Trails of New Zealand

18 days
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USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Enjoy an active, cultural adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud
26%
$14,580
From$10,800
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand
    • Gain an insight into Māori culture, join in a hāngi (Māori feast) and cultural performance
    • Enjoy a half-day coastal walk and sailing trip in Abel Tasman National Park
    • Cruise the stunning Milford Sound with one night on board the Milford Mariner
    • Discover Queenstown and enjoy the scenic delights of this world-famous destination
    • Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: home to the highest mountains and longest glaciers in New Zealand

What's this trip about?

    Enjoy an active, cultural adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival (shared shuttle) and departure (taxi) transfers (must be booked at least one month before departure)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

The day is free to relax and recover from the flight. If you’re arriving into Auckland Airport today, you can arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel – see the Joining Instructions for more information. Auckland is a beautiful c...

Day 2 Visit Rangitoto Island

Auckland is the City of Sails, so what better way to start your trip than to cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to beautiful Rangitoto Island? At 600 years’ old, it is actually the youngest volcano in New Zealand. The island has undergone a significant restoration program...

Day 3 To Rotorua

Leaving the city, we head south to Rotorua (approximately 3hr 30min drive). On arrival, we stretch our legs with a hike around a redwood forest followed by an afternoon at leisure in town or an optional hike at Blue Lake. The evening highlight is a visit to a marae (c...

Day 4 To Tongariro National Park

We explore one of the most colourful thermal areas in New Zealand with boiling mud pools, hot streams and silica terraces. The natural wonders that first attracted the Māori in the 14th century, and later the Europeans, still draw large numbers of tourists every year....

Day 5 Free day in Tongariro National Park; option to hike Tongariro Crossing and other activities

We wake up in the heart of Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the important Māori cultural and spiritual associations plus its outstanding volcanic features. If you’re physically fit...

Day 6 To Wellington

Relax following yesterday’s free day of exploring Tongariro National Park as we drive (approximately five hours) south to Wellington. Continue across the Rangitikei and Manawatu Plains and down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. On Wellington waterfront is Te Papa, the N...

Day 7 Ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough; drive to Abel Tasman National Park

After an early breakfast, we board the ferry and leave the North Island as we cross the Cook Strait, passing the Marlborough Sounds with 932mi (1,500km) of beautiful coastline. From Picton, we have a 1hr 30min drive to Nelson where we can take time out to explore the ...

Day 8 Half-day coastal walk; boat to Motueka

We have a 25-minute transfer to the village of Marahau, where a morning coastal walk takes us through beautiful beaches and coastal vegetation. The path is well maintained and the walk takes approximately three to four hours. We meet our sailing boat at Anchorage Bay,...

Day 9 To Buller River; visit the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki; overnight in Greymouth

Our departure from Abel Tasman National Park is followed by a scenic drive down the mighty Buller River. After a short stop at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony, we stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks. If the tide is up, the ground can physically sh...

Day 10 To Fox Glacier, passing Okarito en route

Passing through areas of lush forests, we continue south down the beautiful west coast. We drive onto the small lagoon-side village of Okarito, home of the rare kotuku (white heron). On offer here is optional kayaking where we float in on the incoming tide and explore...

Day 11 Walk to Fox Glacier; continue to Wanaka

After breakfast, we backtrack to the township of Franz Josef. From here, we go for a walk to the lookout point for the glacier (if not completed the day before). After, we drive on and stroll around the reflective Lake Matheson, a photographer’s dream. We then contin...

Day 12 Jetboat in Matukituki

In the morning, we head into Mount Aspiring National Park for an exciting jetboat ride along the braided rivers leading into the park. Jetboating was invented in NZ as a means to negotiate the shallow braided rivers that we use to access a track leading to a hike into...

Day 13 Transfer to Milford Sound and board overnight boat

From Wanaka, we depart early heading for Te Anau and then into Eglington Valley, enjoying a series of short walks in the spectacular Milford region and then into Milford Sound itself where we join our floating accommodation for the night. The Milford Mariner boat, whi...

Day 14 Cruise inner sound; drive to Queenstown

After an early breakfast, we cruise the inner sound again searching for dolphins and seals before disembarking and retracing our tracks to The Divide and the start of the Routeburn Track. Here we take a three-hour walk to Key Summit for spectacular views. After this h...

