9 or 17 days
New Zealand Adventure
Explore the best of New Zealand
Prices from
£999was £1,149
deposit
£49
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Trip Highlights
- Cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound
- Journey into Middle-earth as you explore the world-famous Hobbiton movie sets
- Go jet-boating in Queenstown, the world’s adventure capital
- Kayak around the awe-inspiring Wanaka Tree
- Sail Lake Taupo at sunset, visit hot springs, see geothermal wonderlands, and more!
Trip Overview
Is there anywhere on Earth more geographically blessed than New Zealand?! The Land of the Long White Cloud is bursting with landscapes that are like something from a beautiful dream. Explore the best of them on this awesome 17 day group tour, with tons of included activities from canyon jet-boating and hot springs experiences to a visit to a Maori village and a boat trip into the unforgettable Milford Sound fjord. If your time or budget are tight, no problem – just join us for one island or the other – take your pick!
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North Island
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 4 breakfasts & 2 dinners
- Auckland city orientation
- Waitomo glow-worm caves boat trip
- Hobbiton film set tour
- Kerosene Creek
- Wai-O-Tapu thermal pools
- Māori cultural experience
- Lake Taupo sunset sailing
- Huka Falls
- Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Wellington city tour
South Island
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Christchurch city tour
- Lake Tekapo visit
- Mount John hike
- Lake Tekapo hot springs
- Mount Cook visit
- Lake Wanaka kayaking
- Mount Iron hike in Wanaka
- Queenstown orientation tour
- Milford sound cruise
- Queenstown jet boating trip
All options
- Group leader
- Airport transfers, if departing before 1st October 2025
- All on-trip transport
- Help with onward travel
- 24-hour emergency assistance
For those doing the full 17-day itinerary, all of the above is included, as well as a flight from Wellington to Christchurch on day 9.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals, drinks and snacks
- Optional activities
- Arrival airport transfer, if departing after October 2025
- Return airport transfer
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in some specially selected, centrally located hostels, where you will share rooms with 4-6 people on a mixed-sex basis. All accommodation is subject to change.
North Island
- 1 night in Auckland at the Haka House - modern hostel with great location
- 3 nights in Rotorua the Haka House - stylish and central hostel
- 2 nights in Taupo at the YHA Finlay Jacks Hostel - cosy and laidback hostel
- 2 nights in Wellington at Haka House - chic hostel in the heart of this highly walkable city
South Island
- 1 night in Christchurch at the Haka House - comfortable and relaxed hostel
- 2 nights in Lake Tekapo at the Haka House - lakefront hostel with beautiful vistas
- 2 nights in Wanaka at the Haka House - centrally located, cosy hostel
- 3 nights in Queenstown at Haka House - lakefront hostel with cinema room
Meals
- North Island - 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included
- South Island - 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner are included
You’ll need to cover the rest of your meals, snacks and drinks yourself. This means you’ve got the flexibility to eat where and when you like, and to try a wide variety of New Zealand’s diverse cuisine. Alternatively, you can prepare meals for yourself in the hostel kitchens if you’re on a tight budget.
If you are doing the full 17-day trip, then all 16 nights of accommodation are included as well as the meals stated above for both itineraries.
Select an option to view the relevant itinerary:
Day 1: Auckland
Your epic New Zealand Adventure starts here! Arrive at any time and meet the rest of the group this evening.
Day 2: Glow-worm caves & The Shire
Do you believe in magic? You will after exploring the Waitomo glow-worm caves by boat! Next up it's the real-life Hobbiton for a stroll round the Shire and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Last stop today - Rotorua.
Day 3: Rotorua
Ready for some geo-thermal wonders? Start the day with a walking tour around Wai-O-Tapu, where you'll see bubbling mud, volcanic craters and crazy coloured springs. Ending with a dip in the hot springs at Kerosene Creek.
Day 4: Explore Rotorua and Māori village
Enjoy a free morning and afternoon in Rotorua - zorbing anyone? Then later today, we'll visit a Māori Village to meet fierce warriors, watch a traditional performance and share an authentic hangi buffet dinner.
Day 5: Lake Taupo
Travel to the lakeside town of Taupo where the scenery is epic - even by New Zealand's standards! We'll take a sail across the waters of the lake this afternoon where you can truly appreciate nature's beauty.
