Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua
Meet the group in Auckland and travel to Waitomo Caves where underground rivers and glowworms light up the darkness. You can walk through Ruakuri Cave, take a boat through the grotto, or go blackwater rafting if that appeals to you. After that, head to Rotorua where your Trip Leader gives an orientation walk before dinner.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Rotorua with Trip Leader
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Caves boat cruise: from $81
- Ruakuri Cave exploration: from $116
- Blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves: from $193
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Cave - Day 2
Rotorua
Spend the full day in Rotorua choosing your own adventure. Options include the Hobbiton movie set, whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River, or canopy ziplining through the forest. Later you'll receive a traditional welcome at Kohutapu Lodge with a marae visit, haka performance, weaving workshop, and hangi dinner with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi dinner with the group)
Included Activities
- Marae visit at Kohutapu Lodge
- Traditional haka demonstration
- Weaving workshop
- Hangi dinner at Kohutapu Lodge
Optional Activities
- Visit the Hobbiton movie set: from $120
- Ziplining canopy tour: from $199
- Whitewater rafting in Rotorua: from $139
Landmarks/POIs Hobbiton Movie Set Kaituna River - Day 3
Rotorua to Taupo
Leave Rotorua and drive to Lake Taupo, one of the world's largest lakes. Stop at Huka Falls where the water drops 11 metres and watch extreme kayakers navigate the plunge. Get an orientation tour of Taupo town from your Trip Leader, then relax with everyone back at base.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Huka Falls
- Orientation tour of Taupo with Trip Leader
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo - Day 4
Taupo
Today features the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a one-day hike through volcanic peaks and turquoise crater lakes. Not interested in hiking? Try Wai-O-Tapu's geothermal pools and geysers, or go sailing on Lake Taupo instead. Everyone heads back to base camp in the evening to rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike with transfer (October to April): from $395
- Wai-O-Tapu hot springs visit: from $45
- Sailing on Lake Taupo: from $69
Landmarks/POIs Tongariro Alpine Crossing Mount Ngauruhoe Wai-O-Tapu - Day 5
Taupo to Wellington
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Your Trip Leader leads an orientation walk and takes you up Mt Victoria for 360-degree views of the harbour. The rest of the day is yours to check out Cuba Street, swim at Scorching Bay, visit Zealandia to spot kiwi birds, or just hang around the local cafes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation walk of Wellington with Trip Leader
Landmarks/POIs Mount Victoria Cuba Street Scorching Bay Zealandia Ecological Sanctuary - Day 6
Wellington
You've got the whole day free in Wellington. Head to Weta Workshop to see movie props and special effects, explore Te Papa Museum for New Zealand history, take the Wellington Cable Car for vintage vibes, or just wander the streets. By evening, grab fish and chips from The Chippery and find a spot by the harbour to eat with a view.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Weta Workshop: from $60
- Te Papa Museum visit: from $35
- Wellington Cable Car: from $6.50
Landmarks/POIs Weta Workshop Te Papa Museum Wellington Cable Car - Day 7
Wellington to Abel Tasman
Cross the Cook Strait by ferry, leaving the North Island and heading to the South Island. The journey passes through the scenic Marlborough Sounds wine region before arriving at Abel Tasman, known for its pristine beaches with golden sand and turquoise water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
Landmarks/POIs Cook Strait Marlborough Sounds Abel Tasman National Park - Day 8
Abel Tasman
The day is yours to spend in Abel Tasman National Park with its golden beaches, turquoise bays, and native forests. Rent a kayak to spot seals, jump out of a plane near Motueka for skydiving with views of both islands, or tackle a full-day canyoning adventure through the park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Guided kayaking and seal-spotting tour in Abel Tasman National Park: from $230
- Full-day canyoning in Abel Tasman National Park: from $319
- Skydiving in Abel Tasman National Park: from $279
Landmarks/POIs Abel Tasman National Park - Day 9
Abel Tasman to Kaikōura
Travel to Kaikoura on the East Coast, a relaxed town famous for wild fur seals and whale watching. Walk around town, hike the peninsula for sunset, join a tour to spot Giant Sperm Whales, or grab fresh crayfish from seafood caravans on the foreshore. The Maori name means 'eat crayfish'.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Whale watching in Kaikōura: from $175
Landmarks/POIs Kaikōura Peninsula - Day 10
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, which has been rebuilt into a vibrant place after the 2011 earthquake. Your Trip Leader shows you around the regenerated CBD on an orientation walk. Later, check out Little High Eatery with food trucks, visit bars and restaurants, or head to Rockpool for pool and dancing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation walk of Christchurch with Trip Leader
Landmarks/POIs Little High Eatery Rockpool - Day 11
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Travel west from Christchurch toward Franz Josef Glacier. Stop in the coastal town of Hokitika to see local sculptures, shop for greenstone, and walk the beach. Arrive in the Franz Josef area by evening for dinner in town. An optional after-dark glow worm adventure is available if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Hokitika
Landmarks/POIs Hokitika Franz Josef Glacier - Day 12
Franz Josef
Dedicate the full day to Franz Josef Glacier, weather permitting. Strap on crampons and take a helicopter flight 800 metres above sea level to explore ice formations with a guide. Alternatively, book a scenic flight for photos and views, or paddle through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary in a kayak.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Heli-hike excursion in Franz Josef Glacier region: from $795
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier: from $385
- Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary kayaking experience: from $149
Landmarks/POIs Franz Josef Glacier Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary - Day 13
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Head to Wanaka, a lakeside alpine town surrounded by mountains, then continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital. Get an orientation from your Trip Leader, then meet the group at World Bar, famous for teapot cocktails, to start planning the next few days of activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Wanaka
- Orientation tour of Queenstown with Trip Leader
Landmarks/POIs Wanaka Lake Wanaka - Day 14
Queenstown
Queenstown is built for adrenaline seekers. Try skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, whitewater rafting, or canyon swinging. For something different, take a day trip to Milford Sound to cruise through the fjord past waterfalls, steep cliffs, and seals. Everyone regroups in Queenstown to celebrate together.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Scenic Milford Sound cruise (including lunch): from $269
- Jet boating in Queenstown: from $179
- Canyon swinging in Queenstown: from $295
- Bungy jumping in Queenstown: from $320
- Skydiving in Queenstown: from $345
Landmarks/POIs Milford Sound - Day 15
Queenstown
Another free day to finish your adventure list in Queenstown. Head into Mount Aspiring National Park on a wilderness jet, paddle a funyak down the Dart River, or tackle the Shotover River on a whitewater trip. For a slower pace, do a wine tour of Otago or grab a Fergburger and sit in Queenstown Gardens. End with cookies and shakes at Cookie Bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Funyaking in Queenstown: from $515
- Wilderness Jet adventure in Queenstown: from $359
- Whitewater rafting down the Shotover River: from $299
Landmarks/POIs Mount Aspiring National Park Dart River Shotover River Otago Wine Region Queenstown Gardens - Day 16
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Travel to Lake Tekapo surrounded by towering mountains. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and get that photo. Walk the shoreline lined with colorful lupins (November to February), soak at Tekapo Springs hot pools, or just relax. Tonight is your final group dinner. Stargazing at the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve is optional.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Final group dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd
Optional Activities
- Visit Tekapo Springs hot pools: from $39
- Dark Sky stargazing in Lake Tekapo: from $59
Landmarks/POIs Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo Tekapo Springs - Day 17
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
The adventure ends today. Take one last photo at Lake Tekapo before driving back to Christchurch. After 17 days across both islands and countless thrills, it's time to say goodbye to your travel group who've become lifelong friends. One massive adventure comes to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Lake Tekapo
