Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland whenever works for your schedule. There are no activities planned until evening, so take the day to wander around the city on your own and get a feel for things. Later on, you'll meet your CEO and the rest of the group at a welcome gathering.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Haka House Auckland City)
Included Activities
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends
Optional Activities
- Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) - 210 NZD per person. Note: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. Bookings are at either 11am, 1pm or 2pm depending on season and availability. Reconfirm your sailing 24 hours prior by phoning Explore (while in New Zealand): 0800 397 567 or International: +64 9 359 5987.
- Day 2
Auckland to Raglan
Head out on backroads toward Bridal Veil Falls and take a short walk through native bush. From there, the drive continues to Raglan, a laid-back coastal town with black sand beaches and known for its surf break. You'll get out on the water for sea kayaking before settling into your accommodation in central Raglan for the next couple nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge)
Included Activities
- Sea Kayaking
Landmarks Bridal Veil Falls - Day 3
Raglan
Your full day in Raglan starts with a surf lesson down at the beach in the morning. After that wraps up, the afternoon is yours to relax, soak up the coastal vibe, and spend time with your travel group however you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge)
Included Activities
- Surf Lesson
- Day 4
Raglan to Rotorua
Drive toward Rotorua and stop along the way at Waitomo. You can choose to check out the famous Waitomo Caves where glow worms light up the cave ceiling like stars, or skip this stop. Once you reach Rotorua, you'll notice the geothermal activity around town. In the evening, head to a thermal valley at Te Puia Village for a cultural experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua)
Included Activities
- Te Puia Geyser by Night
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Cave Excursion - 99 NZD per person
Landmarks Waitomo Caves Te Puia 
- Day 5
Rotorua to Taupo
The morning in Rotorua is free, so explore at your own pace. Options include visiting hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and colorful thermal pools, or trying white-water rafting. By afternoon, you'll depart for Taupo with a stop at Huka Falls on the way. Once there, you'll go sailing on New Zealand's largest lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Based by the Lake)
Included Activities
- Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Hot Springs - 50-360 NZD per person
- Whitewater Rafting - 135 NZD per person
Landmarks Huka Falls Lake Taupo - Day 6
Taupo to Wellington
Travel south to Wellington, the capital at the southern end of the North Island. During the drive, you'll swap stories with your group and take in the changing landscape. After arriving early enough, visit Te Papa, the National Museum, which holds historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. You can catch a cable car ride up into the hills overlooking the city or walk along Oriental Parade. The evening is yours, with an optional night out in the central business district if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cambridge Hotel)
Included Activities
- Big Night Out
Landmarks Te Papa National Museum 
- Day 7
Wellington to Abel Tasman National Park
Board the morning ferry and cross Cook Strait to the South Island. Stay outside to catch views of the Marlborough Sounds. After disembarking, transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, known for its white sand beaches, lush native forests, clear waters, and golden sands.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (The Barn Cabins & Camp)
Landmarks Cook Strait Marlborough Sounds Abel Tasman National Park - Day 8
Abel Tasman National Park
Your day in Abel Tasman National Park is completely free. Wander through native forest and keep an eye out for waterfalls and pools perfect for swimming. Head out to the pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can relax on golden sand and soak up the sun however you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Camping (The Barn Cabins & Camp)
Included Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park Walk
Optional Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking - 230 NZD per person
- Canyoning - 280 NZD per person
- Sailing - 148 NZD per person
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park - Day 9
Abel Tasman National Park to Westport
Drive south along the coast with its black sand beaches toward Westport. Stop at Cape Foulwind to visit a seal colony and watch these animals in their natural habitat. Once you reach Westport, settle in for the evening, grab a beer, chat with locals, and get a feel for this old coal mining town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Bazil's Hostel & Surf School)
Included Activities
- Seal Colony Visit
Optional Activities
- Surfing in Westport - 90 NZD per person
Landmarks Cape Foulwind 
- Day 10
Westport to Franz Josef
Continue down the coast to Punakaiki where you'll see pancake rocks and blowholes. Take a quick break here to stretch and appreciate what nature created. After that, push on to Franz Josef and check into a wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Included Activities
- Pancake Rocks Trek
Landmarks Pancake Rocks 
- Day 11
Franz Josef
Franz Josef gives you a free day to do whatever interests you. Hiking, kayaking, and glacier walks are all options. Try a heli-hike or guided ice walk to get up close with the glacier itself, or lose yourself exploring rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls. If you'd rather stay in town, grab food and book a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing - 385-655 NZD per person
- Franz Josef Kayaking - 149-169 NZD per person
- Hiking - Free
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 12
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Drive toward Queenstown, the adventure capital. You'll pass through lush forests, back to the coast, and over Haast Pass into the mountains. The scenery on this route is spectacular, so keep your camera charged. This drive sets you up for some action-packed days ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Landmarks Haast Pass 
- Day 13
Queenstown
You have a free day in Queenstown, a place that mixes adventure and adrenaline with incredible scenery. Push your limits with jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving if that's your style, or find other ways to fill the day that appeal to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Queenstown Jet Boating - 179 NZD per person
- Bungee Jumping - 320-805 NZD per person
- Skydiving - 449-549 NZD per person
- Gondola Ride - 66-215 NZD per person
- Shotover Canyon Swing - 295-590 NZD per person
- Vineyard Tour - 189-265 NZD per person
Landmarks Queenstown 
- Day 14
Queenstown - Milford Sound Day Trip
