Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Auckland to Paihia
Auckland to Paihia- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge )
Optional Activities
- Swim with dolphins
- Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Relax on the beach
- Visit Waitangi
Landmarks Whangarei Falls Waitangi Treaty Grounds Bay of Islands - Day 2
Paihia
Paihia- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge )
Optional Activities
- Ferry ride to Otehei Bay
- Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Dolphin spotting
- Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Scenic horse trek along the coastline
- Evening Sundowner Cruise
Landmarks Otehei Bay Hole in the Rock Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Day 3
Paihia to Auckland
Paihia to Auckland- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lylo)
Optional Activities
- Complete remaining Bay of Islands activities
- Beach relaxation
- Day 4
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Auckland to Hot Water Beach- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Walk or kayak to Cathedral Cove
- Swimming at Cathedral Cove
- Sea kayaking at Cathedral Cove
- Dolphin spotting at Cathedral Cove
- Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach (low tide)
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach - Day 5
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo- Accommodation
- Hostel (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Optional Activities
- Explore Karangahake Scenic Reserve
- Walk through native bush gorge
- Cross swing bridges
- Learn about gold mining history
- Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Black water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
Landmarks Karangahake Scenic Reserve Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Day 6
Waitomo to Rotorua
Waitomo to Rotorua- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Walk through Ruakuri Reserve
- Breakfast at Long Black Café
- Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set at The Shires Rest
- Traditional Māori hangi feast at Tamaki Marae
- Concert at Tamaki Māori Village
Landmarks Ruakuri Reserve Hobbiton Movie Set Tamaki Marae - Day 7
Rotorua
Rotorua- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Ride the rapids of the Kaituna River
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative journey
- Explore geothermal attractions
- Visit spa offerings
- Explore lakes and forests
- Experience Māori cultural attractions
Landmarks Kaituna River - Day 8
Rotorua to Taupo
Rotorua to Taupo- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Puia geothermal reserve
- See New Zealand's largest geyser
- View live Kiwi birds
- Visit Huka Falls
- Skydiving
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Sailing
- Tongariro Crossing
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls - Day 9
Taupo to Wellington
Taupo to Wellington- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House Wellington)
Included Activities
- Two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls in Tongariro National Park
Optional Activities
- Visit Mount Victoria
- Explore craft beer scene
- Experience Wellington nightlife
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria - Day 10
Wellington to Abel Tasman
Wellington to Abel Tasman- Accommodation
- Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Walk through Abel Tasman National Park
- Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
- Water taxi tour to Abel Tasman National Park
- Skydiving over Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Abel Tasman National Park Nelson - Day 11
Abel Tasman to Westport
Abel Tasman to Westport- Accommodation
- Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayak to Split Apple Rock
- Kayak along golden bays near Kaiteriteri
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman bays
- Walk in native New Zealand forest
- Whale and dolphin spotting
- Visit Nelson Lakes
Landmarks Split Apple Rock Nelson Lakes - Day 12
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Westport to Lake Mahinapua- Accommodation
- Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cape Foulwind seal colony walk
Optional Activities
- Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Explore rugged beaches
Landmarks Cape Foulwind Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Lake Mahinapua - Day 13
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Optional Activities
- View Franz Josef Glacier
- Walking trails
- Explore the Franz Josef wilderness
- Take scenic photos of glacier and Alps
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Te Wahipounamu - Day 14
Franz Josef
Franz Josef- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Optional Activities
- Heli Hike tour of Franz Josef Glacier
- Walking trails
- Kayak tour on Lake Mapourika
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Lake Mapourika - Day 15
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Franz Josef to Wanaka- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Visit 'That Wanaka Tree'
- Stroll the vibrant lakefront
- Ski in winter months
- Mountain biking
- Mountain carting
- Day hikes
Landmarks Haast Pass That Wanaka Tree - Day 16
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wanaka to QueenstownOptional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike
- Adrenaline activities at Kawarau Bridge
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Scenic gondola rides
- Lakeside strolls
Landmarks Roy's Peak Lake Hawea Crown Range Kawarau Bridge - Day 17
Queenstown
Queenstown- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Optional Activities
- Lake exploration
- Surrounding walks
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
- Day trip to Milford Sound
- Day 18
Milford Sound Day Trip
Milford Sound Day Trip- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Included Activities
- Milford Sound scenic boat cruise
Optional Activities
- Breakfast, coffee, or snacks in Te Anau
- Photo stops along Milford Road
Landmarks Milford Sound Piopiotahi Rahotu/Mitre Peak Homer Tunnel Te Anau - Day 19
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lakes Edge)
Optional Activities
- Stop at Lake Pukaki
- View Mount Cook
- Soak in hot springs
- Scenic walkways
- Stargazing at world's largest dark sky reserve
Landmarks Lindis Pass Lake Pukaki Aoraki/Mount Cook Lake Tekapo - Day 20
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hotel Give )
Optional Activities
- Explore street art
- Visit botanical gardens
- Learn about earthquake recovery history
Landmarks Christchurch Botanical Gardens - Day 21
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Christchurch to Kaikoura- Accommodation
- Hostel (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Swimming with dolphins
- Relax on the beach
- Sample fresh seafood
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 22
Kaikoura to Wellington
Kaikoura to Wellington- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House Wellington)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry crossing to North Island
Optional Activities
- View seals on the rocks
Landmarks Kaikoura coastline Marlborough Sounds - Day 23
Wellington to Taupo
Wellington to TaupoOptional Activities
- Explore Taihape
- Visit Tongariro National Park
- Explore Lake Taupo
Landmarks Taihape Tongariro National Park Lake Taupo - Day 24
Taupo to Auckland
Taupo to AucklandOptional Activities
- Explore Rotorua's Māori heritage
- Experience thermal activities in Rotorua
Landmarks Rotorua
