New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound)

20 Days | Encounter spellbinding scenery as you travel the length of New Zealand

5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CHF  5,400
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Step into a captivating world of dazzling peaks, glittering glaciers, icy blue lakes and misty rainforests – it could only be New Zealand. Tucked among these awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll find contemporary cities and laidback little towns, every bit as intriguing as their epic surroundings. Spend 20 days uncovering the very best of New Zealand with a local leader at the wheel. In the South Island, the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, fabulous wineries of Marlborough, and awe-inspiring scenery of Franz Josef await. In the North Island, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, chill out on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park and get to know Wellington’s creative side.

Trip overview

Map of New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) including New Zealand
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Auckland, New Zealand
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
New Zealand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PHKZC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Live it up in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, 4WD-ing through Lord of the Rings scenery or wine tasting, there’s something here to entice everyone.
  • You’re on track for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.
  • Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.
  • Admire the out of this world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Get to know New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 September 2023 - 30 April 2025

Map of New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

18 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (19 nights)

Activities
  • Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout
  • Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
  • Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
  • Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
  • Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory
  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
Add on activities
  • Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD265
  • Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD270
  • Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD499
  • Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD52
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD674
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD789
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
  • Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD15
  • Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD135
  • Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
  • Wanaka - Skydiving - from - NZD379
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
  • Franz Josef - Skydiving - from - NZD399
  • Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Heli Hike - NZD795
  • Franz Josef - Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD325
  • Wellington - Kapiti Island Eco Experience - NZD499
  • Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour - NZD20
  • Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour - NZD55
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from - NZD399
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Full Day Guided Hike) - NZD285
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Half Day Guided Hike) - NZD215
  • Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69
  • Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua - NZD40
  • Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD195
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from - NZD179
  • Rotorua - ZORB - from - NZD40
  • Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour - NZD75
  • Raglan - Kayaking Tour - NZD89
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD175

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Laurie · Traveled April 2024
Was a marvellous trip where I did things I never thought I would do. Like Skydiving and Jet Boating. Plus so many other firsts.
Review submitted 20 May 2024

Annette · Traveled March 2024
A really enjoyable trip. We got a great overview of most of New Zealand's main tourist sites. Our tour guide, Mike, was exceptional and made sure our group had a great time. The accommodation, transport, included food and activities were all of a good standard. I definitely recommend and would travel with Intrepid again.
Review submitted 20 Apr 2024

David · Traveled January 2024
Visited the best locations to see the most amazing sights possible in the time available.
Review submitted 08 Feb 2024

Danielle · Traveled January 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our second trip with Intrepid (Haka). The local guide was incredible, fun and extremely knowledgeable. We learnt so much about New Zealand and saw so many wonderful things and places. We cannot recommend this tour (and company) enough! We will be booking trip three soon!
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Patricia · Traveled January 2024
New Zealand was an amazing tour. The culture and eco-system were so very interesting to learn about. The scenery is absolutely incredible! There are so many adventure options it will make your head spin. If there’s something crazy or terrifying New Zealand will offer it up…. Bungee jumping comes to mind. If you’re looking for relaxing and enjoying the views that can happen as well. Try the hot springs located all over the country! Our guide was so knowledgeable and helpful in every way possible. He was able to get us all to our optional adventures without any us missing out on the itinerary options. Juggling 14 ‘cats’ was an impossible chore, but he did it all with a wonderful sense of humor.
Review submitted 10 Feb 2024
New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound)
From
CHF  5,400