Premium New Zealand Encompassed

17 Days | Journey through New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes

4.6 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR 7.079 €
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Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on a 17-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 wine at picturesque cellar doors, 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.

Trip overview

Map of Premium New Zealand Encompassed including New Zealand
Start
Auckland, New Zealand
Finish
Queenstown, 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
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
PHPZC
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.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • Uncover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua during a guided visit to Te Puia, home to hot springs, geysers, mud pools, a Maori art gallery and a kiwi conservation centre.
  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some seriously excellent wine.
  • Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s dazzling peaks.
  • Experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery during your second Feature Stay on Milford Sound aboard a purpose-built vessel.
  • Discover the best of the Otago region during your Exclusive Experiences – a chef-led food and foraging tour, and an adrenaline-pumping jetboat ride down the Shotover River.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that is what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
  • 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!

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2024 - 30 June 2025

Map of Premium New Zealand Encompassed including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Catamaran, Flight, Jet boat, Cruise boat

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Resort (3 nights), Homestead (2 nights), Cruise boat (1 night)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Auckland - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
  • Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
  • Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
  • Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
  • Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
  • Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
  • Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
  • Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
  • Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
  • Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
  • Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
  • Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
  • Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
  • Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
  • Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
  • Franz Josef - Glacier View Walk
  • Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
  • Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist
  • Wanaka - Criffel Station Foraging & Lunch Experience with Local Chef
  • Milford Sound - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Queenstown - Shotover River Jetboat Experience
  • Gibbston Valley - Wine Cave Tour
  • Arrowtown - Leader-led walk
  • Queenstown - Farewell Aperitivo
Add on activities
  • Rotorua - Polynesian Spa - from - NZD40
  • Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway - NZD39
  • Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69
  • Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise - NZD120
  • Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from - NZD89
  • Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from - NZD695
  • Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from - NZD145

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender:
- Day 14 - Milford Sound Cruise
Please also note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

2. 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.

3. Some changes will be required for departures over Christmas and New Years. PHPZC231228 will not overnight in Taupo, but Feature an additional overnight in Tongariro. The activities will remain the same. On PHPZC231212 and PHPZC231214, the visit to Aspiring Biodiversity on Day 12 will be replaced by a boat ride to explore islands on Lake Wanaka, and Criffel Station on Day 13 will be replaced by Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining on the final night.

4. Criffel Station will be closed during the following departures: PHPZC231221, PHPZC240123, and PHPZC240125. Instead, the visit will be replaced by Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining on the final night.

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 14 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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Liliana · Traveled February 2024
As expected, NZ is a beautiful country with breathtaking sceneries and waterfalls. You see unique birds like the mountain parrot ( they are a treat) and of course the kiwi ( seen in enclosures). The trip feels rushed in some areas where it was really scenic and you just have to pass without even taking a photo. Milford Sound is a highlight. Hotels are a mixed bag, best was in Franz Josef. Overall, an unforgettable trip, but it could be a lot better.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Jonathan · Traveled February 2024
New Zealand - 5 Stars. Wayne (our tour leader) - 5 stars. Intrepid - 2 stars. Coming on this tour you know you are going to be impressed with the scenery, the friendliness of the people and the focus on environmental conservation. You will not be disappointed. The itinerary is good - if a little breathless at times - and if you have the same guide we did you will be guaranteed a wonderful time. The only shadow cast over our trip was due to the lack of care provided by Intrepid. Watch out for “feature stays” being replaced by much lower class accommodation with no notice or compensation. And don’t expect a response if you need to contact them.
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Megan · Traveled January 2024
Make sure you read the itinerary very, very carefully and compare it to other companies to be sure it covers everything you want to see.
Review submitted 21 Jan 2024

Kevin · Traveled January 2024
What a fun trip! The itinerary and included activities gave us a very good introduction to the natural beauty, culture, history, flora, and fauna of New Zealand. We had a wonderful group of fellow travelers and our local guide Robbie John was absolutely outstanding.
Review submitted 21 Jan 2024

Lauren · Traveled November 2023
LOVED our Intrepid Premium New Zealand Encompassed trip! Out small group bonded well on this adventure across both islands. There was just the right amount of activities & free time. Each day was a delightful adventure!
Review submitted 21 Dec 2023
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
From
EUR 7.079 €