New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)

Intrepid Travel · 20 days

4.7

9 Reviews

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Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Welcome to New Zealand, where snow-dusted peaks rub shoulders with glacial lakes, and off-the-grid surf towns give way to cosmopolitan cities.

Highlights

Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from the geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture – visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
Admire the landscapes of Tongariro National Park – home to emerald green lakes and soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
Get to know New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including the Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.
Live it up in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, 4WD-ing through Lord of the Rings scenery or wine tasting, there’s something here for everyone.
Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.

Trip Details

Duration

20 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Train,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Finishes

Christchurch, New Zealand

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) – the land of the long white cloud! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest city on the North Island. Meet your local leader and new travel friends at your accommodation at 6 pm for a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After the meeting, you may like to dip into Auckland’s nightlife with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula

This morning, leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, following the coastline. A land of white sand beaches and rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm water found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub! After a visit to Cathedral Cove, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Optional Activities:

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking (155 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Raglan

Hit the road and make a scenic drive to Raglan, passing hills and valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo stops, including a visit to the 55-m cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls. Widely considered to be New Zealand’s premier surf spot, the chilled-out town offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out the local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Tonight, get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast – a true Kiwi experience!

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Hobbiton / Rotorua

This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves – a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of gorges and limestone arches. Then, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata to visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 metres at the highest point.

Included Activities:

Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Rotorua

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – home to simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening, you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner alongside a soul-stirring haka performance.

Included Activities:

Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance

Optional Activities:

Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua (43 NZD)
Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from (189 NZD)
Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting (139 NZD)
Rotorua - ZORB - from (45 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Rotorua / Taupo

Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind with your free morning. Or, you can head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. This afternoon, say goodbye to Rotorua and get on the road for Taupo. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls along the way, before arriving in the late afternoon. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – this is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Taupo and Tongariro National Park.

Included Activities:

Taupo - Huka Falls

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Taupo

A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19.4 km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today.

Optional Activities:

Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from (130 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Wellington

Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy capital city. Strung between green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, and this afternoon, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city. Then, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You may like to head up Mt Victoria for a view that will help you appreciate Wellington in all its glory. With a booming food scene, your leader will have no shortage of restaurant recommendations.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Wellington

Kick the day off with a visit to Zealandia – a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Visit Weta Workshop – the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone.

Included Activities:

Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Optional Activities:

Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour (35 NZD)
Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour (55 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds / Kaikoura

Say goodbye to the North Island and cross the Cook Strait on board a ferry, taking in some pretty unforgettable views along the way. Your introduction to New Zealand’s South Island sets the tone for the rest of the journey – pass through the iconic landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise into Picton Harbour. Aside from its marvellous scenery, the Marlborough region is known for its production of world-class white wine, so what better way to get a taste of the South Island than by visiting some of its best wineries? Stop by and sample their goods while learning what makes Marlborough wine so renowned. Continue your journey south, eventually arriving in Kaikoura where you will stop for the night. This seaside town is known for its abundance of marine wildlife. This evening perhaps head out for a crayfish dinner – it’s a real specialty here!

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Kaikoura / Christchurch

Embrace a free morning to enjoy all Kaikoura has to offer. Kaikoura is famously one of the world’s top spots for whale watching, so perhaps take advantage of your time here and head out on a boat trip in search of humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales. Regroup and check out a colony of native fur seals, then depart Kaikoura and travel down to Christchurch, the South Island’s biggest city. Perhaps head out for dinner, or rest up for an exciting day ahead tomorrow. A meeting will take place at your hotel tomorrow morning to welcome any travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey.

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Ohau

Christchurch is not just a pretty city – it’s also remarkably resilient. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 2011, the city has begun to rebuild in innovative and creative ways. Head out with your leader this morning to see this for yourself. Stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, which stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake and has now been replaced with an architecturally striking and quake-proof structure made from cardboard. After a morning of exploring, say goodbye to Christchurch and drive inland to Lake Tekapo. An eye-catching combination of purple lupins, turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks makes this one of the most photo-worthy spots in the country. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of the lakes and attracts couples from all over the world to shoot their wedding pictures. Continue to Lake Ohau or Twizel (depending on departure) where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Mackenzie Country / Queenstown

Hit the road this morning for a journey to remember – watch out the window as you pass the sprawling grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin and showstopping peaks of the Southern Alps. Your drive will be broken up with plenty of scenic stops, including a visit to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungy jumping. If you’re feeling adventurous, get involved and jump off the suspension bridge crossing the gorge, or just stand back and watch brave jumpers take the plunge. Continue on to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, and rightfully so! Aside from its high-adrenaline attractions, Queenstown has a booming culinary scene, produces some of the world's best wine and boasts unbelievable scenery at every turn.

Optional Activities:

Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner (189 NZD)
Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy (320 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Queenstown

The day is all yours to discover the varied delights of Queenstown. There are loads of options to get your heartrate up, whether you fancy shooting down the river on a jet boat, river kayaking, flying above the town in a gondola or a 4WD adventure through landscapes of Lord of the Rings fame. If you’d like to take things a little slower, perhaps head to the Gibbston Valley to taste wines only topped by the inspiring scenery. A walk around the stunning Lake Wakatipu will give you a good dose of fresh air and epic views. There’s no shortage of dining options to tempt your tastebuds – if you’re willing to wait, a famous Fergburger is hard to beat!

Optional Activities:

Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour (285 NZD)
Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise (499 NZD)
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola (64 NZD)
Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip (274 NZD)
Queenstown - Time Tripper (20 NZD)
Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride (169 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Queenstown / Arrowtown / Wanaka

Take the chance this morning to cross off any Queenstown activities you didn’t have time for yesterday – be sure to speak to your leader for tips on the best way to spend a morning here. In the afternoon, get back on the road for the scenic drive to Wanaka, through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop off along the way in Arrowtown – a little goldrush town popular for its heritage buildings and Autumn festival. Take a walk along the tree-lined high street and maybe pop into the old-school lolly shop. Arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon and embrace the vibe of this laidback and beautiful town. With Lake Wanaka as its glittering centrepiece and dramatic mountains as its backdrop, the town is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s best. This afternoon you may like to head out on a hike or just stretch out on the shores of the lake and take it all in.

Optional Activities:

Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride (169 NZD)
Queenstown - Time Tripper (20 NZD)
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola (64 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Mou Waho Island / Wanaka

Visit Mou Waho Island today. Accessible only by boat and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! Enjoy a walk as you learn more about this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial-formed lake at its summit. Your afternoon is free to explore Wanaka and surrounds. No visit to Wanaka would be complete without seeing #thatwanakatree. Springing up from the waters of Lake Wanaka, this sloping willow is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There's no shortage of excellent hiking routes in the region if you'd like to get out and explore on foot, or you may prefer to hire a bike and hit the cycling trails.

Included Activities:

Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk

Optional Activities:

Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from (199 NZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Franz Josef

Get back on the road and make tracks for Franz Josef. This is another incredible drive, so have your camera ready! Depending on the weather, stop off at either Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout points. Along the way, your leader will pause at some off the beaten track spots to snap some pictures and stretch your legs. Arrive in Franz Josef in the early evening and perhaps head out to one of the town’s cosy pubs for dinner.

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Franz Josef

Rise and shine – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's so much to discover here. Known for the dazzling Franz Josef Glacier and awe-inspiring views of Mt Cook, this is natural beauty on the biggest scale. The region also has a cultural history that’s every bit as captivating as its natural wonders. Only found in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu (greenstone) is an important part of Maori culture. Today, you’ll visit a local gallery where you’ll have the chance to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. If you’d like to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon, you can arrange for a helicopter to drop you in for a hike. You may prefer to sit back and unwind in local hot springs, or head out kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake.

Included Activities:

Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving

Optional Activities:

Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking (165 NZD)
Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: West Coast / Greymouth / Christchurch

Begin the journey up the west coast – this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, resulting in greenery and lush rainforests like nowhere else in the country. If time allows, there may be the chance to check out the National Kiwi Centre – the nocturnal house here gives visitors the opportunity to see how these nocturnal birds behave. The next stretch of your journey may just be the most magnificent – hop aboard the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch, widely believed to be one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and travel past the rushing blue waters of the Waimakariri River and endless native beech forest. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.

Included Activities:

Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Christchurch

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

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 $10,325

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 20 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Welcome to New Zealand, where snow-dusted peaks rub shoulders with glacial lakes, and off-the-grid surf towns give way to cosmopolitan cities.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Oct 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

Janine

Traveled, March 2024

03/31/2024

This trip was amazing. Such a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Highlights for me were Milford Sound and the Franz Josef helicopter. Great group and an excellent guide who went the extra mile for us providing options to do during our free time if wanted. Highly recommend doing this trip North to South as the islands are vastly different to each other and finishing with the South was a perfect ending.

4.0

Ingrid

Traveled, February 2024

02/27/2024

New Zealand is a fabulous place and we had a fantastic Guide. The intrepid logistical support and organisation however needs improving.

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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