Map
Please note that the first 4 days of this tour in the far north are shared with guests of all ages. The remaining 21 days are shared with travellers aged between 18 and 39 years old. At times, weather and other conditions may affect or alter our route — your guide will keep you informed of any changes along the way.
Day 1: Auckland to Omapere
We leave Auckland behind and head north, easing into the adventure with a stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe to learn the story of New Zealand's mighty kauri trees and early pioneers. After a lunch stop in Dargaville, we cool off at the stunning Kai Iwi Lakes, crystal-clear freshwater surrounded by native forest, before venturing into the legendary Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree in the country. We finish the day on the west coast in Omapere, checking into beachfront accommodation with an included fish and chips dinner as the sun sets over the Tasman Sea.
Highlights:
- Kauri Museum, Matakohe
- Kai Iwi Lakes
- Tāne Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest
- Beachfront night in Omapere
Day 2: Omapere to Paihia
This morning is all about flexibility — if we didn't visit Waipoua yesterday, you'll explore the forest today. We then cross the Far North toward the east coast, stopping at a winery after lunch for a relaxed wine tasting before arriving in Paihia. With the rest of the day free, unwind by the waterfront, choose from a range of optional activities, or explore this vibrant Bay of Islands town at your own pace.
Highlights:
- Wine tasting
- Arrival in Paihia
- Free afternoon in the Bay of Islands
Day 3: Bay of Islands
Today is yours to design. Cruise the Bay of Islands, go dolphin spotting, kayak to secluded beaches, or visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with your included combo pass. In the evening we come together for an included Hāngī dinner at Waitangi — a traditional Māori feast and cultural experience.
Highlights:
- Free day in the Bay of Islands
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds combo pass
- Traditional Hāngī dinner
Day 4: Paihia to Auckland
We journey south with a stop in the charming Matakana Village — free time to relax over lunch, browse boutique shops and galleries, or sample the region's renowned wines at The Vintry. From here we return to Auckland, ready for your flight to the South Island to continue the adventure.
Highlights:
- Matakana Village
- Local wine tasting at The Vintry
- Return to Auckland
Day 5: Auckland to Coromandel
We set off from Auckland toward the Coromandel Peninsula, a great time to get to know your guide and fellow travellers. After a few scenic stops we arrive in the coastal town of Hahei, where we explore Cathedral Cove, spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in turquoise waters, then catch the sunset from the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach.
Highlights:
- Cathedral Cove, Hahei
- Kayaking and swimming
- Hot Water Beach at sunset
Day 6: Coromandel to Rotorua
Saying goodbye to the Coromandel, we head to Rotorua. On the way we stop at the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland, a spectacular showcase of New Zealand's most colourful and unique geothermal elements, sculpted over thousands of years.
Highlights:
- Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland
- Arrival in Rotorua
Day 7: Rotorua
Dive into a jam-packed day at the geothermal and cultural heart of New Zealand. Try luging, zorbing or white water rafting, take in cultural performances, or simply marvel at the geothermal landscape. In the evening you can visit the Mitai Māori Village to engage with Māori culture and enjoy a hangi meal.
Highlights:
- Optional luging, zorbing or rafting
- Geothermal landscapes
- Optional Mitai Māori Village evening
Day 8: Rotorua to Taupō
We head to Taupō, the adventure capital of the North Island, stopping at Hobbiton on the way to experience the world-famous movie set. Next we discover the thundering Huka Falls and its trout-filled rivers before a sunset beer by Lake Taupō. In the evening, head out on an optional sailing cruise or try one of the local restaurants.
Highlights:
- Hobbiton movie set
- Huka Falls
- Lake Taupō sunset
Day 9: Taupō
The day is yours to explore the lake from the water's edge or 15,000ft above it. Conquer the Tongariro Crossing, go jetboating, sailing or bungy jumping — you'll be spoilt for choice in Taupō. Wind down afterwards over a glass of wine or a local craft beer.
Highlights:
- Free day in Taupō
- Optional Tongariro Crossing
- Jetboating, sailing or skydiving
Day 10: Taupō to Raglan (via Waitomo)
An early start sees us leave the great lake and head for Raglan, calling in at the underground caving town of Waitomo with time to get your adventure fix — wet or dry, from crawling and abseiling to rafting and glowworm viewing. From Waitomo we continue to Raglan, home to the world's longest left-hand break, for the night.
