New Zealand South Island Active Gay Expedition Adventure Tour - Happy Gay Travel

New Zealand South Island gay adventure tour

New Zealand South Island
Active Gay Adventure Expedition Tour

Christchurch, Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Gibbston Valley, Milford Sound, Queenstown, and more!

10 Days from Christchurch to Queenstown, New Zealand

February 09 – 18, 2025

Australia & New Zealand Holidays at Titan Travel

Gay Southn New Zealand tour Join a group of like-minded gay men on a “sweet as” adventure through New Zealand’s rugged landscape. It should come as no surprise Sir Edmund Hillary—one of the first two men to ever surmount Everest—was a proud Kiwi. On this All-Gay New Zealand South Island adventure we’ll explore Hillary’s very own backyard, hiking the same mountains, gorges and temperate rainforests the famous mountaineer did. And for the real adrenaline junkies, we’ll have the opportunity to bungee jump and/or hang glide in Queenstown, aka The Adventure Capital of the World. Now what’s the Maori word for “yeehaw”?

If you’d like to extend your time in Kiwi Country, consider joining our New Zealand North Island Cultural Gay Adventure Tour. The all-gay relaxed adventure directly proceeds this tour and the two are intended to be booked together. Alternatively, this tour is easily paired with our Australia Summer Down Under & Sydney Mardi Gras Gay Tour.

Quote or Reservation

New Zealand gay adventure tour

• Journey into the immense surroundings of the Fiordland National Park on an overnight Milford Sound cruise

• Enjoy epic hikes through mountains, gorges and moss-covered temperate rainforests

• Discover vibrant Christchurch on a private walking tour

• Brave an optional bungee jumping experience in Queenstown, the city where the extreme sport was invented

• Wish upon a shooting star in the only dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere

• Enjoy optional activities such as the steaming Tekapo Springs

• Harness up (tehe) for an optional waterfall climbing experience in quiet Wanaka

Christchurch New Zealand gay tour

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand
Kia Ora! Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand. From the airport you will be transferred to our Joining Point Hotel.

Upon arrival you’re welcome to unpack and relax after (likely) a very long journey.

Please join us this afternoon for a group meeting at 4PM and get familiar with your fellow travellers and fabulous local Guide.

Then we’ll enjoy a tour of vibrant Christchurch before our official Welcome Dinner.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Christchurch

New Zealand gay adventure tour - Under the Tekapo stars

Day 2 - Tekapo
Get ready for some pretty epic views this morning as we head inland towards the Southern Alps mountain range and the Mackenzie Region.

The area is famous for its bright turquoise lakes and stunning snow-capped mountains. We’ll be sure to swing by the Summit of Mount John for an unforgettable #nofilter view.

After arriving at our romantic hotel you’ll have some free time to trek Lake Tekapo, visit the nearby village or even slip into the steaming pools of Tekapo Springs.

Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner together before seeking out shooting stars in the only dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere—if you spot one, may we suggest wishing for sunny skies to accompany tomorrow’s photogenic hike?

Hotel: Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo

New Zealand gay adventure - Hooker Valley Track

Day 3 - Mount Cook Village
Rise and shine, Gentlemen! This morning is our first truly active day as we hike (or “tramp”, as the locals say) into the shadow of Aoraki/Mt Cook and discover the The Hooker Valley Track—if the weather is, um, less than favourable, we’ll tackle this hike tomorrow.

The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the ancient glacier lake where one of the most breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook awaits. This imposing mountain is actually the highest peak in New Zealand. Keep your camera handy as we’ll cross three swing bridges, picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains.

This afternoon we’ll arrive at our well-located accommodation.

This evening you are free to relax on your own or join an optional group dinner, and you also have the option to seek out shooting stars in the only dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere (weather dependent).

Ascent: 124m/400ft
Descent: 124m/400ft
Distance: 6mi/10km return
Approximate hiking time: Allow 3 hours
Approximate kayaking time: 4-6 hours

Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook

Wanaka New Zealand gay tour

Day 4 - Wanaka
This morning we’re off to quiet Wanaka through mountain passes and mind-boggling natural phenomena such as Omarama Clay Cliffs—the region’s sharp pinnacles and ravines were cut out by ancient glaciers over a million years ago.

