New Zealand Adventure

After breakfast and a van-load of new friends, it’s time to head south! From the Coromandel Peninsula, we’ll make our way to Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural and geothermal mecca. Along the way, there’s the chance to get lost in the magical world of Hobbiton or marvel at the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Springs.
📍 Location: Coromandel, Matamata & Rotorua
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Visit the breathtaking Blue Springs
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Hobbiton Tour (2 hours)

With far more to do than you can fit into just one day, we’re staying an extra night in Rotorua, giving you a full day of free time to make your own adventure! With so many optional activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or looking to soak up Rotorua’s unique geothermal wonders. If you’re on a budget, your tour leader can recommend free walks and other geothermal parks for you to explore.
📍 Location: Rotorua
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: A free day to explore Rotorua with countless optional adventures!
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Redwood Walk, Rotorua Zipline, Rafting Adventure, Sledding Track, Tarawera Hike, Glow Kayak, Skyline Luge, Zorb Rotorua

After breakfast, it’s our last day to soak up this culture-filled town, with free time until the evening to tick off those NZ bucket list activities. Later, we’ll come together for an unforgettable evening of culture, Kai (food), and connection, starting with a buffet dinner at the world-famous Pātaka Kai Restaurant, featuring locally sourced cuisine with a Māori twist. Following dinner, we’ll enjoy a cultural performance at Te Aronui a Rua, a beautifully carved meeting house, showcasing the Pōwhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Poi, and Haka. To wrap up the day, we’ll visit a breathtaking geothermal wonderland, relaxing on naturally heated rock seating beneath the powerful Pōhutu Geyser with a hot chocolate in hand, and even spot a real-life kiwi bird!
📍 Location: Rotorua
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast & buffet hangi dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Māori buffet dinner, cultural performance, and an evening geothermal experience

Wake up and enjoy your last morning in RotoVegas! After breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning Blue Lake, where you can choose to go for a refreshing 5km morning walk or simply relax by the lakeside. From there, we’ll head towards Lake Taupo, stopping at a natural hot pool and the breathtaking Huka Falls along the way. Once in Taupo, you’ll have the chance to experience optional paid activities like bungy jumping, skydiving, or jet boating, or you can ask your tour leader for recommendations on Taupo’s hidden gems and free activities. To end the day, we’ll board an exclusive sunset yacht charter, sailing around Lake Taupo with dinner provided on board—don’t forget to bring a few beverages for this unforgettable experience!
📍 Location: Rotorua & Taupo
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast & dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Blue Lake, Huka Falls, and a sunset sailing charter on Lake Taupo
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Taupo Bungy, Taupo Skydiving, Taupo Jet Boat

After breakfast, you’ll have a free day to explore the town of Taupo or dive into any of the amazing activities on offer. For those ready to tick the Tongariro Alpine Crossing off their NZ bucket list, there’s an optional trek available. Widely regarded as New Zealand’s best one-day hike and among the top ten in the world, this challenging trek promises incredible alpine scenery and unforgettable views. Be sure to chat with your guide to prepare for all weather conditions.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can spend the day enjoying other activities around Taupo or simply take it easy. In the evening, we’ll all regroup to explore Taupo’s local cuisines and hotspots before the night is yours to enjoy.
📍 Location: Taupo & Tongariro National Park
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Free day to explore Taupo or tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Tongariro Transport, River Rafting, Tandem Skydiving

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, River Valley, a stunning lodge surrounded by natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with its on-site café, bar, saunas, and spa. For those seeking adventure, the lodge is a base for activities like rafting, horse trekking, or exploring the rural back roads on an e-bike. If relaxation is more your style, you can simply enjoy the serene riverside setting and savour delicious food made with ingredients from the on-site organic gardens.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a Kiwi-style farm-to-table dinner, featuring fresh seasonal vegetables, free-range organic, and grass-fed local meats, all harvested locally for a true taste of New Zealand.
📍 Location: Taupo & River Valley
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast & farm-to-table dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Relax at the stunning River Valley lodge, farm-to-table dinner
🛶 Optional Add-ons: River Rafting, Horse Trek, E-Bike Tour

Start the day with a delicious cooked breakfast at our Adventure Lodge, where you can enjoy optional activities like rafting or horse trekking, or simply relax and take in the stunning surroundings. By midday, we’ll leave the lodge and head south to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Once in Welly, we’ll grab dinner and, for those keen to experience the nightlife, there’s an optional pub crawl through the city’s famous bars. If that’s not your vibe, the night is yours to explore NZ’s coolest city at your own pace.
📍 Location: River Valley & Wellington
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Explore New Zealand’s capital city, enjoy the vibrant nightlife
🛶 Optional Add-ons: E-bike Hire, Local Pub Crawl

Spend Day 9 exploring Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Start with a coffee at one of its famous cafes, check out the Te Papa Museum, ride the Wellington Cable Car, or hike to Mount Victoria Lookout for stunning views. Your tour leader can recommend the best spots to make the most of your free day in this cultural hub.

