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Best of New Zealand

Explore the highlights of North & South islands

Best of New Zealand Map

Prices from

£2,779
deposit
£49
59 people have been looking at this trip recently
Duration:

21 days

Age Range:

18-39

Group Size:

Max 20

Trip Highlights

  • Visit an authentic Maori geothermal village in Rotorua
  • Swim in sparkling waterfalls and bliss out on pristine beaches in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with some thrilling adventure sports in Queenstown
  • Take a cruise down the spectacular Milford Sound
  • Explore a rugged land of ice and rock in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
  • Stay in a wilderness lodge in the rainforest in Franz Josef
  • Freedom and flexibility: Budget friendly trip with plenty of free time so you can shape your experience with optional activities to suit your budget and travel style

Trip Overview

Discover the magic of New Zealand on this incredible 21-day trip. You’ll see the best bits of both North and South islands on an action-packed adventure of a lifetime! We’re talking epic mountains, unspoilt national parks, lively Maori culture, vibrant cities, and world-class surf. Cruise through Fjordland, experience the might of Huka Falls, step into a fairytale world in Waitomo’s glow-worm caves, meet a fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind, go stargazing in Lake Tekapo, bungee jump in Queenstown and much, much more. New Zealand will leave you speechless!

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  • 20 nights’ Accommodation
  • 20 breakfasts and 5 dinners
  • Walking Tour, Christchurch
  • Night out in Wellington
  • Discover Franz Josef & Queenstown
  • Sea kayaking excursion, Raglan
  • Surf lesson
  • Maori led Te Puia Geyser tour
  • Rainbow Mountain Reserve
  • Huka Falls visit
  • Ferry across the Cook Strait
  • Visit to a seal colony
  • Pancake Rocks loop trail
  • Walks in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Parks
  • Fiordland NP visit
  • Milford Sound nature cruise
  • Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
  • Lake Tekapo bike ride
  • Orientation walk, Wellington
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 24-hour emergency support

What's Not Included

Accommodation 

20 nights’ accommodation are included on this trip. You’ll spend 11 nights in hostels in multi-share rooms with 4-6 people and 9 nights in basic lodges which are also mostly on a multi-share basis.

Meals

20 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. You’ll have to buy the rest of your meals yourself. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements. 

Fly into amazing Auckland today and head to your hotel in the heart of the city. There are no activities planned until you get together with the group this evening, so arrive at a time that suits you.

Travel to Bridal Veil Falls where we'll take a short walk to the spectacular waterfall before continuing on to the laid-back surf town of Raglan. Explore the area's stunning coastline and secret bays by sea kayak before stopping for a tasty fish and chips lunch.

Spend the whole day in Raglan, enjoying its world-famous breaks, hiking trails, and café culture. Make like the locals with an included surfing lesson, then pull on your hiking boots and hit the local tracks, or just soak up the town's mellow vibe on the waterfront.

Head to Rotorua, with a stop en route at Waitomo's magical glow-worm caves for a surreal subterranean boat tour. Arrive in Rotorua where we'll spend the evening exploring Te Puia Village and an active geyser with our Maori guide.

Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua. Then hit the road to Taupo, home of New Zealand's largest lake, stopping along the way at Rainbow Mountain Reserve for some volcano action, and the majestic Huka Falls - a must see on the North Island.

We're headed to New Zealand's capital today, so grab a window-seat, plug in a playlist and chill out. We'll arrive in time to visit the National Museum, Te Papa. Round off your amazing day with a night exploring Wellington's awesome selection of bars and restaurants.

Jump on a ferry and set off across the water this morning over the Cook Strait for impressive views of the Marlborough Sounds. Our destination today is Abel Tasman National Park, famous for glistening white sandy beaches and natural beauty.

Spend the day hiking and exploring the Park. Plunge into a sparkling waterfall nestled deep in the forest, before heading to one of the jewel-like bays that dot the park's coastline. Then catch a water taxi back to Marahau, for a chilled evening with the group.

Head down the coast today past a string of striking black sand beaches before stopping at a fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Then head to Westport where we'll grab a beer and immerse ourselves in this quaint coal-mining town.