Head out to Fiordland National Park for the day and take a boat cruise through Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic locations. Watch the views unfold from one of the wettest places on Earth. After the cruise wraps up, you'll head back to Queenstown for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Cruise
Optional Activities
- Queenstown Jet Boating - 179 NZD per person
Landmarks Milford Sound Fiordland National Park - Day 15
Queenstown
Another free day in Queenstown with lots of possibilities. Pick adrenaline-packed activities like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, or skydiving if you want. Or take a slower pace, enjoy the scenery and atmosphere, try out restaurants, and relax in cafes around town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Queenstown Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Jet Boating - available
- Bungee Jumping - available
- Mountain Biking - available
- Skydiving - available
- Day 16
Queenstown to Tekapo
Leave Queenstown and head to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Once there, you'll have free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre to learn about the famous mountaineer. Later, continue to Lake Tekapo where you'll stay for two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lakes Edge Holiday Park)
Landmarks Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Lake Tekapo 
- Day 17
Tekapo
Start your morning with a 21km bike ride along the canals with mountain views all around. The rest of the day in Tekapo is yours to explore however you'd like. Check out the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike up to the Mt John Observatory to see the Dark Sky Reserve.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lakes Edge Holiday Park)
Included Activities
- Lake Tekapo Bike Ride
Optional Activities
- Tekapo Hot Springs - 40-189 NZD per person
- Dark Sky Project - The Crater Experience - 129-219 NZD per person
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Mt John Observatory - Day 18
Tekapo to Christchurch
Travel north to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city and one of the most English-influenced places in New Zealand. You'll have free time to explore and check out the nightlife with your group. Your accommodation for the night is a converted jailhouse, which gives this final evening something unique.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Drifter Christchurch Hotel)
Landmarks Christchurch 
- Day 19
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Head to Kaikoura, a rugged coastal town where mountains meet the sea with marine life and great scenery. The town's specialty is whale watching cruises, but you can also swim with seals or walk along the coast. Afternoon options include bird watching, swimming with dolphins, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Whale Watching - 175 NZD per person
- Scenic Flight - 250 NZD per person
- Dolphin Tour - 135 NZD per person
- Hiking - Free
Landmarks Kaikoura 
- Day 20
Kaikoura to Wellington
Travel with the group to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. During the drive, watch the scenery unfold and take a moment to reflect on your time in New Zealand. Once back in Wellington, grab food and enjoy a final night out together with your travel crew.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cambridge Hotel)
Included Activities
- Big Night Out
Landmarks Wellington - Day 21
Wellington to Sydney
Say goodbye to New Zealand and fly to Australia. You'll leave Wellington and land in Sydney after roughly 4 hours in the air. Spend the evening at your own pace in Australia's largest city. Head to the harbour and check out The Rocks, a historic area with plenty to see and do.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Sydney)
Optional Activities
- The Rocks Neighbourhood Visit - Free
Landmarks The Rocks 
- Day 22
Sydney
Take the local ferry from Sydney to Manly Beach with your CEO. Manly is one of Australia's most famous beaches with solid surf, beautiful water, and pine trees along the shore. Take a surf class, relax on the beach, or wander through shops and restaurants in town.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Sydney)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Manly Beach
Landmarks Manly Beach - Day 23
Sydney
Sydney has so much to offer and a few free days barely scratch the surface, but it's worth the effort. Visit the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out famed museums, or find incredible restaurants to eat at.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Sydney)
Optional Activities
- Sydney Opera House Visit - 43-185 AUD per person
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - available
Landmarks Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge - Day 24
Sydney
One last day in Sydney to knock off those remaining must-see items. If you're stuck for ideas, your CEO can suggest things, since there's always something happening here.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Sydney)
- Day 25
Sydney to Arrawarra
Board a train heading north to Coffs Harbour and sit back to enjoy coastal views along the way. After arriving at the station, transfer to Spot X Surf Camp, which will be your base for the next few days.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Spot X Surf Camp)
Landmarks Coffs Harbour 
- Day 26
Arrawarra
Wake up early for an included surf lesson at the beach with Spot X, located on beautiful coastline. Spend time in the sun and waves with your group before heading out on a kangaroo trek. The afternoon is yours to explore Solitary Islands Marine Park, check out rockpools for sea creatures, or walk to Mullawarra beach for a picnic.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Spot X Surf Camp)
Included Activities
- Surfing Lesson
- Kangaroo Trek
Landmarks Solitary Islands Marine Park - Day 27
Arrawarra to Byron Bay
Drive from Arrawarra through lush national parks, beaches, rolling hills, and small towns toward Byron Bay. Stop for lunch in this surf and arts town, then walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse to reach the easternmost point in the country. If you're lucky, you might spot migrating whales or resident dolphin pods.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Byron Bay)
Included Activities
- Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit
Landmarks Cape Byron Lighthouse 
- Day 28
Byron Bay
Welcome to Byron Bay, known for surfing and sunbathing. Your day is open for whatever appeals to you. Walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage, or do skydiving, sea kayaking, and dolphin watching for adrenaline. Catch one last ride on a surfboard before you head out.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Wake Up! Byron Bay)
Optional Activities
- Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking - available
Landmarks Byron Bay - Day 29
Byron Bay to Brisbane
Head north toward Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Along the way, stop at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre for a walk among eucalyptus trees with multiple viewing levels of rescue koalas and educational displays. The tour ends when you arrive in Brisbane in the afternoon, though staying longer to enjoy the city is worth considering.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Landmarks Daisy Hill Koala Centre 
