Travelling to New Zealand? Don't worry, you won't have to choose between the two islands. With all the activities available on each island, we'll keep things exciting but also give you some space to catch your breath — you're gonna need it. Across three weeks you can hike, kayak, and cycle across this diverse land. There's also time for boat cruises and local culture, just to be sure you don't miss out on anything.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef. All Blacks Experience. Cycle through Karangahake Gorge. Traditional hangi lunch. Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent). Jet boat along Whanganui River. Free time in Rotorua. Abel Tasman National Park hike. Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. Punakaiki pancake rocks visit. Seal colony stop. Okarito Lagoon walk. Full-day Routeburn Track hiking excursion. Fiordland National Park visit. Cruise through Milford Sound. Hike the Mt Cook area. Orientation walk in Christchurch. Free time in Franz Josef and Queenstown. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Cycle through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, Learn about traditional Maori artistry, Hike the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's greatest one-day hikes, Jetboat along the Whanganui River, Cruise through Milford Sound, Hike on the Routeburn Track
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, boat, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels/hostels (19 nts), lodges (2 nts)
Itinerary
Auckland
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit The Redwoods.
Rotorua
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or hit the spa. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground. This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to go white water rafting or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Start your day with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier one-day trek. Traverse dramatic volcanic landscapes, pass shimmering emerald lakes, and marvel at breathtaking alpine views. After this incredible adventure, you’ll head to a charming alpine village to relax and enjoy a well-earned dinner with your fellow travellers. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a nearby alpine village for the night and enjoy a well earned dinner with your travel companions.
Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and conservation haven nestled on the edge of Whanganui National Park. Here, you’ll learn about the station’s inspiring efforts to protect local wildlife, including the endangered blue duck, while admiring the beauty of the Whanganui River. A guided bush safari will introduce you to the area’s rich history, conservation work, and sustainable farming practices. End the day with a delicious dinner and a restful evening at this unique and rustic retreat. Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Whanganui National Park
Embark on a day of exploration along the Whanganui River. Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride through the heart of the national park and discover historical Maori and European settlements. During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. Return to Blue Duck Station for another night of relaxation and connection with nature. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Whanganui National Park/Waitomo District
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, opt to explore the nearby caves, or explore the area on foot. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Waitomo to Christchurch via Auckland.
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland and hop on a flight to the South Island. Meet the new members of the group and then explore Christchurch.
Christchurch/Kaikoura
Transfer north, along the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoura. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area or take in an optional activity. A free afternoon can be spent visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, partaking in a peninsula walkway walk, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Take in the scenery of the South Island while travelling to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Sample some local produce and wine as you travel through the renowned Marlborough wine region. Enjoy free time to explore upon arrival.
Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by boat, sea kayak and on foot. After a full day of exploring, reward your efforts with a well earned meal at one of Marahau local eateries.
Marahau/Lake Brunner
Enjoy the scenery of the mountainous coastal Westland region, and stop en route to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Lake Brunner/Franz Josef
Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon en route. Enjoy free time for optional activities such as hiking and checking out the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef
A free day for optional activities. Options include a helicopter hike, a glacier valley walk, kayaking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef/Wanaka
Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to hiking or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.
Wanaka/Queenstown
Drive the winding route between Wanaka and Queenstown passing through picturesque wine country and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Watch as the scenery shifts from vast open valleys to the hustle and bustle of the city, and get ready to enjoy a free afternoon in the "adventure capital of the world." Enjoy a free afternoon to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boat outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Queenstown
Travel to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Queenstown
Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion along the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.
Queenstown/Twizel
Enjoy free time in Queenstown, before travelling on to the Aoraki/Mt Cook region.
Twizel
Prepare for an action packed day! Start on two-wheels on a mountain biking excursion around the Aoraki/Mt Cook region. In the afternoon, discover stunning landscapes on foot.
Twizel/Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch. Head out for an orientation drive with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