On Day 10, fuel up with breakfast before boarding the scenic Cook Strait Ferry for the breathtaking journey to the South Island. Glide through the Marlborough Sounds on your way to Picton, and stop at Ohau Point Lookout to admire stunning views, waterfalls, and playful seals. By evening, we’ll arrive in Kaikōura, renowned for its fresh seafood and abundant marine life. Take a sunset stroll along Kaikōura Beach and Anzac Park, and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s excellent seafood spots.
📍 Location: Wellington, Marlborough Sounds & Kaikōura
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast on Days 9 & 10
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Free time to explore Wellington, Cook Strait Ferry crossing, Ohau Point Lookout, Kaikōura Beach stroll

Start the day in Kaikōura, famous for its incredible marine life, from playful dolphin pods to majestic humpback whales and orcas, depending on the season. For those seeking a memorable encounter, opt for a whale watching tour or snorkel with dolphins in their natural habitat. Before we leave, we’ll visit the local seal colony, where you can watch these curious creatures up close.

Next, we head to Christchurch, known as the “Garden City,” offering a peaceful contrast to the wild beauty of Kaikōura. Once we arrive and check into our accommodation, the evening is yours to explore. Visit the famous Botanic Gardens, relax in one of the city’s many parks, or enjoy dining along The Terrace, Christchurch’s lively riverside area.
📍 Location: Kaikōura & Christchurch
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Visit Kaikōura’s seal colony, free time to explore Christchurch
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Whale watching tours (boat or plane), snorkeling with dolphins

Kick off your South Island adventure with a meet-and-greet in Christchurch before heading west to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a must-see photo spot. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, relaxing at Tekapo Springs, or simply soaking in the peaceful vibes of the Mackenzie Region. As night falls, consider joining a stargazing tour to experience the world-renowned night skies.v

On Day 13, start with breakfast before heading south through some of New Zealand’s most scenic landscapes. Marvel at the breathtaking Lake Pukaki and take a short walk to the Tasman Glacier, set against the backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s tallest peak. By afternoon, we’ll arrive in Wanaka, where you can explore its charming streets, unique shops, and buzzing bars before diving into its vibrant food and nightlife scene.
📍 Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast on Day 13
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier Walk
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Tekapo Springs, Stargazing Tours, Dark Sky Project

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the stunning Lake Wanaka, and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the town before heading to Arrowtown, New Zealand’s historic gold-mining destination. Known as the “Kiwi-style Wild West,” Arrowtown is full of charming wooden-fronted shops, quirky cafes, and remnants of the gold rush era. Visit the replica miner’s huts, grab a photo at #ThatWanakaTree, and don’t forget to stop by the famous Remarkable Sweet Shop for a treat.

After lunch, we’ll continue south to the breathtaking lakeside town of Te Anau, your base for tomorrow’s adventure in Fiordland National Park. Nestled on the edge of Lake Te Anau, the town boasts stunning scenery and plenty of activities to explore.
📍 Location: Wanaka, Arrowtown & Te Anau
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: #ThatWanakaTree, explore Arrowtown, visit the Remarkable Sweet Shop

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Milford Sound, often called the “eighth wonder of the world” by Rudyard Kipling. With its towering peaks, forest-clad cliffs, and deep blue waters, this is a must-see experience. We’ll take a 2-hour boat cruise through the fiord, getting up-close views of dramatic waterfalls, stunning landscapes, and local wildlife like seals and dolphins.

Following the cruise, we’ll drive back towards Queenstown, stopping at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lake, where the still waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains. Once in Queenstown, you’ll have free time to explore this vibrant town. Grab a bite at the legendary Fergburger, enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar, or test your courage in the haunted house. Rest up at your accommodation or dive into the town’s lively nightlife—it’s all up to you!
📍 Location: Milford Sound & Queenstown
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Milford Sound boat cruise, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lake reflections

Welcome to your first full day in Queenstown, where adventure is always around the corner. Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline high or soaking up the natural beauty, today is all about crafting your perfect experience.

