17-Day New Zealand Intro Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Rotorua, Wellington and Wanaka | The'NZ Jobs' Program add-on Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

17 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Home - Auckland

   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 — 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. 
   Small Change: A visit to the Wai-o-tapu is more than a natural wonder, it's a meaningful way to support the local Māori community

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: 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. For those on the NZ Intro North work add-on, later that day, our team will help make sure you've got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs Program. In the evening we'll visit the Mitai Māori village 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: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: 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. 
   Small Change: Sail across Lake Taupō on New Zealand's only 100% electric yacht. This eco-friendly experience supports sustainable tourism and the preservation of the region's natural environment.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: YHA FINLAY JACKS HOSTEL
6. 6

   Day 6 — Waterfalls & Adrenaline

   This morning we'll check out the epic Huka Falls, a spine-tingling torrent of icy water thundering down from the Waikato River. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you'll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or bungee jump!

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: YHA FINLAY JACKS HOSTEL
7. 7

   Day 7 — Wellington

   Today, we're off to New Zealand's 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: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HAKA HOUSE WELLINGTON HOSTEL
9. 9

   Day 9 — Christchurch

   After exploring the North Island, it's time to head south! A quick included flight will bring you to Christchurch, where you'll have some freetime to explore the city, before you 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. Later, our team will help make sure you've got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs Program.

    

    Lake Tekapo

    Meals: B: Excluded, 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 Wanaka. This afternoon we'll stretch our limbs hiking for unforgettable views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. 

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

    Day 13 — Discover Wanaka

    Today we'll check out the highlights of Wanaka, including going kayaking on the stunning Lake Wanaka and discovering the famous Wanaka Tree. We'll later hike up Mount Iron for stunning views of the local area including The Pisa range, Upper Clutha Basin and the mesmerising Southern Alps.

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

    Day 14 — Queenstown

    Today we'll travel to the beautiful city of Queenstown. We'll have some time to explore this epic city. 

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
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: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
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: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
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