New Zealand Discovery - 21 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female75%
- Male25%
Average age
Start / End
- Auckland
- Christchurch
Physical rating
Group size
3 - 18Meals included
23Highlights
- Hobbiton™ Movie Set - Experience the real Middle-earth™ and step into the Shire™.
- Cathedral Cove - Discover the naturally formed archway and picturesque views.
- Abel Tasman - Golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track.
- Wharariki Beach - Discover the natural beauty of the South Island's most spectacular beach.
- Milford Sound - Cruise through what is considered the 8th Wonder of the World.
- Franz Josef - Hike, heli or climb through New Zealand's steepest glacier.
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Summary
This could possibly be the best 3 weeks of your life as you road trip through the land of the long white cloud, hitting all the best spots! From surfing to glowworm caves in the North to mountains, glaciers & vistas in the South, travel New Zealand like never before.
Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel
After a few scenic stops on the stunning drive to Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive into the coastal town of Hahei. Explore the Gateway to Narnia at Cathedral Cove, spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the turquoise waters then catch the sunset from the natural hot pools on Hot Water Beach.
Day 2
Coromandel to Rotorua
Say goodbye to the Coromandel as we head to Rotorua. We'll stop at Hobbiton on the way for you to experience the world-famous LOTR movie set. In the evening you have the option to visit the magical Mitai Maori Village. Learn and engage with Maori culture and traditions and enjoy a delicious hangi meal.
Day 3
Rotorua
Dive into a jam-packed day at the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua. Luging, zorbing, white water rafting, cultural performances or simply marvelling at the unique geothermal landscape; there’s heaps to do here!
Day 4
Rotorua to Taupō
For the next part of our journey, we head to Taupo, the adventure capital of the north island. Discover the thundering Huka Falls and the trout-filled rivers before we head for a sunset beer by the stunning Lake Taupo.
Day 5
Taupō
Explore the magnificent lake jetboating, sailing or from 15,000ft above. Fancy a hike? Spend the day conquering one of the best one-day walks in the world, Tongariro Crossing. Whatever you choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Taupo!
Day 6
Taupo to Raglan (via Waitomo)
The adventure continues to Waitomo, a town better known for what’s beneath it. Crawl, abseil, raft and squeeze your way through the dark abyss, lit only by the twinkling light of the glow worms above. After all that adventure it’s time for a beer on the beach in Raglan.
Day 7
Raglan to Auckland
Raglan is New Zealand’s quintessential iconic laid back surfer town. You’ll have the chance to explore the rugged landscape, unique black sand beach and catch a few waves. Then we head back to Auckland to catch a flight to Christchurch to continue your epic adventure in the South.
Day 8
Christchurch to Punakaiki
To kick off your South Island adventure, we drive one of three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to the west coast. The Lewis Pass takes us through unmodified beech forests, alpine wetlands and along the Lewis River. We have plenty of distance to cover but we will have stunning landscapes & stops on our way to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.
Day 9
Punakaiki
The ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration, this picturesque coastal village is full of exciting things to do but is best known for the Pancake Rock where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon experiencing luxuriant coastal forest, fantastic limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.
Day 10
Punakaiki to Abel Tasman
Drive the wild west coast with stops that include lighthouse views and seal colonies. As we head inland we drive through the scenic Nelson Lakes towards arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful National Park, Abel Tasman. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town or go on an adventure to collect fresh green lipped mussels.
Day 11
Golden Bay Day Trip
Today we head to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit along with stunning beaches and wildlife. Be ready for an adventure today, as we stop to explore the Ngārua Caves followed by a walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs, some of the clearest water you will see. Finally, follow the track to the most northern point on the South Island at Wharariki Beach.
Day 12
Abel Tasman
Kick back on the beach or, if you’re feeling adventurous, discover the raw natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by hiking parts of the track or grab a kayak and spend the day along the coastal track. If you’re lucky, you might spot native wildlife such as the Tui or Tuatara.
