Pure New Zealand Adventure

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand. The 17 day adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, known for its vibrant waterfront and volcanic landscape.

Arrive at any time today and take the opportunity to explore at your leisure, enjoy lunch at the Viaduct Harbour, grab a coffee in Britomart, or browse the shops at Commercial Bay (own expense).

Hotel check-in is available from 15:00. For guests arriving earlier, luggage storage is provided free of charge.

This evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers at 18:00 before heading out for an optional welcome dinner (own expense).

Please note:
Flights are not included in this package and should be purchased independently, once minimum numbers have been met. Please refrain from booking flight arrangements until confirmation that minimum numbers have been met.

This is an adventure package including longer treks that require a moderate to high level of fitness, as well as unique eco or specialty accommodation that showcases the best of New Zealand.

Please note that some properties may offer shared facilities, such as bathrooms. We recommend carefully reviewing the itinerary details prior to purchase to ensure the experience is well suited to your preferences and fitness level. This tour is operated on a shared basis with other travellers who may have booked through providers outside of TripADeal, including guests from Australia, New Zealand, and international markets.

Overnight: Oaks Auckland Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Auckland. Stroll along the waterfront, relax at Mission Bay, or visit the Auckland Domain and Wintergardens. Culture lovers may wish to visit the Auckland Art Gallery.

You could arrange a ferry to Devonport, a harbour cruise, dolphin and whale watching, hiking Rangitoto Island, or wine tasting on Waiheke Island.

Please note: The activities mentioned above are suggestions and are not included. Additional charges may apply.

Overnight: Oaks Auckland Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

This morning, depart Auckland and travel south to Waitomo, famous for its limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms.

Begin your immersive cave experience with a short yet spectacular walk to the Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave. Here, you’ll have up to an hour to explore, including a serene 20-minute glowworm boat ride beneath a canopy of shimmering lights. After a brief pause, continue with a scenic walk to the Cave of Spirits, where you can further marvel at this extraordinary natural wonder. Afterwards, continue on to Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and great place to experience Maori culture. Arrive in the early evening and check-in to the hotel, with the evening at leisure.

Travel duration:

• Auckland to Waitomo, approximately 2 hours 30 mins
• Waitomo to Rotorua, approximately 2 hours

Overnight: Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar

Meals included: None

After breakfast, travel through Rotorua’s stunning landscapes, passing the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes en route to Lake Tarawera, where the impressive Mt Tarawera rises on the horizon. From here, continue by aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay, home to the region’s unique Hot Water Beach (please note, this is not the Hot Water Beach near Hahei), where natural thermal springs flow into the lake.

Enjoy time at leisure or for those seeking adventure, enjoy a brief soak before setting off on the Tarawera Trail, a rewarding 15-kilometre hike (approximately 4.5–5 hours) offering spectacular views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera. Alternatively, unwind in the warm geothermal waters, relax on the sandy shores, and take in this tranquil setting before returning to Rotorua after lunch.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to the city. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy, perhaps take part in an optional zipline eco-tour through the forest canopy or relax at a geothermal spa (not included, extra charges apply). For a free geothermal experience, visit Kuirau Park to see bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes.

Overnight: Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Rotorua and journey to a more remote and culturally rich-part of New Zealand. Leaving behind the busy tourist hubs, travel to the peaceful shores of Lake Aniwhenua, where you’ll be welcomed at Kohutapu Lodge, a lakeside retreat owned by a local Maori family deeply connected to their heritage and community.

Upon arrival, receive a traditional welcome to the tribal lands before learning about the region's history, culture and stories.

Throughout the afternoon, take part in a range of interactive activities such as weaving, haka, and traditional Maori stick games, followed by a relaxed afternoon tea featuring freshly made fried bread. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the preparation of a traditional hangi, where food is slow-cooked underground using heated stones.

In the evening, sit down to enjoy a delicious hangi feast with dessert, often considered a highlight of any visit to New Zealand. End the day with storytelling around the fire pit, sharing in the warmth and spirit of this unique cultural experience.

Note: This evening’s accommodation features shared bathroom facilities.

Travel duration: Approximately 2 hours

Overnight: Kohutapu Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, farewell your hosts at the lakeside lodge and begin the journey toward Taupo. Along the way, visit Australasia’s largest lake, Lake Taupō, and witness the powerful Huka Falls, where rushing waters create a spectacular natural display.

Continue inland to Blue Duck Station, a remote and immersive high-country experience set on a working sheep and cattle farm. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Whanganui National Park, the journey into the station feels like stepping into another world, with rugged terrain and untouched wilderness.

Blue Duck Station is renowned for its strong focus on conservation and sustainability, working to protect the native environment and the rare whio (blue duck) that inhabits the region. On arrival, settle in and learn about life on the station, its history, and the important environmental initiatives led by the team.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal before unwinding around the campfire under the stars.

Note: This evening’s accommodation features shared bathroom facilities

Travel duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 mins (excluding stop at Lake Taupo)

Overnight: Blue Duck Station or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Wake up to the tranquillity of the New Zealand countryside and enjoy a continental breakfast before setting out on a guided 4x4 adventure through native bush. Travel to the “Top of the World,” where, on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Along the way, learn about the station’s history and take in the incredible surrounding landscapes.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to explore more of the station on foot, including a walk to Kaiwhakauka Waterfall, or keep an eye out for the rare whio (blue duck) in its natural habitat.

