Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll land in Auckland and head to a 6 pm welcome meeting. If your flight gets in early, the Sky Tower, War Memorial Museum, or wandering around the CBD are all good options to fill the time. Later this evening, you'll join the group for a welcome dinner.
Optional Activities
- Sky Tower visit
- Sky Tower jump (with harness)
- Auckland War Memorial Museum visit
- CBD exploration and lunch
Landmarks Sky Tower Auckland War Memorial Museum - Day 2
Auckland to Tutukaka
After breakfast at a local café, you'll drive north toward Tutukaka. Along the way, stop at Whangarei Falls, a 26 m waterfall worth photographing, then continue to Matapouri Beach for some time on the sand. You'll arrive in Tutukaka for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Whangarei Falls visit
- Matapouri Beach visit
Landmarks Whangarei Falls Matapouri Beach - Day 3
Tutukaka to Paihia
Today you'll take a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, an 11-million-year-old volcanic marine reserve. The day includes sightseeing, kayaking, cave exploration, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting, plus a visit to Rikoriko Cave, the world's largest sea cave. By evening, you'll drive to Paihia for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Poor Knights Islands full-day cruise
- Kayaking
- Cave exploration
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Sea mammal spotting
- Rikoriko Cave visit
Landmarks Poor Knights Islands Rikoriko Cave 
- Day 4
Paihia
Paihia is yours to explore today. Check out the coves and beaches, take a cruise through the natural rock archway, go scuba diving, search for dolphins, or try skydiving if that's your style. Your leader can point you toward optional activities and good places to eat.
Optional Activities
- Water exploration and cove visits
- Beach exploration
- Natural rock archway cruise
- Scuba diving
- Dolphin spotting cruise
- Skydiving
- Bay of Islands - Skydive - from NZD329
- Bay of Islands - Island Hopper Day Cruise (October to April only) - NZD185
- Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise (4 hours) - NZD150
- Bay of Islands - Discover Scuba Diving - NZD349
Landmarks Bay of Islands - Day 5
Paihia to Auckland
You'll visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about Māori history and see the 35 m carved waka, the world's largest. After lunch, you'll drive back to Auckland along Northland's east coast. You'll arrive late afternoon, check in, and head to a 6 pm welcome meeting.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit
- Carved waka (ceremonial war canoe) viewing
Landmarks Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Day 6
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Leave Auckland and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula along the coast. Stop at Hot Water Beach to dig a hole and soak in natural hot water, though this depends on the tide. You'll also visit Cathedral Cove before reaching your accommodation in the afternoon.
Included Activities
- Hot Water Beach visit
- Cathedral Cove visit
Optional Activities
- Natural hot tub experience at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent)
- Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD145
Landmarks Hot Water Beach Cathedral Cove - Day 7
Coromandel Peninsula
Your local leader will drive you along the Coromandel Peninsula and show off the beautiful beaches along the way. Stop at Kuaotunu for the famous ice cream and walk through Coromandel Township. For dinner, your leader will recommend a local restaurant.
Optional Activities
- Scenic beach views
- Kuaotunu ice cream visit
- Coromandel Township exploration
- Local restaurant dinner
Landmarks Kuaotunu Coromandel Township - Day 8
Coromandel to Rotorua
The landscape shifts from beaches to farmland as you drive toward Waikato. Stop at Karangahake Gorge to see old gold mining tunnels and tracks, then visit Hobbiton, the Lord of the Rings film set. Later in Rotorua, you'll do a treetop walk through ancient redwood forest on suspension bridges reaching 12 m high.
Included Activities
- Karangahake Gorge visit
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Rotorua Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Hobbiton Movie Set Rotorua Redwood Forest 
- Day 9
Rotorua
Rotorua's natural wonders are on the agenda today: mud pools, geysers, and fluorescent lakes. If you're into thrills, ziplining through ancient forests is an option. This evening, experience Māori culture with a geothermal visit, hangi dinner, and haka performance.
- Meals
- Dinner (Hangi dinner with haka performance)
Included Activities
- Rotorua Pohutu Geyser visit
- Rotorua Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
Optional Activities
- Mud pool viewing
- Fluorescent lake visits
- Forest ziplining - from NZD179
- Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua - NZD40
- Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD195
- Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD135
- Rotorua - ZORB - from NZD40
Landmarks Pohutu Geyser - Day 10
Rotorua to Taupo
The morning is free to relax at Polynesian Spa or explore Kuirau Park's natural hot pools. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Taupo, stopping at Huka Falls along the way. You'll arrive at Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and stay for two nights.
Included Activities
- Huka Falls visit
Optional Activities
- Polynesian Spa visit
- Kuirau Park exploration
Landmarks Huka Falls Lake Taupo - Day 11
Taupo
Lake Taupo is yours to enjoy. The lake formed from a volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago. You can try sailing, hike the famous Tongariro Crossing if you want a challenging day around a volcano, or just relax and take in the lake and surrounding nature.
Optional Activities
- Sailing on Lake Taupo
- Tongariro Crossing hike (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from NZD130
- Scenic exploration of Lake Taupo area
Landmarks Lake Taupo Tongariro National Park - Day 12
Taupo to Wellington
You'll leave Taupo and head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital between green hills and the harbour. Stop in Taumaranui to visit a local marae where you'll receive a traditional Powhiri welcome, have a korero conversation, and share kai. Then continue to Wellington for a city introduction and free time to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Kai (food) at Morero marae)
Included Activities
- Taumaranui marae visit with traditional Powhiri welcome
- Korero (conversation) with local iwi
- Kai (food) at marae
Optional Activities
- Mt Victoria visit for views
- Wellington food scene exploration
Landmarks Morero marae Mt Victoria - Day 13
Wellington
Start with a visit to Zealandia, a conservation project that's brought back over 20 native species. Then check out Weta Workshop, the special effects studio from Lord of the Rings, with an optional studio tour available. In the afternoon, visit Te Papa Museum with its interactive exhibits on history and culture.