Dive into heart-pounding activities like AJ Hackett Bungy, a thrilling jet boat ride through the Shotover River, or soaring through the skies on a ziplining adventure. If relaxation is more your style, unwind in the soothing waters of the ONSEN Hot Pools or simply take in the incredible mountain and lake views from a quiet lakeside spot. With its vibrant atmosphere, stunning scenery, and endless possibilities, Queenstown will leave you in awe.
📍 Location: Queenstown
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Free day to explore Queenstown and its thrilling activities
🛶 Optional Add-ons: AJ Hackett Bungy(s), Shotover Jet Boat, Kawarau Zipline, ONSEN Hot Pools

Another day in Queenstown, another chance to tick off incredible experiences! Start your day at your own pace before taking on today’s featured optional activity: an exhilarating Skippers Road Tour & Shotover Jet Boat Ride. Travel the infamous Skippers Road, uncovering stories of the region’s gold-mining past, before racing through the dramatic canyons of the Shotover River on a thrilling jet boat ride.

If you’re seeking even more adventure, options like the Shotover Canyon Swing or an unforgettable skydiving experience are waiting to push your limits. For a slower pace, take a stroll along the lakeside, visit the town’s unique shops, or enjoy Queenstown’s vibrant dining scene. With its perfect mix of thrill and tranquility, Queenstown continues to deliver unforgettable moments.
📍 Location: Queenstown
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Free day to dive deeper into Queenstown’s adventures
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Skippers Road Tour & Shotover Jet, Shotover Canyon Swing, Skydiving, Lakeside Stroll

Day 18 begins with breakfast and a stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel, followed by a visit to the stunning Lake Hāwea. From there, we’ll embark on the breathtaking drive through Haast Pass, featuring ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and even small glaciers. A short walk to the Blue Pools reveals crystal-clear waters perfect for photos, before we continue to Ships Creek Beach for lunch. By evening, we’ll arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, where you can unwind with a pizza night, relax in the giant hot tub, or explore the local dining scene.

Day 19 kicks off with a unique greenstone carving workshop, where you’ll craft your own piece of Pounamu jewelry, a meaningful connection to Māori culture. The rest of the day is yours to explore the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. Choose from optional adventures like a heli-glacier hike, kayaking, or skydiving, before coming together for a group dinner to share stories and celebrate another incredible day in the South Island.
📍 Location: Franz Josef
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast on Days 18 & 19
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Cardrona Hotel, Lake Hāwea, Haast Pass, Blue Pools, Ships Creek Beach, Greenstone carving workshop
🛶 Optional Add-ons: Skippers Road Tour & Shotover Jet, Shotover Canyon Swing, Skydiving, Lakeside Stroll

Begin the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint at 9 am, where you’ll marvel at the glacier’s sheer power and beauty. From there, we drive up the West Coast, stopping to explore the rich history and natural wonders of the region. Visit Ross Gold Mining Town and step back into the bustling era of gold mining, capture a photo at the iconic Hokitika Beach Sign, and pay your respects at the Greymouth Miners Memorial, a tribute to the miners who shaped the area.

After lunch in Hokitika, we’ll continue to the spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track. Take a leisurely walk through lush coastal forests and limestone cliffs to discover the unique rock formations sculpted by the relentless ocean. In the evening, we’ll come together for a barbecue dinner to celebrate our last night on tour. Weather permitting, we’ll gather around a beach bonfire, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky—a perfect way to end this unforgettable journey.
📍 Location: Punakaiki New Zealand
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast and BBQ dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint, Hokitika township, Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Our final day begins with a scenic drive through the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass, the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps. We’ll make a stop at Arthur’s Pass Village to admire the Avalanche Creek Waterfalls before continuing through the stunning alpine landscapes.

Next, we’ll visit Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, named by the Dalai Lama as the “spiritual centre of the universe.” Your tour leader will guide you through this incredible natural wonder, explaining its spiritual, geological, and recreational significance while you capture stunning photos of the giant limestone boulders.

As we head back towards Christchurch, we’ll make a stop at a true Kiwi icon: Sheffield Pies. Treat yourself to one of their mouth-watering creations before arriving at Lylo Christchurch at approximately 3pm. Here, your guide will bid you farewell, leaving you to cherish the memories and friendships formed during this unforgettable South Island road trip.
📍 Location: Christchurch
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Arthur’s Pass, Avalanche Creek Waterfalls, Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, Sheffield Pies

There are some activities we include because they’re absolute must-dos, but we know everyone’s travel style is unique—while you might want to take a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier, your travel buddy might prefer hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or exploring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. That’s the beauty of travel! We’re here to help you craft your perfect adventure, offering assistance with optional activities and some great discounts along the way.

Your guide will be there to help plan and book these experiences so you can experience a hassle-free adventure travelling through New Zealand.