New Zealand Highlights - 21 Days

From £2,117£101 per day Save 3%

Who is this trip for

Age range

18 - 35

Start / End

  • Auckland
  • Queenstown

Physical rating

1/5

Group size

7 - 18

Meals included

0

Highlights

  • Auckland
  • Hobbiton
  • Te Pa Tu Maori Village
  • Hot Water Beach
  • Whale Watching
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown

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Summary

Discover the very best of New Zealand on our ULTIMATE Highlights tour. This action-packed journey takes you from Auckland to Queenstown, stopping at iconic destinations such as Hobbiton, Rotorua, Wellington, Mount Cook, and Queenstown. Cruise through the 8th wonder of the world, tour the famous Lord of The Rings movie set, experience a geothermal wonderland, explore a traditional Māori village, and so much more!

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Welcome to New Zealand

    Kia Ora and welcome to NZ! Your New Zealand Highlights adventure kicks off today in Auckland – the country’s biggest and busiest city. We’ll hit up all the local hotspots to get you familiar with the place. You’ll also get to meet your new travel crew and your group leader will give you the full lowdown on what’s coming up over the next few weeks. Tonight, we all catch up again for a chilled-out welcome dinner!

  • Day 2

    Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach

    Visit Cathedral Cove Beach which is one of New Zealand's most iconic photo spots, renowned for its picture-perfect archway. That evening explore Hot Water Beach, a natural geothermal hotspot where you can create your very own hot tub!

  • Day 3

    Auckland Free Day

    Day 3 is a free day for you to enjoy New Zealand's largest and busiest city at your leisure.

  • Day 4

    Hobbiton

    Get ready for another full day of adventure! Depart Auckland and journey to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour. Explore famous Hobbit holes, learn behind-the-scenes stories, and enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, continue south to Rotorua, your next adventure hub.

  • Day 5

    Discover Rotorua

    Enjoy a day pass to Hell’s Gate Mud Spa, where geothermal forces meet the sky.

  • Day 6

    Rotorua & Te Pā Tū

    Rotorua is the heart of both New Zealand's Māori culture and its geothermal activity. Experience a traditional Māori Village, Te Pā Tū presents culture and cuisine, while proudly sharing Māori history and traditions.

  • Day 7

    Rotorua Activity Day

    Your free time in Rotorua is where you can decide to tap into your adrenaline and book White Water Rafting, sailing down in the world's tallest commercial waterfall!

  • Day 8

    Lake Taupo

    Next stop - Taupo, home to Australasia’s largest lake—about the same size as Singapore! It also feeds into Huka Falls, the most powerful waterfall in New Zealand. Your Group Leader will take you on a guided walk to the Huka Falls Lookout for some epic views.

  • Day 9

    Māori Catamaran Cruise

    Today you’ll also get to experience the river up close with an afternoon catamaran cruise. Hop on board for a swim, catch the sunset, and sail past the iconic Māori Rock Carvings. And the best part? We’ll throw in a free drink and some pizza to enjoy while you cruise!

  • Day 10

    Wellington Free Day

    On this free day in the nations capital you can enjoy the vibrant art and music scene. Or you'll have the opportunity to visit the Te Papa National Museum. Here you can learn all about New Zealand history and the battle of Gallipoli.

  • Day 11

    Wellington to Kaikoura Ferry

    You will then board the Interislander Ferry with your group you'll head to Kaikōura.

  • Day 12

    Kaikoura Whale Watching

    Kaikōura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand. Tick this bucket list experience off with an included whale watching cruise, then take some time to relax and soak up the stunning coastal views in this beautiful seaside town.

  • Day 13

    Christchurch

    Spend a night enjoying the chilled and cultural vibes of Christchurch.

  • Day 14

    Lake Tekapo

    Next, you'll make your way to the stunning Lake Tekapo for a two-night retreat. Famous as the #1 stargazing spot in the Southern Hemisphere, we’ll be hoping for clear skies so you and your crew can enjoy a night to remember under the stars.

  • Day 15

    Lake Tekapo

    Today is a Tekapo free day. You can either visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd or swim in the Tekapo Hot Springs.

  • Day 16

    Mount Cook

    You’ll depart Tekapo to head to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Here you'll enjoy a guided day trip through the stunning Southern Alps. Join a group tour around the base, or upgrade to an Alpine Scenic Flight for epic views. Prefer to chill? Soak up the fresh mountain air and grab a bite with a view. Then it’s off to Queenstown—New Zealand’s Adventure Capital!

  • Day 17

    Queenstown

    Spend 5 epic days in the backpacker and adrenaline capital of New Zealand - Queenstown!

  • Day 18

    Milford Sound

    You’ll also head out on a day trip to Milford Sound for an epic boat cruise through the 8th wonder of the world, with massive waterfalls, rugged mountains, and unreal scenery all around.

  • Day 19

    Queenstown

    Today’s a free day to relax—or, if you’re up for it, jump into some once-in-a-lifetime adventures! Take the leap with a 15,000 ft skydive or conquer the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy, the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Day 20

    Queenstown

    Free / activity day in Queenstown

  • Day 21

    Tour End

    Today our New Zealand Highlights Adventure comes to an end.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostel

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This 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

  • Oct 25

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  • Nov 25

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  • Dec 25

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  • Jan 26

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  • Jan 27

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  • Apr 27

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  • Save 3%
    Wed 11 Mar 2026 > Tue 31 Mar 2026
    6+ spaces of 18 leftPay Monthly
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • Who will I be travelling with?

    You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-35 year olds from all over the world, this is a fully guided tour!
  • Where will I be staying?

    You’ll be staying in mixed dorm rooms throughout your New Zealand Group tour in 4-6 bed accommodation.
  • What is the currency?

    The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Everywhere you will be staying accepts card so you don't necessarily need to withdraw any cash. $1 NZD is roughly £0.45 GBP, €0.52 EUR or $0.92 AUD.
  • Can I book optional activities whilst on tour?

    YES! You can pre-book a few of the adrenaline pumping activities at the time of booking. If not, no stress! You can book these on Day 1 of your New Zealand Highlights Tour through your Group Leader.
  • Is there free time on this tour

    The New Zealand Highlights tour is fast paced and energetic. There is a key activity included at every stop and your Group Leader will be sure to tell you when you have free time throughout the itinerary. But yes, you'll have time to zen too!
  • What if I am travelling with someone else?

    More the merrier! Book together and our supplier will do their best to put you together or book seperately and make sure you tell us beforehand!
  • How many people will be on my tour?

    Anywhere between 10-24 backpackers exploring the world just like you!
  • Is travel insurance required?

    Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.
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