Lindis Pass brings us through Otago before eventually ending in Wanaka, aka Queenstown’s little sister.

After an included lunch en route and orientation walk with our guide you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy this adventure playground on your own.

Tonight you’re free to enjoy a peaceful dinner on your own or join the group for an optional dinner in the village.

Ascent: 600m/1950ft
Descent: 600m/1950ft
Distance: 2.5+mi/4+km
Approximate hiking time: 3–4 hrs return

Hotel: Edgewater Hotel, Lake Wanaka

Wanaka Roys Peak gay hike

Day 5 - Wanaka
Today is our guide’s official day off so we’re on our own. But this government-mandated rest day is actually a blessing in disguise as you can pick and choose what activities appeal to you.

For example you can challenge yourself on the industrious Roys Peak hike, join a more subdued E-Bike tour, take a wildlife trip on the Mou Waho Island Cruise or even harness up for a climbing adventure with Wild Wire.

The only included activity we’ve got planned is our group lunch.

Ascent: 1228m/400ft
Descent: 1228m/400ft
Distance: 10+mi/16+km return
Approximate hiking time: 5–6hrs return

Hotel: Edgewater Hotel, Lake Wanaka

Fiordland New Zealand gay tour

Day 6 - Gibbston Valley
Today we have a short drive to Gibbston Valley.

We’ll make one short stop in the rustic gold mining town of Arrowtown for lunch (not included) and take the time for a short walk just outside of town.

Upon arrival in Gibbston Valley we’ll check into our charming cabins and delight our tastebuds with a delightful wine tasting experience and dinner.

Hotel: Kinross Boutique Vineyard Hotel, Gibbston Valley

Milford Sound gay cruise

Day 7 - Milford Sound
This morning we’ll drive approximately 4.5/5 hours through Fiordland’s otherworldly landscape towards iconic Milford Sound.

It’s here we’ll board an overnight cruise that’ll take us into secret coves, under majestic waterfalls and ultimately into the heart of the sound.

After anchoring, board a kayak or small boat to further explore. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for pods of bottlenose and dusky dolphins, basking New Zealand fur seals, and flocks of little blue and Fiordland crested penguins. And while it’s almost guaranteed you won’t see it, the world’s only flightless parrot, the kakapo, calls this region home.

Tonight we’ll tuck into an included three course buffet dinner on board.

Please Note: You’ll have to unplug and disconnect today as our ship does not have Wi-Fi.

Accommodation: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise, Milford Sound

Queenstown bungee jumping

Day 8 - Queenstown
Cruise back to civilization and reality this morning after your wilderness adventure in Fiordland National Park.

En route to Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world and the birthplace of bungee jumping—we’ll enjoy a short hike through the mossy forests surrounding Lake Gunn. We’ll also grab lunch in the area before continuing on.

After checking into our central hotel, you’re free to explore the city’s MANY activities such as bungee jumping, the mountain luge track, or an exhilarating jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu.

Finally, tonight you’re free to join the group for an optional dinner or discover the city’s spectacular restaurant options on your own—our guide has plenty of lesser-visited recommendations.

Ascent: 50+m/165+ft
Descent: 50+m/165+ft
Distance: 0.8mi/1.4km
Approximate hiking time: Allow 45 minutes

Hotel: Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel, Queenstown

Gay Queentown New Zealand tour

Day 9 - Queenstown
For our final full day in New Zealand, join us on a gondola ride up the Remarkables Mountain Range to Bob’s Peak. This is hands down the best view of Queenstown.

After savouring the vantage together we’ll enjoy the Queenstown Hill track.

Then you’re welcome to enjoy the area’s many activities and experiences. For example, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and the weather permits), you can soar over Queenstown on an unforgettable in-tandem hang gliding experience.

Sadly, tonight is the final evening of our big gay New Zealand adventure. Please join us for one final hurrah at our delicious Farewell Dinner.

Ascent: 500m/1640ft
Descent: 500m/1640ft
Distance: 2.6mi/4.2km
Approximately hiking time: Allow 3 hrs

Hotel: Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel, Queenstown

Queenstown gay trip

Day 10 - Queenstown Departure
As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned—though, depending on your flight time you may be able to squeeze in a small trek or experience on your own.

