Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
After you arrive, head to your hostel and take some time to settle in. Later in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group and walk around the local area. Auckland has a pretty impressive skyline with islands and volcanoes nearby, so if you're up for it, check out some bars in the evening that have views looking out over the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore local bars with city views
- Explore local area of Auckland
Landmarks/POIs Auckland Skyline - Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua
Start early and drive just over 2 hours to Waitomo where you'll explore the glowworm caves with thousands of glowworms lighting up the underground system. You'll grab a picnic lunch during the drive, then arrive at Hobbiton, the 14-acre farm used for filming. Spend the afternoon there before heading to Rotorua. Your hostel has rock climbing facilities if that's your thing.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch along the way)
Included Activities
- Visit Waitomo Caves (glowworm caves)
- Visit Hobbiton
- Picnic lunch
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves Hobbiton - Day 3
Rotorua
Take a slower morning to ease into things, then walk through The Redwoods forest, a peaceful place dedicated to fallen soldiers. After lunch, check out Kuirau Park to see the geothermal crater lake with its steaming water and maybe try a foot bath if you want. This evening, head to Mitai Maori Village for a cultural experience with a haka performance and traditional hangi feast while learning about Maori culture.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional hangi feast at Mitai Maori Village)
Included Activities
- Visit The Redwoods (Redwood Memorial Grove Track)
- Visit Kuirau Geothermal Park
- Cultural evening at Mitai Maori Village with haka and traditional hangi feast
Landmarks/POIs The Redwoods (Redwood Memorial Grove Track) Kuirau Park Mitai Maori Village - Day 4
Rotorua to Taupo
This morning is yours to explore more geothermal spots in Rotorua or visit a local supermarket if you'd like. Later you'll head to Taupo, which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. You'll get to your accommodation by mid-afternoon, just one minute from the lake, so bring your swimming gear and spend the afternoon by the water.
Optional Activities
- Explore more of Rotorua's geothermal sites
- Visit local supermarket
Landmarks/POIs Lake Taupo - Day 5
Taupo
Today you'll chase waterfalls starting with Huka Falls, a 100-meter-wide drop that makes quite an impressive sight and sound. Next stop is Otumuheke Stream where you can dip into the Spa Thermal Park for a swim and soak. Then end the day with a sunset kayak on Lake Taupo, a relaxed way to wrap things up.
Included Activities
- Visit Huka Falls
- Spa Thermal Walk at Otumuheke Stream
- Kayaking on Lake Taupo
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Otumuheke Stream (Spa Thermal Park) - Day 6
Taupo to Auckland
This is a long travel day from Taupo back to Auckland, so pack snacks and download something to watch or chat with the group. You'll arrive in the afternoon with some free time, but plan to get to bed early since you're heading to the airport first thing tomorrow for your flight to Christchurch.
- Day 7
Auckland to Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch in the early afternoon. The city's known for its culture and nightlife, and your accommodation happens to be in an old prison which is actually pretty cool. After you check in, take a walking tour and wander through the botanical gardens. Then explore the bars and experience the nightlife that Christchurch is known for.
Included Activities
- Christchurch walking tour
- Visit Christchurch Botanical Gardens
Optional Activities
- Explore the city's best bars
- Experience Christchurch nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Christchurch Botanical Gardens - Day 8
Christchurch to Tekapo
Head to Tekapo, which has some of the clearest night skies around and a 27 km long lake. You'll arrive early afternoon and can drop your bags before exploring. The township is a 10-minute walk or you can head straight into nature depending on what you feel like. Later this evening, take a short walk up to the Church of Good Shepherd on the lake shore to watch the sun go down.
Included Activities
- Visit Church of Good Shepherd
Optional Activities
- Explore Tekapo township
- Explore nature around Tekapo
Landmarks/POIs Church of Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo - Day 9
Tekapo to Wanaka
Today you'll do the Hooker Valley Track, a mostly flat walk with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time over a few hours and soak in the peaceful walk through nature. After you're done, travel a couple of hours to Wanaka where you'll settle into your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities
- Hooker Valley Track walk
Landmarks/POIs Hooker Valley Track - Day 10
Wanaka
Today you'll do the Hooker Valley Track, a mostly flat walk with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Take your time over a few hours and soak in the peaceful walk through nature. After you're done, travel a couple of hours to Wanaka where you'll settle into your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities
- Hooker Valley Track walk
Landmarks/POIs Hooker Valley Track - Day 11
Wanaka to Queenstown
Sleep in after yesterday's walk if you want, or explore more around Wanaka if you're feeling energetic. By mid-day you'll head to Queenstown, one of New Zealand's most well-known towns on Lake Wakatipu. You'll get to your hostel by early evening right near Searle Lane where everyone hangs out. After you drop your bags, head out and explore the area.
Optional Activities
- Explore more of Wanaka
- See the famous Wanaka Tree
- Bike ride around Wanaka
Landmarks/POIs Wanaka Tree Lake Wakatipu - Day 12
Queenstown to Milford Sound and back
Start early for Milford Sound, a fiord often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Board a day cruise to see massive cliffs, alpine peaks, and misty waterfalls as a final highlight of your trip. Throughout these two weeks you've seen incredible views, and this one rounds things out perfectly. Tonight you'll head back to Queenstown to celebrate with your group.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Milford Sound cruise
Landmarks/POIs Milford Sound - Day 13
Queenstown (Checkout)
Your 13-day adventure wraps up today. Check out and head wherever you're going next. Your tour leader can help arrange transport and give suggestions for what to do in the rest of Oceania if you're staying longer. You're heading home with memories and friendships from the group that'll stick around.
