New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
11 Days
From AUD $3170
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (4 reviews)

New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
3.4
4 Reviews
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Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities.

Highlights

  • 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!
  • 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.
  • Experience the geothermal delights of Rotorua, watch New Zealand’s largest geyser erupt and observe adorable kiwis in a nocturnal house at a conservation centre.
  • Discover the cool, artsy capital of Wellington with a local leader who knows all the best cafes, museums and hangouts.
  • See the sea from the coastal town of Kaikoura – this picturesque spot is perfect for a classic walk along the beach and if you’re lucky, you might even see some seals near the coastline!

Trip Details

Duration

11 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

1
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 have rebuilt. One of the best examples is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. If you arrive early, maybe explore the sites, cute cafes and cool shops. 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)
2
Day 2: 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)
3
Day 3: 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)
4
Day 4: 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)
5
Day 5: 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)
6
Day 6: 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)
7
Day 7: 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)
8
Day 8: 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)
9
Day 9: 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)
10
Day 10: 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)
11
Day 11: 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 $3,170
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 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
Marian & Ed
Traveled, December 2023

12/19/2023

This trip was exactly as advertised. Our tour guide Harry was excellent- he made sure everyone had a great time. He was a great driver, made sure we stopped during the long drives. Harry answered all questions, had a lively personality & was the best guide! Would definitely recommend!

4.0
Lachlan
Traveled, February 2023

03/10/2023

The trip in the north island of New Zealand was awesome. The scenery is spectacular and there is definitely lots of fun activities. Definitely recommend this trip as a great taster of the north island.

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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