Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland whenever works for you and have the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Check in at your hotel from 2pm onward. At 6pm, meet up with your group and guide for a welcome dinner at the hotel, which you'll cover yourself.
Optional Activities
- Lunch at the Viaduct
- Coffee in Britomart
- Shopping at Commercial Bay
Landmarks/POIs Viaduct Britomart Commercial Bay - Day 2
Auckland to Waitomo to Rotorua
Head south to Waitomo and check out the famous limestone caves where glowworms light up the rock formations. You can choose between a relaxed boat ride through the caves or go for something more intense with cave abseiling and rock climbing. From there, continue on to Rotorua, arriving early evening. Your hotel has spa and pool facilities, so you can settle in and get comfortable.
Optional Activities
- Glowworm cave boat tour
- Cave abseiling and rock climbing
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves - Day 3
Rotorua
After breakfast, drive past the striking Blue and Green Lakes to reach Lake Tarawera. An aqua taxi takes you to Te Rata Bay's Hot Water Beach where you can soak in the thermal waters. If you're up for it, hike the 15km Tarawera Trail (4.5 to 5 hours) for incredible lake views, or just stay and relax in the geothermal waters. Back in Rotorua by afternoon, you can try white water rafting, ziplining, or zorbing, or visit the free Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Water Taxi to Hot Water Beach - Te Rata Bay
Optional Activities
- Tarawera Trail hike (15km, 4.5-5 hours)
- White Water Rafting down Kaituna River
- Eco-tour ziplining
- Zorbing
- Geothermal spa
- Kuirau Park visit
Landmarks/POIs Blue Lake Green Lake Lake Tarawera Mt Tarawera Hot Water Beach - Te Rata Bay Kuirau Park - Day 4
Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
After lunch, travel to Lake Aniwhenua and Kohutapu Lodge, a Maori-owned cultural spot. You'll receive a formal welcome to the tribal lands and get involved in weaving, haka lessons, and Mau Rakau stick games. Watch the preparation of a traditional hangi cooked underground, then have afternoon tea with freshly made fried bread. Come evening, dig into the hangi dinner and listen to stories around the fire pit.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Dinner (Full traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert)
Included Activities
- Welcome to tribal lands and guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
- Introduction to Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges
- Afternoon tea
- Mau Rakau (Maori stick games)
- Weaving lesson
- Haka lesson
- Traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert
- Storytelling around the fire pit
Optional Activities
- Volleyball
Landmarks/POIs Lake Aniwhenua - Day 5
Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station
After breakfast, leave the lodge and head to Kerosene Creek for a naturally hot river soak. Push on to Taupo to see the region's largest lake and the dramatic Huka Falls. Then head inland to Blue Duck Station, a sustainable sheep and cattle station surrounded by Whanganui National Park. Learn about daily station operations and their sustainability approach before settling in for a home-cooked dinner and campfire time.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Dinner (Home-cooked meal)
Optional Activities
- Skydiving in Taupo
- Bungy jumping in Taupo
Landmarks/POIs Kerosene Creek Lake Taupo Huka Falls - Day 6
Blue Duck Station
Get up early and jump into a 4WD to travel through native bush toward the 'Top of the World' viewing point. From there, you can see three volcanic peaks: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Hear about the station's history and take in the views. Later, explore the station on your own, hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall, and spot the rare blue duck. Evening brings games at the lodge, campfire relaxation, or s'mores.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 4WD farm eco-tour
Optional Activities
- Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall
- Evening glowworm viewing
Landmarks/POIs Mount Ruapehu Mount Tongariro Mount Ngauruhoe Kaiwhakauka waterfall - Day 7
Blue Duck Station to Tongariro National Park
Rise early for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park, a 19km walk widely considered one of the best one-day hikes anywhere. The route crosses volcanic peaks, vast craters, and turquoise alpine lakes. You'll walk year-round through spectacular scenery, though snow or ice may require qualified alpine guides and specialist gear at extra cost. After finishing, soak in the outdoor spa while looking at the mountain views.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
Included Activities
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Optional Activities
- Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions)
Landmarks/POIs Tongariro National Park - Day 8
Tongariro to Wellington
Head down to Wellington, New Zealand's capital, after breakfast. Check out Te Papa National Museum if you want (paid entry), or grab a craft beer at a brewery, hike to Mt Victoria for panoramic views, walk along the waterfront, or experience the famous coffee scene. Your accommodation sits in a convenient spot near city attractions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa National Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa National Museum Mt Victoria Oriental Parade - Day 9
Wellington to Picton to Marahau
Catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. Get up on the viewing deck for incredible Marlborough Sounds views if the weather cooperates. You'll arrive in Picton and drive through the Marlborough region to Marahau at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. Relax by the campfire this evening and check out the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Cook Strait Marlborough Sounds Picton Marlborough region Abel Tasman National Park - Day 10
Abel Tasman National Park
Take a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. Hike straight from your accommodation along the Abel Tasman Coastal track to Anchorage Bay, no water taxi needed. Walk through lush bush and across golden sand beaches, swim in the brilliant blue water, and see Cleopatra's Pools. The walk is roughly 4 hours each way, but you can catch a water taxi back to have extra relaxing time. Bring a picnic lunch and snacks, or cook at the kitchen and BBQs.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking
