Totally New Zealand From Auckland

Auckland - Waihi - Mount Maunganui / Tauranga. Get ready for a day full of adventure and breathtaking views as we leave Auckland at 09:00 (pick up information is in the Trip Notes), and head towards Tauranga. Our journey will include a stop at the scenic Karangahake Gorge for a short hike, followed by free time for lunch in the quaint town of Waihi.

We continue along the beautiful coastline, arriving at the charming town of Mount Maunganui, on the outskirts of Tauranga. As evening approaches, we'll gather for a group dinner (not included) to share stories and savour the local cuisine. This scenic town has the ocean to each side and a now-green extinct volcano to the north!

Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.

Mount Maunganui / Tauranga - Hobbiton - Rotorua. Our journey today starts with an included visit to Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. On our guided tour, we'll delve into the movie-making process, explore the intricate details of the set, and enjoy an included lunch at the charming Shire's Rest Cafe. Following this, we'll proceed to Rotorua, where you can relax or enjoy some of the optional activities on offer, including a hike to Mount Tarawera, a Polynesian Spa treatment or an e-bike tour.

Today offers you the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities in and around Rotorua. You can experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kaituna River or unwind in the thermal pools at the Polynesian Spa. Alternatively, you can explore the Redwoods Treewalk, set off on an e-bike tour, or hike the stunning Mount Tarawera volcanic crater. Your guide will be on hand to book in any activities you would like to try.

Rotorua - Taupo. Today after breakfast, we'll travel to Huka Falls to observe its remarkable power, and then visit the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu. Entrance is included to this geothermal wonderland, sculpted by volcanic activity over millenia. We'll continue on to Taupo, where in the evening, you have the option to go on a breathtaking sunset cruise to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Taupo and its surrounding scenery.

Taupo offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can spend the day leisurely discovering the town’s attractions or choose from a range of optional activities. For those craving excitement, the Tongariro Crossing or a thrilling jet boat ride are great choices. If you prefer a laid-back experience, you can try fishing, take a scenic flight, or unwind in the area's natural hot springs.

Taupo - Waitomo - Hamilton - Cambridge. Get ready for a day packed with adventure and discovery as we depart from Taupo and journey to Waitomo. Here, we'll enjoy an included guided tour to delve into Waitomo's enchanting underground caves, admire the captivating limestone formations, and see the glowworms that illuminate the caverns.

Following our cave exploration, we'll proceed to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, known for its stunning themed gardens that each depict different civilizations, cultures, and historical periods. After our guided tour of the gardens, we proceed to the charming town of Cambridge, where we'll have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets and visit local shops and cafes.

Cambridge - Raglan - Auckland - Christchurch. Today is your final day on the North Island, and after breakfast we'll visit the popular surfing town of Raglan. You'll have the morning to soak in the town's unique charm, exploring local shops and cafes.

After a leisurely morning, we'll head to the impressive 55-metre Bridal Veil Falls. We'll then make our way back to Auckland, where you will be dropped off at the airport for your included flight to Christchurch.

Your flight is booked for 18:00 or 19:00, and you’ll receive your boarding pass from your guide the day before. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to our accommodation for the night, where the rest of the night is at your leisure.

Please note: Some travellers may leave the tour in Auckland, and others may join in Christchurch for the second part of our journey. Your tour guide may also change.

Christchurch - Geraldine - Tekapo. From Christchurch, we'll journey through the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge, a natural wonder of immense beauty.

Our next stop is the delightful town of Geraldine, where you'll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest local cuisine. Following free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the stunning Lake Tekapo, renowned for its turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Southern Alps.

Tekapo - Te Anau. Today, our journey takes us south to Te Anau. En route, we will stop at the renowned Mt Difficulty Vineyard, where you can look forward to a delightful lunch and an exquisite wine-tasting experience, all included! This is a perfect chance to savour the region's flavours amid breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable highlight of our trip. Arriving in Te Anau, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Get ready to be amazed as we journey to Milford Sound, frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Embark on an included scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes that define the area's unique beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way and enjoy an included lunch onboard.

Following the cruise, we'll make our way to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and a charming destination set among majestic mountains and pristine lakes.

Today, you have the freedom to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand at your own pace. A wide range of optional activities are available, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, scenic hikes, and leisurely strolls around the city's charming streets - ensuring there's something to suit everyone's interests. You should have time to book two or three activities today, and our guide will be able to get everything booked in for you.

Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. Departing Queenstown, we head towards the breathtaking Franz Josef, famous for its majestic glaciers. Along the way, we will stop in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem known for offering some of New Zealand's most captivating views. As we continue driving up the scenic west coast, prepare to be mesmerized by the unfolding landscape.

Today, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of Franz Josef. You can choose from a range of optional activities, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a guided glacier walk, relax in the soothing thermal pools, or take a thrilling helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier. The day is yours to customize, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Franz Josef. Once more, our tour guide will be on hand to help you book in any activities for today.

Franz Josef - Christchurch. Today, we journey back to Christchurch, making stops at Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Additionally, we'll visit Castle Hill, featuring stunning limestone rock formations that are bound to leave you mesmerized. We'll conclude our tour in Christchurch with drop off at the airport, at approximately 16:00 (more information in the Trip Notes).