Fall in love with travelling all over again on our new range of local experiences.
Embarking on an adventure doesn't have to mean jet-setting to the other side of the world. Some of the best experiences happen a lot closer to home and now's the perfect opportunity to explore the regions you love, support the communities that need it, and rediscover the beauty of travel - Intrepid style. Whether you're dying to marvel at natural landscapes you've only read about in books or looking forward to making memories that will last a lifetime, our range of staycation tours will have you admiring the very best New Zealand has to offer.Â
Popular Local Destinations
Every Intrepid small group tour has been carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable grassroots travel experience, with ultimate itineraries, perfectly sized groups, legendary local leaders and plenty of authentic real life experiences.
Tours by Region
New Zealand Highlights
Cycle the Otago Rail Trail
There’s a reason why the Otago Rail Trail has been voted New Zealand’s ‘Favourite Ride’ for two years running. Originally built to carry supplies to and from the Gold Fields, this trail is 152km (95 miles) long and is the best way to see this idyllic region. From cycling past vineyards to cruising down hills with a view that’s bound to take your breath away, this trail will take you through charming towns, historical sites, and lush landscapes for an adventure you’ll never forget. Â
Explore the beauty of Wanaka
From kayaking the dazzling blue waters of Lake Wanaka with your group to cycling a trail beside staggering rock cliffs that have been uniquely formed, Wanaka is a remarkably beautiful place. Whether you feel like peacefully wandering the lush and expansive scenery or getting your heart rate up by hiking off the beaten path on your way to secluded islands, this stunning region will leave you with plenty of memories to look back on for years to come. Â
Marvel at the natural features of Rotorua
Mother Nature doesn’t get any more impressive than the fantastical colours of Rotorua’s geothermal pools. Packed with steamy hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and awe-inducing geysers, Rotorua is the ultimate nature lover’s dream. From following your guide through the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to learning the whys, whens, and hows of Rotorua’s various geothermal features, this epic town not only boasts natural wonders but also oozes a rich environmental history.Â
Hike through the Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro National Park is one of the many reasons why New Zealand is known for its natural beauty. Not only is it the oldest National Park in New Zealand, it’s also an incredibly spiritual place to the Maori people, signifying the connection of two cultures to preserve a sacred site. Walk among the active volcanoes (there are 3 of them), wander past the sparkling lakes, stop to admire the gurgling mud pools, and stare at the rare wildlife for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.Â
New Zealand Tour Reviews
New Zealand FAQs
Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 
All travellers are required to produce:Â
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
- If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 
In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.
Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy
Getting to the South Island is quite easy and time-efficient with two passenger airports in Christchurch and Queenstown offering several flights per day from popular destinations such as Auckland and Wellington. The price of flights can vary depending on which season you're travelling and which region/city you want to explore. Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than Queenstown, especially during ski season when the sleepy, snowy town comes to life. You can also catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton (located at the tip of the South Island) which takes roughly 3 and a half hours.Â
It's fairly easy and reliable to get around Queenstown with a heap of different options available including public transport, car rentals, and walking. You can easily hire a car in Queenstown with several companies located in the city centre. There is also lots of parking available in Queenstown making it convenient to drive to different locations. You can also catch public transport via the local bus network with tickets starting at NZ$2. Queenstown is also relatively flat so walking is another good option, especially for taking in the beautiful scenery.Â
The climate in Christchurch is fairly even and dry throughout the year but temperatures in summer aren't likely to get hot while the temperatures in winter are quite cold. It's very unlikely to experience extreme heat in summer but relatively common for freezes to happen overnight during the winter months. Christchurch still gets sunny though with 2,100 hours of sunlight every year.Â
It's relatively easy to get to the Bay of Islands from various locations within New Zealand. While the Bay of Islands region doesn't have an airport, there is an airport at Kerikeri which is only 23km away. It is easy to catch a flight from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, making it the most popular way to travel. You can also drive to the Bay of Islands or catch public transport via the InterCity bus services.Â
The weather in Wellington is often unpredictable and can change multiple times throughout the day. The city is also known for being very windy which is something to be aware of when you're planning outdoor activities such as cycling. However, the climate in Wellington is quite mild throughout the year with warm summers and cool winters, making it the perfect year-round destination.Â
Click to read more about when's the best time to visit Wellington
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
New Zealand Tour Departures by Month
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