Day 6: Huka Falls
Start the day with a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, where tons of icy water cascades down from the Waikato River. Enjoy your free time this evening to discover your beautiful surroundings and try some adrenaline-pumping adventure sports!
Day 7: Travel to Wellington
Our next destination is Wellington, New Zealand's charming capital city! From the world's tastiest bakeries to incredible cups of coffee, diverse restaurants, lively bars and craft breweries, Wellington's ambience is so cosy and welcoming.
Day 8: Explore Wellington
Discover Wellington's highlights today on our city orientation tour - including a cable car ride for brilliant views! Immerse yourself in the vibrant Māori culture as we explore the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, ranking as one of the most impressive museums in the world.
Day 9: Fly to Christchurch
For those on the 9 day North Island trip, it is time to say goodbye and head back to the airport. For those doing the full 17 days option, hop on a short flight from Wellington to Christchurch and take a transfer to the accommodation. Head out for dinner this evening with any new travellers joining for the 9 day South Island option and start getting excited about your South Island adventure!
Day 10: Christchurch and Lake Tekapo
Get to know Christchurch's heritage attractions and laidback city ambience, before making our way to Lake Tekapo. Famed for its soothing hot springs, stunningly bright lake and clear nights for stargazing, Lake Tekapo looks so dreamy.
Day 11: Lake Tekapo
We'll take a stunning hike up Mount John today, where we'll enjoy 360-degree views across the milky turquoise lake. After an amazing hike, we'll relax in the Tekapo Springs. In the evening, we'll learn about Māori mythology and fascinating star constellations.
Day 12: Aoraki/Mount Cook
Today we'll drive through the enchanting Southern Alps before arriving in the scenic lakeside town of Wanaka. Then, we'll take on a hike of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Day 13: Wanaka
Experience Wanaka's incredible natural beauty as we go kayaking along the lake. See the awe-inspiring Wanaka Tree, perched in the waters and surrounded by valleys, before climbing up those hills. Today we'll also hike along the Mount Iron Track and soak up all the panoramic views!
Day 14: Queenstown
Nicknamed the world's adventure capital, daredevils will instantly feel at home in Queenstown. Even if bungee jumping or white water rafting aren't your thing, Queenstown has an experience for everyone - including bar-hopping, and hikes along the lake. After our orientation walk around Queenstown, enjoy a free afternoon to explore!
Day 15: Milford Sound
Filled with towering fjords, deep emerald forests, cascading waterfalls and dark indigo waters, nothing can prepare you for how breathtaking the Milford Sound is. As we explore this heavenly location on cruise and foot, it's a moment to remember forever!
Day 16: Queenstown tour & jetboating
Embrace adventure in Queenstown, as this morning we'll be shooting through Skippers Canyon at over 80km/h! Then enjoy a farewell dinner and final night out with the group, getting ready to celebrate this life-changing trip by diving into Queenstown's exhilarating nightlife!
Day 17: Trip end
Pack your bags, say your goodbyes and either head home or continue your travels. If you're staying in New Zealand for a while - have the best time!
Day 1: Auckland
Your epic New Zealand Adventure starts here! Arrive at any time and meet the rest of the group this evening.
Day 2: Glow-worm caves & The Shire
Do you believe in magic? You will after exploring the Waitomo glow-worm caves by boat! Next up it's the real-life Hobbiton for a stroll round the Shire and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Last stop today - Rotorua.
Day 3: Rotorua
Ready for some geo-thermal wonders? Start the day with a walking tour around Wai-O-Tapu, where you'll see bubbling mud, volcanic craters and crazy coloured springs. Ending with a dip in the hot springs at Kerosene Creek.
Day 4: Explore Rotorua and Māori village
Enjoy a free morning and afternoon in Rotorua - zorbing anyone? Then later today, we'll visit a Māori Village to meet fierce warriors, watch a traditional performance and share an authentic hangi buffet dinner.
Day 5: Lake Taupo
Travel to the lakeside town of Taupo where the scenery is epic - even by New Zealand's standards! We'll take a sail across the waters of the lake this afternoon where you can truly appreciate nature's beauty.
Day 6: Huka Falls
Start the day with a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, where tons of icy water cascades down from the Waikato River. Enjoy your free time this evening to discover your beautiful surroundings and try some adrenaline-pumping adventure sports!
