Highlights:
- Day 1 offers a fantastic start, with a visit to Cathedral Cove, a beautiful coastal spot accessible by foot or kayak. You can enjoy swimming, sea kayaking, and even spot dolphins if you're lucky. Later, experience the unique natural hot springs at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.
- On Day 2, explore New Zealand's gold mining history before heading to Waitomo. Here, you'll have the chance to visit the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, an awe-inspiring underground wonderland illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Adventurous souls can opt for an unforgettable experience with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
- Day 4 takes you to Rotorua, known for its geothermal reserves and Maori culture. Explore Te Puia's geothermal reserve, featuring New Zealand's largest geyser and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. The day also includes a stop at the impressive Huka Falls.
- Day 6 brings you to Wellington, New Zealand's capital of culture, arts, and vibrant nightlife. Experience Mount Victoria, visit the national museum Te Papa, and immerse yourself in the thriving craft beer scene.
- On Day 7, take the Inter-Islander ferry to the South Island through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Explore the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park, either on foot, by kayak, or even by jumping out of a plane for a unique perspective!
Included:
- Being a one-way pass, it can be done in a minimum of 16 days in the summer, which is great if you want to see a lot, but don’t have much time.
- Hop on hop off national bus pass valid 12 months.
- Please note that this pass includes transport only.
Day 1 : Auckland - Hot Water Beach
Spend the afternoon walking or kayaking to Cathedral Cove, and then soak in the natural springs at Hot Water Beach! After visiting the Kiwi Experience office we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. We then carry on to Hot Water Beach (rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by Lonely Planet) where you can head out with your shovel at low tide to dig your own hot pool in the sand.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 2 : Hot Water Beach - Waitomo
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history before travelling on to experience the glowworms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo. After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and a bit of New Zealand’s gold mining history. Next it’s onto Waitomo ('wai' meaning water, 'tomo' meaning hole) where you will get the chance to visit world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. If you're feeling adventurous, here is your chance to go underground and experience one of our top rated NZ activities with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 3 : Waitomo - Rotorua
Last chance to explore Waitomo on the Ruakuri bush walk before heading to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and a breakfast stop at the Long Black Café before heading off toward Rotorua. Along the way we will stop at The Shires Rest where you can jump off and take a tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Tonight don’t miss the chance to stay overnight at Tamaki Marae, where you can experience a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert with Tamaki Maori Village – a night not to be missed!
Meal(s) included : None
Day 4 : Rotorua - Taupo
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied! The first activity of the day is exploring the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. The afternoon journey includes a stop off at Taupo’s famous Huka Falls. Taupo is rightly known as the adventure capital of the North Island with optional activities on offer such as skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, sailing and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!
Meal(s) included : None
Day 5 : Taupo (Extra Day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do! If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner. Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer. A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night).
Meal(s) included : None
Day 6 : Taupo - Wellington
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to Wellington City. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (included) and then passengers have the opportunity to experience the national museum, Te Papa and get amongst the thriving craft beer scene.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 7 : Wellington - Abel Tasman
We take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!
Meal(s) included : None
Day 8 : Abel Tasman - Westport
Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 9 : Westport - Franz Josef
Today we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. We then hit the road on our way to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 10 : Franz Josef (Extra Day)
Today we have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience a Heli-Hike to New Zealand’s most famous Franz Josef Glacier or you can explore this lush corner of New Zealand (for free) on foot; hitting up the many walking trails in the area.
Meal(s) included : None
Day 11 : Franz Josef - Queenstown
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka. After a stroll round Lake Wanaka and some lunch, we head to the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. Only the brave will sign themselves up for this iconic New Zealand activity. On arrival in Queenstown, we will head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Meal(s) included : None
Start Auckland finish Queenstown
Minimum travel time 14 days
Maximum travel time 12 months from the first day of travel
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes.
Luggage Limit:
23kg
