Trip code: NZTZ
Trip Highlights
- A packed three week round trip that gives you the very best of New Zealand adventure
- Visit a Maori village - learn to dance haka and to do poi (you do know what it is! you’ve seen it at festivals!)
- Hike on a glacier – what an adventure!
- See if you can spot a hobbit!
- Walk in Cathedral Cove and spend time in Mount Aspiring National Park
Trip Summary
See full itineraryExperience New Zealand and all the best bits packed into just three weeks on this adventure tour! Your trip will take you to some of the most spectacular landscape on the planet. Fuel your adrenaline appetite, bask in the tranquility of Doubtful Sound and cruise dramatic bays spotting dolphins and whales.
Soak up the culture. You'll meet some of the indigenous Maori people and you will have the chance to discover more about their culture and history. The heritage and tradition of New Zealand is varied and exciting from the ancient Maoris to the modern European settlers.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (0)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
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What will I be doing?
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Days 1 to 4 (4 Days)
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Days 5 to 8 (4 Days)
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Days 9 to 12 (4 Days)
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Days 13 to 16 (4 Days)
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Days 17 to 20 (4 Days)
Days 1 to 4: 4 Days
Next LegDestination info
New Zealand has two main islands – North Island and South Island – which are very different in landscape and climate. Your adventure tour will give you the opportunity to explore both.
The North Island is where the major cities are - the capital Wellington and Auckland – ‘the city of sails’. It’s mainly volcanic in origin with lots of seismic features such as geysers and hot springs.
The South Island is separated down its length by the Southern Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori).
The country has a landmass a little larger than the UK with a population of some four million. With 10 sheep to every person it's no surprise their major export is lamb! Despite the huge number of visitors travelling there every year, it’s never crowded.
- Location: Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Whakahoro
This tour will starts in Auckland. This itinerary is 'typical' – these are the things that you will be doing – and the places that you will go - but not necessarily in this order!
Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)
We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region’ via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).
Day 2 - Hahei to Rotorua
Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks then head to our unique Maori cultural stop at “Uncle Boys”. We enjoy a hangi meal and a concert with the local Maori, have a chance to learn the Haka and Poi. This is a truly different experience and a great photo opportunity. From here we make the small trip to Rotorua to our accommodation for the evening (B, L).
Day 3 - Rotorua to Whakahoro
We leave early in the morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then head to the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our exclusive environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You will be able to take a historical walk, kayak the last 8kms (optional), or if you want you can take part in a hunt for dinner! The lodge is an old homestead nestled right on the edge of Whanganui National Park surrounded by stunning views, amazing walks, and natural beauty. In the evening we will cook a traditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood-fire using local produce, while learning about the rich history of the early settlement and the owner's huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory (D).
Note: Optional 8km kayak may be substituted with a 4WD eco tour in the winter months.
Day 4 - Whakahoro to National Park
This morning we head to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as New Zealand’s best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at our alpine lodge accommodation ‘The Park’ (B, D).
Destination info
New Zealand has two main islands – North Island and South Island – which are very different in landscape and climate. Your adventure tour will give you the opportunity to explore both.
The North Island is where the major cities are - the capital Wellington and Auckland – ‘the city of sails’. It’s mainly volcanic in origin with lots of seismic features such as geysers and hot springs.
The South Island is separated down its length by the Southern Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori).
The country has a landmass a little larger than the UK with a population of some four million. With 10 sheep to every person it's no surprise their major export is lamb! Despite the huge number of visitors travelling there every year, it’s never crowded.
- Location: Wellington, Abel Tasman, Hanmer Springs
Day 5 - National Park to Wellington
We head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We have the afternoon to explore “Te Papa”, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade’ and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).
Day 6 - Wellington/Picton to Abel Tasman
From Wellington we catch the inter-island ferry to the port of Picton for the trip through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tour of NZ’s premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite located adjacent to the national park. Dinner tonight includes a taste of the local seafood (B,D).
Day 7 – Full day in Abel Tasman
An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the NZ’s best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk and you can choose to explore the area including sea kayaking or sailing (optional - at an extra cost). We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our campsite right beside the National Park (B).
Day 8 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs
Today we set off early passing through two more national parks enroute to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with beech forest to the lake’s edge. We arrive in the afternoon with time to soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. We go for a group meal tonight (B,D).
Destination info
New Zealand has two main islands – North Island and South Island – which are very different in landscape and climate. Your adventure tour will give you the opportunity to explore both.
The North Island is where the major cities are - the capital Wellington and Auckland – ‘the city of sails’. It’s mainly volcanic in origin with lots of seismic features such as geysers and hot springs.
