and on, the trip
Safety equipment for every activity.
Transport between regions and trailheads.
A complete itinerary with all reservations handled.
Access to cruises, kayaks, workshops, and cultural experiences.
If you have any questions, do reach out to us.
FAQs
1. Does this trip require hiking experience to join?
No. This Level 2 trip is built for beginners and active women who like steady, approachable days. The guides keep the pace comfortable.
2. Can I bring someone who isn’t a woman?
Yes. “Plus One” trips welcome guests of all genders, as long as they join respectfully. This will be our only Plus-1 trip in 2026.
3. How safe is this trip?
Quite safe considering safety is one of our highest priorities. Local guides, small group size, and well-planned routes keep everything smooth and secure.
4. What activities are included?
Hiking, kayaking, river safaris, glowworm caves, water taxis, scenic cruises, hot springs, and more. The variety keeps the trip fun and balanced.
5. How long does it take to get to New Zealand?
Travel to New Zealand from North America spans two calendar days due to crossing the International Date Line. Although total flight time is typically under 24 hours, you arrive two days later on the calendar. The good news: on the way home, you cross the Date Line in the opposite direction and get a day back.
New Zealand Is Calling You
New Zealand’s South Island is pure adventure. It has a rich terrain of bright lakes, some huge, tall peaks, and small towns, making every day feel new and exciting. It gets easier to stay and just enjoy the moment when the planning and logistics are handled.
This trip keeps the experience simple and supportive. Guided days, small groups, and smooth logistics help you settle in right away. Don't miss out on this easy and approachable way of exploring the South Island with AdventurUs.
Schedule your trip today and create some truly unforgettable memories.
