New Zealand Explorer Southbound Overview

    • 22
    • PTOZC
    • 4.63 out of 5
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $4,495
      CAD $4,275
      AUD $4,130
      EUR €3,215
      GBP £2,620
      NZD $5,290
      ZAR R34,240
      CHF FR3,950
      *
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    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Explorer
    • Original
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Trip Validity

  • 2013-04-01 - 2014-03-31

This tour captures the best of both the North and South Islands

From sprawling glaciers, snow-capped mountains and spectacular fjords on the South Island, to the secluded beaches, volcanic craters and cosmopolitan cities of the North Island, this three-week NZ tour has it all - including Franz Joseph Glacier, Milford Sound, Kaikoura, Mt Ruapehu, the Bay of Islands and so much more. This trip is packed with adrenaline activities for those with an adventurous streak including sea kayaking, snorkelling, blackwater rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, mountain biking and kayaking. Travellers after a slower pace will enjoy walking trails, picture-postcard scenery plus galleries, shops and restaurants. With a perfect combination of sights and activities, the New Zealand Explorer has something for everyone.

  • Be dwarfed by spectacular Mt Cook
  • Enjoy an overnight cruise through the Bay of Islands
  • Glide through breathtaking Milford Sound
  • Marvel in the majesty of Mt Ruapehu
  • Meet Waitomo's glow-worms
  • Spot sperm whales and dolphins in Kaikoura
  • Take a guided hike across ancient ice and rock at Franz Joseph Glacier
  • Visit Wellington's Te Papa Tongarewa museum

Trip Map


New Zealand Explorer Southbound Summary

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Day 1 Auckland

Arrive early to make the most of the distinctive Pacific flavour of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe and a wide variety of well positioned cafes that bask in the lively atmosphere.

Days 2-3 Bay of Islands

A secluded marine area of amazing beauty, the Bay of Islands boasts stunning coral reefs, fascinating marine life and excellent beaches.

Day 4 Waitomo

One of New Zealand's most awe-inspiring destinations, Waitomo is famous for its limestone caves, glow worms and black-water rafting.

Day 5 Rotorua

Renowned as a geothermal wonderland, Rotorua's bubbling geysers and steaming mud pools provide an amazing display of mother earth's power.

Days 6-7 Taupo/Mt Ruapehu

Located in the beautiful surrounds of Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu is one of the world's most active volcanoes and a majestic sight to behold. The North Island's home of extreme sports, Taupo sits on the shore of New Zealand's largest lake - the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano.

Day 8 Wellington

New Zealand's vibrant capital, Wellington has something for everyone - a picturesque harbour, fascinating museums and a great restaurant/bar scene.

Days 9-10 Nelson

A pleasant, sunny place in the heart of a wine-producing region, Nelson is home to some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world.

Day 11 Kaikoura

Set on a beautiful stretch of coastline where towering mountains fall into the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura is famous for its seafood and marine life.

Day 12 Christchurch

Arrive early and discover Christchurch, the south islands remerging city. Explore pop up bars, cafes and restaurants in the exciting new development dubbed RE:start. Relax with a coffee in a converted shipping container and see what’s happening in funky Christchurch.

Day 13 Punakaiki

Nestled in the foothills of Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki has a magnificent oceanfront location with spectacular views of the wild West Coast beaches.

Days 14-15 Franz Josef Glacier

The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier offers many hiking opportunities to explore this spectacular area of mountains, valleys and glaciers.

Days 16-19 Queenstown

The adrenaline sports capital of the world, Queenstown is a lively alpine resort on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with an incredible array of year-round activities on offer.

Day 20 Milford Sound

An area of breathtaking scenery, Milford Sound offers a stunning combination of tall mountain peaks, crystal clear water and marine life, including dolphins, seals and penguin.

Day 21 Mt Cook

Home to New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook National Park has spectacular vistas.

Day 22 Christchurch

Christchurch 2

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Auckland, New Zealand
  • Finish:

    Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 15
  • Ages:

    Min 12
  • Meals:

    No meals included
  • Accommodation:

    Hostel (2 nts), Lodge (18 nts), Overnight boat (1 nt)
  • Transport:

    Ferry, Van
  • Included activities:

    Milford Sound - Day Cruise, Queenstown - Skyline Gondola, Rotorua - Te Puia Maori Art & Cultural Centre, Waitomo - Caves Entrance, Wellington - Te Papa Museum

  • Notes:

    1. This trip finishes on arrival in Christchurch on day 22 at approx 6PM. Please take this into consideration when booking any onward flights
    2. A single supplement is available on this trip

  • Total price from

    USD $4,495
    CAD $4,275
    AUD $4,130
    EUR €3,215
    GBP £2,620
    NZD $5,290
    ZAR R34,240
    CHF FR3,950
    *
    Price information
  • Per day from:

    USD $204
    CAD $194
    AUD $187
    EUR €146
    GBP £119
    NZD $240
    ZAR R1,556
    CHF FR179
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About New Zealand

    • 22
    • PTOZC
    • 4.63 out of 5
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $4,495
      CAD $4,275
      AUD $4,130
      EUR €3,215
      GBP £2,620
      NZD $5,290
      ZAR R34,240
      CHF FR3,950
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Explorer
    • Original
Book