The South Island is separated down its length by the Southern Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori).
The country has a landmass a little larger than the UK with a population of some four million. With 10 sheep to every person it's no surprise their major export is lamb! Despite the huge number of visitors travelling there every year, it’s never crowded.
- Location: Hanmer Springs, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Makarora
Day 9 - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura
The day begins with a small drive to the coast to head north for Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you elect to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. Seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross are all available to see. There is a great walk starting from the seal colony around the cliff tops with amazing views. Overnight at this quaint seaside village (B).
Day 10 - Kaikoura via Christchurch to Franz Josef
We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, with a quick stop in Christchurch, before heading over Arthur's Pass and down to the West Coast. Along the way we will stop for some walks and photo opportunities as the scenery is changing constantly. We stop in Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and stop at the local Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history before heading down to Franz Josef for its glacier. Lodge accommodation in the rainforest in Franz Josef tonight (D).
Day 11 – Full day at Franz Josef
Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you also pay to go on one of the optional guided trips (extra cost) where they give you special ice shoes (crampons) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight – there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).
Day 12 - Franz Josef to Makarora
We follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ’s most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. We will arrive mid-afternoon at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park. The locals provide arguably the most amazing optional activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating (extra cost). Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).
Destination info
New Zealand has two main islands – North Island and South Island – which are very different in landscape and climate. Your adventure tour will give you the opportunity to explore both.
The North Island is where the major cities are - the capital Wellington and Auckland – ‘the city of sails’. It’s mainly volcanic in origin with lots of seismic features such as geysers and hot springs.
The South Island is separated down its length by the Southern Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori).
The country has a landmass a little larger than the UK with a population of some four million. With 10 sheep to every person it's no surprise their major export is lamb! Despite the huge number of visitors travelling there every year, it’s never crowded.
- Location: Makarora, Queenstown, Doubtful Sound
Day 13 - Makarora to Queenstown
We start with a walk in the morning in Wanaka then journey on to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves (extra cost). We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever you choose to do. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town’s night spots in the evening (B).
Day 14 and 15 - Full day Queenstown.
Time to get your adrenaline fix - choose from many optional activities (own expense). Note: No meals.
Day 16 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound
This morning we head to Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. We spend the day and the night on a purpose-built boat which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the Sound (D).
In winter, you will enjoy a Doubtful Sound day cruise and stay overnight in Te Anau.
Previous Leg
Days 17 to 20: 4 Days
Destination info
New Zealand has two main islands – North Island and South Island – which are very different in landscape and climate. Your adventure tour will give you the opportunity to explore both.
The North Island is where the major cities are - the capital Wellington and Auckland – ‘the city of sails’. It’s mainly volcanic in origin with lots of seismic features such as geysers and hot springs.
The South Island is separated down its length by the Southern Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori).
The country has a landmass a little larger than the UK with a population of some four million. With 10 sheep to every person it's no surprise their major export is lamb! Despite the huge number of visitors travelling there every year, it’s never crowded.
- Location: Doubtful Sound, Central Otago, Christchurch Picton, Wellington, Auckland
Day 17 – Doubtful Sound to Central Otago
The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. We board our own mini-coach at midday and head on through the Otago region. We explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. We stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option to experience curling tonight - like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink, this is at an extra cost (B, D).
Day 18 – Central Otago to Rangitata
In the morning we grab our mountain bikes put them in our mini-coach and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Heritage Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities. We express our way along the Canterbury plains to Rangitata, one of the region's original sheep stations surrounded by the Southern Alps (B).
Day 19 - Rangitata via Christchurch to Picton/Wellington
We leave Rangitata this morning for an express trip via Christchurch to Picton and Wellington. Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and some great harbour shots of our capital city Wellington from the ferry.
Note: No meals.
Day 20 - Wellington to Auckland
Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We will stop on the way to have lunch in Taupo for a short walk and for you to see New Zealand’s largest lake (B).
(B) = Breakfast included (L) = Lunch included (D) = Dinner included
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change.
Trip Notes Download
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
What's included?
- Itinerary as detailed
- Activities as indicated
- Meals as indicated
- All accommodation
- Experienced guide
What's not included?
- All flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Extra activities during free time
- Some meals as indicated
- Some National Park entry fees
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum age 18 years old, maximum age dependant on participant’s health.
Accommodation
Accommodation varies and may include wilderness lodges, upmarket backpacker resorts, cabins/tented camps and small motels in breathtaking locations such as Coromandel, Abel Tasman, Makarora and Doubtful Sound, which are available exclusively to us due to the small group size or preferential arrangements.
