New Zealand Amplified (Northbound)

Intrepid Travel · 19 days

4.3

4 Reviews

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Duration

19 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at your own pace. Maybe chill out in the Botanic Gardens to see some of the native plants, or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage.

Highlights

Wander around Arrowtown – a heritage town and living historic settlement that’s perfect for exploring on foot. This town, surrounded by sometimes-snowy peaks, dates back to gold mining times and is now a popular spot with cute cafes, small shops and scenic landscapes.
Stand in awe of the epic Franz Josef glacier and visit a local gallery to learn about the significance of pounamu (greenstone) to Maori culture while carving your own pendant.
Explore Hobbiton on a guided tour, finishing with a drink at The Green Dragon – this iconic must-see location is where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed and is like stepping right into Middle Earth!
Calling all adventure seekers! Queenstown is overflowing with adrenaline-pumping activities, so dive straight in or sit back with a glass of world-class local wine.
Head to a Maori village where the profits from your visit are fed back into the community, learn the haka and Maori weaving before tucking into a traditional hangi dinner.

Trip Details

Duration

19 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Christchurch, New Zealand

Finishes

Auckland, New Zealand

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown has been destroyed, but there are now tonnes of examples of the cool and creative ways the locals rebuilt what was lost across the city. One of the best examples of this is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get to know your leader and group. After, why not head out for dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Christchurch / Lake Tekapo

This morning, head out with your local leader to get to know Christchurch. After exploring some of the sites, it’s time to get on the road and drive to Lake Tekapo – this spot is a designated Dark Sky Reserve and the lake is a truly stunning sight, with its bright blue waters and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for newlyweds snapping pictures in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, which boasts one of the world’s most gorgeous backdrops! Night fall reveals a whole new side of Tekapo – this is one of the top spots in the country for stargazing, so if the weather’s right, maybe set your gaze up to the glittering stars above.

Included Activities:

Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Christchurch - City Tour

Optional Activities:

Lake Tekapo - Tekapo Springs Hot Pool (50 NZD)
Lake Tekapo - The Crater Experience (129 NZD)
Lake Tekapo - The Summit Experience (209 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Queenstown

Rise and shine! If you’d like to really embrace the morning, maybe take a hike to the summit of Mt John for views of the Southern Alps. If you skip the walk, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of incredible views to be seen today. You’ll drive past the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Basin and the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps today, as you travel down to Queenstown, making plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. Swing by the Kawarau Gorge, where you’ll have the chance to take the plunge with a bungy jump if you’re feeling brave! Arrive in the adventure capital of the world and your home for the next two nights. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline experiences or sitting back with a glass of wine, Queenstown is sure to tick all your boxes.

Included Activities:

Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge

Optional Activities:

Lake Tekapo - Hike up Mt John - Free
Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy (320 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Queenstown

The day is yours to experience all Queenstown has to offer. If you want to get your heart racing, look no further! Paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging and bungy jumping could all be on the cards for you today – just speak to your leader. For scenery lovers, a day trip to Milford Sound is a must. Sail past outstanding mountains and plunging waterfalls as you cruise down the fiord - these views cannot be missed! For Lord of the Rings fans, maybe take a 4WD adventure through landscapes where some of the film’s scenes were shot. If you’re a wine lover, this is one of the top wine-producing regions in the world and there’s no shortage of fantastic wineries where you can sample some for yourself.

Optional Activities:

Queenstown - Canyoning (239 NZD)
Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride (169 NZD)
Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour (285 NZD)
Queenstown - Canyon Swing - from (295 NZD)
Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip (274 NZD)
Queenstown - Nevis Bungy (395 NZD)
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola (64 NZD)
Queenstown - Dart River Funyaks - from (495 NZD)
Queenstown - Time Tripper (20 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Queenstown / Arrowtown / Wanaka

Take the morning to tick off anything you didn’t get to see or do yesterday, then leave Queenstown in the rear-view mirror and begin the super scenic drive across the Crown Range to Wanaka. Along the way, stop off in the little gold-rush town of Arrowtown, where the high street’s historic facades make it easy to imagine what life here once looked like. Take a walk around this gorgeous town, then continue to the huge Lake Wanaka – the star of the show. With the surrounding mountains, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Hit a hiking trail, explore on a bike or find a cosy cafe to admire the view.