- Water taxi
- Canyoning
- Sailing
Landmarks/POIs Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman Coastal Track Anchorage Bay Cleopatra's Pools - Day 11
Marahau to Hokitika
Drive down New Zealand's wild west coast on a road Lonely Planet named one of the world's best. Untamed beaches and lush rainforest line the route with views for miles. Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore the distinctive coastline. Continue to Hokitika, known for its arts scene and greenstone work. Stay at oceanfront accommodation, grab dinner at Ocean View restaurant or explore town, then head to sunset point for views of the Tambo shipwreck and distant Aoraki Mt Cook. After dark, walk to the glowworm dell and see the glittering lights above.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
Landmarks/POIs Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Hokitika Hokitika Beach Tambo shipwreck Glowworm dell - Day 12
Hokitika to Franz Josef
Short drive today to the charming Franz Josef village. The landscape shifts from coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest, so another day of incredible scenery. You'll arrive around lunchtime with plenty of time to experience Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic West Coast spot. Catch a shuttle to the track and hike through native bush and glacial streams to the glacier terminal for spectacular photos. Alternatively, stay in town and enjoy the views. For a closer glacier experience, book a heli-hike to stand on it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Heli Hike to Franz Josef Glacier
- Shuttle to glacier track
Landmarks/POIs Franz Josef Glacier - Day 13
Franz Josef to Wanaka to Queenstown
Start with a relaxed walk around Lake Matheson, where Aoraki/Mt Cook reflects beautifully on still days. Head to charming Wanaka, known for its lake and mountain scenery. Have a late lunch and soak in the views, maybe photograph the famous Wanaka tree. Continue to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital and spiritual home of bungy jumping. Your accommodation has a swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna to unwind after the drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Lake Matheson Wanaka Wanaka tree - Day 14
Queenstown
Free day in Queenstown. After breakfast, explore the mountain scenery with free hikes or join an activity of your choice. This evening, try the famous Fergburger, check out the nightlife, or have a hot chocolate on the lakefront while listening to live artists scattered around the shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Skydiving
- Ziplining
- Horse riding
- Wine tasting
- Luging
Landmarks/POIs Ben Lomond Queenstown Hill Bob's Peak - Day 15
Queenstown to Te Anau
Leave Queenstown toward Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Watch Ata Whenua - Shadowland at the Fiordland cinema, incredible footage of the park's landscapes and wildlife. Afternoon brings a water taxi to Brod Bay and a walk along part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. Cross Coal Creek Bridge and walk along Lake Te Anau shores back to your accommodation (summer only, October to April). Spend the night by the peaceful lakeside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Entrance to Ata Whenua movie
- Water Taxi to Brod Bay (October-April)
Landmarks/POIs Fiordland National Park Kepler Track Coal Creek Bridge Lake Te Anau - Day 16
Te Anau to Milford Sound
Leave Te Anau early and head toward iconic Milford Sound. Board a boat and cruise across the fjord to see towering Mitre Peak, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins, and Dolphins. Evening gives you options to see glowworm caves in Te Anau, stroll through town or around the lake, or just relax at your lakeside accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Day Trip including Scenic Cruise
Optional Activities
- Glowworm caves in Te Anau
Landmarks/POIs Milford Sound Mitre Peak - Day 17
Te Anau to Mount Cook
Depart Te Anau early and drive over Lindis Pass through Mackenzie Country, passing vivid blue Lake Pukaki, toward Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Arrive early afternoon with time for optional experiences like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Explore great short walks in the park, particularly the Hooker Valley track (weather permitting), considered one of the top 3 day walks in the country. On a clear night, experience one of the best stargazing spots around.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance included May-September)
- Glacier Explorer boat tour
Landmarks/POIs Lindis Pass Mackenzie Country Lake Pukaki Aoraki/Mount Cook Hooker Valley Track - Day 18
Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Leave Mount Cook and travel through Lord of the Rings film country. Stop at turquoise Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for a classic photo. If interested, relax in the Tekapo hot pools, try snow tubing or ice skating (winter only), or hike to Mt John Observatory for incredible lake views from above. After lunch, continue to Christchurch, your final overnight stop. Consider celebrating your journey with a group dinner this evening, which you'll pay for yourself.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tekapo hot pools
- Snow tubing (winter only)
- Ice skating (winter only)
- Hike to Mt John Observatory
- Final group dinner (own cost)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mt John Observatory - Day 19
Christchurch
Spend your final morning exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways discovering creative street art meant to bring color to a city once damaged. Check out the modern shopping district, grab a beer at a quirky local pub, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the botanical gardens, or hop on the historic tourist tram to see everything. Say goodbye to your group and go your separate ways. Hope you had a blast and stay Stray Mates for 4ever.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Christchurch Botanical Gardens Hagley Park Canterbury Museum Avon River
