20 Day Legendary New Zealand Tour

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From $3061.12

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Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 504 hours

Departs: Auckland, Auckland

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

We’ll visit all the highlights: secluded beaches, glacier-fed lakes, Māori villages, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you can imagine!

The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel' golden beaches, to the geothermal wonderland of geysers, through the Middle Earth-esque countryside, have underground adventures in caves lit by glow worms, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert.

But wait! There’s still the South Island to explore! Sailing between islands, you’ll get a grand entrance into this magnificent part of the world where you’ll get to enjoy marine wildlife, visit the home of bungy, traverse mountain passes, explore glacier country and then forge golden memories in the Abel Tasman.

You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin encounter to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.

What's Included

Comfortable transport - with plenty of room to spread out

Cultural Experience Night in Murupara

Dinner at Murupara - fill your puku (belly) with a traditional cooked hangi

Every day continental breakfast

Experienced Local Guide

High - End Hostel/Lodge Accommodation - Dorm share, upgrades available

Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait

Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline

Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland

Orientation tours - We give you the low-down on every location

Small groups - Maximum 16 people - because you're more than just a number

Te Puia - traditional Māori culture and discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders

What's Not Included

Additional activities - such as bungy jumping

Lunch and dinner - are at own expenses unless specified

Traveler Information

  • ADULT: Age: 18 - 69

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

  • Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers

What To Expect

Coromandel Peninsula
Leaving the big smoke behind, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is epic – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent!
The Coromandel is home to the famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll definitely grab our buckets and spades and get busy!
We arrive in the Coromandel with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the vibes.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Lake Rotorua
This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognize from the Chronicles of Narnia). With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel.
Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle, accompanied by a local dolphin or two if you’re lucky!
Later this afternoon we head towards Rotorua. En route, we’ll visit Matamata - best known for being the home of Hobbiton. For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do.
While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

This morning we visit Te Puia Māori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds.

Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara - a living Māori village - where you will be taken on a tribal tour by a village elder.

Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant).

Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up!

The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Lake Taupo
It’s only a short drive to our next destination, Taupƍ, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka Guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Taupƍ is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. Lake Taupƍ is New Zealand’s largest lake – believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore!

This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Kaikoura
Packed with quirky cafes and beautiful street art, and famous for its wind, Wellington will blow you away in more ways than one! Your guide will introduce you to some of our favourite spots this morning. We take a trip up Mount Victoria for the best views in town.

This afternoon we say farewell to the North Island with a scenic ferry journey across the Cook Strait. The South Island has a stunning welcome in store for us – gliding through the Marlborough Sounds as we approach Picton Harbour, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

Our next destination, Kaikƍura literally means “to eat crayfish”, and the area is teeming with them. The nutrient-rich waters of this area attract a wide variety of marine wildlife including the stars of the show – the whales and dolphins.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Christchurch
The chance to encounter dolphins in the wild is a massive New Zealand highlight for many travellers, and Kaikƍura is one of the best places to find them, with pods of up to 300 of these playful creatures hanging out here at any one time.

If you want to get up close to the giants of the ocean, a whale watching tour here is the way to do it. Humpbacks, sperm whales and orca all stop by at various times of year, so this is a great chance to meet some of them.

After visiting the local seals on our way out of town, our road trip continues to our home for the night – Christchurch, known as the “Garden City” for its peaceful parklands and lazy rivers.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo
This morning we’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is totally inspirational.

After lunch we leave the city behind and head for Lake Tekapo. The lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true.

The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, proving that small is definitely beautiful. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides – couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!

Tekapo has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve and the super clear skies make it the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Queenstown
This morning if you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the summit of Mt John. With awesome views of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel on top of the world. Speaking of views, today’s scenic drive to Queenstown is a show-stopper.

From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard.

We’ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. This also happens to be the World Home of Bungy, give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way through the gorge!

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With two nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this town certainly knows how to live life to the max!

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Wanaka
After the excitement of Queenstown, today is a chance to chill. Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, a mere one hour drive away. On the way we’ll stop in charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character.

Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns. There are stunning hikes and bike rides all around for a welcome chance to relax.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Franz Josef
This morning is about exploring Wanaka. How, exactly, is up to you! Optional activities include a flying lesson, skydiving, or a lake cruise and nature walk on Mou Waho Island.
If none of those appeal, there are lots of scenic short walks in the area - including a visit to #thatwanakatree.
The journey to Franz is another stunner – many of our Haka Guides rate it as their favourite drive in NZ.
As we hit the road, we’ll stop at one of our favourite lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option.
From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way.
We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5 kilometres from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Punakaiki
Driving along the incredible coastal road and exploring the lush forests around Punakaiki, it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a rare treat to experience such remote prehistoric landscapes, so make the most of this awesome opportunity to unplug from the outside world.

Get excited; our trusty guides always have some surprises up their sleeves for this part of the trip, including a spot or two to get your feet wet.

We’ll visit one of the famous artisan greenstone factories in Hokitika as we make our way north, as well as passing through some old gold mining towns before arriving in Punakaiki.

One of Punakaiki’s many natural wonders is the subtropical rainforest – and we are staying in the heart of it for the next two nights!

Cook up a group dinner (not included) in this rainforest paradise, and be sure to end the day watching the sun set over the ocean tonight.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free

Wellington
Today you’ll start things off by learning to paddle a traditional waka (a Māori war canoe). Experience a karakia (blessing for protection), and learn tikanga (waka etiquette) all while getting out on the water to enjoy this unique included activity.

Our road trip continues along the northern edge of the South Island this afternoon. We’ll stop for tasting at a local winery, and there's a chance to taste some famous New Zealand mussels in Havelock as we wind our way towards Picton to catch the evening ferry to Wellington.

As the lights of Picton Harbour fade into the night, relax on board together for a chilled evening.

The tour officially finishes at 8pm today in Wellington, but your accommodation tonight is included.

24 hours ‱ Admission Ticket Free


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