Others

3 Group Dinners Exploration of the Waitomo Area (activities optional) Entry into Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland Travel the Thermal Highway Between Taupo and Rotorua Hot Water Beach (tide dependent) Flight Between the North and South Island Wine tasting in Marlborough Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies Abel Tasman National Park, Arguably one of the Best in New Zealand Stop at the Rugged West Coast Township of Franz Josef Transport to Milford Sound (cruise optional) Church of the Good Shepherd Huka Falls Walking Loop, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole Walk and The Castle Rock Walk

Meals

Breakfast is included each day and we will also go to a couple of our guides favourite spots for 3 evening dinners.

Guide

Experienced and knowledgeable Wild Kiwi guide.

Transport

Transport in our own luxury vehicle Wifi on board Leather seats USB chargers Air-conditioned Epic sound system for those road trip songs!

Flights

Flight between Auckland and Christchurch (in reverse if needed).

Accommodation

20 nights accommodation in shared and mixed-sex dorms with other Wild Kiwi guests.

Not included:

Insurance

We highly recommend you have travel insurance whilst you are in New Zealand.

Others

Additional add-on experiences can be booked by your Wild Kiwi guide whilst on tour: Waitomo Caves Boat Tour from $63 Haggas Honking Hole (abseil and climb) from $168 Tongariro Crossing (unguided) from $120 Jet boating on Huka Falls from $139 Sail Lake Taupo from $50 Hobbiton Movie Set from $119 Mt Tarawera Guided Hike from $164 Zorbing from $40 Rotorua Canopy Tours (ziplining) from $159 Tamaki Maori Village from $130 Cathedral Cove Kayaking from $145 Whale Watching Cruise from $165 Swim with Dolphins from $220 Pilot a Plane Experience from $120 Abel Tasman Kayak and Walk Experience from $150 Abel Tasman Skydiving from $299 Abel Tasman Canyoning from $292 West Coast Brewery Tour from $35 Underworld Cave Tour from $145 Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike from $585 Quad Biking from $195 Milford Sound from $109 Canyon Swing/Fox from $249 Bungy Jumping from $220 Jet Boating from $129 Skydiving over the Southern Alps from $299 Funyaks from $399 Paragliding from $269 Horse Riding from $195 Ziptrek Ecotours from $159 Rafting from $219 Canyoning from $229 Ice Pub Crawl from $30

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Auckland To Hot Water Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Auckland To Hot Water Beach

After a few scenic stops on the stunning drive to Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive into the coastal town of Hahei. Explore the Gateway to Narnia at Cathedral Cove, spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the turquoise waters then catch the sunset from the natural hot pools on Hot Water Beach.
Day 2 Day 2: Hahei To Rotorua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hahei To Rotorua

Say goodbye to the Coromandel as we head to the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua. Luging, zorbing, white water rafting, cultural performances or simply marvelling at the unique geothermal landscape; there’s heaps to do here!
Day 3 Day 3: Rotorua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Rotorua

Dive into a jam-packed day in and around Rotorua. Experience the world-famous movie set at Hobbiton, max-out relax in natural thermal hot springs, check out the bubbling mud pools, or hike the breath-taking Mount Tarawera volcanic crater.
Day 4 Day 4: Rotorua To Taupo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Rotorua To Taupo

For the next part of our journey we head to Taupo, the adventure capital of the north island. Discover the thundering Huka Falls and the trout-filled rivers before we head for a sunset beer by the stunning Lake Taupo.
Day 5 Day 5: Taupo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Taupo

After breakfast with a view, you’ll have the day to explore the lake from the water’s edge or 15,000ft above it!! Up to you. Spend the day conquering the Tongariro Crossing or jetboating, sailing, exploring or bungy jumping – you’ll be spoilt for choice in Taupo! After an exciting day, wind down over a glass of wine or a craft beer from a local brewery and tell your fellow travellers all about the awesome things you have been doing.
Day 6 Day 6: Taupo To Raglan Via Waitomo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Taupo To Raglan Via Waitomo

We have an early start this morning so we can hit the road and leave the great lake behind as we head to Raglan. Before we get to the surf township, we have the underground caving town of Waitomo to navigate through with 3.5 hours here to get your adventure fix for the day. Wet or dry, we’ve got you covered! Your guide will be on hand to help you plan your time in Waitomo.

From Waitomo, we head to Raglan for the night at a home away from home. Raglan is home to the world’s longest left-hand break. Tonight’s accommodation is the perfect place to soak up your last night on the Northern aspect of your tour.
Day 7 Day 7: Raglan To Christchurch Via Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Raglan To Christchurch Via Auckland

Get up early this morning for your epic surf lesson on this infamous surf beach. Then at around 1 pm, we’ll set off for our final journey back to where it all started. We’ll make sure to make plenty of photo stops and may even stop off at New Zealand’s favourite ice cream place!

