ARRIVE AND MEET YOUR GROUP – AUCKLAND
Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand's largest city, We'll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you'll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.
CITY ORIENTATION & WORK ESSENTIALS SET UP – AUCKLAND
Today we'll get oriented with the beautiful city of Auckland and help get your NZ bank account and SIM card. We'll then catch a ferry and travel to the beautiful Waiheke Island. Don't forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if it lives up to its title as the 'Worlds Sexiest.'
GLOWWORM CAVES & HOBBITON - WAITOMO
Wave goodbye to the city as we set off to explore the North Island. First up we're stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We'll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we'll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
EXPLORE ROTORUA – ROTORUA
Waking up to the whiff of sulphur, today you'll definitely know you're in Rotorua! We'll head to the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you'll get to take a dip, as well as one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands - Te Puia, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.
MAORI CULTURE - ROTORUA
This morning you'll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. This evening we will go to the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture! It doesn't get more authentic than this!
TAUPO & SUNSET SAIL – TAUPO
Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we'll treat you to something special - a sunset sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery as the sky changes colour and the stars set in above the volcanic landscape. NZ, you've stolen our hearts.
WATERFALLS & ADRENALINE – TAUPO
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!
CHILL OUT IN AUCKLAND – AUCKLAND
Today we'll head back to where it all started in Auckland! Spend the afternoon relaxing, checking out the sights, and getting ready for the trip down south tomorrow.
FLY TO QUEENSTOWN – QUEENSTOWN
Catch a short flight to Queenstown and we'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel in the city. We'll head out for dinner tonight and get excited for our new adventure in the South Island!
QUEENSTOWN AND JET BAOTING
Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!), getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as the highly skilled driver keeps things pumping with 360 degree spins and speeds in excess of 80km/h. Tonight it's time to see what this backpacker hub is all about after dark! Don't forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if It lives up to its title as the 'Worlds Sexiest'.
MILFORD SOUND CRUISE
This morning we make tracks to New Zealand's most majestic attraction - Milford Sound. Jumping on a fjord cruise, we'll experience the spellbinding combination of towering peaks, forested cliffs, resident seals, and plummeting waterfalls up close and personal. Pick your jaw up off the floor, this is nature at her finest. Tonight we'll cosy up in Te Anau, a picturesque town in the heart of Fiordland.
TRAVEL TO WANAKA
After soaking up Middle Earth's awe-inspiring vistas and filling our camera rolls we'll continue on to Wanaka, a quaint resort town on a lake dwarfed by snow-capped peaks.
DISCOVER WANAKA
Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka. We'll then head off hiking up Mt Iron, taking in the beautiful 360 degree landscape.
AORAKI/MT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Saying goodbye to Wanaka, we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo is alpine in the purest sense - boasting sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins - so have your camera at the ready! On the way we'll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, this track will wind us through the valley to give us awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
LAKE TEKAPO
Today we will hike up Mount John where we'll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps as well as a stunning bike ride around Lake Tekapo. After the walk we'll soak our tired muscles in some hot pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
WORK & ONWARD TRAVEL PLANNING
After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, we'll help sort out your onward travel for your trip in New Zealand. If you've got questions, we've got answers! Eager to book a skydive, bunny jump, or ski pass? We've got you covered. Tonight we'll get the gang together one more time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and night out on the town. Sweet as, bro.
CHECK OUT
This morning your unforgettable 17 day 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.