Day 7: Travel to Wellington
Our next destination is Wellington, New Zealand's charming capital city! From the world's tastiest bakeries to incredible cups of coffee, diverse restaurants, lively bars and craft breweries, Wellington's ambience is so cosy and welcoming.
Day 8: Explore Wellington
Discover Wellington's highlights today on our city orientation tour - including a cable car ride for brilliant vistas! Immerse yourself in the vibrant Māori culture as we explore the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, ranking as one of the most impressive museums in the world.
Day 9: End trip
Say your goodbyes and exchange contact details, if you wish to extend your adventure please select 'All of NZ' option. Or if you wish to explore more of the South Island please select 'South Island'.
Day 1: Christchurch
Hello Christchurch! Meet the group and get settled in, tonight explore Christchurch and everything it has to offer, get ready for a trip of a lifetime.
Day 2: Christchurch and Lake Tekapo
Get to know Christchurch's heritage attractions and laidback city ambience, before making our way to Lake Tekapo. Famed for its soothing hot springs, stunningly bright lake and clear nights for stargazing, Lake Tekapo looks so dreamy.
Day 3: Lake Tekapo
We'll take a stunning hike up Mount John today, where we'll enjoy 360-degree views across the milky turquoise lake. After an amazing hike, we'll relax in the Tekapo Springs. In the evening, we'll learn about Māori mythology and fascinating star constellations.
Day 4: Aoraki/Mount Cook
Today we'll drive through the enchanting Southern Alps before arriving in the scenic lakeside town of Wanaka. Then, we'll take on a hike of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Day 5: Wanaka
Experience Wanaka's incredible natural beauty as we go kayaking along the lake. See the awe-inspiring Wanaka Tree, perched in the waters and surrounded by valleys, before climbing up those hills. Today we'll also hike along the Mount Iron Track and soak up all the panoramic vistas!
Day 6: Queenstown
Nicknamed the world's adventure capital, daredevils will instantly feel at home in Queenstown. Even if bungee jumping or white water rafting aren't your thing, Queenstown has an experience for everyone - including bar-hopping, and hikes along the lake. After our orientation walk around Queenstown, enjoy a free afternoon to explore!
Day 7: Milford Sound
Filled with towering fjords, deep emerald forests, cascading waterfalls and dark indigo waters, nothing can prepare you for how breathtaking the Milford Sound is. As we explore this heavenly location on cruise and foot, it's a moment to remember forever!
Day 8: Queenstown tour & jetboating
Embrace adventure in Queenstown, as this morning we'll be shooting through Skippers Canyon at over 80km/h! Then enjoy a farewell dinner and final night out with the group, getting ready to celebrate this life-changing trip by diving into Queenstown's exhilarating nightlife!
Day 9: Trip end
Pack your bags, say your goodbyes and either head home or continue your travels. If you're staying in New Zealand for a while - have the best time! If you wish to explore the North Island please check out the 'North Island' itinerary. Or checkout the whole of New Zealand with the 'All of NZ' Itinerary.
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]
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Arrival Information:
North Island Departures
The trip kicks off on day 1 in Auckland. You can arrive at any time on day 1. This trip finishes on day 9 in Wellington, and you can depart at any time.
South Island Departures
The trip kicks off on day 1 in Christchurch. We recommend arriving before 3 pm on day 1. We finish up on day 9 in Queenstown and you can depart at any time.
All of New Zealand Itinerary
If you select the 17 day option you will need to land into Auckland on day 1 of your trip. You can arrive at any time. All transport from the North Island to the South Island is included and the tour ends on day 17 in Queenstown. You’ll need to make your own way from the accommodation to the airport if you’re travelling on or heading home and your guide can help you arrange this locally.
For trips departing before 1st October 2025 you will receive an airport shuttle to the starting accommodation. If you arrive in New Zealand before your start date, we can still organise your airport transfer and book you into the hostel from the day you arrive at an extra cost. For trips departing after 1st October 2025, an airport transfer is not included and you will need to make your own way to the starting accommodation. Please speak to a travel advisor for more information.
Age & Eligibility:
Generally, our travellers are 18-35 years old. We do have an upper age limit of 55 for this trip, with some flexibility.
Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >
