Best of New Zealand: Maori Culture & Mountain Coastlines
21 days from Auckland to Wellington
From $ 3399
Duration21 days
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Compared with their enormous neighbour to the left, the islands of New Zealand don’t look especially big on the map, but don’t let their small stature deceive you. There is much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, cruising remote fjords, or taking in some of the world's most breathtaking views. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South Islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 21 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Auckland
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Wellington
    Ages: 18+
Best of New Zealand - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Auckland
Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, opt to visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Arrive at any time. Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.

If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
Day 2: Auckland/Raglan
Travel backroads to a remote conservation farm where they are using natural means to boost the stocks of traditionally farmed marine life. Farmers have created a balanced ecosystem to attract native birds and animals back to the area.

After, kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our lodge a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night.
Visit an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a harbour for a picnic lunch. Breakfast box Hamburger and salad (veg option available)
Meals: B, L
Day 3: Raglan
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as yoga, stand up paddle boarding or exploring the many trails in the area.
Enjoy an included surf lesson in one of the world's most famous surf areas, then opt to go hiking or rent a stand up paddle board. Breakfast box BBQ meat with salads
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua
Stop en route at Waitomo. Enjoy free time to visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities, or explore this scenic area by foot.

Continue to Rotorua for an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village.
Opt to go caving in world famous Waitomo before heading to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture. Visit a local village to gain insight into Maori culture. Breakfast box
Meals: B
Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo
Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, or hit up a nearby spa. Continue on to spend the night near the shores of Lake Taupo.
Meals: B
Day 6: Taupo/Wellington
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.
Take in the ever-changing scenery on the drive down to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Opt to take the cable car to the hills overlooking the city, visit the national museum, Te Papa, or stroll along Oriental Parade. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Meals: B
Day 7: Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park
Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches. Board a water taxi to transfer to the middle of the National Park for the night. The night will be spent on a floating boat hostel.
Take a ferry over to the South Island and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park. During the winter season (May - Oct), and when there is inclement weather in the summer, we will stay in cabins in a true rural setting on the edge of the park instead of the floating boat hostel.

End place: Abel Tasman National Park

Meals: B, D
Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park

Start place: Abel Tasman National Park

Hike and explore Abel Tasman's golden beaches and waterways.

End place: Abel Tasman National Park

Meals: B
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport

Start place: Abel Tasman National Park

Head south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Visit a seal colony before travelling to Westport, the stop for the night. Create a meal together as a group and show off your cooking skills!
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Westport/Franz Josef

Start place: Westport

Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.
Take in the pancake rock formations at Punakaiki before continuing on to Franz Josef. Enjoy free time for optional activities like hiking, horseback riding, and quad biking.

End place: Franz Josef

Meals: B, D
Day 11: Franz Josef

Start place: Franz Josef

Free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.

End place: Franz Josef

Meals: B
Day 12: Franz Josef/Queenstown

Start place: Franz Josef

Visit the adventure capital of the world—Queenstown.

End place: Queenstown

Meals: B
Day 13-14: Queenstown

Start place: Queenstown

Free time in Queenstown. Get the heart pumping with some adrenaline-filled options, such as jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving. If you have pre-booked the Queenstown Jet Boating, your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity during your tour, as days are subject to change.

Please note - in the winter months (early/mid June to early/mid October) skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps is a highlight for any visitor. Most of the optional activities are also available, ask your CEO which ones are in season.

End place: Queenstown

Meals: B
Day 15: Queenstown/Te Anau

Start place: Queenstown

Visit Fiordland National Park and enjoy a boat cruise through breathtaking Milford Sound. In the evening, opt to cruise across Lake Te Anau and visit a cave that is home to thousands of glowworms.

End place: Te Anau

Meals: B, L
Day 16: Te Anau/Central Otago

Start place: Te Anau

Enjoy free time in the morning to discover the natural beauty of Te Anau. Later, transfer to Wedderburn in Central Otago.

End place: Wedderburn

Meals: B, D
Day 17: Central Otago

Start place: Wedderburn

Bike 35 km of the Otago Rail Trail, passing through one historic town to the next. Along the way sample some local food and drink.

End place: Wedderburn

Meals: B
Day 18: Wedderburn/Christchurch

Start place: Wedderburn

Overnight in the very unique converted jail house.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Christchurch. Central Otago/Christchurch

End place: Christchurch

Meals: B
Day 19: Christchurch/Kaikoura

Start place: Christchurch

Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula.

Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.
Opt to go whale watching, swim with seals or take a walk along the coast.

End place: Kaikoura

Meals: B
Day 20: Kaikoura/Wellington

Start place: Kaikoura

Travel to Picton to catch the ferry back to Wellington. Opt for a final night out with the group.

End place: Wellington

Meals: B
Day 21: Wellington

Start place: Wellington

We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city. Looking for a lift back to Auckland? Add on the "Auckland Express" and ride with your CEO back north. Ask your sales CEO or agent about this Extra.

What is the Auckland Express Extra? Depart Wellington at 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time). If you have booked this transfer NOT on the last day of your tour, you must book post-accommodation through G Adventures. All services must be connected.
Depart at any time.

End place: Wellington

Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lessons, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
  • Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
  • Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
  • Maori cultural experience
  • Visit to a seal colony
  • Walks in Franz Josef and Abel Tasman National Parks
  • Fiordland NP visit
  • Milford Sound nature cruise
  • Mountain biking excursion (Central Otago)
  • Orientation walks in Wellington and Christchurch
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Kayak, Boat, Ferry

  • Accommodation

    Hostels (11 nts), Basic lodges (9 nts) Most nights are multi-share

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