A private transfer will take you to the airport. Safe travels!

Please note: As this tour concludes, our Australia Summer Down Under & Sydney Mardi Gras Gay Adventure is just getting started. The two tours can be easily booked together.

Gay Queentown New Zealand adventure tour

• Group Leader and gay group host from beginning to end of tour

• Arrival & departure transfers to/from the Joining/Finishing Point Hotels

• Private air-conditioned transportation

• 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 6 Dinners

• Accommodations throughout including an overnight Milford Sound Cruise

• All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

• All park fees and rental equipment for included activities

• A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees.

Milford Sound gay tour

• International airfare

• Domestic airfare if coming from our New Zealand North Island Cultural Adventure Tour (details will be provided when the official Trip Guarantee is sent to group)

• Entry visa costs

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for your Host & Local Group Leader (budget approximately $110 – 130 USD)

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

• Water on transportation—please bring a reusable water bottle as New Zealand’s tap water is crisp, clean and refreshing

• All optional activities mentioned/suggested

• Alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, unless otherwise indicated

New Zealand Visa
Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not require a visa, however they do require an NZeTA to enter New Zealand for up to 90 days. You must apply before entering New Zealand, and it may take up to 48 hours. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information, click here.

Culture Shock
New Zealand is a highly-developed Western Nation. Crime rates are very low and the nation is generally safe. Still, it’s recommended you leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.

Local LGBT Scene
New Zealand is a progressive leaning country with an even more progressive leaning Prime Minister—at the time of being elected, Jacinda Ardern was the youngest serving female head of state in the world. So it should come as no surprise that LGBT laws are heavily in our favour. But acceptance in New Zealand goes beyond laws and regulations. Opinion polls show wide-spread acceptance of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage. While pockets of prejudice still exist in some rural regions, you’ll feel more than welcome in this small nation.

Queenstown gay hiking

Weather
While New Zealand weather tends to fluctuate quickly, February in the South Island is usually a sunny month with comfortable breezes and light rain (depending on where you are, of course). The chance of rain increases significantly around Milford Sound and a rain jacket is definitely required. Also, the temperature does drop in the evening and you’ll likely be happy to have a sweater or light jacket handy.

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
In New Zealand the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

New Zealand Mount Cook gay tour

Connectivity
We should have reliable Wi-Fi in our hotels. However, our ship in Milford Sound does not have Wi-Fi—think of it as an excellent opportunity to unplug. Feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home.

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 6 dinners are included on this trip.

Milford Sound waterfalls

Money
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Debit and credit cards should be accepted and work throughout the country. We recommend bringing about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping
If you are happy with your local guide’s services, a small gift is recommended as New Zealand doesn’t have much of a tipping culture.

What to bring
Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. Our packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Gay New Zealand holidays

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a small gift would be the most appropriate way to show your appreciation—tipping is not really a custom in New Zealand.

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Starting Point Hotel
Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Christchurch
The renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. This luxury Christchurch accommodation is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and new Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel room

The 11 storey, 4.5 star Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of fully refurbished Superior Rooms and Suites. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation out-fitted with the latest technology including large, flat screen Smart TVs to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury’s vibrant attractions.

Finishing Point Hotel
Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel, Queenstown
Offering luxuriously appointed rooms and apartments, Ramada Queenstown Central is located in Queenstown. The hotel is set on a central elevated position and features a fitness center, free unlimited high-speed WiFi and a restaurant.

All rooms are designed to give a modern and spacious feel achieved with sleek and contemporary furnishings, along with a flat screen TV. The rooms boast views that include The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Kelvin Heights Peninsula overlooking the Queenstown Golf Club, all the way down to both Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. Some rooms offer views such as Queenstown Hill, as well as Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola.

Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel room

Opened in 2020, guests will be able to enjoy the on-site restaurant, offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will also include a House Bar for those looking to meet up with others, or unwind and relax over a drink.

Ramada Queenstown Central is within easy walking distance of Queenstown Gardens and its waterfront. The hotel’s location also allows guests easy access to other attractions of Queenstown, including World Class restaurants such as Rata, Botswana Butchery and Jervois Steak House.

New Zealand glaciers gay hike