This evening, relax back at the lodge, perhaps join in with games, unwind by the campfire, or enjoy making s’mores under the stars.

Note: This evening’s accommodation features shared bathroom facilities.

Overnight: Blue Duck Station or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Rise early this morning and travel to Tongariro National Park, home to what is widely regarded as one of the world’s best one-day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable 19-kilometre trek takes you through a dramatic volcanic landscape of rugged peaks, expansive craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes, offering some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery.

The Crossing is accessible year-round; however, during periods of snow or ice (typically May to October, though possible at any time), a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required (additional cost may apply). Weather conditions are carefully monitored for safety, and if the Crossing is not suitable, alternative shorter walks within the national park will be offered.

After a rewarding day exploring this remarkable landscape, return to your accommodation and unwind in the outdoor spa while taking in the surrounding mountain views, the perfect way to relax and reflect on your day’s adventure.

Please note: This day's walking is not guided. However, the tour leader will provide all relevant information.

This activity requires a moderate to high fitness level, please read the Important Information section for details.

Overnight: The Park Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city.

The afternoon is at your leisure, you might enjoy a craft beer at a local brewery, hike to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic city views, stroll along the waterfront, or simply savour what many consider the best coffee in New Zealand, as Wellington takes its coffee culture very seriously. We recommend starting your visit with the Te Papa National Museum (not included, extra charges apply) to explore the country’s art, history, and culture.

Travel Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Overnight: Ibis Wellington or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s South Island. If the weather is clear, head out to the viewing deck for breathtaking vistas of the Marlborough Sounds.

Upon arrival in Picton, travel through the scenic Marlborough region and continue to Marahau, a charming gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Make a brief stop to discover the vineyards, perhaps partake in a wine tasting (not included, extra charges apply)) before continuing on to Marahau. Spend the evening relaxing in this beautiful setting, unwinding around the campfire and admiring the star-filled sky.

Note: This evening’s accommodation features shared bathroom facilities. There will be a stop at a grocery store for those wishing to self-cater for the next part of the trip (The Barn features shared kitchen facilities).

Overnight: The Barn or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. From your accommodation, you can hike directly into the park, no water taxi required and follow the Abel Tasman Coastal Track up to Anchorage Bay.

The park is filled with lush native bush, golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and explore at your own pace. The walk to Anchorage Bay takes approximately four hours each way, though you may choose to return by water taxi if you’d like extra time to soak in the scenery.

Note: This day is unguided, however the tour leader will provide all relevant information to best enjoy your time in the Abel Tasman.

Note: This evening’s accommodation features shared bathroom facilities. We recommend to pack a lunch to take with you today.

Overnight: The Barn or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, travel down New Zealand’s wild West Coast, a region celebrated for its untamed beaches, lush rainforest, and dramatic scenery. This drive has been named one of the top in the world by Lonely Planet, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey.

Along the way, stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique coastal formation. Continue on to Hokitika, a town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and greenstone (pounamu).

We highly recommend visiting Sunset Point to see the Tambo shipwreck, enjoy sweeping views of Hokitika Beach with Aoraki / Mt Cook in the distance, and watch the sun set over the horizon. After dark, take a stroll to the glowworm dell to see the sparkling lights above before returning to your accommodation for a restful night.

Travel duration: Approximately 8 hours (including stops)

Overnight: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a short drive to the charming village of Franz Josef, as the scenery transitions from rugged coastline to lush rainforest, another day showcasing the unforgettable New Zealand landscapes (make sure your camera is fully charged!).

Arrive around lunchtime, allowing plenty of time to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the West Coast’s most iconic attractions. You can take a shuttle to the start of the track and hike through native bush and glacial streams to reach the glacier’s terminal face for amazing photo opportunities. Alternatively, relax in the township and soak in the stunning views.

For a truly memorable adventure, consider a heli-hike to get up close and stand on the glacier itself before climate change alters the landscape (not included, extra charges apply)

Travel duration: Approximately 3 hours (including stops)

Overnight: Franz Josef Motel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Start the day with a leisurely walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its stunning reflections of Aoraki / Mt Cook on calm days. Continue on to the picturesque town of Wanaka, renowned for its crystal-clear lake and dramatic mountain scenery. Enjoy a late lunch (own expense) while taking in the views, and don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree.

Afterwards, travel to Queenstown, widely known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” This vibrant town is the birthplace of jet boating and offers endless opportunities for adventure and entertainment. Upon arrival, check in to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Travel duration: Approximately 6 hours (including stops).

Overnight: Mercure Queenstown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown. Explore the stunning surrounding mountains on one of the many scenic hikes, or choose an activity that suits your sense of adventure.

In the evening, consider sampling the world-famous Fergburger, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, or relaxing on the lakefront with a hot chocolate while listening to live music from local artists.

Please note that these activities are suggestions only. They are not included in your package and can be arranged independently at an additional cost.

Overnight: Mercure Queenstown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy another full day at leisure in Queenstown. Explore the stunning mountain scenery on one of the many free hikes, such as Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak, or join an activity of your choice.

For those seeking more adventure, Queenstown offers a variety of paid activities, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, helicopter tours, or a visit to nearby wineries for tastings and tours.

Please note that these activities are suggestions only. They are not included in your package and can be arranged independently at an additional cost.

Overnight: Mercure Queenstown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, at the appropriate time, check out of the hotel and make your own onward travel arrangements.

Meals included: Breakfast