Included Activities
- Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary visit
Optional Activities
- Weta Workshop studio tour - NZD49
- Te Papa Museum tour - NZD22
- Wellington - Kapiti Island Eco Experience - NZD499
Landmarks Zealandia Weta Workshop Te Papa Museum - Day 14
Wellington to Kaikoura
You'll cross the Cook Strait by ferry with scenic views of the Marlborough Sounds. During the cruise into Picton Harbour, you'll take in the iconic landscape. Stop at Marlborough wineries to sample wines and learn about the region. Then continue south to Kaikoura, a seaside town known for marine wildlife, with an optional crayfish dinner.
Included Activities
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
Optional Activities
- Marlborough winery visits and wine tasting
- Crayfish dinner
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Picton Harbour - Day 15
Kaikoura to Christchurch
The morning is free in Kaikoura, one of the world's top whale watching destinations. Take an optional boat trip to spot humpbacks, orcas, and sperm whales, or see a native fur seal colony. Later you'll travel south to Christchurch. A 6 pm welcome meeting happens after you check in, then you're free for dinner and rest.
Optional Activities
- Whale watching boat trip
- Native fur seal colony viewing
- Christchurch dinner
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 16
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo to Ohau
Explore Christchurch and see how the city rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake. Visit the Christchurch Cathedral, now a quake-proof cardboard structure. Drive inland to Lake Tekapo with its striking turquoise waters and purple lupins. Stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake shore, then continue to Lake Ohau or Twizel for the night.
Included Activities
- Christchurch Cathedral visit
- Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout visit
Landmarks Christchurch Cathedral Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mt John Lookout 
- Day 17
Mackenzie Country to Queenstown
You'll journey through the Mackenzie Basin's sprawling grasslands and the Southern Alps with scenic stops along the way. Check out Kawarau Gorge, a popular bungy jumping spot where you can watch jumpers or try it yourself. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital known for high-adrenaline activities, wine, food, and scenery.
Optional Activities
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD265
- Queenstown adventure activities
Landmarks Mackenzie Basin Southern Alps Kawarau Gorge 
- Day 18
Queenstown
Queenstown is yours to explore today. Get an adrenaline rush with jet boating, river kayaking, gondola rides, or Lord of the Rings 4WD tours. Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley or a scenic walk around Lake Wakatipu offer quieter options. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including the famous Fergburger.
Optional Activities
- Jet boat ride - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD135
- River kayaking
- Gondola ride - Skyline Gondola - NZD52
- 4WD Lord of the Rings tour - NZD270
- Gibbston Valley wine tasting
- Lake Wakatipu walk
- Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
- Queenstown - Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD640
- Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD750
- Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD255
- Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD479
- Fergburger dining
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu Gibbston Valley - Day 19
Queenstown to Arrowtown to Wanaka
Finish any Queenstown activities in the morning, then drive to Wanaka through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop in Arrowtown, a goldrush-era town with heritage buildings and an autumn festival. Walk the tree-lined high street and visit the old-school lolly shop. You'll arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon.
Optional Activities
- Arrowtown heritage walk
- Arrowtown lolly shop visit
- Wanaka hiking
- Lake Wanaka shoreline relaxation
Landmarks Crown Range Mountains Arrowtown Lake Wanaka - Day 20
Wanaka
Take a boat to Mou Waho Island, famous for being an island within a lake within an island within a lake within the South Island in the ocean. Join a guided nature walk through this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial lake at the top. The afternoon is free to explore Wanaka, see the famous willow tree, or try hiking or cycling.
Included Activities
- Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
Optional Activities
- #thatwanakatree willow viewing
- Hiking routes
- Bicycle trails
- Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from NZD199
- Wanaka - Skydiving - from NZD379
Landmarks Mou Waho Island Lake Wanaka - Day 21
Wanaka to Franz Josef
Drive to Franz Josef with your camera ready for incredible scenery. Depending on weather, you might stop at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout points. Your leader will pause at off-the-beaten-track spots for photos and a stretch. You'll arrive early evening and relax at a cosy pub for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Lake Hawea lookout viewpoint
- Lake Wanaka lookout viewpoint
- Off-the-beaten-track photo stops
- Cosy pub dinner
Landmarks Lake Hawea Lake Wanaka - Day 22
Franz Josef
Explore Franz Josef, surrounded by the Franz Josef Glacier and Mt Cook views. Visit a local gallery to carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant while learning about its Māori cultural significance. Optional afternoon activities include a heli-hike on the glacier, soaking in hot springs, or kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake.
Included Activities
- Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
- Glacier Heli Hike - NZD695
- Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD325
- Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD145
- Local hot springs
- Franz Josef - Skydiving - from NZD399
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Mt Cook - Day 23
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Begin your journey up the West Coast, New Zealand's rainiest region filled with lush rainforests. Optionally visit the National Kiwi Centre to see nocturnal kiwi birds. Then board the TranzAlpine train, widely considered one of the world's top train journeys. You'll cross the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, passing the Waimakariri River and native beech forest, arriving in Christchurch by evening.
Included Activities
- Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
Optional Activities
- National Kiwi Centre visit
Landmarks West Coast Arthur's Pass Waimakariri River - Day 24
Christchurch
Your adventure ends after breakfast in Christchurch. If you'd like to extend your stay, contact your booking agent in advance to arrange that.
- Meals
- Breakfast
