New Zealand Adventure
Explore the best of New Zealand
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Group Size: Avg 6-18
Trip code: NZAD
Duration: 9 or 17 days
If there’s anywhere on Earth more geographically blessed than New Zealand, we want to hear about it. 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. Your Insta is going to be the envy of your friends at home. If your time or budget are tight, no problem – just join us for one island or the other – take your pick!
Trip highlights
- Cruise the breath-taking Milford Sound fjord
- Spend an afternoon in a Maori village with traditional performances
- Visit the world-famous Waitomo glow-worm caves
- Explore the real-life Hobbiton movie set
- Jetboat through a canyon at 80kmh
- Take a hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
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North Island
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Auckland city orientation
- Waiheke Island day trip
- Waitomo glow-worm caves boat tour
- Hobbiton film set tour
- Kerosene creek
- Wai-O-Tapu thermal pools
- Kuirau geothermal park
- Maori cultural experience
- Lake Taupo sunset sailing
- Huka Falls
- Hot springs
South Island
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Queenstown city tour
- Canyon jet boating
- Milford Sound cruise
- Lord of the Rings tour
- Wanaka kayaking to Ruby Island
- Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park
- Mt John Hike, Lake Tekapo
- Hot springs star gazing experience
All options
- Group leader
- Airport transfer on arrival
- 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 transfer to Auckland airport and a flight from Auckland to Queenstown on day 9.
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Some meals, drinks and snacks
- Optional activities
- Return airport transfer
New Zealand has so much to offer travellers, from buzzing cities, beaches, mountains, national parks, glaciers and more. Spread across 2 islands New Zealand has options for travellers all year around. Choose from 3 options:
- North Island itinerary (Auckland to Auckland - Days 1 to 9)
- South Island itinerary (Queenstown to Queenstown - Days 9 to 17)
- All of New Zealand (Auckland to Queenstown - Days 1 to 17)
Day 1: Auckland. Your epic New Zealand Adventure starts here! You will receive an airport-shuttle bus transfer from Auckland airport and this will take you to the hostel for a bit of R&R before meeting the rest of the gang this evening.
Day 2: Auckland tour and Waiheke Island. Get to know one of the most geographically blessed cities in the world with a city tour. Then hop on the ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island where we’ll explore, cool off in the ocean and enjoy a beach BBQ before heading back to Auckland ready for a night out.
Day 3: 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 4: Rotorua. Ready for some geo-thermal wonders? Kick off with a dip in the hot spring at Kerosene Creek, before hitting Wai-O-Tapu, where you’ll see bubbling mud, volcanic craters and crazy coloured springs. This afternoon is free – zorbing anyone?
Day 5: Thermal pools and Maori village. See some more mind-blowing volcanic landscapes, including hot springs and natural ‘foot-spas’. This afternoon we’ll visit a Maori village where we’ll meet fearsome warriors, watch a performance and share a feast.
Day 6: Lake Taupo. Travel to the lakeside town of Taupo where the scenery is epic – even by New Zealand’s standards! We’ll take a sunset sail across the waters of the lake this evening – totally magical.
Day 7: Huka Falls. Start the day with a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, where tons of icy water cascades down from the Waikato River. Then slow things down a bit with a soak in some mineral-rich hot springs.
Day 8: Back to Auckland. Travel back to where it all started for an afternoon of chilling, checking out the sights, and preparing to head south tomorrow.
Day 9: Fly to Queenstown. 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 the short flight to Queenstown where some of the local crew will meet you from the airport and take you to the hostel. 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: Queenstown tour & jetboating. Take a look around the Adventure Capital of the World this morning and prepare yourself for your first shot of Queenstown adrenaline! This afternoon we’ll shoot through Skippers Canyon at over 80km/h!
Day 11: Milford Sound. Cruise through one of the most breath-taking landscapes on Earth today. We’re talking sheer cliff faces, deep blue ocean and cascading waterfalls. Our resting place tonight is the cute Fjordland town of Te Anau.
Day 12: Middle Earth & Wanaka. Drive through ruggedly gorgeous landscapes with regular stops at some of the locations used to film Lord of the Rings. Make like Gandalf for your Insta before continuing your journey to the lakeside resort of Wanaka.
Day 13: Wanaka. We’ll explore Wanaka today, with a stop at the iconic Wanaka Tree, star of Insta,and a special kayaking expedition out to Ruby Island, the jewel in Wanaka’s crown. Then catch the boat back ready for another night with the gang.
Day 14: Hooker Valley Hike. Take another scenic drive through the southern alps this morning. Then stretch your legs on the Hooker Valley track – one of the most famous walks in the South Island (when you see the view of Aoraki/Mt Cook, you’ll know why).
