Premium New Zealand Encompassed
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
18 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Queenstown
Visiting: Auckland, Auckland (Waiheke Island), Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua, Rotorua, Rotorua to Taupo, Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune, Ohakune to Wellington, Wellington to Christchurch, Christchurch, Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki, Hokitika / Franz Josef , Franz Josef , Makaroa / Wanaka, Wanaka, Wanaka / Gibbston Valley, Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHPZC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on this 18-day Premium adventure through New Zealand’s north and south islands. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Taste local wines at picturesque cellar doors and wineries, set out in search of kiwis, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro. From the pure spectacle of Milford Sound to the simmering geysers of Rotorua, this adventure is sure to blow you away.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: M Social or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Auckland (Waiheke Island)
Location: Auckland (Waiheke Island)
Accommodation: M Social or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Auckland Via Waitomo & Hobbiton To Rotorua
Location: Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to the world below. See the limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, visit to Te Puia – over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu – the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next, head to the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird (the kiwi) in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch today will be a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in the traditional style. Tonight, consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Rotorua To Taupo
Location: Rotorua to Taupo
Accommodation: Millenium Taupo or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, this is a popular and scenic town. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available this afternoon. You might like to take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Taupo Via Tongariro National Park To Ohakune
Location: Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune
Accommodation: Powderhorn Chateau (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, uncover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is naturally beautiful. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls – an impressive 20 m cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau is surrounded by the high peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the views are simply unbeatable.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ohakune To Wellington
Location: Ohakune to Wellington
Accommodation: QT Wellington / Museum Apartment Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Wellington To Christchurch
Location: Wellington to Christchurch
Accommodation: The Fable Christchurch or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and head to the South Island. Cross the Cook Strait on a ferry, taking in some unforgettable views along the way. Your introduction to New Zealand’s South Island sets the tone for the rest of the journey – pass through the iconic landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise into Picton Harbour. Travel on by private vehicle to Christchurch. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: The Fable Christchurch or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Enjoy a free day in Christchurch. This city has great food and drink culture and museums for all interests, so take it easy and fill your day with as much or as little as you choose. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. Then, head to a tiny restaurant and natural wine bar that champions sustainability for a three-course dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Location: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner – the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Hokitika / Franz Josef
Location: Hokitika / Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Makaroa / Wanaka
Location: Makaroa / Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust – an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch, washed down with some Central Otago wines.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Wanaka / Gibbston Valley
Location: Wanaka / Gibbston Valley
Accommodation: Kinross Winery (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Soak up a free morning in gorgeous Wanaka, then take the short drive to Arrowtown – known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival, this leafy community is perfect to explore on foot. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walking tour through the cute shops and cafes, then head on to your Feature Stay accommodation at Kinross Winery in the Gibbston Valley. This working vineyard near Queenstown features on-site hot tubs and mountain scenery. During your stay, you’ll have a wine-tasting session followed by a 3-course group dinner featuring local, fresh produce.
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Location: Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Accommodation: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is all about the gorgeous scenery of the South Island! Say goodbye to the vineyard after breakfast and start your journey to the iconic Milford Sound – surrounded by mountains and, depending on the season and rainfall, hundreds of waterfalls, this place is well-acclaimed for a reason. When you arrive at the port, you’ll take a Premium day cruise to try to spot the local wildlife, waterfalls and amazing scenery from the water. Enjoy drinks and canapes on board, as well as in-depth commentary. After the cruise, head on to Queenstown for dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 17: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Soak up a free morning and early afternoon in Queenstown, making the most of your time in this scenic city. Wander at your own pace, then head out in the late afternoon with your group. You’ll board the TSS Earnslaw – an iconic, century-old coal-fired steamship. Cruise along Lake Whakatipu to Walter High Peak Country Farm, taking in the scenery of the lake as you go. When you arrive, take a tour of the working farm, then sit down with your hosts for their famous gourmet barbeque dinner. Maybe say a cheers to an amazing adventure, then cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
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Day 18: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights), Resort (2 night), Cruise boat (1 night) -
Auckland - Welcome Dinner
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Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
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Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
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Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
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Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
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Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
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Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
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Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
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Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle , Catamaran , Ferry , Jet boat , Cruise boat
Accommodation
- Hotel (14 nights), Resort (2 night), Cruise boat (1 night)
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 15 (Milford Sound) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 3.The Milford Sound Cruise is seasonal and weather dependent. Some departures may require a slight shift in itinerary to make sure the cruise is included. If the Cruise has finished for the season, the Feature Stay will instead be the Milford Sound Lodge.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Catamaran , Flight , Jet boat , Cruise boat
Accommodation
- Hotel (9 nights), Resort (3 nights), Homestead (2 nights), Cruise boat (1 night)
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes.
There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike - or two! -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions