17-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Lake Taupo and Aoraki National Park

What you'll experience

Highlights

17 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Home - New Zealand

   Kia ora! Landing in Auckland, we'll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. Tonight you'll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures yet to come travelling New Zealand!

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Auckland City Hostel
2. 2

   Day 2 — Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton

    Leaving Auckland, we're off to discover the best of the beautiful North Island. Our first stop is Waitomo, home to the world- famous glowworm caves. We'll explore this surreal, subterranean landscape by boat, watching in awe as the glowworms light up the darkness. Next we're heading to Hobbiton, the real-life movie set featured in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. After strolling through the enchanting village on a guided tour, we'll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
   Small Change: A visit to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves is more than a natural wonder, it's a meaningful cultural exchange and a way to support the local Māori community.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Rotorua Hostel
3. 3

   Day 3 — Explore Rotorua

   First on the agenda is Kerosene Creek, a naturally heated hot spring where we can laze away the morning. Next is one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Haka House Rotorua Hostel
4. 4

   Day 4 — Māori Experience

   This morning, enjoy some free time to try exciting activities like zorbing or the skyline luge. In the evening we'll visit the Mitai Māorivillage for an introduction to Māori culture — an experience as authentic as it gets!
   Small Change: Experience an authentic cultural exchange at Mitai Māori Village, where a traditional Powhiri ceremony and captivating Kapa Haka performances welcome you into Te Ao Māori. 
    

   

   Mitai Maori Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Rotorua Hostel
5. 5

   Day 5 — Taupo Sail

   Get your cameras out as we head to Taupo, a lakefront town right in the heart of the North. Tonight we've got something special lined up - a sail across the lake. The majestic scenery and the maori rock carvings will wow us. 

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: YHA Finlay Jacks Hostel
6. 6

   Day 6 — Waterfalls & Adrenaline

   This morning we're off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you'll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: YHA Finlay Jacks Hostel
7. 7

   Day 7 — Travel to Wellington

   Today, we're off to New Zealand' vibrant capital, Wellington! Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere by visiting its cozy cafes, savouring mouthwatering dishes at delicious restaurants, or simply unwinding and soaking in the relaxed evening vibes.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE WELLINGTON HOSTEL
8. 8

   Day 8 — Discover Wellington

   Kick off your day with a city orientation tour, exploring the highlights of New Zealand's capital! Ride the famous cable cars for panoramic views, then delve into the fascinating history and lively culture at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum—one of the world's top museums. Tonight we'll get the gang together one last time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and final night out on the town!

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE WELLINGTON HOSTEL
9. 9

   Day 9 — Fly to Christchurch

   After exploring the North Island, it's time to head south! A quick included flight will bring you to Christchurch, where you'll reunite with your travel crew and get ready for the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE CHRISTCHURCH HOSTEL
10. 10

    Day 10 — Christchurch Orientation & Lake Tekapo

    Explore the lively city of Christchurch, where history and culture come to life around every corner, before heading to the stunning beauty of Lake Tekapo!

    

    Lake Tekapo

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE LAKE TEKAPO HOSTEL
11. 11

    Day 11 — Lake Tekapo

    Today we'll take a hike up Mt John where we'll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps before soaking our tired muscles in some hot pools.

    

    Lake Tekapo

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE LAKE TEKAPO HOSTEL
12. 12

    Day 12 — Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

    This morning we'll make our way to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka, nestled beneath towering snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we'll take a beautiful hike, that leads us to unbeatable views of Aoraki/Mount Cook—the tallest mountain in New Zealand!

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE WANAKA HOSTEL
13. 13

    Day 13 — Discover Wanaka

    Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka and discovering the famous Wanaka Tree. Later, we'll tackle the Mount Iron hike, where we'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pisa Range and the Upper Clutha Basin.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE WANAKA HOSTEL
14. 14

    Day 14 — Explore Queenstown

    After travelling to buzzing Queenstown, we'll get oriented with the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!).

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Hostel
15. 15

    Day 15 — Milford Sound Cruise

    Leaving Queenstown, today we're heading to the majestic Milford Sound. We'll hop on a boat to cruise around the fjord, feeling tiny amongst sheer cliff faces, ancient forests, and plunging waterfalls. 

    

    Milford Sound

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Hostel
16. 16

    Day 16 — Queenstown & Jet Boating

    Today we'll show you around stunning Queenstown with an orientation walk. The good news is that our first jolt of adrenaline isn't far off, as this afternoon we'll be zipping through Canyons on a jet boat going over 80 km/h. Tonight we'll get together one last time for our farewell dinner.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Hostel
17. 17

    Day 17 — Check Out

    This morning your unforgettable South Island adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels with the new friends you’ve made! Whatever your plans, we'll be there to help every step of the way.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator