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Where something incredible lies around every corner

Get ready for an adventure of epic proportions – the best of New Zealand is waiting! Spend 17 days discovering the South Island and North Island with the guidance of a passionate local leader. See the innovative ways Christchurch has rebuilt post-quake, get to know the adventure capital of the world in Queenstown and experience the natural beauty of Franz Josef. Cross the Cook Strait and hang out in delightful Wellington, hop between beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula, learn about local culture at a Maori village and check out the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. From spectacular scenery to fascinating culture, New Zealand is sure to leave you in awe.

Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Auckland, New Zealand
Destination
New Zealand
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
PHRXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 6, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Calling all adventure seekers! Queenstown is overflowing with adrenaline-pumping activities, so dive straight in or sit back with a glass of world-class local wine.

  • All aboard for one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys – take the famous TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps from the West Coast to Christchurch.

  • Visit a Maori village where profits from your visit are fed back into the community, learn the haka and Maori weaving before tucking into a traditional hangi dinner.

  • Experience the geothermal delights of Rotorua, watch New Zealand’s largest geyser erupt and observe adorable kiwis in a nocturnal house at a conservation centre.

  • A little piece of paradise awaits on the Coromandel Peninsula – dig your own natural hot tub on Hot Water Beach and check out the much-photographed Cathedral Cove.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is operated and 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 of our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

  • Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities.

Road to Mount Cook, South Island, New Zealand
Kayaking in Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand
Group enjoying Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand
Group near the geothermal pools in Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Group hiking Tongariro Crossing, North Island, New Zealand
Mount Cook, South Island, New Zealand
Shore of lake, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Itinerary
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Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers at 8am this morning to find out about what lies ahead on your journey, then head out to get to know Christchurch. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown was destroyed, but the locals are a resilient bunch and examples of the cool and creative ways they’ve rebuilt can be seen across the city. Perhaps the best example of this is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. Then it’s time to get on the road and drive to Lake Tekapo, a truly stunning sight with its bright blue waters and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for newlyweds snapping pictures in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, boasting one of the world’s most inspiring backdrops! Just when you thought things couldn’t get better here, nighttime reveals a whole new side of Tekapo. A designated Dark Sky Reserve, this is one of the top spots in the country for stargazing.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Christchurch - City Tour
Optional Activities
  • Lake Tekapo - Dark Sky Project - NZD40
  • Lake Tekapo - Tekapo Springs Hot Pool - NZD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It’s very important that you meet the group at 8am this morning to begin your tour. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. If you are going to be late, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Christchurch. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Rise and shine! If you’d like to really embrace the morning, a hike to the summit of Mt John rewards with showstopping views of the Southern Alps. If you skip out on the walk, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of incredible views to be seen today. Drive past the tussocklands of the Mackenzie Basin and snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel down to Queenstown, making plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. Swing by the Kawarau Gorge, where you’ll have the chance to take the plunge with a bungy jump if you’re feeling brave! Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and your home for the next two nights. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline experiences or sitting back with a glass of wine, Queenstown is sure to tick all your boxes.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge
Optional Activities
  • Lake Tekapo - Hike up Mt John - Free
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD220
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The day is yours to experience all Queenstown has to offer. If you want to get your heart racing, look no further! Paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging and bungy jumping could all be on the cards for you today – just speak to your leader about arranging these optional activities. For Lord of the Rings fans, a horseback ride through scenery where the film was shot is a real highlight. Wine lovers are in the right place – this is one of the top wine-producing regions in the world and there’s no shortage of fantastic wineries where you can sample some for yourself. Queenstown’s nightlife punches above its size, and with more than 40 bars to choose from, you’re guaranteed a good night ahead.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Queenstown - Canyoning - NZD219
  • Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD139
  • Queenstown - Paragliding - NZD299
  • Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD245
  • Queenstown - Canyon Swing - from - NZD299
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD559
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD199
  • Queenstown - Skydiving - from - NZD379
  • Queenstown - Nevis Bungy - NZD290
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Fly Day Trip - NZD598
  • Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD46
  • Queenstown - Dart River Funyaks - from - NZD379
  • Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take the morning to tick off anything you didn’t get to see or do yesterday, then leave Queenstown in the rear-view mirror and begin the super scenic drive across the Crown Range to Wanaka. Along the way, stop off in the lovely little gold-rush town of Arrowtown, where the high street’s historic facades make it easy to imagine what life here once looked like. Arrive into Wanaka and enjoy a slower pace than high-octane Queenstown. With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Hit a hiking trail, explore on a bike or find a cosy cafe to admire the view.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Wanaka - Happy Hour on the Lake - NZD59
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a morning at leisure for your own explorations of Wanaka. There’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Depart Wanaka in the afternoon and venture further north, stopping off at a lookout point over either Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea, depending on conditions. Your eyes will be glued to the window for this journey as you pass the impressive waterfalls of the Haast Pass and more spectacular coastline (your leader will make a few special stops along the way too!). Arrive to Franz Josef village, your base for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • West Coast - Haast Pass
  • West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout
Optional Activities
  • Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk - NZD159
  • Wanaka - Skydiving - from - NZD369
  • Wanaka - Flying Lessons - NZD278
  • Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise - NZD119
  • Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Franz Josef is the stuff of dreams, where glittering glaciers and soaring peaks provide a spectacular background to daily life. This part of the country is known as Te Wahi Pounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’, due to the region’s abundance of this culturally and spiritually significant stone. Pay a visit to a local gallery and carve your own pendant while learning about pounamu’s importance to Maori culture. This afternoon, if you’d like to get closer to the Franz Josef Glacier, speak to your leader about the option of booking a helicopter ride to drop you on the snow, allowing you to then hike over the glacier’s surface. There’s also the chance to kayak over a glacial lake or chill out in natural hot springs. No matter how you choose to spend the day here, it’s set to be one to remember.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace
Optional Activities
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD130
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Heli Hike - NZD585
  • Franz Josef - Heli Experience with Snow Landing - NZD295
  • Franz Josef - Skydiving - from - NZD339
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel up the wild and wet West Coast, where the country’s highest annual rainfall means the landscapes are unbelievably green and lush, standing in striking contrast to the blue ocean. Stop off in the town of Hokitika and pop into a pounamu factory where you’ll have the chance to pick up any final souvenirs to remember your trip. If time allows, you may have the chance to visit a kiwi centre, where delightful kiwi birds can be observed in a nocturnal house. Your journey may be nearing its end, but the last leg may just top them all. Hop aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train as you cross the Southern Alps through Arthur’s pass on your way back to Christchurch – you’re going to want to have your camera ready for this one! Arrive to Christchurch in the evening and perhaps head out for dinner and drinks with your group.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
  • Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. With plenty of pleasant cafes and interesting shops, there’s a lovely morning to be had wandering around town. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura, a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. On arrival, take the chance this morning to get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony
Optional Activities
  • Kaikoura - Whale Watching - NZD165
  • Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter - NZD110
  • Kaikoura - Guided Seal Kayaking - NZD130
  • Kaikoura - Albatross Encounter - NZD185
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Take the morning to soak in the stunning scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this delightful harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. But this is no ordinary ferry trip – crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides. Be amazed as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold before you, as well as beautiful coastline, sweeping vineyards and wide open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Known for its amazing food and craft beer scene, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include a visit to Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame, the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, nestled into the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Taupo - Skydive - from - NZD279
  • Taupo - Water Touch Bungy - NZD195
  • Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Return Shuttle to/from Trail Head (Nov-Apr only) - NZD120
  • Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
  • Murupara - Hangi Dinner
  • Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder
  • Murupara - Learn the Haka
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take an unforgettable stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. A day trip to the Waitomo Caves is a must for anyone interested in seeing glow worms – this illuminated underground world really has to be seen to be believed!
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rotorua - River Sledging - NZD135
  • Rotorua - Mt Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD189
  • Rotorua - Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner - NZD240
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour - from - NZD159
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD129
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Venture on to the Coromandel Peninsula, a land of beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
Optional Activities
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD89
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD145
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that due to severe damage to infrastructure caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 many roads on the Coromandel Peninsula are impassable. For this reason, some adjustments to your itinerary have been put in place to ensure you are still able to experience New Zealand safely. Your itinerary will be rerouted and will not visit the Coromandel, but will stay overnight in Tauranga instead. This change is in effect until further notice. Your leader will inform you of any further details regarding the daily itinerary and will keep you up to date about potential other changes that may become necessary as you travel.