We’ll get to Auckland airport at approximately 4 pm where we’ll hop on our flight down to Christchurch. Your flight will be booked for 6 pm or 7 pm and you will receive your boarding pass from the Wild Kiwi office crew the day before. Once you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for the night, JUCY Snooze Christchurch.
Day 8 Christchurch To Punakaiki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Christchurch To Punakaiki

To kick off your South Island adventure, 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. We have plenty of distance to cover but we will have stunning landscapes & stops on our way to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.
Day 9 Punakaiki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Punakaiki

The ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration, this picturesque coastal village is full of exciting things to do but is best known for the Pancake Rock where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon experiencing luxuriant coastal forest, fantastic limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.
Day 10 Punakaiki To Abel Tasman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Punakaiki To Abel Tasman

Drive the wild west coast with stops that include lighthouse views and seal colonies. As we head inland we drive through the scenic Nelson Lakes towards arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful National Park, Abel Tasman. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town or go on an adventure to collect fresh green lipped mussels.
Day 11 Day 12: Abel Tasman - Golden Bay Day Trip
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Abel Tasman - Golden Bay Day Trip

Today we head to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand’s longest sandspit along with stunning beaches and wildlife. Be ready for an adventure today, as we stop to explore the Ngārua Caves followed by a walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs, some of the clearest water you will see. Finally, follow the track to the most northern point on the South Island at Wharariki Beach.
Day 12 Day 11: Abel Tasman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Abel Tasman

Today you can explore the Abel Tasman any way you like; kayaking, sailing, hiking, canyoning or skydiving! If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing you can take a stroll along the beach and discover why we think this National Park has some of New Zealand’s best beaches. If you’re lucky you may get to see some of New Zealand’s exciting native wildlife such as the Tui and the Tuatara.
Day 13 Day 13: Abel Tasman To Kaikoura Via Marlborough
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Abel Tasman To Kaikoura Via Marlborough

After a few epic adventures on our way out of town we head to the famed Marlborough Wine Region. Driving through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds we’ll pop by Picton before settling into one of our favourite wineries. Have a sip or two of it’s world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and snap some instagram worthy shots in the vineyards.

Next up is Kaikoura, there are very few places in the world that can boast such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in this small community. As we come into town you’ll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs on the edge of town, which are as impressive as the whale watching and dolphin swimming.
Day 14 Day 14: Kaikoura To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Kaikoura To Christchurch

Spend the morning ticking off the rest of your bucket list, whether it’s spotting seals, searching for whales or swimming with dolphins. After a morning of adventure we will hop on the road for our final drive back to Christchurch. Here you’ll have a night at Jucy Snooze before the start of your next adventure tomorrow.
Day 15 Christchurch To Tekapo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Christchurch To Tekapo

Prepare for an incredible day as we head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo at one of New Zealand’s most insta-worthy spots. Explore the local bike trails before you relax in the lakeside hot springs for some stargazing at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve .
Day 16 Tekapo To Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tekapo To Queenstown

From here we make our way through the tall, tussock-covered mountains of Lindis Pass before landing in the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown.
Day 17 Milford Sound Daytrip
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Milford Sound Daytrip

Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins, welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After taking in the spectacular scenery cruising the fiord, kick back with a beer, drop into a party or devour NZ’s famous burger - the Fergburger.
Day 18 Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Queenstown

Time to explore Queenstown and do all of the crazy things you would like to tick off the bucket list! Your guide will leave breakfast in your kitchen so help yourself as everyone will be off at different times. Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of the world; you can go bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, jet boating, canyoning, white-water rafting, zip lining, luging, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking and quad-biking. You should be able to fit 2-3 activities in today, so go throw yourself off or out of something! Once the day’s done, we’ll all meet and share our crazy experience over a meal and some drinks!
Day 19 Queenstown To Franz Josef
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 as we head over Haast Pass, before we arrive at the gateway to glacier country – Franz Josef.
Day 20 Franz Josef
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Franz Josef

Crampons at the ready, Franz Josef could be the most beautiful place you’ll ever set your eyes on. Explore the stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, helicopter - or both! Want something at a lower altitude? Quad bike, kayak or relax in glacier hot pools, before kicking back with a cold drink to soak it all in.
Day 21 Franz Josef To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Franz Josef To Christchurch

After a quick stop off at beautiful Hokitika, experience a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass amongst the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps. Then it’s back to Christchurch where our epic journey comes to an end. Fear not, we’ll say our goodbyes, hug it out and leave with stacks of great memories.

+18

21 days tour

New Zealand Discovery Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip New Zealand Discovery Tour

Auckland To Hot Water Beach

Day 2: Hahei To Rotorua

Day 3: Rotorua

Day 4: Rotorua To Taupo

Day 5: Taupo

Day 6: Taupo To Raglan Via Waitomo

Day 7: Raglan To Christchurch Via Auckland

Christchurch To Punakaiki

Punakaiki

Punakaiki To Abel Tasman

Day 12: Abel Tasman - Golden Bay Day Trip

Day 11: Abel Tasman

Day 13: Abel Tasman To Kaikoura Via Marlborough

Day 14: Kaikoura To Christchurch

Christchurch To Tekapo

Tekapo To Queenstown

Milford Sound Daytrip

Queenstown

Queenstown To Franz Josef

Franz Josef

Franz Josef To Christchurch

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