New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

11 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christch...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Explore Hobbiton on a guided tour, finishing with a drink at The Green Dragon – this iconic must-see location is where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed and is like stepping right into Middle Earth!
    • Head to a Maori village where the profits from your visit are fed back into the community. Learn the haka and Maori weaving before tucking into a traditional hangi dinner.
    • Experience the geothermal delights of Rotorua, watch New Zealand’s largest geyser erupt and observe adorable kiwis in a nocturnal house at a conservation centre.
    • Discover the cool, artsy capital of Wellington with a local leader who knows all the best cafes, museums and hangouts.
    • See the sea from the coastal town of Kaikoura – this picturesque spot is perfect for a classic walk along the beach and if you’re lucky, you might even see some seals near the coastline!

What's this trip about?

    Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christchurch, head to seaside Kaikoura, explore trendy Wellington, marvel at the sight of Lake Taupo, learn about local culture in a Maori village, take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and chill out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula before wrapping up in lively Auckland. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people top the list, so embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their beautiful backyard. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityWellington
End CityAuckland

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony
    • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
    • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
    • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive
    • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
    • Murupara - Hangi Dinner
    • Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder
    • Murupara - Learn the Haka
    • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
    • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
    • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
    • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
    • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Christchurch

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown has been destroyed, but there are now tonnes of examples of the cool and creativ...

Day 2 Christchurch / Kaikoura

Today, leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura – a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. When you arrive, maybe get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to swim with dolphins ...

Day 3 Kaikoura / Wellington

Take the morning to soak in the scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. Crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides...

Day 4 Wellington / Taupo

Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include a visit to Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rin...

Day 5 Taupo

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Par...

Day 6 Murupara

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – most proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and cult...

Day 7 Rotorua

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel li...

Day 8 Rotorua

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If yo...

Day 9 Coromandel Peninsula

Start the day with a visit to Hobbiton – the absolute must-do when in New Zealand. On a fully guided tour of the set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot, you’ll see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, finishing up with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. ...

Day 10 Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unw...

Day 11 Auckland

Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,555
Price per day$141
Last Updated: 12/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
04 Jan 2025
11 Jan 2025
$1,615
13 Jan 2025
20 Jan 2025
$1,615
15 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$1,615
20 Apr 2025
27 Apr 2025
$1,555
27 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$1,555
06 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025
$2,410
09 Aug 2025
19 Aug 2025
$2,410
14 Sep 2025
24 Sep 2025
$2,410
08 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$2,410
15 Oct 2025
25 Oct 2025
$2,505

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Associations

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Logistics

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (10 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Private Vehicle,Ferry,

Transportation & flights

Private Vehicle,Ferry
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. In New Zealand your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish in a coaster vehicle. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Our crew are chosen for their driving skills, their knowledge of the country, their personality, and of course their leadership abilities. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services Australians travelling to New Zealand are eligible for publicly funded health care whilst in New Zealand. This medical care generally covers emergency treatment and is free. Please note that Intrepid travellers still require comprehensive travel insurance to cover against emergency repatriation, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements Some passport holders are required to request a NZeTA ((New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) prior to travelling to New Zealand. It's important that you check the requirements prior to travel. For the most up to date information on this and all visa requirements, we recommend you contact the New Zealand embassy in your country or visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Haka House Auckland City
  • 5 Turner Street
  • Auckland
  • 1010
  • NEW ZEALAND
Trip ID
intrepid-PHRO

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