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland, hugging the glittering on your way there. New Zealand’s biggest city has a privileged location where you’re never far from the water, and the dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them. As it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for a final dinner with the group before saying your goodbyes.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your North Island adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange extra accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

16 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Train, Ferry

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (16 nights)

Included activities

  • Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Christchurch - City Tour
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge
  • West Coast - Haast Pass
  • West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout
  • Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace
  • Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
  • Hokitika - Mountain Jade Greenstone Factory
  • Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony
  • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
  • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
  • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
  • Murupara - Hangi Dinner
  • Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder
  • Murupara - Learn the Haka
  • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our New Zealand Amplified (Northbound) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

ROOMING
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities.

PRIVATE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
A supplement for a private room is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of private room supplements available per trip departure. Please also note that a private room upgrade is not available on day 12, and you will share a room that night. If you would like to book this service or enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

START & END TIME
This trip start with an early morning meeting over breakfast on day 1 and ends after breakfast on the last day.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to customise your itinerary with as much adrenaline as you like. However please note that a lot of activities you may be interested in can sell out well in advance of your arrival. To ensure you have the opportunity to participate in your chosen activities and don’t miss out due to unavailability, we have made a selection of those activities available to be pre-booked via your booking agent. Please see the daily itinerary and the 'optional activities' section in your trip notes for a list of activities you can pre-book. Not all activities may be available on your particular departure, and the list of activities is not exhaustive, as there are other optional activities that can be booked either via your leader or the relevant supplier on the ground. Please consult with your booking agent should you have any questions or require any further information on any of these activities.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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