Head along the coast to Punakaiki where we'll hop off the bus and head out on a loop trail to see the strange beauty of the Pancake Rocks. Take in the unique scenery before travelling on to Franz Josef where we'll stay in a wilderness lodge in the rainforest.

Today's yours. Head out for some fun optional activities from a glacial hike, and helicopter hike, kayak rental, and hot springs fun.

Sit back and watch the New Zealand scenery pass you by as you journey away from Glacier Country, through forests and mountains and along the coast to Queenstown today - the adventure capital of the world!

Get your adrenaline pumping over the next couple of days with some super exhilarating activities in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We're talking jet boating, bungee jumping, paragliding, horse-riding, sky diving and more!

Take in the mind-blowing scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound today from the deck of our boat. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals. It's like cruising through a dream!

Hop back into our private vehicle and journey to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, a rugged land of ice and rock. We'll give you some free time to enjoy hiking in this natural wonderland, before continuing to beautiful Tekapo.

Start today with a 35km bike ride on quiet country roads with spectacular mountain views. The rest of the day is yours. Visit some hot springs and relax on the shores of Lake Pukaki. This evening, join the optional excursion to Mt John Observatory at the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Hop back in the private vehicle as we head to the South Island's largest city. The day's yours to spend exploring the city. This evening, see what Christchurch's nightlife is about and bed down in a totally unique accommodation - a converted jailhouse!

Hop back on board our private vehicle and head to one of the best places in NZ to experience local wildlife. Do a spot of whale watching, go seal spotting, swim with dolphins or take a scenic flight over Maori sites and Kaikoura town.

Travel to the picturesque little seaside town of Picton before hopping on a ferry back over to Wellington. It's your last evening so make the most of it with a night out at Blend Bar with competitive games, drinks and dancing. What a trip!

It's time to pack your bags, say your goodbyes and head home. If you'd like a final dose of Middle Earth before you leave, there's a 45-minute guided tour behind the scenes at Weta Workshop on offer - one trip to rule them all!

Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore New Zealand on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.

Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.

Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.

Booking Options Payment plans available

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Online booking is unavailable for this trip

Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]

Flight Options Quotes available

Our partners at Flights 360 can find you the best fares available. Get in touch for a free quote.

Arrival Information:

You will need to fly into Auckland Airport in New Zealand.  Due to the long travel time, we suggest arriving the day before or earlier where possible. Your travel advisor can recommend where to book pre-night accommodation.

On day 21, you can depart at any time from Wellington International Airport. If you would prefer to extend your stay in New Zealand, your trip guide can help you with any onwards travel arrangements.

Age & Eligibility:

The minimum age for this tour is 18. This tour is designed for 18-39 year olds.

Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >

Customer Images & Reviews

Customer Images

Customer Reviews

Julia

Great organisation and well-chosen activities.

Harry

Cannot fault anything about this trip, so well organised, managed, we were so well cared for

Lucinda

I loved every moment, the group soon became very good friends with the help of Liv being awesome! I especially loved the South Island with the variety of experiences and landscapes, I would 100%...

Luisa

It was such an amazing experience we saw so much and learnt a lot along the way.

Holly

The experience has been a lot of fun. It is a seamless and easy way to travel!

Polly

Really wonderful experience, a fantastic group of people and incredible scenery and activities. Our tour guide was amazing! One of the best experiences of my life.

Anna

The tour was fantastic, I felt it offered a huge variety of opportunities and experiences, and covered all of the best parts of New Zealand. I definitely think there's something for everyone, so...

Josh

The trip worked and ran perfectly. Don't have to worry about transfers or accommodation and the tour guide makes it really easy to organise and sort out other activities.

Jessica

Well-organised trip where you feel like you are being shown all the best bits. Very convenient way to travel, all transport/overnights stays/most activities sorted for you. Also, a great way to...

Emma

It was so fun. The best way to travel around New Zealand. We were lucky we had a great group and fab tour guides that made the experience what it was. Would definitely recommend.

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