Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and get settled at your hostel, then take a downhill walk toward the waterfront to get your bearings. At 6pm your guide will meet you for an introduction to the tour, and after that you'll all head out for dinner together to kick things off.
- Start point
- Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (As Day 1 is an Arrival Day, please make your way to Haka House Auckland City (5 Turner St, Auckland CBD) to check in from 2pm. The Welcome Meeting begins at 6pm, 14:00 - 18:00)
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group (own cost)
Landmarks Auckland Waterfront - Day 2
Auckland to Hahei Beach
The drive heads to Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. When the tides cooperate, you'll visit Hot Water Beach and dig your own natural hot pool right in the sand. This evening there's a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner at the resort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner at the resort)
Included Activities
- Visit Hot Water Beach and dig a natural hot pool
- Kiwi BBQ group dinner
Optional Activities
- Kayaking
- Hahei Explorer
Landmarks Hahei Beach Hot Water Beach 
- Day 3
Hahei Beach
You have a full free day at Hahei to do whatever appeals to you. Take a sunrise kayak to Cathedral Cove, hop on a boat to explore sea caves, or simply relax on the beach. There's also a local pub if you want to grab a beer and unwind.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Cathedral Cove kayaking
- Hahei Explorer boat
Landmarks Cathedral Cove - Day 4
Hahei Beach to Rotorua
Start early to catch the sunrise at Hahei Beach, then board the bus for Rotorua. You'll stop for a scenic walk through Karangahake Gorge and a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set along the way. Once you arrive in Rotorua, check out Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and explore the township.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Hobbiton Movie Set Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest - Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
The morning offers choices: try ziplining, waterfall plunging, soaking at Polynesian Spa, or exploring Kuirau Park's mud pools. In the afternoon you'll transfer to Lake Aniwhenua where a local Maori whanau welcomes you at Kohutapu Lodge. You'll see sacred rock carvings, try traditional stick games, and have a traditional hangi meal.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Dinner (Full traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert)
Included Activities
- Learn the Haka
- Māori flax weaving
- Guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings
- Traditional hangi meal
Optional Activities
- Rotorua Canopy tours
- Rotorua Rafting
- Polynesian Spa
Landmarks Kuirau Park Polynesian Spa - Day 6
Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo
Grab a buffet breakfast, then head to Kerosene Creek for a soak in the naturally hot river. Later you'll continue to Taupo to see Australasia's largest lake and view the mighty Huka Falls. After lunch, relax or explore around your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet breakfast)
Optional Activities
- Skydiving or bungy in Taupo
Landmarks Kerosene Creek Lake Taupo Huka Falls - Day 7
Taupo to Tongariro National Park
You'll depart early for Tongariro National Park to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day walks available. The 19km trek passes through volcanic landscapes with steaming vents, crater lakes, and alpine ridges. If weather isn't suitable, your guide will have alternative hiking options ready.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Optional Activities
- Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions, additional cost)
Landmarks Tongariro Alpine Crossing Taranaki Falls Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool) 
- Day 8
Tongariro to Wellington
Travel to Wellington and spend time exploring the downtown district with its great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Browse Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer, climb Mt Victoria for views, or walk along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. The coffee culture here is excellent.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa National Museum (at own cost)
- Wellington Cable Car
Landmarks Cuba Street Courtenay Place Te Papa National Museum Mt Victoria Oriental Parade 
- Day 9
Wellington
You have another full free day in Wellington. Check out the lively arts scene, craft beer spots, and cafes, go shopping, or spend the afternoon wandering Oriental Parade or looking at exhibits at Te Papa. The city's home to New Zealand's parliament and the iconic Beehive building.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa National Museum
- Weta Workshop
Landmarks Parliament House (Beehive) Oriental Parade Mt Victoria - Day 10
Wellington to Marahau
Catch an early ferry across the Cook Strait through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to reach the South Island. Head to the viewing deck for incredible views and wildlife spotting. From there you'll drive through the Marlborough region to Marahau, situated on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry Crossing to the South Island
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting
- Optional group dinner
Landmarks Cook Strait Marlborough Sounds - Day 11
Marahau (Abel Tasman National Park)