Day 15: Lake Tekapo. We’ll take a stunning hike up Mount John today, where we’ll enjoy 360-degree views across the milky turquoise lake. Tonight, we’ll pay a visit to the Tekapo Springs where we’ll learn aboutMaori mythology while soaking our bones in the mineral rich water – bliss!
Day 16: Back to Queenstown. Travel back to Queenstown where we’ll sort your onward travel and get ready for one last big Kiwi night out. Sweet as.
Day 17: Trip end. All good things come to an end so 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!
Looking to work in New Zealand?
If you also want to find paid work in New Zealand, and still want to enjoy the activities on this tour, check out our Absolute NZ Jobs North or South Island programmes.
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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.North Island Departures
The trip kicks off on day 1 in Auckland. You can arrive at any time on day 1 and an airport pick up is included. We finish up on day 9 in Auckland as well, and you can depart at any time.
South Island Departures
The trip kicks off on day 1 in Queenstown. You can arrive at any time on day 1 and an airport pick up is included. We finish up on day 9 in Queenstown as well 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 and an airport transfer is included. 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.
Accommodation
Where you'll be staying...
Accommodation will be in some specially selected, centrally located hostels, where you will share rooms with 4-6 people on a mixed sex basis.
North Island
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Lylo Auckland –a friendly pod-style hostel with shared kitchenette and modern, comfy shared spaces.
- 3 nights in Rotorua at YHA - with outdoor deck and within walking distance to the geothermal Kuirau Park
- 2 nights in Taupo YHA Hostel - a well-equipped, comfy hostel with lake views
South Island
- 3 nights in Queenstown Absoloot Hostel - a top-rated hostel which is centrally located and has epic views
- 1 night in Milford Sound at TeAnau Lakefront Backpackers–a superb lake-side hostel with park-like gardens, a movie room and indoor and outdoor kitchen facilities
- 2 nights in YHA Hostel, Wanaka - a welcoming hostel with communal lounge and pool table
- 2 nights in Lakes Edge Holiday Park, Tekapo –friendly lodge right on the shores of the turquoise lake, with garden, BBQ, shared lounge, and tour desk
Please note: These are the usual accommodations groups will stay at during the trip. On certain occasions, alternative accommodation may be used.
Meals
North Island - 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner are included
South Island - 5 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.
You need to be a minimum of 18 years old to join this trip. This trip is designed for those aged 18-39. This trip requires you to show evidence that you have been fully vaccinated against covid-19 (final dose administered a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the trip).
British citizens do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for up to six months, but you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. This can be applied for online or via the dedicated mobile app. You’ll also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months from your date of exit, and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you have an onward ticket and sufficient funds to support you during your stay.
Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check the relevant embassy websites for up to date information.
This trip is designed with your safety and wellbeing in mind. As a result of Covid-19, many of our suppliers and partners around the world are introducing new policies and procedures surrounding health and safety in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. As the state of travel is evolving these new safety measures will adapt over time, and will be different for each trip. Here are some of the changes you may see on your trip:
Arrival safety meetings
Most trips have an arrival meeting on the first day where the guide or local team will run through the trip, the safety protocols, and to answer any questions you may have. Now more than ever it is important you arrive in time for these meetings.
Proof of vaccination or negative covid test
For the safety of all travellers, at the start of some trips you may be required to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated (14 days after your second dose) and/or show evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the tour start date in order to join the programme.
Updated hygiene and safety procedures
Our suppliers and partners have health and safety procedures in place on all of our trips. These protocols will be updated and adapted as a response to the Coronavirus outbreak, dependent on local restrictions and laws.
Transport and accommodation choices
Our suppliers and partners choose the accommodation and transport on our trips very carefully, and you may see a change to what would normally be used as a response to the outbreak. This may involve such changes as enhanced use of private transport or quieter accommodation.
Trained and knowledgeable staff
Our staff in the UK are trained to help you with your trip before you depart and answer any questions you may have. In addition, the local team and guides on our trips are there to help with any health and safety concerns and to ensure our trips run safely and smoothly.
Reduced group sizes
Some trips will run with reduced group sizes to start with. You may find that trips are more intimate and chilled, whilst still being packed with fun and adventure.
Healthcare
Your guide or the local team will be on hand to help you seek medical attention should you require it during your trip. As medical facilities and standards can vary around the world, you should ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place before you depart to cover you for any medical emergencies.
24/7 emergency support
We operate an emergency phone line for our travellers abroad. This is operated by a UK based member of staff 24/7 if you have a genuine emergency or urgent matter that you need attending.
It is important that you take measures to make travelling safer for yourself and others around you. Ensure you frequently wash your hands, cover your face when you sneeze and cough, bring and use your own hand sanitiser and facial coverings/masks, and enable social distancing where necessary. You should also ensure you listen to the instructions and guidance of the local team at all times, and follow all local laws and restrictions.