Note that this tour utilizes a variety of accommodation including hostels. See the 'About Accommodation' section of the trip details for more information.

New Zealand Encompassed

From$3149USD
24 days,Auckland to Auckland
Trip Code: ONNZ

Learning about the Maori culture, exploring the Bay of Islands, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot.

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It dosen’t look so big on the map, but New Zealand is positively massive once you’re there in person. This comprehensive 24-day trip—our longest in this part of the world—delivers the most immersive NZ experience possible. Get close to the land by exploring volcanoes, national parks, sustainable farms, and meet the water up-close on expert-led kayak excursions and during surf lessons. Best of all, you’ll get to explore the magnificent Bay of Islands, home to some of the world’s top fishing. 24 days? You’ll wish it was longer.

What's Included

  • Snorkelling, kayaking and hiking in the Bay of Islands, visit to a conservation farm, sea kayaking in remote coves, surf lesson, Maori cultural experience, Tongariro Alpine Crossing (seasonal), Te Papa Museum, Abel Tasman National Park, visit to a seal colony, walks in Franz Josef National Park, sea kayaking into Doubtful Sound, mountain biking excursion, orientation walks in Wellington and Christchurch.
  • 23 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 13 dinners. (Allow NZD350-400 for meals not included.)
  • Hostels (8 nts), basic hotels (3 nts), houseboat (1 nt), eco camp (3 nts), lodges (6 nts), cabins (1 nt), floating boat hostel (1 nt, summer, cabin in winter months). Most nights are quad-share.
  • Private bus, kayak, boat, ferry
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
  • Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12
Map of the route for New Zealand Encompassed Click to enlarge
Places Visited
  • New Zealand
Itinerary Notes

More information about the accommodation that we use for this trip can be found by clicking the button below.

Accommodation Info

Day 1 Auckland

Welcome to Auckland. Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Bay of Islands (1B,1L,1D)

Travel north via the backroads, stopping to see giant kauri trees and for an included snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve (seasonal). Board a large house boat for an overnight trip through the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Day 3 Paihia (1B,1D)

Enjoy free time in the morning on the boat. Choose to do a number of included water activities like kayaking, snorkelling, fishing or visiting nearby islands. Disembark with some time to explore Paihia before an evening barbeque.

Day 4 Auckland (1B)

Free morning to relax or opt to swim with dolphins, go skydiving, check out historic Russell or the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Day 5-6 Raglan (2B,1L,2D)

Visit a special conservation farm to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a remote and historic site on the harbour for a picnic lunch. On Day 6, enjoy an included surf lesson in one of the world's most famous surf areas, then opt to take a bone carving lesson with the local Maori.

Day 7 Rotorua/Maori Village Visit (1B,1D)

Opt to go caving before heading to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture. Visit a local village to gain insight into Maori culture. Enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' experience.

Day 8 National Park (1B,1D)

Travel around Lake Taupo and explore the volcanic World Heritage-listed national parks in the area. Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek (seasonal).

Day 9 Wellington (1B)

Hit the nation's capital and visit Te Papa, the national museum, or stroll along Oriental Parade. Check out some of the area's great bars and cafés.

Day 10-11 Abel Tasman National Park (2B,2D)

Ferry over to the South Island. Travel by bus and boat into Abel Tasman National Park. Hike and explore the park's golden beaches and waterways.

Day 12 Punakaiki (1B,1D)

Head south down the coast of black sand beaches. Visit a seal colony and take in the pancake rock formations at Punakaiki.

Day 13-14 Franz Josef (2B,1D)

Enjoy an overnight stay in a lodge surrounded by rainforest. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage area and opt for a glacial valley walk to the base of the glacier with a visit to the hot springs or an exciting helihike and hot pools.

Day 15-17 Queenstown (3B)

Stop for lunch at the lakeside town of Wanaka before continuing on to the adventure capital of the world—Queenstown. Fill your time here with some of the adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour.

Day 18 Doubtful Sound (1B,1L,1D)

Visit Fiordland National Park en route to Doubtful Sound. Guided kayak excursion before overnighting in a lodge surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife.

Day 19-20 Central Otago (2B,1D)

Travel to Central Otago, famous for its vineyards and goldmines. Bike 35 km of the rail trail from one historic town to the next, sampling local food along the way.

Day 21 Christchurch (1B)

Head north to Christchurch for free afternoon of exploration in the city.

Day 22 Kaikoura (1B,1D)

Travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura for the night, where options include whale watching, swimming with seals or walking along the coast.

Day 23 Wellington (1B)

Morning visit to a seal colony before winding our way around the coast to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington.

Day 24 Auckland (1B)

Take an express journey from Wellington to Auckland, stopping in the king country town of Tamaranui for lunch. Tour ends upon arrival in Auckland in the evening.

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