Discover iconic hotspots and hidden gems on this 14-day road trip through both of New Zealand's islands. Travelling in a small group of no more than 18, we take in epic coastlines, pristine beaches and geothermal wonders at a relaxed, personal pace, creating an off-the-beaten-track adventure from top to bottom.
We dig our own hot pool at Hot Water Beach, marvel at the colourful geothermal features of Wai-O-Tapu, walk the Huka Falls loop, explore the caves of Waitomo, then cross to the South Island for the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, a wine tasting in Marlborough and the marine wildlife of the Kaikōura coastline.
Days
- 14 days, 13 nights
Group size
- Small group, max 18
Start / finish
- Auckland / Christchurch
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 13 nights in flashpacker dorm accommodation — one at Hahei on the Coromandel, two in Rotorua, two in Taupō, one in Raglan, one in Christchurch, two at Punakaiki, three at Abel Tasman and one at Kaikōura.
Transport
- A Mercedes Sprinter with your guide, and the flight from Auckland to Christchurch on day 7.
Meals
- No meals are named as included in the itinerary.
Route
Included experiences
- Abel Tasman National Park — three nights, hiking or kayaking the coastal track
- Golden Bay — the Ngārua Caves, Te Waikoropupū Springs and Wharariki Beach
- Cathedral Cove, and the Hot Water Beach hot pools at sunset
- Hobbiton — the movie set on the road to Taupō
- Waitomo — crawling, abseiling and rafting through glowworm-lit caves
- Raglan — the black sand beach and a few waves
- Punakaiki — the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole on the West Coast
- Cape Foulwind — the seal colony and lighthouse views
- Marlborough — wine tasting in Sauvignon Blanc country
- Kaikōura — coastal cliffs, whales, seals and dolphins
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on the way into Rotorua
- Huka Falls — the walking loop above the trout-filled river
- Rotorua — a free day for luging, zorbing or rafting, and an optional Mitai Māori Village hāngī
- Taupō — a free day for jetboating, sailing, skydiving or the Tongariro Crossing
- Lewis Pass and Nelson Lakes — the alpine drives on the South Island leg
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
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Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
This two-week Adventurer tour covering both the North and South Islands was described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded expectations. Guides Guy and Siobhan were friendly, informative and energetic throughout. The reviewer loved the small-group format and the freedom to choose activities as the trip went along, with stunning landscapes and new friendships among the highlights.
Guide Ben is funny and caring, going out of his way to take the group to places he knows they'll enjoy. The reviewer would recommend him without hesitation.
