Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Paihia
- Start point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 12:00)
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Cruise to Hole in the Rock with marine wildlife spotting
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Diving
- Parasailing
- Beach relaxation
Landmarks Whangārei Falls Hole in the Rock Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Day 2
Paihia
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Ferry ride to Otehei Bay
- Cruise to Hole in the Rock with dolphin spotting
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds exploration
- Scenic horse trek along the coastline
- Evening Sundowner Cruise
Landmarks Otehei Bay Hole in the Rock Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Day 3
Paihia to Auckland
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lylo)
Landmarks Waipu - Day 4
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Cathedral Cove
- Digging personal spa pools at Hot Water Beach
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach - Day 5
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Included Activities
- Hike through Karangahake Gorge walkways and old mining tunnels
- Visit Waitomo glow-worm caves
- Walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve
Optional Activities
- Black Water Rafting trip (underground tube rafting with waterfall jumps)
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Ruakuri Natural Tunnel - Day 6
Waitomo to Rotorua
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton village visit
- White Water Rafting
- Zip Lining
- Explore geothermal activity and natural hot springs
- Mitai Māori Village 3-hour experience with traditional Māori feast
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set Mitai Māori Village - Day 7
Rotorua
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Ride the rapids of Kaituna river
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative journey
- Explore geothermal attractions
- Spa and natural hot springs
- Lake activities
- Forest exploration
Landmarks Kaituna River - Day 8
Rotorua to Taupo
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Based by the Lake)
Included Activities
- Walk to Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Explore Te Puia geothermal reserve
- Yacht sailing across lake to Māori rock carvings
- Skydiving above the lake
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupo 
- Day 9
Taupo to Wellington
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Two-hour walk through Tongariro National Park native bush and waterfalls (summer months only)
Optional Activities
- Mount Victoria visit (free)
- Craft beer scene exploration
- Wellington nightlife
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria - Day 10
Wellington to Abel Tasman
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry across Cook Strait through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Walking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park bays
- Skydiving views of Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Abel Tasman National Park Nelson - Day 11
Abel Tasman to Westport
- Accommodation
- (Bazils Hostel and Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock
- Kayaking along golden bays near Kaiteriteri
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park bays
- Morning stroll in native New Zealand forest
Landmarks Split Apple Rock Abel Tasman National Park Nelson Lakes - Day 12
Westport to Franz Josef
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Te Wahipounamu Aoraki/Mount Cook Westland Tai Poutini National Park Mount Aspiring National Park Fiordland National Park 
- Day 13
Franz Josef
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Heli Hike tour on Franz Josef Glacier
- Walking trails (free)
- Kayak tour on Lake Mapourika
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Lake Mapourika - Day 14
Franz Josef to Wanaka
- Accommodation
- Hostel (HOHO Adventure Hostel)
Landmarks Haast Pass That Wanaka Tree Lake Wanaka - Day 15
Wanaka to Queenstown
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike
- Kawarau Bridge viewing/activities
Landmarks Roy's Peak Lake Hawea Crown Range Kawarau Bridge 
- Day 16
Queenstown
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Scenic lake activities
- Surrounding walks
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Scenic gondola rides
- Lakeside strolls
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu - Day 17
Milford Sound
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Included Activities
- Scenic boat cruise on Milford Sound beneath Rahotu/Mitre Peak
- Marine wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals, penguins)
Landmarks Te Anau Homer Tunnel Milford Sound Rahotu/Mitre Peak Piopiotahi Marine Reserve - Day 18
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
- Accommodation
- (Lakes Edge Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Hot springs soaking
- Scenic walkways
- Stargazing in dark sky reserve
Landmarks Lindis Pass Mount Cook Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo - Day 19
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hotel Give)
Optional Activities
- Street art exploration
- Botanical gardens visit
- City history tours
Landmarks Christchurch Botanical Gardens - Day 20
Christchurch to Kaikoura
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Swimming with dolphins
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dining
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 21
Kaikoura to Wellington
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry to North Island through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Seal viewing at Kaikoura
Landmarks Kaikoura Coastline Picton Marlborough Sounds - Day 22
Wellington to Auckland
- End point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel)
Landmarks Taihape Central Plateau Tongariro National Park Lake Taupo Rotorua
