NZ Explorer
14 DAYS • FROM $3,999 NZD
New Zealand Adventure Tours
Experience the best of the North and South Islands on this epic 14 day road trip. Uncover magic on the Hobbiton film set, hike through a glacier at Franz Josef and see glowworms in their full glory at Waitomo.
Highlights
Itinerary
This tour may also operate in the reverse, final itinerary will be confirmed upon booking. At times, weather and other conditions may affect or alter our route. Don't worry your guide will keep you aware of any changes along the way.
Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel
After a few scenic stops on the stunning drive to Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive into the coastal town of Hahei. Explore the Gateway to Narnia at Cathedral Cove, spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the turquoise waters then catch the sunset from the natural hot pools on Hot Water Beach.
Day 2: Coromandel to Rotorua
Say goodbye to the Coromandel as we head to Rotorua. We'll stop at Hobbiton on the way for you to experience the world-famous LOTR movie set. In the evening you have the option to visit the magical Mitai Maori Village. Learn and engage with Maori culture and traditions and enjoy a delicious hangi meal.
Day 3: Rotorua
Dive into a jam-packed day at the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua. Luging, zorbing, white water rafting, cultural performances or simply marvelling at the unique geothermal landscape; there’s heaps to do here!
Day 4: Rotorua to Taupō
For the next part of our journey, we head to Taupo, the adventure capital of the North Island. Discover the thundering Huka Falls and the trout-filled rivers before we head for a sunset beer by the stunning Lake Taupo. You may wish to head to one of the local restaurants, or out on the lake for an evening sailing cruise.
Day 5: Taupō
Explore the magnificent lake jetboating, sailing or from 15,000ft above. Fancy a hike? Spend the day conquering one of the best one-day walks in the world, Tongariro Crossing. Whatever you choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Taupō!
Day 6: Taupō to Raglan (via Waitomo)
The adventure continues to Waitomo, a town better known for what’s beneath it. Crawl, abseil, raft and squeeze your way through the dark abyss, lit only by the twinkling light of the glow worms above. After all that adventure it’s time for a beer on the beach in Raglan.
Day 7: Raglan to Auckland
Raglan is New Zealand’s quintessential iconic laid-back surfer town. You’ll have the chance to explore the rugged landscape, and unique black sand beach and catch a few waves. Then we head back to Auckland to catch a flight to Christchurch to continue your epic adventure in the South.
Day 8: Christchurch to Tekapo
The South Island kicks off from Christchurch as we head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo at one of New Zealand’s most insta-worthy spots. Explore the local bike trails before you relax in the lakeside hot springs for some stargazing at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 9: Tekapo to Queenstown
Today we’ll head to the adrenaline capital of New Zealand – Queenstown! Before we head off you’ll have time to do a few activities or fit in any walks you didn’t do yesterday. Once we arrive, we’ll head to your accommodation for the next three days and get you settled in then it’s off exploring! Queenstown is the perfect place to tick off a number of items off your bucket list, with everything on offer from skydiving, and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.
Day 10: Milford Sound
Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins, welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After taking in the spectacular scenery cruising the fiord, kick back with a beer, drop into a party or devour NZ’s famous burger - the Fergburger.
Day 11: Queenstown
Bungy jumps, canyon swings, or horse riding; whatever your adventure threshold, there’s something in Queenstown for you to choose from! Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging or jet boat up the canyon.
Day 12: Queenstown to Franz Josef
After a break in picturesque Wanaka, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along rugged coastline beside ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls as we head over Haast Pass, before we arrive at the gateway to glacier country – Franz Josef.
Day 13: Franz Josef
Crampons at the ready, Franz Josef could be the most beautiful place you'll ever set your eyes on. Explore the stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, helicopter - or both! Want something at a lower altitude? Quad bike, kayak, or relax in glacier hot pools, before kicking back with a cold drink to soak it all in.
Day 14: Franz Josef to Christchurch
After a quick stop off at beautiful Hokitika, experience a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass amongst the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps. Then it's back to Christchurch where our epic journey comes to an end. Fear not, we’ll say our goodbyes, hug it out and leave with stacks of great memories.
What's Included on every Wild Kiwi tour
Mercedes Sprinter Luxury Bus
Expert Local Guide-Driver
Flash-Pack Accommodation
Private Rooms available on request (Additional costs apply)
Breakfast Every Day
What's also Included on this tour
Flight Between The North And South Island
2 x Group Dinners
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland Entry
Transport To Milford Sound (Cruise Optional)
Huka Falls Walking Loop
Castle Rock Walk
Church Of The Good Shepherd
Visit The World's Largest Dark Sky Reserve At Tekapo
Hot Water Beach (Tide Dependent)
Popular Activities
Why Wild Kiwi?
Getting There
Starting in Auckland
You can fly directly to Auckland with many international carriers, as well as domestically within New Zealand. Your pick-up location will be at Swashbucklers Restaurant (23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland) which is a 27km drive from Auckland Airport. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is by Taxi or Uber.
Starting in Christchurch
There are multiple options for traveling to Christchurch. You have the choice to fly via Auckland with various international carriers or directly with domestic carriers within New Zealand. Additionally, depending on your departure location, selected airlines also offer direct flights to Christchurch. Your pick-up location will be at the main entrance to The Wydnham Garden Hotel in Christchurch (4 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City). It is located in the heart of the city and is easy to find. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is by Taxi or Uber."
NZ Explorer Pricing
Check the available dates below and then fill in the following booking form to enquire or secure your place.
Flexibility to make trip date changes free of charge
Guaranteed Departures
Secure your trip with a small deposit payment
NZ Explorer
From $3,999 NZD pp
14 Days
SAT 11 MAY
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 18 MAY
Departs Auckland
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 11 MAY Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 18 MAY Departs Auckland•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 1 JUN
Departs Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 8 JUN
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 15 JUN
Departs Auckland
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 29 JUN
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 1 JUN Departs Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 8 JUN Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 15 JUN Departs Auckland•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 29 JUN Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 6 JUL
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 13 JUL
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 27 JUL
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 6 JUL Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 13 JUL Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 27 JUL Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 3 AUG
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 10 AUG
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 24 AUG
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 31 AUG
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$3,999 Available |
SAT 3 AUG Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 10 AUG Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 24 AUG Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 31 AUG Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $3,999 Available |
SAT 7 SEP
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 21 SEP
Departs Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 28 SEP
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 7 SEP Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
SAT 21 SEP Departs Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
SAT 28 SEP Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
SAT 5 OCT
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 12 OCT
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 | Sold Out |
SAT 19 OCT
Departs Christchurch
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 26 OCT
Departs Auckland
•14 days
•Saturday to Friday
$4,194 Available |
SAT 5 OCT Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
SAT 12 OCT Departs Auckland or Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Sold Out |
SAT 19 OCT Departs Christchurch•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
SAT 26 OCT Departs Auckland•14 days•Saturday to Friday | $4,194 Available |
Secure Your Spot
Fill out the form below with your holiday preferences and requirements. One of our travel advisors will be in touch in the next 24 hours with our availability. If you have any questions feel free to call us or email hello@wildkiwi.com
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