Day 13
Abel Tasman to Kaikōura (via Marlborough)
After a few epic adventures on our way out of town we head to the famed Marlborough Wine Region. Driving through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds we'll pop by Picton before settling into one of our favourite wineries. Have a sip or two of it’s world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and snap some Insta-worthy shots in the vineyards. Our drive continues on to Kaikoura, there are very few places in the world that can boast such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in this small community. As we come into town you'll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs on the edge of town, which are as impressive as the whale watching and dolphin swimming.
Day 14
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Spend the morning ticking off the rest of your bucket list, whether it's spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. After a morning of adventure, we will hop on the road for our final drive back to Christchurch. Say your goodbyes to your Wild Kiwi fam or convince them to continue the adventure through the funky neighbourhoods of Christchurch.
Day 15
Christchurch to Tekapo
Prepare for an incredible first day as we head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo at one of New Zealand’s most insta-worthy spots. Explore the local bike trails before you relax in the lakeside hot springs for some stargazing at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 16
Tekapo to Queenstown
Today we’ll head to the adrenaline capital of New Zealand – Queenstown! Before we head off you’ll have time to do a few activities or fit in any walks you didn’t do yesterday. Once we arrive, we’ll head to your accommodation for the next three days and get you settled in then it’s off exploring! Queenstown is the perfect place to tick off a number of items off your bucket list, with everything on offer from skydiving, and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.
Day 17
Milford Sound Day Trip
Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins, welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After taking in the spectacular scenery cruising the fiord, kick back with a beer, drop into a party or devour NZ’s famous burger - the Fergburger.
Day 18
Queenstown
Bungy jumps, canyon swings, or horse riding; whatever your adventure threshold, there’s something in Queenstown for you to choose from! Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging or jet boat up the canyon.
Day 19
Queenstown to Franz Josef
After a break in picturesque Wanaka, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along rugged coastline beside ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls as we head over Haast Pass, before we arrive at the gateway to glacier country – Franz Josef.
Day 20
Franz Josef
Crampons at the ready, Franz Josef could be the most beautiful place you'll ever set your eyes on. Explore the stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, helicopter - or both! Want something at a lower altitude? Quad bike, kayak, or relax in glacier hot pools, before kicking back with a cold drink to soak it all in.
Day 21
Franz Josef to Christchurch
After a quick stop off at beautiful Hokitika, experience a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass amongst the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps. Then it's back to where it all began in Christchurch where our epic journey comes to an end around New Zealand's South Island. Fear not, we’ll say our goodbyes, hug it out and leave with stacks of great memories.
What's Included
Accommodation
Flashpackers
Meals
Breakfasts: 20, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £3,289Sep 25
from £3,289Oct 25
from £3,289Nov 25
from £3,289Dec 25
from £3,289Jan 26
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from £3,289Apr 26
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from £3,289Aug 26
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from £3,289
- Save 4%Sat 6 Sep 2025 > Fri 26 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£3,426Best offer£3,289
- Save 4%Sat 27 Sep 2025 > Fri 17 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£3,426Best offer£3,289
Customer reviews & ratings
Had the most amazing trip of my life! I did the southern voyager and we had Robbie as our tour guide! He was amazing in taking care of all of us throughout the trip and introducing great spots everywhere we went! Accommodations were fantastic! Activities were out of this world and the dinners together were amazing! Friends made on the tour were out of this world! <3 Everything was just well organised and definitely very fun with everyone on the tour! Would highly recommend anyone for wild kiwi tours!
Jing ying Feb, 2024 VerifiedI couldn't recommend this tour enough. I did the 14 day NZ Explorer Route as a solo female traveler from the UK and it was perfect. Daisy and Tom are top guides making the whole trip smooth from start to finish. If you are thinking of booking this tour, don't look any further and book now!
Katie Blake Feb, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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