Each year, 95% of our participants purchase the OAP. Enhance your tour experience by including the Optional Activity Package, which includes even more action-packed activities to make this the best adventure of your life! Here's WHY:
You can't afford not to! ISV negotiates prices to ensure even the most budget-minded participants get an incredible deal. We've chosen a diversity of fun and challenging activities to complement the Tour's included activities that keep you busy enough, yet relaxed enough with free time.
We make it easy and take care of it for you! No hassles wasting precious time researching and booking your own activities. No risks missing out due to limited availability - ISV secures your spot through this package- don’t miss out. Join the group!
The Black Abyss is an exhilarating 5 hour extravaganza which is a more challenging upgrade to the ISV included black water rafting activity. Imagine this: enter the caves by abseiling deep down into the vast limestone cavern. Then you will find yourself climbing underground waterfalls, jumping off rocks into the water and zip-lining in the dark across the glow worm lit river. This is caving at its most exciting!
We have just been notified by our operator, Franz Josef Glacier Guides, about an important change to the glacier hiking activity. Since 2009 the Franz Josef Glacier has been receding due to climatic warming. However, in recent weeks Franz Josef has experienced a ‘kettle’ (hole) created by flood waters of melting ice. Since this kettle was discovered people have not been able to walk on Franz Josef Glacier, due to safety reasons. While it is still not safe to walk on the ice itself, we will be walking up the valley to view this amazing glacial phenomenon. You will be hiking for 3.5 hours in this unique area where the glacier reaches 300 m (980 ft) above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of temperate rainforest to observe this kettle. At the end of the day you will be able to soak your muscles in the relaxing Franz Josef’s thermal hot pools. In response to this change, ISV has decided to include a few extra activities in the OAP to ensure that you are still getting a great value for your money. (See Skyline Gondola and Luging (Queenstown) – New Activity)
Zig, Zag ZORB! You've seen it on "The Amazing Race" - now experience this unique kiwi activity for yourself! Slip, slide and tumble down a track inside an enormous inflated plastic ball with two of your new best friends up to the speed of 50 km (31 mi) per hour! This is guaranteed fun and giggles like you've never had before!
Spend an evening learning about Maori customs, rituals, beliefs, and language through song, dance and performance before enjoying an authentic "Hangi" (ground cooked feast). You will have the chance to experience a formal Maori welcome (Powhiri) and see a "Haka" (traditional Maori war challenge) in an authentic and powerful presentation of Maori Culture! An experience not to be missed.
Hold on tight and experience the thrills of jet boating by twisting and turning at breathtaking speeds through the narrow Shotover river canyons, flying fast past rocky outcrops and spinning 360 degrees in the open areas. Find out what a jet boat can really do Kiwi style!
Abel Tasman National Park is the jewel of the Nelson region. This is a full day trip of kayaking and hiking, exploring this park by land and sea. First, navigate by sea kayak the protected, pristine coastline and enjoy the views which boast golden sand beaches, coves, lagoons and wildlife. Then, leave your kayak on the beach and return by foot through the easy forest track with a vista over the stunning Tasman Sea.
Explore the beautiful native forest trails of Happy Valley. Visit gigantic native Matai trees, ride high to the hill tops to view spectacular coastal scenery and wind your way down through the farmlands. Finish the experience by trying out your skills on the fun track!
In Queenstown, after the morning speeding around the canyon with Shotover Jet, we will take you to the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! Then, to get downhill what better way than luging - take off downhill on your luge through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and down through our Redwood forest. You’ll receive 2 luge rides. Worked up an appetite? Enjoy an included buffet lunch while you’re there.
May - September Travel Season
To reserve your optional activity package, please check the box on your ISV Flight/Options Form indicating you would like to participate in the New Zealand Optional Activities. If you have already submitted your Flight/Options Form, please send an email to info@isvolunteers.org indicating your desire to purchase the OAP package. The cost will be added to your invoice. Full payment is due to ISV prior to departure.
November - February Travel Season
To reserve your optional activity package please email au-info@isvolunteers.org and enter "OAP Signup" in the subject line and we will sign you up for this OAP. The cost will be added to your invoice. Full payment is due 65 days prior to your departure along with your final program payment.
Please Note: The OAP package must be purchased as a whole and rather than as a selection of one or more of the activities mentioned above. All activities are subject to change without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion if ISV.