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New Zealand Amplified (Southbound)
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PHRWC
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand,
Start:Auckland, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration:19 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
March 2025 - August 2026
When it comes to inspiring scenery, fascinating culture and inviting locals, New Zealand is as good as it gets. From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the snow-dusted scenery of the South Island, there’s always something remarkable to look at. Set off on a 19-day adventure through the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, bubbling hot pools of Rotorua, endless waters of Lake Taupo and cityscapes of Wellington. Cross to the Cook Strait and encounter the glory of the South Island, from Kaikoura’s abundant wildlife to Queenstown’s high adrenaline activities and Franz Josef Glacier’s icy beauty.
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. 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.
2. 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 5 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip is 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 our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.
2. 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 5 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip is 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 our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 16 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
- Transport: Private Vehicle, Ferry.
- Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (18 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.
- 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.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Auckland
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Auckland – a multi-cultural city full of good food, local music, arts and culture. You’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore at your own pace? This is a great city to explore on foot (the hills make for a good warm up!) and there’s lots of cool pubs and shops to check out. Tonight after your meeting, maybe chill out by the harbour or head to a restaurant with your group.
Day 2: Auckland / Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, 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 3: Rotorua
Take a deeper dive into the landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula today 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, maybe explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour and 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 parts of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and finish with a drink (and maybe a pie) at the Green Dragon Inn. After an amazing day, you’ll continue to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Day 4: 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 a 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. Maybe 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 5: 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 6: Taupo
Hit the road this morning and head to Taupo, making a few 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, sitting in 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 7: 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 8: 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, which was used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arrive in 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 9: 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, travel down to Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine wildlife. If you’re heading out for dinner in town tonight, the local crayfish should be at the top of your must-try list!
Day 10: 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 11: Christchurch
Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at your own pace. Maybe chill out in the Botanic Gardens or go and see the Christchurch Cathedral – made entirely out of cardboard after the earthquake in 2011, this is a great example of the ingenuity of the locals. Tonight, you’ll have another meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After, why not head out to dinner at a local restaurant and get to know each other better.
Day 12: Lake Tekapo
This morning, head out with your local leader to get to know Christchurch. After exploring some of the sites, it’s time to get on the road and drive to Lake Tekapo – this spot is a designated Dark Sky Reserve and the lake is 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, which boasts one of the world’s most gorgeous backdrops! Night fall reveals a whole new side of Tekapo – this is one of the top spots in the country for stargazing, so if the weather’s right, maybe set your gaze up to the glittering stars above.
Day 13: Queenstown
Rise and shine! If you’d like to really embrace the morning, maybe take a hike to the summit of Mt John for views of the Southern Alps. If you skip the walk, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of incredible views to be seen today. You’ll drive past the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Basin and the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps today, 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 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 14: 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. 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, maybe take a 4WD adventure through landscapes where some of the film’s scenes were shot. If you’re a wine lover, 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.
Day 15: 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 little gold-rush town of Arrowtown, where the high street’s historic facades make it easy to imagine what life here once looked like. Take a walk around this gorgeous town, then continue to the huge Lake Wanaka – the star of the show. With the surrounding mountains, 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 16: Wanaka / Franz Josef
Soak up a free morning to explore Wanaka at your own pace. Maybe take a 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. Grab a window seat as you pass the impressive waterfalls of the Haast Pass and the 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 17: Franz Josef
Franz Josef is where glaciers and soaring peaks make a spectacular background to the slow-paced, 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. Visit 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, where you can 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 sure to be a good one!
Day 18: Hokitika / Christchurch
Travel up the wild and wet West Coast, where the country’s highest annual rainfall means the landscapes are unbelievably green, standing in striking contrast to the blues of the ocean. Stop off in the town of Hokitika and pop into a pounamu factory where you’ll have the chance to pick up any final souvenirs to remember your trip. If time allows, you may visit a kiwi centre, where kiwi birds can be observed in a nocturnal house. Drive on through Arthur’s Pass on your way back to Christchurch and enjoy the mountain scenery (making a couple of stops along the way for photos). Arrive to Christchurch in the evening and maybe head out for dinner and drinks with your group.
Day 19: Christchurch
Your adventure comes to an end this morning, but if you’re not ready to go home yet, just get in touch ahead of time and your booking agent can arrange additional accommodation in Christchurch.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
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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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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