Spend a full day exploring New Zealand's most popular national park. You'll travel by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, taking in golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters. After a picnic on the beach, explore Cleopatra's Pools with their natural water slide, then hike about 4 hours back with photo stops and swimming in secluded bays.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Water taxi into Anchorage Bay
Optional Activities
- Kayaking
- Skydiving (PM)
- Canyoning (PM)
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Anchorage Bay Cleopatra's Pools - Day 12
Abel Tasman to Franz Josef
Drive down the scenic West Coast through Buller Gorge on a road named one of the top drives in the world. Phone reception is limited but views are great the entire way. Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique coastline, then continue to Franz Josef in the rainforest for a group dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Group dinner at accommodation)
Included Activities
- Group dinner at accommodation
Landmarks Buller Gorge Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Hokitika 
- Day 13
Franz Josef
Experience Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic West Coast highlight. Drive to the track start, then hike through native bush and across glacial streams to reach the glacier's terminal face for photos. Or if you'd prefer to relax, soak in one of New Zealand's largest spa pools at the Retreat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Shuttle to the glacier track
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 14
Franz Josef to Queenstown
You'll have a scenic journey with plenty of photo stops. Visit Lake Matheson for a short walk and see why it's known as the mirror-lake. Travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and along beautiful Lake Hawea to reach Queenstown. Once settled, check out the lakeside resort with over 100 clubs and bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Lake Matheson Haast Pass Lake Hawea - Days 15 - 16
Queenstown
You have two full days in the adventure capital of Queenstown. The nightlife is excellent, mountain scenery is beautiful, and outdoor activities abound. Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob's Peak, or participate in any adventure activity you can think of.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Swing
- Jet boating
- Skydiving
- Mountain biking
- Ziplining
- Horse riding
- Other adventure activities
Landmarks Ben Lomond Queenstown Hill Bob's Peak - Day 17
Queenstown to Milford Sound
Board the coach for a day trip to Milford Sound. You'll enjoy a scenic drive, then board a boat to cruise the Sound. Watch for Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, waterfalls if it's been raining, and wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins, and Dolphins. Return to Queenstown for dinner at one of many restaurants or try the famous Fergburger.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Cruise
Landmarks Milford Sound Mitre Peak 
- Day 18
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Drive to Lake Tekapo where you'll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd for photo opportunities. In the afternoon, hike up to Mount John Observatory for incredible views, or visit Tekapo Hot Springs to relax. Tonight join Dark Sky for their Crater Experience to stargaze at one of the country's best spots.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Dark Sky Experience
Optional Activities
- Dark Sky Crater Experience
- Tekapo Hot Springs (All seasons)
- Ice Skating (Winter only)
- Snow tubing (Winter only)
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mount John Observatory 
- Day 19
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Travel to Christchurch, a cool city with the Avon River running through it and lush parks and laneway bars. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets discovering creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping, or ride the tourist tram to see the sights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Avon River Riverside Market Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Day 20
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Start early for a beautiful drive up the coast to Kaikoura, arriving around midday. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kekeno colony near Goose Bay and hiking around the peninsula for views from the lookout. You'll likely spot sea birds and seals, and maybe even whales or dolphins. There's an optional boat or plane trip to see marine life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Whale watching by boat
- Whale watching by plane
- Swimming with dolphins
- Ziplining
Landmarks Kaikoura Goose Bay - Day 21
Kaikoura to Wellington
Board the bus and wind your way up the coastal roads toward the top of the South Island. Catch the afternoon ferry across the Cook Strait and arrive in Wellington for your second chance to explore the city's nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry Crossing to the North Island
- Day 22
Wellington to Auckland
Head out this morning and continue north, arriving in Auckland early afternoon with plenty of daylight left. Enjoy your last night in New Zealand with your Stray family.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 23
Departure
After an incredible few weeks exploring New Zealand, it's time to head to the airport. This has been a memorable experience traveling through the country.
- End point
- Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (Haka House Auckland, 5 Turner Street, Auckland. Check out is 10am)
