Trekking in New Zealand

19 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
New Zealand, one of the world’s great adventure travel destinations. Explore both islands on this active trip, visiting all the highlights and many lesser visited attractions, while staying at truly wild campsites followed by lodges. It’s this mix that makes NZ extraordinary: it’s majestic but down to earth, otherworldly yet reassuringly familiar. Along the w...
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$15,593
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Discover the primeval landscape of Rotorua
    • Enjoy the golden beaches of Abel Tasman
    • Marvel at Fox Glacier and the deep fiord complexes around Milford
    • Trek in the South Westland World Heritage Area
    • Trek the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing
    • Climb among the soaring peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand, one of the world’s great adventure travel destinations. Explore both islands on this active trip, visiting all the highlights and many lesser visited attractions, while staying at truly wild campsites followed by lodges. It’s this mix that makes NZ extraordinary: it’s majestic but down to earth, otherworldly yet reassuringly familiar. Along the way, we trek through Jurassic rainforest, hike a glacier, climb volcanic peaks, and enjoy fish and chips on the beach. A range of activities and glacier walking (optional extra) complement the hikes superbly and keep this tour as diverse and exciting as the landscapes travelled.Explore a heavyweight of the adventure travel world, hiking majestic landscapes on both the North and South islands

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Auckland
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

Trip includes

    • 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches and three dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure (shared shuttle) transfers (must be booked at least one month before departure)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Auckland

The adventure begins in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand.  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. The day is ...

Day 2 Travel to Rotorua; visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve

We depart Auckland and head south through the rolling green pastures of the Waikato, before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Rotorua, home to crater lakes and volcanoes. Upon arrival, we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where we take a packed lunch whilst yo...

Day 3 Enjoy a bushwalk along the Tarawera Trail and Lake Tarawera

Following breakfast, we have a short transfer to the tranquil but sizable Lake Tarawera. We board a water taxi for a 2o minute journey to start of today's trail, and bushwalk our way back along the side of this ancient caldera crater. During our bushwalk, we will hik...

Day 4 Hike through the ancient rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park; visit Lake Taupo; transfer south to Tongariro National Park

This morning we depart Rotorua and drive 1 hour 30 minutes to the Jurassic rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park, where the Walking with Dinosaurs BBC series was filmed. It covers 150,000 acres (60,000ha) and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off shoot of the...

Day 5 Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Today is a full day of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best daywalks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mount Tongariro. Then becomes loose scree, as you hike up through a moon-like valley of con...

Day 6 To Wellington; free time

We drive to Wellington this morning, the wonderful harbour capital of New Zealand, arriving in the early afternoon. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to walk around the city and absorb ...

Day 7 Short, scenic flight to Nelson; to Abel Tasman; water taxi into park

We transfer to Wellington Airport, where there will be time to have breakfast at the airport, before the short flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island, where we meet our South Island-based guide. A pleasant drive through the orchards and vineyards of Nelson ...

Day 8 Walk Abel Tasman National Park coastal track; to Murchison

Today we wander through lush coastal forests, cross Falls River via a 155ft (47m) suspension bridge then (depending on the tides) we may cross an estuary or follow the all-tide track. Cleopatra’s Pool is a worthwhile side trip; here, the river has carved a smooth slid...

Day 9 To Paparoa National Park; hike up Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang

This morning, we drive beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind, we take a short walk to view a seal colony. We might see the young pups frolicking in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast (New Ze...

Day 10 Hike out of canyon; drive to Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika and Fox Glacier

After a leisurely breakfast, we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30m-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Origi...

Day 11 Fox Glacier trek; to Makarora and Wanaka

We make the most of being in the South Westland World Heritage Area this morning and hike to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef glacier. This dynamic glacier falls 7,875ft (2,400m) over 7.5mi (12km) as it journeys from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest jus...

Day 12 Rocky Mountain walk in the South Westland World Heritage Area; transfer to Queenstown

After a relaxed breakfast, we set off on today’s hike amongst the post-glacial features of Diamond Lake and the Rocky Mountain area, part of the South Westland World Heritage Area. Today's hike offers spectacular views of Glendhu Bay, Rob Roy's Peak, Lake Wanaka and a...

Day 13 Free day in Queenstown

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample numerous optional activities. Alternatively, you may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also great daywalks (...

Day 14 To Te Anau; afternoon hike on the Kepler Track

We head into Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand. The area is dominated by water, in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain, which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest, while the huge glacial lakes of Te Anau ...

Day 15 Drive to Milford Sound; optional boat cruise into the fiord; to Te Anau

We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a two-hour cruise on the fiord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (5,650ft/1,722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur sea...

Day 16 Drive through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook

After several days of rigorous hiking, give the legs a rest today on our drive north to Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample delicious locally grown fruit and take a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored histor...

Day 17 Hike up to Mueller Hut via Sealy Tarns

Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Hooker Valley or stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge (or similar)

Day 18 Hike small lakes of Tasman Glacier; transfer across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch

Time for one final hike this morning as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, an area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial moraines. Leaving Mount Cook, we continue north through Mackenzie Country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo – aqua-blue waters framed by the Southern ...

Day 19 End Christchurch

The tour ends in Christchurch and it’s time to begin our return journeys home. A free shared shuttle departure transfer from the hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked at least one month before departure if you wish to utilise this service. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to you sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,550
Price per day$608
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
06 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
$11,550
27 Jan 2025
14 Feb 2025
$11,925
17 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$11,550
10 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
$10,975

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

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking New Zealand

This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them, Tongariro Nort...

A

Anonymous

Apr 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking in New Zealand

A truly brilliant 3 week trip highlighting the best of North and South Island Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beache...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

Fantastic jam packed three weeks in the wonderful New Zealand. The trip was more than I could have hoped for, New Zealand would be a great back drop for any visit. ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

I have had great diffuculty rating this trip and even with the benefit of time, I just cannot give it more than 4 stars, I really wanted too but although there is no...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

An action-filled three weeks. The trip was well organised to fit so much in the time. I enjoyed the two days in Siberia the most; as well as Milford Sound and around...

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...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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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)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

12 days walking including 7 days light backpacking 5 overnight trips staying in huts/camps Low altitude throughout
We spend 16 nights in hotels, lodges and cabins (some with private bathrooms and some with shared facilities) and two nights in huts/camping with shared facilities. The camping is in a wilderness setting, basic facilities and generally the group is expected to put up and take down their own tents and pitch in with cooking and washing up. Single rooms are available for 16 nights of this tour for a supplement and must be requested in advance, so please inform us at the time of booking. Private bathrooms cannot be guaranteed on days 8 & 10. Single tents are provided for the camps (the two remaining nights).
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
The itinerary includes 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches and three dinners. Usually, the group and the leader prepare the meals together as many of the meals are picnic/buffet lunches or dinners. Breakfasts are generally buffet/continental style; lunches are sandwiches, salads and fruit. The evening meals prepared in the backcountry are a little more basic for practical reasons, but still flavoursome and nutritious. Please note: Food for lunches and dinner are purchased during the tour by your leader, and you may be asked to help with collecting these supplies.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels, lodges and cabins), 4 Simple nights (2 hotel, 2 huts/camping)
  • 14 days of walking, including two treks with overnight stays in huts and camps (one trek requires carrying overnight gear)
  • Group normally 4 to 15 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16
  • Low altitude throughout
  • Travel by private minibus
Trip ID
exodus-TLZ

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