Highlights:
- Waitomo caves adventure
- Glowworm viewing
- Night in Raglan
Day 11: Raglan to Auckland
Rise early for an epic surf lesson on Raglan's infamous black sand beach. In the early afternoon we set off on the final journey back to Auckland, with plenty of photo stops (and maybe some famous ice cream) along the way, arriving at the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Highlights:
- Raglan surf lesson
- Black sand beach
- Return to Auckland
Day 12: Christchurch to Punakaiki
The South Island begins as 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 wetland and along the Lewis River, with stunning landscapes and stops on the way to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.
Highlights:
- Lewis Pass and the Southern Alps
- Beech forests and alpine terrain
- Arrival in Punakaiki
Day 13: Punakaiki
The ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration, Punakaiki is best known for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks resembling giant stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon among coastal forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, caves, pristine rivers and spectacular coastline.
Highlights:
- Pancake Rocks and Blowhole
- Limestone cliffs and caves
- West coast scenery
Day 14: Punakaiki to Abel Tasman
We drive the wild west coast with stops for lighthouse views and seal colonies, then head inland through the scenic Nelson Lakes toward Abel Tasman National Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town or set off to collect fresh green-lipped mussels.
Highlights:
- West coast seal colonies
- Nelson Lakes
- Abel Tasman National Park
Day 15: Golden Bay
Today we head to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit along with stunning beaches and wildlife. We stop to explore the Ngārua Caves, walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs — some of the clearest water you'll ever see — and follow the track to the South Island's northernmost point at Wharariki Beach.
Highlights:
- Ngārua Caves
- Te Waikoropupū Springs
- Wharariki Beach
Day 16: 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 kayaking the coastal route. If you're lucky, you might spot native wildlife such as the Tui or Tuatara.
Highlights:
- Free day in Abel Tasman
- Optional coastal hike or kayak
- Native wildlife
Day 17: Abel Tasman to Kaikōura (via Marlborough)
After a few adventures on the way out of town, we head to the famed Marlborough Wine Region for a sip or two of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and some vineyard photos. The drive continues to Kaikōura, where dramatic, rugged cliffs meet a coastline famed for whale watching and dolphin swimming.
Highlights:
- Marlborough wine tasting
- Kaikōura coastline
- Marine wildlife
Day 18: Kaikōura to Christchurch
Spend the morning ticking off the rest of your bucket list — spotting seals, searching for whales or swimming with dolphins. After a morning of adventure we hit the road for the drive back to Christchurch and its funky neighbourhoods.
Highlights:
- Seal, whale and dolphin encounters
- Return to Christchurch
Day 19: Christchurch to Tekapo
We head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand's most insta-worthy spots. Explore the local bike trails before relaxing in the lakeside hot springs and stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Highlights:
- Lake Tekapo
- Lakeside hot springs
- Dark Sky Reserve stargazing
Day 20: Tekapo to Queenstown
Today we head to the adrenaline capital of New Zealand — Queenstown! We stop in picturesque Wanaka along the way before settling into your accommodation for the next three nights. Queenstown is the perfect place to tick off the bucket list, from skydiving and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.
Highlights:
- Wanaka stopover
- Arrival in Queenstown
- Three nights in the adventure capital
Day 21: Milford Sound
Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins — welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After taking in the spectacular scenery on a fiord cruise, kick back with a beer, drop into a party, or devour NZ's famous Fergburger.
Highlights:
- Milford Sound fiord cruise
- Waterfalls and mountainscapes
- Queenstown evening
Day 22: Queenstown
Bungy jumps, canyon swings or horse riding — whatever your adventure threshold, there's something in Queenstown for you. Try one of New Zealand's most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging, or jet-boat up the canyon.
Highlights:
- Free day in Queenstown
- Skydiving, luging or jet boating
Day 23: 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, over Haast Pass, before arriving at the gateway to glacier country — Franz Josef.
Highlights:
- Wanaka
- Haast Pass
- Arrival in Franz Josef
Day 24: Franz Josef
Crampons at the ready — Franz Josef could be the most beautiful place you'll ever set eyes on. Explore stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, take a helicopter flight, or both. Want something at a lower altitude? Quad-bike, kayak, or relax in the glacier hot pools before kicking back with a cold drink.
Highlights:
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Optional glacier hike or helicopter flight
- Glacier hot pools
Day 25: Franz Josef to Christchurch
After a quick stop at beautiful Hokitika, experience a spectacular journey through Arthur's Pass amongst the snow-capped Southern Alps. Back in Christchurch, our epic journey comes to an end — we'll say our goodbyes and leave with stacks of great memories.
Highlights:
- Hokitika
- Arthur's Pass and the Southern Alps
- Return to Christchurch
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