From the secluded beaches and volcanic craters of the north to the glaciers, mountains and fjords in the south, this is our most immersive experience possible.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 30 days in advance for a full refund
- Duration 21 days
- Check availability to see starting times
- Live tour guide
- English
Select participants and date
Participants
Highlights
- Marvel at the mindblowing natural landscapes of New Zealand's two islands
- Take a guided trip from north to south with lodging and some meals included
- Experience the beauty of Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, Waitomo, and more
- Enjoy exciting activities, such as a ferry ride, a wine tasting, and city tours
- Discover magnificent mountain hikes that will bring you to lakes and waterfalls
Full description
Experience the majestic beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes on a 21-day adventure. Take part in unique local activities along the way and end your journey in the city of Christchurch.
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland- Arrival at Hostel
Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travelers
Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel
•Explore the stunning Cathedral Cove
•Relax at Hot Water Beach by digging your own spa pool
Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo
•Hike through the Karangahake Gorge
•Admire the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua
•Explore the lush Ruakuri Reserve
•Spend the night in a Māori village, where you'll learn about local history and culture
•Visit Hobbiton (extra)
•Discover the town and lake in Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua Free Day
•Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo
•Walk the scenic Huka Falls walkway
•Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park
Day 7: Taupo Free day
•Today is at your leisure; feel free to explore; you can book one of the many optional activities online via the Trip Planner.
Day 8: Taupo to River Valley
•Walk the trail to Taranaki Falls
•Spend the day at River Valley Lodge, nestled along the Rangitikei River
•Taste an organic roast dinner
Day 9: River Valley to Wellington
•Take in the vibrant city vibes of Wellington, New Zealand's capital
Day 10: Wellington Free Day
•Today is yours to do as you wish!
Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura
•Board a spacious ferry for a ride across the Cook Strait
•Sip on some local wine in the Marlborough region
•Visit the impressive Kaikoura seal colony
Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch
•Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
•Admire incredible panoramic views of Kaikoura
•Discover hidden gems of Christchurch on a city-street art trail
Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
•Marvel at the stars in the Dark Sky Project
•Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook
•Spend the day inside the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
•Walk through the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake
Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
•Feast on a buffet dinner with panoramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant
Day 16: Queenstown free day
•Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound
•2 hour Milford Sound boat cruise
Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka
•Take in views over Lake Wānaka from Roys Peak (weather dependent)
•Visit the famous Wanaka tree
Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef
•Discover the Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park
•Admire the famous mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Matheson
Day 20: Franz Josef
•Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop
•Take on a glacier walk
Day 21: Franz Josef to Christchurch
•Explore a variety of trails across Arthur's Pass
•Walk the Castle Hill track
•Stop at the Devils Punchbowl waterfalls
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland- Arrival at Hostel
Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travelers
Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel
•Explore the stunning Cathedral Cove
•Relax at Hot Water Beach by digging your own spa pool
Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo
•Hike through the Karangahake Gorge
•Admire the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua
•Explore the lush Ruakuri Reserve
•Spend the night in a Māori village, where you'll learn about local history and culture
•Visit Hobbiton (extra)
•Discover the town and lake in Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua Free Day
•Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo
•Walk the scenic Huka Falls walkway
•Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park
Day 7: Taupo Free day
•Today is at your leisure; feel free to explore; you can book one of the many optional activities online via the Trip Planner.
Day 8: Taupo to River Valley
•Walk the trail to Taranaki Falls
•Spend the day at River Valley Lodge, nestled along the Rangitikei River
•Taste an organic roast dinner
Day 9: River Valley to Wellington
•Take in the vibrant city vibes of Wellington, New Zealand's capital
Day 10: Wellington Free Day
•Today is yours to do as you wish!
Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura
•Board a spacious ferry for a ride across the Cook Strait
•Sip on some local wine in the Marlborough region
•Visit the impressive Kaikoura seal colony
Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch
•Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
•Admire incredible panoramic views of Kaikoura
•Discover hidden gems of Christchurch on a city-street art trail
Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
•Marvel at the stars in the Dark Sky Project
•Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook
•Spend the day inside the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
•Walk through the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake
Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
•Feast on a buffet dinner with panoramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant
Day 16: Queenstown free day
•Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound
•2 hour Milford Sound boat cruise
Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka
•Take in views over Lake Wānaka from Roys Peak (weather dependent)
•Visit the famous Wanaka tree
Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef
•Discover the Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park
•Admire the famous mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Matheson
Day 20: Franz Josef
•Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop
•Take on a glacier walk
Day 21: Franz Josef to Christchurch
•Explore a variety of trails across Arthur's Pass
•Walk the Castle Hill track
•Stop at the Devils Punchbowl waterfalls
Includes
- Tour guide
- Transportation throughout the activity
- 19 nights of dorm accommodation
- 1 overnight Māori village experience
- Breakfast every day
- 2 dinners
- Glowworm caves tour in Waitomo
- Kiwi Hatchery tour
- Hells Gate Rotorua
- Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village
- Tawanui Farm
- Cook Strait ferry
- Marlborough wine and gin tasting
- Dark Sky Project tour
- Milford sound tour
- Greenstone Carving experience
- Tranzalpine train
- Extra food and drinks
- Travel insurance
Meeting point
Meet your group at TMACS Backpackers.
Open in Google MapsImportant information
Know before you go
- Keep in mind this tour begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch.