18 Day Auckland to Christchurch
Explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes on the 18-day Ruru Tour, traveling from Auckland to Christchurch. Stay in comfortable twin-share accommodations, including scenic lodges and unique farm stays, while discovering the diverse beauty of both islands.
Experience iconic highlights like Te Puia Geyser by Night, the BlueBridge Ferry, and the TranzAlpine Train. Immerse yourself in Māori culture at Lake Aniwhenua and enjoy thrilling activities like cycling Old Coach Road and a 4WD Safari at Blue Duck Station. With expert guides and a small group atmosphere, this journey offers the best of New Zealand.
- Start Auckland, end Christchurch
- Travel in private coach
- Twin-share accommodations
- Scenic lodges and farm stays
- Explore Te Puia Geyser
- 4WD Safari at Blue Duck Station
- Lake Aniwhenua Māori culture
- TranzAlpine Train journey
- Cooked breakfasts daily
- Fun, small group tours
- Expert local tour guide
- Trip length:
- 18 Days
- Group size:
- Max 24
- Start:
- Auckland
- End:
- Christchurch
- Vehicle:
- Airconditoned Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Lodges & farm stays
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Pictures / Videos Itinerary
See MapAUCKLAND TO ROTORUA
Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to your New Zealand adventure. Our tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people and around 50 volcanoes.
We’ll head out bright and early this morning and travel down to Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and probably second only to Queenstown in terms of its adventure activity offerings. Fondly known as ‘Roto-vegas’ due the high volume of tourists it receives, Rotorua is a hive of activity and culture.
We’ll stop at the Whakarewarewa Forest for a walk through the giant California Redwoods which were planted over 100 years ago before checking in at our hotel, the Distinction Rotorua. Centrally located and home to a spa, swimming pool and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand) it’s a great base to explore from.
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
Meal Options: Local eateries
Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk
ROTORUA FREE DAY
Today we have a free day in Rotorua. Have breakfast at the hotel and then head off to an activity of your choice. Go white water rafting down the Kaituna River, zipline through the trees on an eco-tour, zorb through rolling hills or just relax at a geothermal spa. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. This evening, you’ll be taken to Te Puia for a night of dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. You’ll begin with a guided geothermal walk under the stars by torchlight before eating a traditional kanga waru (GF) pudding cooked in a natural hot spring. Sit under the night skies and hear the stories of the past, feeling the beauty of Pohutu in an interactive journey guided by light.
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Included activity: Geyser by Night Experience
Free activities: Kuirau Park
ROTORUA TO LAKE ANIWHENUA
After a couple of days in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably want some time to recharge the batteries and experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. After breakfast, we’ll venture ‘off the beaten track’ to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and the incredible Kohutapu Lodge. Owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage, the lodge is a pillar of the local community.
We’ll be taken to see sacred Maori rock carvings, play a traditional game of Mau Rakau and watch the preparation of a ground cooked 'hangi'. We’ll enjoy an afternoon tea of freshly made fried bread as we speak with the team at Kohutapu Lodge and practise our weaving and haka skills. In the evening, we’ll sit down to enjoy our lovingly prepared hangi feast - this will probably be the best meal you’ll eat in New Zealand, or dare we say, your lifetime.
Exclusive experience includes:
- Welcome to the tribal lands and a guided tour to waterfall and sacred Maori rock carvings
- Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges
- Afternoon tea
- Mau Rakau (Maori stick games)
- Weaving Lesson
- Haka Lesson
- 1-night accommodation at the lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
- Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
- Storytelling around the fire pit
- Continental breakfast
Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins
Meals included: Breakfast, full traditional hangi dinner and dessert
Free activities: Maori rock carvings, volleyball
LAKE ANIWHENUA TO BLUE DUCK STATION
We’ll tuck into our buffet breakfast and say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before we depart this morning to Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Afterwards we’ll drive on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive and off the grid experience. Blue Duck Station is a 7,200-acre high country farm and is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand, the team have made it their mission to protect their native environment for its namesake, the rare blue duck. On arrival, we’ll settle in to learn a little about daily life at Blue Duck, the station’s interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before cooking some dinner and relaxing around the bonfire.
Accommodation: Country station lodge
Optional paid activities: Skydiving or bungy in Taupo
Meals included: Continental breakfast, Dinner
Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo
BLUE DUCK STATION FREE DAY
Good news - You have a full free day to explore this ruggedly charming destination. You'll jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Later, if you’d like to explore on foot, you can hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and see if you can spot a rare blue duck in the flesh or simply relax around the campfire and make smores. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise. Those holiday romances, aye!
Accommodation: Country station lodge
Meals included: Continental breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included activities: 4WD farm eco-tour
Free activities: Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall, night glow worm viewing
BLUE DUCK STATION TO OHAKUNE
This morning we’re up nice and early to head straight to Tongariro National Park where we’ll have the opportunity tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered one of the world’s top one-day walks, this 19 km hike takes us across a rocky plateau with dramatic volcanic peaks, craters, and turquoise lakes that we (and our Instagram feed) will remember for a lifetime. The Crossing is open to walk year-round (alpine gear and guide are required in winter), but it is subject to the weather conditions. If the weather prevents us from doing the Crossing, there are other awesome short walks in the area. Tonight, we’ll unwind after a big day at our accommodation, the Powderhorn Chateau. Styled like a log cabin, this boutique accommodation is so cosy and even has an indoor heated pool where we can rest our weary bones after our big walk - after all, we’re on holiday aren’t we?
