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Legendary New Zealand

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PHRZC
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand, 
Start:Auckland, New Zealand
Finish:Wellington, New Zealand
Duration:21 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Style:
Adventure,
Explorer,
Travel Period
March 2025 - April 2025
Refreshing landscapes made up of snowy peaks, icy glaciers, clear waters and golden beaches – it’s all one big treat for the senses. Spend 21 days discovering the very best of New Zealand, from the North Island to the South Island, travelling with a local leader to see the country through the eyes of a Kiwi. Marvel at Rotorua’s geothermal features, learn about local culture in a Maori village and hang out in trendy Wellington. Hop over the Cook Strait to get your heart racing in adventurous Queenstown, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier and explore the pristine coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. This trip starts in Auckland on Day 1 at 8am. You will depart the city immediately after the welcome meeting. This trip ends on Day 21 in Wellington and you are free to leave at any time.
2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with group members of a different gender, couples and non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.
3. A single supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. This trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.
5. This trip is operated and run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

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Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 20 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Private Vehicle, Ferry.
  • Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (20 nights).
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach.
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove.
  • Murupara - Hangi Dinner.
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser.
  • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village.
  • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax.
  • Murupara - Learn the Haka.
  • Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder.
  • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive.
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout.
  • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing.
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout.
  • Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony.
  • Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
  • Christchurch - City Tour.
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge.
  • Arrowtown - Village visit.
  • West Coast - Haast Pass.
  • West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout.
  • Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace.
  • Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory.
  • Punakaiki - Overnight in a Rainforest Retreat.
  • Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks Visit.
  • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing.
  • Marlborough - Visit Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve.
  • Abel Tasman National Park - Paddle a Waka (war canoe).
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Auckland / Coromandel Peninsula
Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in Auckland where you’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for an 8am welcome meeting and included breakfast. You won’t hang around in the city for long – after your meeting, get on the road and travel towards the Coromandel Peninsula. This super scenic drive sets the tone for the rest of your journey, as you cruise down the coastline past views of glittering water and white sands. The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its lush rainforests and gorgeous beaches, but there’s one that tops them all! Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. If the tide times line up with your visit, take advantage of this unusual phenomenon and relax in a natural hot tub. The rest of the day is yours to chill out on the beach or enjoy the cool little town.
Day 2: Rotorua
Take a deeper dive into the inspiring landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula with a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! In the afternoon, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata where you’ll find Hobbiton, the set where part of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue to the special town of Rotorua, known for its incredible geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Day 3: Rotorua
There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take an unforgettable stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.
Day 4: Murupara
Start the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night. This afternoon, travel to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.
Day 5: Taupo
Hit the road this morning and head to Taupo, but not before making some interesting stops along the way. Check out simmering mud pools, the rushing waters of the Huka Falls and the impressive Aratiatia Dam and rapids. Arrive in Taupo, nestled into the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, you’re in the right place! The afternoon is yours to try out bungy jumping or skydiving, or you may prefer to take it easy with a sunset lake cruise.
Day 6: Taupo
The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed on a boat trip. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.
Day 7: Wellington
Get ready for a long drive from Taupo to Wellington with views so incredible you’ll wish the drive was longer! Weave through the barren landscapes of the Rangipo Desert and pass through Tongariro National Park. Look out for the volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, the latter of which was used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Your local leader will ensure your journey is broken up with plenty of interesting and photo-worthy stops. Arrive into Wellington, New Zealand’s cool and creative capital city. There should be time for a visit to Weta Workshop, the special effects studio famous for its work on Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Avatar. Celebrated for its amazing food and craft beer scene, Welly is the perfect place to grab dinner and a drink with your group.
Day 8: Wellington / Kaikoura
Say goodbye to the North Island and jump on a ferry across the Cook Strait. Your introduction to the South Island is certainly a beautiful one as you cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and into Picton Harbour. Next up, travel down to Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine wildlife. If you’re heading out for dinner in town tonight, then the local crayfish should be at the top of your must-try list!
Day 9: Kaikoura / Christchurch
Experiencing Kaikoura’s wildlife while you’re in this corner of the country is a must, so take the chance this morning to get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all common around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. On your way out of town, stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business. Travel down to Christchurch, arriving in time to head out for dinner at one of the city’s many top-notch eateries.
Day 10: Christchurch / Lake Tekapo
A meeting will take place at 8am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey before heading out to get to know Christchurch. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown was destroyed, but the locals are a resilient bunch and examples of the cool and creative ways they’ve rebuilt can be seen across the city. Perhaps the best example of this is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. Then it’s time to get on the road and drive to Lake Tekapo, a truly stunning sight with its bright blue waters and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for newlyweds snapping pictures in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, boasting one of the world’s most inspiring backdrops! Just when you thought things couldn’t get better here, nighttime reveals a whole new side of Tekapo. A designated Dark Sky Reserve, this is one of the top spots in the country for stargazing.