Included Activities:

Arrowtown - Village visit

Optional Activities:

Wanaka - Happy Hour on the Lake (64 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Wanaka / Franz Josef

Soak up a free morning to explore Wanaka at your own pace. Maybe take a bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Depart Wanaka in the afternoon and venture further north, stopping off at a lookout point over either Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea, depending on conditions. Grab a window seat as you pass the impressive waterfalls of the Haast Pass and the spectacular coastline (your leader will make a few special stops along the way too!). Arrive to Franz Josef village – your base for the evening.

Included Activities:

West Coast - Haast Pass
West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout

Optional Activities:

Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk (159 NZD)
Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise (119 NZD)
Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from (199 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Franz Josef

Franz Josef is where glaciers and soaring peaks make a spectacular background to the slow-paced, daily life. This part of the country is known as Te Wahi Pounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’, due to the region’s abundance of this culturally and spiritually significant stone. Visit a local gallery and carve your own pendant while learning about pounamu’s importance to Maori culture. This afternoon, if you’d like to get closer to the Franz Josef Glacier, speak to your leader about the options available. There’s the chance to kayak over a glacial lake. No matter how you choose to spend the day here, it’s sure to be a good one!

Included Activities:

Franz Josef - Carve your own Pounamu Necklace

Optional Activities:

Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking (165 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: West Coast / Christchurch

Travel up the wild and wet West Coast, where the country’s highest annual rainfall means the landscapes are unbelievably green, standing in striking contrast to the blues of the ocean. If time allows, you may visit a kiwi centre, where kiwi birds can be observed in a nocturnal house. Drive on through Arthur’s Pass on your way back to Christchurch and enjoy the mountain scenery (making a couple of stops along the way for photos). Arrive to Christchurch in the evening and maybe head out for dinner and drinks with your group.

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Christchurch

Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at your own pace. Maybe chill out in the Botanic Gardens or go and see the Christchurch Cathedral – made entirely out of cardboard after the earthquake in 2011, this is a great example of the ingenuity of the locals. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at a 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After, why not head out to dinner at a local restaurant and get to know each other better.

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kaikoura

Today, leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura – a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. When you arrive, maybe get to know the town’s most famous creatures. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.

Included Activities:

Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony

Optional Activities:

Kaikoura - Wildlife Kayaking (140 NZD)
Kaikoura - Whale Watching (175 NZD)
Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (120 NZD)
Kaikoura - Albatross Encounter (175 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Kaikoura / Marlborough Sounds / Wellington

Take the morning to soak in the scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. Crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides – watch as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold along a beautiful coastline, making way for sweeping vineyards and open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, known for its amazing food and craft beer scene. Tonight, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.

Included Activities:

Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Wellington / Taupo

Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.

Included Activities:

Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Taupo

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.

Optional Activities:

Taupo - Skydive - from (529 NZD)
Taupo - Water Touch Bungy (235 NZD)
Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Return Shuttle to/from Trail Head (Nov-Apr only) (130 NZD)
Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure (69 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Murupara

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – most proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a member of the Maori community who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.

Included Activities:

Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
Murupara - Hangi Dinner
Murupara - Village Tour with Local Maori
Murupara - Learn the Haka

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Rotorua

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

Included Activities:

Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Rotorua

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.

Optional Activities:

Rotorua - River Sledging (135 NZD)
Rotorua - Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner (300 NZD)
Rotorua - Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour - from - (3.5hrs) (189 NZD)
Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting (139 NZD)
Rotorua - ZORB - from (45 NZD)
Rotorua - Mt Tarawera Hike (209 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Hobbiton / Coromandel Peninsula

Start the day with a visit to Hobbiton – the absolute must-do when in New Zealand. On a fully guided tour of the set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot, you’ll see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, finishing up with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon, head to the Coromandel Peninsula – a land of beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

Included Activities:

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Optional Activities:

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking (155 NZD)

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland – New Zealand’s biggest city is in a great spot, meaning you’re never far from the water. The dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them, so as it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for dinner with the group to celebrate.

Included Activities:

Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Accommodation:

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Auckland

Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,195

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 19 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Carla

Traveled, March 2024

03/26/2024

This was such an incredible trip, I only wish I had booked on to a longer tour! The range of activities was excellent, so you could be as extremely adventurous or as slightly adventurous as you wanted. From day one our guide Connor was friendly, organised and knowledgeable. To be shown such an amazing country by someone who is clearly passionate about his home and engaged with more responsible tourism made for a trip I will never forget!

5.0

Jerri-leigh

Traveled, October 2023

11/23/2023

Duli was a fabulous tour leader. He ensured we were organised, fed and entertained 24/7. Able to anwser any questions about the activities and NZ in general. I felt like I was touring with a friend :)

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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