Ultimate New Zealand

Set off on the ultimate journey through New Zealand’s natural highlights

Between old forest landscapes, mountainscapes and glacial hikes, you’ll journey through New Zealand’s diverse natural beauty on this 24-day adventure. Explore sub-tropical islands and soak up the coastal beauty of Tutukaka – home to one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines (as voted by National Geographic Traveller). Cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands, visit a hot water beach for a swim in Coromandel and ride a train across the Southern Alps. Learn about local cultural history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, spot wildlife in Wellington and live it up in the South Island’s ‘adventure capital of the world’ (Queenstown) during your free time.

Trip code: PHKRC

Start: Auckland, New Zealand

End: Christchurch, New Zealand


Duration
24 days
Group size
1 to 16
Minimum age
18 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Comfort
Theme

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Explorer
Physical rating

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From
USD $9,345

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the rich Maori culture in Rotorua. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Soak in the landscapes of Tongariro National Park – home to emerald green lakes and soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, maybe tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Explore the Poor Knights Islands on a full-day water adventure. See the Marine Reserve with volcanic origins over 11 million years old and epic biodiversity showcasing the North Island’s natural beauty.
  • Visit a local gallery in Franz Josef to carve a pendant from pounamu while learning about the stone’s deep significance to Maori culture
  • Enjoy plenty of free time 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 for everyone.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

View the itinerary for departures between 05 May 2025 - 30 September 2026

Itinerary

Map of Ultimate New Zealand including New Zealand

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
New Zealand
Meals

23 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train, Ferry, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (23 nights)

Included activities
  • Matapouri Beach - Visit
  • Whangarei Falls - Visit
  • Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout
  • Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
  • Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
  • Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey

Optional activities
  • Bay of Islands - Island Hopper Day Cruise (October to April only) - NZD195
  • Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise (4 hours) - NZD160
  • Bay of Islands - Discover Scuba Diving - NZD369
  • Russell - Ferry - NZD20
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD155
  • Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua - NZD43
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from - NZD189
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD139
  • Rotorua - ZORB - from - NZD45
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from - NZD130
  • Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour - NZD35
  • Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour - NZD55
  • Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
  • Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD320
  • Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD285
  • Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD499
  • Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD64
  • Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
  • Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD20
  • Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD169
  • Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
  • Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
  • Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free

We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Before you book you should know

Dates and prices

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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.

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.

Reviews

4.5 . 2 reviews
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Anya
Traveled February 2025
Bruce
Traveled January 2025
Ultimate New Zealand
From
USD $9,345