Day 11: Queenstown
Rise and shine! If you’d like to really embrace the morning, a hike to the summit of Mt John rewards with showstopping views of the Southern Alps. If you skip out on the walk, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of incredible views to be seen today. Drive past the tussocklands of the Mackenzie Basin and snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel down to Queenstown, making plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. Swing by the Kawarau Gorge, where you’ll have the chance to take the plunge with a bungy jump if you’re feeling brave! Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and your home for the next two nights. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline experiences or sitting back with a glass of wine, Queenstown is sure to tick all your boxes.
Day 12: Queenstown
The day is yours to experience all Queenstown has to offer. If you want to get your heart racing, look no further! Paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging and bungy jumping could all be on the cards for you today – just speak to your leader about arranging these optional activities. For scenery lovers, a day trip to Milford Sound is a must. Sail past outstanding mountains and plunging waterfalls as you cruise down the fiord - these views cannot be missed! For Lord of the Rings fans, a 4WD adventure through scenery where the film was shot is a real highlight. Wine lovers are in the right place – this is one of the top wine-producing regions in the world and there’s no shortage of fantastic wineries where you can sample some for yourself. Queenstown’s nightlife punches above its size, and with more than 40 bars to choose from, you’re guaranteed a good night ahead.
Day 13: Queenstown / Wanaka
Take the morning to tick off anything you didn’t get to see or do yesterday, then leave Queenstown in the rear-view mirror and begin the super scenic drive across the Crown Range to Wanaka. Along the way, stop off in the lovely little gold-rush town of Arrowtown, where the high street’s historic facades make it easy to imagine what life here once looked like. Arrive into Wanaka and enjoy a slower pace than high-octane Queenstown. With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Hit a hiking trail, explore on a bike or find a cosy cafe to admire the view.
Day 14: Wanaka / Franz Josef
Enjoy a morning at leisure for your own explorations of Wanaka. There’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Depart Wanaka in the afternoon and venture further north, stopping off at a lookout point over either Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea, depending on conditions. Your eyes will be glued to the window for this journey as you pass the impressive waterfalls of the Haast Pass and more spectacular coastline (your leader will make a few special stops along the way too!). Arrive to Franz Josef village, your base for the evening.
Day 15: Franz Josef
Franz Josef is the stuff of dreams, where glittering glaciers and soaring peaks provide a spectacular background to daily life. This part of the country is known as Te Wahi Pounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’, due to the region’s abundance of this culturally and spiritually significant stone. Pay a visit to a local gallery and carve your own pendant while learning about pounamu’s importance to Maori culture. This afternoon, if you’d like to get closer to the Franz Josef Glacier, speak to your leader about the option of booking a helicopter ride to drop you on the snow, allowing you to then hike over the glacier’s surface. There’s also the chance to kayak over a glacial lake or chill out in natural hot springs. No matter how you choose to spend the day here, it’s set to be one to remember.
Day 16: Punakaiki
Travel up the wild and wet West Coast, where the country’s highest annual rainfall means the landscapes are unbelievably green and lush, standing in striking contrast to the blue ocean. Stop off in the town of Hokitika and pop into a pounamu factory where you’ll have the chance to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip. If time allows, you may have the chance to visit a kiwi centre, where delightful kiwi birds can be observed in a nocturnal house. Continue up the West Coast, passing by old gold rush settlements before arriving in the little town of Punakaiki. Embrace the lush natural environment and spend the next two nights in the heart of Punakaiki’s subtropical rainforest.
Day 17: Punakaiki
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and embrace the day ahead. Punakaiki’s most famous geological feature is the Pancake Rocks – every bit as enticing as they sound! A short walk will lead you to these impressive stacks of limestone, and when the wind and waves hit just right, the result will blow you away (hold on to your hats!). There are loads of other ways to enjoy the day here – perhaps have a go at surfing, explore a network of underground caves or just relax on the beach. Once the sun has gone done, you’re in for a treat. With a population of around just 100 people, there’s almost no light pollution here, making it a truly out-of-this-world spot for stargazing.
Day 18: Abel Tasman National Park
As you travel on from Punakaiki, watch out the window as more remarkable scenery unfolds before your eyes. Rivers, rugged coastline and dramatic gorges all stream past the window as you make your way towards Nelson, where you’ll stop in to gather supplies before heading to a remote slice of the country. The tiny town of Marahau serves as your jumping off point to the wonders of Abel Tasman National Park, and delights with its secluded lagoons and gold-sand beaches. Home to hidden coves, stunning beaches and varied wildlife, Abel Tasman National Park is an absolute joy to explore.
Day 19: Abel Tasman National Park
The day is yours to discover all the inspiring sights of Abel Tasman National Park – be sure to chat to your leader for tips on the best things to do here. If you’re feeling active, the Abel Tasman Coast Track has your name on it – it’s one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, and it’s not hard to see why. Perhaps get on the water and kayak to Split Apple Rock, or take on the challenge of canyoning as you abseil, zipline and jump your way around the park. If you’d rather take it slow, there’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches to stretch out on – just be sure to keep an eye out for seals, birds and dolphins off shore.
Day 20: Abel Tasman National Park / Wellington
Kick off the day with an unforgettable experience – learning how to paddle a traditional Maori waka (war canoe). You’ll receive a karakia (blessing) before you set off, and learn tikanga (waka etiquette) as you row over calm waters. Then, follow the northern edge of the South Island, stopping off at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. If this place looks familiar, it may be because it was used as a filming location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Weave through Havelock before arriving in Picton, where you’ll hop aboard a ferry and cross the Cook Strait to Wellington. Renowned for its culinary and craft beer scene, your leader will have tips on the best place to grab a bite to eat and a drink in New Zealand’s cool capital city.
Day 21: Wellington
Your adventure comes to an end this morning, but if you'd like to spend more time exploring Wellington, just get in touch ahead of time and we'd be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.

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