Meals
During your tour, meals are included as indicated on your itinerary. The emphasis is on fresh food and ingrediants where ever possible with meals being both varied and nutritious. Breakfasts normally consist of cereals, toast, tea and coffee; lunches are normally on a help yourself basis consisting of salads and sandwiches; whereas in the evenings you will normally have a cooked meal. Throughout the tour, you will be required to help out with food preparation, washing dishes and assisting the guide where needed.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for, however if your needs are very specific you may be be required to provide your own food. Please discuss any requirements with your travel advisor at the time of booking.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel adviser who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24-hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. How old are people who join the tour?
Anyone from the age of 18 upwards can join the tour and there is often a really good mix of ages.
2. Is accommodation included in the price?
Yes! All your accommodation is included for the duration of the tour.
3. Can I upgrade to a single room?
Of course you can, there is the option to do this at an extra cost for the majority of the tour.
4. Are meals included?
Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary.
5. When can I go?
There are departures all year round!
What will I see in Total New Zealand?
16 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewAlan Turner - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Amazing country, great people, beautiful, full of adventure and would recommend to anyone!
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
I particulary enjoyed the Blue Duck Lodge and The Parks though the weather ruined many of the activities. On the south island it was all very good but in particular Kaikora (dolphin swim), Queenstown for its activities and the Doubtful Sound was amazing.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Tip 1 : Definitely jump off at Christchurch on day 19 if you want to explore more, but if you aren't bothered about the 30K cycle you could jump off after the Doubtful Sound trip as Naseby is awful and there is nothing to do at the Rafting Lodge. See more sights yourself and fly back up. Tip 2: Take lots of money! Although there are free things (like hiking) and those activities included - several places are very quiet and unless you spend the money you will be missing out on many adventures! Tip 3: Ensure you like sitting on a bus. Although it never feels like a chore you are often traveling from 7am to 4pm though the many stops make it more enjoyable and you get to see lots of little spots. Only 2 days were really long. (I never travelled back up on days 19/20 though)
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Samantha Shepherd - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
THE MOST AMAZING PLACE THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
all of it, except our intial issue with the first driver of the south island!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
CAMERA - in such a beuatiful country how could you not bring one, so much to see and capture BUNGY SWING/SKYDIVE - just DO IT!! GO BACK AGAIN - I plan to!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Sally Taylorson - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
new zealand is a great place to challenge yourself
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
skydiving
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
bring more cash than you think you need. try everything once be prepared for bad weather
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Carrie-anne Nash - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Sweet as, fanatastic people including guide, I'll return soon as!
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Skydiving from 15000 feet over lake wannaka, absolutely amazing. The whole trip was a highlight new zealand is such a stunning country there were no negative points.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1,Go skydiving over lake wannnaka 2, take plenty of SD cards for photos 3, Enjoy it!
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Alice Davies - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
great tour, great guide, great passagers
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
franz joseph glazier and queenstown freetime.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
pack warm clothes
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Carly Joannne Botterill - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Absolutely loved New Zealand, beatiful place, great people and loads to do and see!
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
I loved the activities, especially the 19km crossing in the North Island, the Blue Duck Lodge, the scenery is beautiful, Queenstown was so much fun, walking the Glacier was a great experience and I even loved the journies on the bus!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) Be prepared to spend a lot of time travelling on the bus - some times it is up to 6/7 hours at a time. 2) You do not need to take with you a sleeping bag as you do not stay at campsites and at no point is a sleeping bag required (the tour leader was quite surprised that I bought one with me) 3) The activities on offer are quite expensive. If you are travelling to more than one country you may want to consider doing certain activities somewhere else.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Jake Welland - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Fantastic trip, incredible experiences with a great group and guide.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Staying at blue duck lodge on the north island where we had a three hour kayaking session to get to the lodge and then we had a goat curry around the fire. A really amazing day.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Do not bring a sleeping bag, even though it states on the kit list, this is not correct as you stay in hostels where there is no need for this. Get off at Christchurch and spend a few days there, (around day 18) instead of getting the express up to Auckland. Fly up to Auckland for under $100 as it is a long two days travelling on the bus, plus, you don't see much of Christchurch in the general itinery. Real Gap, please offer the optional extra of the three day Bay of Islands tour, which Adventure Tours NZ offer, before the trip from Auckland starts, or at least state on the trip pack that they offer this, as it is relatively cheap to go on and it was a highlight of the whole trip for some.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
Eleanor Dickenson - July 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Adventourous, active and beautiful.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
What were the highlights of your trip?
Skydive at Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Doubtful sound, Glacier walk at Franz Josef.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
To participate in activities be prepared to spend alot of money - overall was a very expensive trip. Also very active, lots of walking.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
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