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Multi-dayAdventureCultural

NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown

Both islands, one booking, Hobbiton to Milford Sound with the inter-island flight included. Everything from the North and South 9-day Adventures back to back, 100% carbon neutral.

4.9 575 Trustpilot reviews 📍 New Zealand ⏱ 17 days · 16 nights · Auckland → Queenstown 👥 Group tour with leader 🔥 Active 🎂 Ages 18 to 45

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Save $200 was $4,799

From

$4,599 AUD

per person · twin share

4.9 from 575 Trustpilot reviews

💳 Pay in instalments on selected trips

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Booking guarantee. Full refund if your operator cancels, and your money is held in trust until departure, so you're never out of pocket.

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  • Free date changes up to 7 days out

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  • Vetted operator

    We've been on this trip ourselves. Real humans, real reviews.

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Trip highlights

1

Waitomo glowworms + Hobbiton

2

Māori village + Rotorua geothermal

3

Lake Tekapo dark-sky hot pools

4

Aoraki/Mount Cook + Wanaka kayaking

5

Milford Sound cruise

6

Queenstown jet boat finale

Photos

On the ground

Real moments from the trip, tap any clip to play with sound.

Day-by-day itinerary

Route map for NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown, day-by-day itinerary
Your route, day by day
1 Day 1 · Arrive in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and meet your group and INTRO leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

2 Day 2 · Glowworm caves and Hobbiton

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.

3 Day 3 · Explore Rotorua

We'll also check out one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands - Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.

4 Day 4 · Māori cultural experience

This morning you'll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. In the evening we'll go to the Mitai Māori village for an introduction to Māori culture. It doesn't get more authentic than this!

5 Day 5 · Taupo sailing

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 sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery and Māori rock carvings.

6 Day 6 · Waterfalls and adrenaline

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!

7 Day 7 · Travel to Wellington

A full day on the itinerary, your INTRO leader shares the detail and the best local options on the day.

8 Day 8 · Explore Wellington

Get ready to explore the best of Wellington with a city orientation tour!

9 Day 9 · Fly to Christchurch

You've seen the North Island, now its time to explore the South Island! After a short included flight you'll land in Christchurch. You'll have some free time to explore the city and then in the evening you'll meet up with the rest of your new travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come!

10 Day 10 · Christchurch orientation and Lake Tekapo

Discover the vibrant city of Christchurch, where history comes alive at every turn. Later we'll make our way to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tekapo!

11 Day 11 · Lake Tekapo

Today, we'll hike up the stunning Mount John, where 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic Southern Alps await. Afterward, we'll unwind and recharge by soaking our tired muscles in soothing hot pools-pure bliss!

12 Day 12 · Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Along the way, we'll take on a beautiful hike, that leads us to unbeatable views of Aoraki/Mount Cook-the tallest mountain in New Zealand!

13 Day 13 · Explore Wanaka

Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka and discovering the famous Wanaka Tree.

14 Day 14 · Discover Queenstown

After travelling to buzzing Queenstown, we'll get oriented with the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!).

15 Day 15 · Milford Sound cruise

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 mother nature at her finest!

16 Day 16 · Queenstown orientation and jet boating

Today we'll get a 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 more than 80km/h. Tonight we'll get the gang together for our farewell dinner and final night out on the town! Time to see what this backpacker hub is all about after dark!

17 Day 17 · Check out & onward travel

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.

What's in the box

What's included

  • 16 nights accommodation
  • 13 meals
  • Awesome group leader
  • Waitomo glowworm caves boat tour
  • Hobbiton film set tour
  • Kerosene creek
  • Wai o Tapu geothermal wonderland
  • Māori village experience
  • Lake Taupo sailing
  • Huka falls
  • Wellington city orientation
  • Wellington cable car
  • Te Papa Tongarewa museum
  • Christchurch city orientation
  • Lake Tekapo hot pools
  • Mount John hike
  • Mount Cook / Aoraki National Park
  • Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
  • Mount Iron hike
  • Queenstown city orientation
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Jet boating on Lake Wakatipu
  • All transportation costs

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Most meals
  • Optional bungy/skydive

Accommodation

Curated stays along the route, a mix of characterful hotels, traditional lodgings and social hostels, all with the essentials sorted.

Lake Tekapo hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown

Lake Tekapo hostel

2 nights in a fantastic hostel right on the lake. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Wanaka hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown

Wanaka hostel

2 nights in a cosy hostel in the centre of town. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Rotorua hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown

Rotorua hostel

3 nights in a stylish centrally located hostel! Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Taupo hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure, 17 Days Auckland to Queenstown

Taupo hostel

2 nights in a laid-back, homely hostel. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Rooming is typically same-gender multi-share unless a private/twin upgrade is noted, ask us if you'd like a private room.

Common questions about this trip

  • Is the flight between islands included?

    Yes, the Wellington to Christchurch flight is in the price.
  • Planning a working holiday?

    INTRO's NZ Jobs add-on sorts your IRD number, bank account, SIM and job support, add it at checkout.
  • What's the cancellation policy?

    Cancellation terms for this trip are set by INTRO Travel, the operator, and are confirmed on your booking voucher. Refunds mirror the operator's policy, if they can refund, so can we. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 and we chase it on your behalf; if the operator cancels, you're fully refunded. Message us for the exact day-by-day terms before you book.

Got a question that's not here? Ask us or hit the chat, instant AI reply with a human follow-up.

What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Verified reviews of the vetted operator who runs this tour on the ground.

The operator's track record

4.9 on Google · 5 on Tripadvisor · 15,000+ five-star reviews · 20+ years operating
via Google
"Wonderful time on the Costa Rica Adventure these past two weeks. Highly recommend it and Intro generally for the range of activities and experiences included as well as the expert local guide for this tour Maryangel"
L

Liz Chapman

Verified traveller · 3 months ago

via Google
"This was my first intro trip, to Costa Rica for 13 days. I had a lovely time meeting new people and seeing so much of this beautiful country with travelling to so many places. At each destination, there was a fair amount of activities included. …"
L

Lizzie Jones

Verified traveller · 2 weeks ago

via Google
"Lea was my travel specialist for the Intro to Oz in Australia travel tour and she was one of the main reasons for having the best experience! As soon as I arrived, she greeted me at the hostel and even offered to help with my luggage. She escorted me to the room where the other folks were staying. …"
M

Mila Palafox

Verified traveller · 2 weeks ago

via Google
"I did the Costa Rica tour. Mari was our tour guide and went above and beyond. Her knowledge was incredible and the extra effort and care she put in daily was truly amazing and appreciated. She knew everything about the destinations, cuisine and culture. …"
O

Olivia Peters

Verified traveller · 3 months ago

via Google
"We had the most amazing tour in Australia with Tom and Tess. Both guides were so attentive, caring, kind and knowledgeable. They had such great knowledge on each place we visited, organised amazing activities for us and gave us great ideas for what to do in free time. …"
R

Rachel Cleary

Verified traveller · 2 weeks ago

via Google
"This is my 3rd trip with intro travel and it did not disappoint.(India group tour) My group leader Dev was absolutely amazing. He was so knowledgeable and kind. He was always looking out for all of us and ensuring we are safe at all times. We had a great laugh throughout the entire trip. …"
l

lily sparkes

Verified traveller · a month ago

Verified traveller reviews · shown as excerpts.

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