Premium New Zealand Encompassed

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 16 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $9,316
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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.

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

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

Premium experiences

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Premium knowledge

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders


Why you'll love this trip
  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, cellar doors to learn about their production methods, sample some seriously excellent wine and enjoy a winery lunch.
  • Explore the concepts, rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine in Te Pa Tu. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest and you’ll hear stories through haka, song and drama before a 2-course feast.
  • 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.
  • Cruise the waters of iconic Milford Sound on a Premium day cruise, where you’ll enjoy drinks and canapes on board as you look out for the waterfalls, local wildlife and learn about the area.
  • Soak up one of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island – it's wine! During your Feature Stay in Gibbston Valley, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, indulge in a 3-course dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains (maybe from the on-site hot tubs)!

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!

Itinerary

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

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

Map of Premium New Zealand Encompassed including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry, Jet boat, Cruise boat

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Resort (1 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
  • Wellington - Ferry Cruise through Marlborough Sound
  • 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
  • Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting
  • Arrowtown - Walking Tour
  • Milford Sound - Day Cruise
  • Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner
  • Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
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. 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.

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 16 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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Cj · Traveled April 2024
The trip lived up to my expectations and actually exceeded them. I needed customer service help at one point and the ladies i dealt with were fantastic, and able to fix my problem immediately. Also the phone was answered by a human, so important in this day and age. Our guide Lexi was excellent, exceptionally organized!
Review submitted 22 May 2024

Andrea · Traveled March 2024
My husband and I took a 17 day guided tour through both the North and South islands of New Zealand with Intrepid. We were very pleased with every aspect of the trip. We highly recommend both Intrepid and our wonderful guide, Summer.
Review submitted 01 May 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

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

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
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