Day 15 Free day in Queenstown

Today is free to enjoy the scenic delights of this world-famous destination! There are numerous activities on offer, which your leader can advise about locally. Or you may just prefer to spend the day shopping or relaxing. Today your leader has a guide-free day but they can advise on how best to spend your free day in Queenstown. Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)

Day 16 Transfer to Mount Cook National Park; trek in Hooker Valley

Travel through the barren Kawarau Gorge where large amounts of gold were dredged at the turn of the century. Drive over Lindis Pass to the tussock-covered plains of the Mackenzie Basin and into Mount Cook National Park (approximately four hours). Beneath the highest p...

Day 17 Drive to Christchurch via Canterbury Plains

After breakfast, we drive to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains. After the devastating earthquakes of 2010/11, Christchurch is undergoing a major rebuild, unrivalled in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city, beautiful gardens and Hagley Park followed by an optional final group dinner. Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch (or similar)

Day 18 End Christchurch

The trip finishes after breakfast and checkout from the hotel. A free departure transfer by taxi from the hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked at least one month before departure.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $10,800
Price per day$600
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
23 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$0
15 Feb 2025
04 Mar 2025
$11,100
07 Mar 2025
24 Mar 2025
$10,800
25 Oct 2025
11 Nov 2025
$13,350
29 Nov 2025
16 Dec 2025
$13,350
10 Jan 2026
27 Jan 2026
$13,350
24 Jan 2026
10 Feb 2026
$13,350
14 Feb 2026
03 Mar 2026
$13,350
07 Mar 2026
24 Mar 2026
$13,350

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Apr 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

AWESOME NEW ZEALAND

This trip is one of the best we have experienced with Exodus. The varied walking, landscape and experiences on the trip make it an amazing adventure. Beware though...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The best of New Zealand

What an amazing trip! I cannot recommend it highly enough - it showcasts everything that New Zealand has to offer, and despite travelling for 3 weeks it is not eno...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous walking in New Zealand

A wonderful itinerary and excellent guides/leaders with infectious enthusiasm for this amazing country! The Tongariro Crossing and the visit to the Milford Sound, b...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An Unexpected Journey.

An excellent introduction to both islands. There is so much to see and do that the time we had just whizzed by. It is clear that this trip only just touches the su...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Title is good.

It’s a very full an encompassing trip. It covers a great deal and involves a lot of hiking, which is really the only way to truly see and appreciate this spectacul...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

M

Martin Mayer

Nov 2024

Written on

A great way to visit the the Silk Road sites in Central Asia

A very well-organised trip with a full itinerary seeing the natural beauty of Kyrgyztan and the amazingly beautiful Islamic architecture of Samarkand, plus a brief v...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request – available for 16 nights)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

17 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges, most with en suite facilities, 1 night cruise boat with shared faciilities Travel by private vehicle, cruise and jet boats 3 full and 5 half days walking Good level of fitness required
We spend 16 nights in hotels and one night aboard a cruise boat. on this trip uses a mixture of characterful motels and welcoming hotels, some of which offer spectacular views. Single rooms are available for a supplement (on request), this covers all nights apart from the one evening on the Milford Mariner boat. Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement. Below is a list of the normal hotels used on the trip for the late 2024/early 2025 season departures. However, these are subject to change and some departures may be accommodated in different hotels of a similar standard: Auckland: Copthorne Auckland City Hotel Rotorua: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua Tongariro National Park: The Park Hotel Wellington: The Bay Plaza Hotel or Willis Wellington Hotel Motueka-Abel Tasman National Park: Nautilus Lodge Motel Greymouth: Copthorne Hotel Greymouth Fox: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier Wanaka: Wanaka Hotel Milford Sound: Real Journeys – Milford Mariner (boat) Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown Mount Cook National Park: Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge or Hermitage Mount Cook Christchurch: Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners are included. Breakfasts are either supplied by the accommodation or by the leader. We can always purchase lunches on the run and your leader will happily stop at supermarkets (time allowing). Morning tea/coffee stops are available at request and at your own cost depending on the day’s itinerary.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 17 Classic nights (16 hotels and lodges, 1 cruise boat)
  • Group normally 6 to 14 plus local leader. Minimum age: 18
  • Travel by private minibuses
Trip ID
exodus-ALN

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