Accommodation: Powderhorn Chateau or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants
Optional paid activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Meals included: Continental breakfast
OHAKUNE TO WELLINGTON
This morning after breakfast we’re going for a scenic bike ride along the Old Coach Road, a moderate but epic 4-hour unguided bike trail. We’ll cycle on a unique cobbled road, past historic Viaducts and limestone cliffs and there’ll be plenty of stops along the way to take photos. This is a great way to spend a morning learning about New Zealand history and seeing some pretty spectacular views as we go.
Afterwards, we’re heading down to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with interesting restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. We’ll have an afternoon to browse through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for those who seek 24/7 caffeination, we are happy to say that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of (if not THE) best in New Zealand.
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Included activity: Electric bike along the historic Old Coach Road
Optional paid activities: Visit Te Papa National Museum, Wellington Cable Car
Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views
WELLINGTON TO MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN)
We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. If the weather’s good, we’ll be out on the viewing deck where we’ll get some incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton and setting off through the picturesque Marlborough region. We’ll continue through to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park where we’ll spend our evening relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.
Accommodation: The Barn or similar
Optional paid activities: Wine tasting
Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Stargazing
MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN) FREE DAY
Today is a full free day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park. From our accommodation we can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required) and then it’s a cool 12 kms to Anchorage. The walk is absolutely beautiful with the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters visible throughout. The walk is approx. 4 hours each way but there’s enough photo stops en-route to spend an entire day exploring, checking out Cleopatra’s Pools (yes there’s a natural water slide there), enjoying a picnic on the beach, relaxing in the sunshine - the world is our oyster.
Accommodation: The Barn or similar
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, water taxi, canyoning
Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs
Meals included: Continental breakfast
Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools
MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN) TO HOKITIKA
We’re buckling up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and masses of lush rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception but we’re not going to need it. This road offers views for days and we won't want to stop looking out the window for a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the vibrant, artistic township of Hokitika. Our accommodation tonight is absolute beachfront, located on the shores of the Tasman Sea. Treat yourself to some dinner in their Ocean View restaurant or go for a walk and explore Hokitika.
Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar
Meal options: Local eateries
Meals included: Continental breakfast
Free activities: Head down to Hokitika Beach for sunset
HOKITIKA TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
It’s a short drive today towards the charming little village of Franz Josef. The landscape will change from coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest so basically another day of incredible views and stunning scenery (have your phone charged for pics). We’ll get to Franz Josef around lunchtime, and we’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town or relax at our accommodation.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Relax in Franz Josef
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER FREE DAY
Ice, ice baby! Today is about experiencing Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast and New Zealand in general. We can get a shuttle to the beginning of the track and then hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just relax in the township and enjoy the views. If you’d like to see the glacier up close (before that pesky climate change melts it for good) you can go for an incredible heli-hike and actually stand on the glacier!
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar
Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track, heli-hike to the glacier, kayak tours, skydive
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Glacier Valley hike, bush tracks
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN
It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass, stop at the beautiful Lake Hawea on the way to Wanaka and then follow the Kawarau River to Queenstown. When we get to Queenstown we’ll head straight to our accommodation. Staying at the Mercure Resort will provide a touch of luxury to your Queenstown adventure, with a swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna, it’s the best way to relax and ease yourself into life in this truly stunning resort town.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants and cafes
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Lake Matheson "Mirror Lake" scenic walk
MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIP EX. QUEENSTOWN
Today we’ll hop aboard a Coach which will take us to the iconic Milford Sound. We’ll drive along one of the most scenic alpine roads in the world and then cruise across the Sound (fun fact: it's not actually a sound, it’s a fjord!) to see towering Mitre Peak plus rainforests and waterfalls, as well as spotting some amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once we’ve snapped as many pics as we possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown. This evening, we recommend checking out the buzzy nightlife and sampling a famous Fergburger or just checking out one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Included activity: Milford Sound Day Trip including Scenic Cruise
QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! We’ve got a full day in the adventure capital today. With beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place. We’ll have brekkie at the hotel and then the rest of the day is freeeee.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…)
Meal options: Local restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
QUEENSTOWN TO MOUNT COOK
We’ll depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass and through the Mackenzie Country, past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We’ve made this drive sound great but honestly - we reckon it’s one of the most stunning days you’ll have in the whole of NZ.
We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do an optional experience like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped alps (sounds epic? It is.) Alternatively, we can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. We would be remiss if we didn’t recommend the Hooker Valley track (weather dependent) which in our opinion is one of the top walks within Mt Cook National Park. If it’s a clear night, head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge
Optional paid activities: Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Glacier Explorer boat tour
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Free activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake (weather dependent), stargazing
MOUNT COOK TO CHRISTCHURCH
Leaving Mount Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous by the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. We’ll stop to check out the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd (an iconic photo stop) and if you like you can go and relax in the Tekapo hot pools, do some snow tubing or ice skating (winter only) or hike up to the Mt John Observatory for incredible views of the lake from above. After lunch, we’ll continue to our overnight stop in Christchurch where you can spend the afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble.
Accommodation: Bealey Quarter or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional paid activities: Tekapo Hot Pools
Free activities: Hike to Tekapo Mt John Summit, check out the historic Church of Good Shepherd, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park
DEPART CHRISTCHURCH
Today our adventure comes to an end, we’ll say goodbye (or see you soon) to our mates and go our separate ways for now. We hope everyone had a blast and remains Stray Mates for 4ever!
Meals included: Breakfast
