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- Lake Wakatipu
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- Queenstown Hill
- Hollyford Track
Guides
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- Best food & culinary tours in Queenstown
- Family-friendly things to do in Queenstown.
- Rainy day activities in Queenstown
- Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in Queenstown
- The Top 10 Queenstown Tours and Activities of 2024
- The best tours and activities for culture lovers in Queenstown
- Things to do in Queenstown this summer
- Top Day Trips from Queenstown
Calendar
Overview
Want to see & do it all? Starting in the adventure capital Queenstown, this tour covers the South Islands glaciers, mountain passes and pristine coasts before heading to the action-packed North Island. Adventure activities aplenty throughout the trip, with accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. From to Queenstown to Auckland and everything in between, this tour has New Zealand covered.
Description
Day 1: Queenstown arrival
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown New Zealand
Arrival day into Queenstown – check into your accommodation, Nomads Queenstown. The adventure capital of the world has endless activities to keep you entertained. Try your hand at activities such as white water rafting, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet-boating or canyon swinging… if you dream it, it probably exists here in Queenstown. Speak to your Driver Guide who will be able to point you in the right direction.
Duration: 1 day
Accommodation included:
Nomads Queenstown or similar
Day 2: Queenstown to Franz Josef
Stop At: Thunder Creek Falls, Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, Haast River, Wanaka 9382 New Zealand
An extremely tall and easy accessible 96 metre waterfall, Thunder Creek Falls is located in Mt Aspiring National Park along the Haast highway.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Lake Matheson Walk, Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier New Zealand
Lake Matheson is a small lake in South Westland, New Zealand, near the township of Fox Glacier. It is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and is a traditional mahinga kai for Māori people, the lake contains as well as being home to many water birds
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Rainforest Retreat or similar
Day 3: Franz Josef free day
Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef New Zealand
After an exciting brief flight over rugged terrain, you will land on Franz Josef Glacier ready for a three hour guided hike. Your guide, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery Aotearoa (New Zealand) has to offer
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Skydive Franz, Franz Josef Glacier Base, 69 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
Skydive Franz & Fox has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Rainforest Retreat or similar
Day 4: Franz Josef to Christchurch
Stop At: Lake Mahinapua, Hokitika New Zealand
Get your hands on some unique NZ pounamu (greenstone) and have a go at carving your very own treasure to take home with you to remember your epic adventure in NZ
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park New Zealand
Arthur’s Pass National Park is in the heart of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Its high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers straddle the main divide, and are the ‘back bone’ of the South Island. This drive will blow your mind
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
All Stars Inn or similar
Day 5: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Stop At: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay, West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Check out the beautiful peninsula walkway finishing in south bay before making your way further south to the south island's most populated city.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Dusky Lodge or similar
Day 6: Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Stop At: Ohau Point Seal Colony, State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura New Zealand
Check out one of NZ's most populated seal colonies on your way to the marine capital of NZ, Kaikoura.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: FROMM Winery, 15 Godfrey Road, RD 2, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand
Wine tour and tasting along with cheese platters in the heart of the Marlborough wine region
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
TBC
Day 7: Abel Tasman free day
Stop At: Kahu Kayaks Abel Tasman, 325 Sandy Bay-Marahau Road, Mārahau 7197, New Zealand
Kayaking the coast and walking along the best bit of the famous coastal track will see you taking in beaches, caves and tidal lagoons in this magical national park.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
TBC
Day 8: Abel Tasman to Wellington
Stop At: Wellington, Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Interislander ferry service is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Sailing between Wellington and Picton, the Interislander journey is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Wellington, Wellington New Zealand
We have an early start to journey over to Picton to board the Interislander ferry across to the North Island. Arriving in Wellington mid-afternoon your Driver Guide will take you on a tour of the city, you then have some free time to soak up the vibes in the cool capital before checking out the nightlife.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Nomads Wellington or similar
Day 9: Wellington to River Valley
Stop At: Taihape, Taihape New Zealand
Today we journey up the North Island to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. River Valley Lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding and an amazing dinner with homegrown produce. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.
Duration: 15 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner
Accommodation included:
River Valley Lodge
Day 10: River Valley to Taupo
Stop At: Lake Taupo, Lake Terrace, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
At the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo. This huge, shining expanse of water, moving between aquamarine blue and jade green, is crystal-clear to a depth of 13 metres. It is home to one of the best wild trout fisheries in the world, more than 30 species of water bird, several types of native fish and native koura (crayfish).Most days, the lake is beautifully calm, but its creation was one of the most spectacularly violent natural events in history. The gigantic Oruanui eruption, 27,000 years ago, shot volcanic debris 50km into the air, covered the North Island in a thick layer of volcanic ash, and created the caldera that is now the lake.
Duration: 15 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Tiki Lodge or similar
Day 11: Taupo to Rotorua
Stop At: Huka Falls tracks, Huka Falls Road, Taupo New Zealand
At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over 11 meter high waterfall.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, Long Mile Road, The Redwoods, Rotorua 3046 New Zealand
The history and culture surrounding the Whakarewarewa Forest, the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Te Pa Tu, 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua 3073 New Zealand
This evening, experience the Tamaki Maori Village where you will be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai (food) from the hāngi pit. Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before relaxing in a private forest spa pool and retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moi (sleeping house).
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner
Accommodation included:
Tamaki Maori Village
Day 12: Rotorua to Waitomo
Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
We head off across rolling green farmland towards the King Country, home to New Zealand’s largest cave network; Waitomo. You’ll have a chance to check out the amazing caves and their famous glowworm residents, by joining a guided walking tour or by putting on a wetsuit and experiencing the incredible Black Water Rafting.
Duration: 15 hours
Stop At: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo, 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave, on this 3-hour adventure.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
Waitomo Homestead Cabins
Day 13: Waitomo to Raglan
Stop At: Bridal Veil Falls, Kawhia Road, Raglan New Zealand
stop off for a walk to visit the very impressive 55m high Bridal Veil Falls.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Raglan, Raglan New Zealand
Raglan is both a surfing mecca and a dramatically scenic area of black sand coastline. Many people believe that Manu Bay on this coast has the longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand break in the world. This afternoon is your chance to try out the world-class surf or explore the awesome coastline.
Duration: 15 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodation included:
TBC
Day 14: Raglan to Auckland
Stop At: Raglan, Raglan New Zealand
Perhaps an early morning surf as you’ll have a few hours to enjoy Raglan this morning before our journey to Auckland.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Auckland Central, Auckland Central New Zealand
New Zealand’s biggest city has lots to offer and we arrive in the early afternoon so you can make the most of your time in the City of Sails. Tonight, join us for a taste of Auckland nightlife and celebrate the end of the tour.
Duration: 15 hours
Meals included:
Breakfast
Schedule
- Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
- Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
- Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
- Duration: 14 days (Approx.)
- Departure Time: 02:00 PM
- Return Details:
Attic Backpackers, 4th floor/31 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Accommodation (13 nights)
- Gratuities (Optional)
What To Bring
- Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
- Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
- A Smile!
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operated by Kiwi Experience
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Still have questions?
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Non-refundable
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.