WELCOME TO AUCKLAND
Your North Island Adventure will start in New Zealand's busiest and highest populated city.
AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS
Rise & shine! You'll depart Auckland early doors to make your way to Paihia, home to 144 picturesque islands. The Bay of Islands is known for its pristine beaches and history. This place is perfect for you if water activities are your your thing! Here you have a choice sailing, fishing and even parasailing should you want to add these on.
Accomodation
Centabay Lodge (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley after bus pass secured.
RETURN TO AUCKLAND
Depart Paihia mid-afternoon to return to Auckland, or what the Kiwis call "The Big Smoke" for a night before getting ready to head south.
Accomodation
Lylo (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.
AUCKLAND TO HOT WATER BEACH
Head south to the incredible beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula. Visit the world-famous Cathedral Cove and visit the unique Hot Water Beach. Here you have the chance to relax and watch the sunset in your very own natural spa, simply by digging a hole in the sand and watching it fill with naturally heated water powered by volcanic springs.
Accomodation
Hot Water Beach Holiday Park (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.Â
HOT WATER BEACH TO WAITOMO
Next up you'll be heading to Waitomo which is the Maori translation of "Water Hole" to discover the glow-worm caves. Here you can opt for the un-missable Black Water Rafting (extra cost) to explore the underground cave network and gaze at the magical glow-worms above. You'll stop for a bush walk in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.
Accomodation
Waitomo Homestead Cabins (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley once bus pass secured.
WAITOMO TO ROTORUA
Head to Rotorua, the home of pure hot springs fuelled by thousands of years worth of volcanic activity under the soil. This small town has a buzzing nightlife and natural outdoor spas, if you're an adrenaline junky you can opt for the thrilling White Water Rafting down the Kaituna River or live out your Lord of the Rings fantasies at Hobbiton (both at an extra cost.) You also have the chance to visit a traditional Maori Village for a feast and learn the history this unique culture.
Accomodation
Rock Solid Backpackers (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass is secured.
ROTORUA TO LAKE TAUPO
On your journey to Taupo you'll stop at the geo-thermal reserve of Te Puia and a guided walk around Huka Falls. Once arrived you can experience the large lake from the shoreline. You'll have plenty of free time in Taupo to fill as you wish! To fill your time you can decide to add-on a Skydive for a birds-eye view or a sailing adventure across the lake.
Accomodation
Based By The Lake (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley once pass is secured.
TAUPO TO WELLINGTON
You'll head south to New Zealand's vibrant and arty capital city. Today you will experience the centre of the art, restaurant and nightlife scene as well as the Te Papa museum to learn about NZ's unique history and the battle of Gallipoli. This is where your North Island journey will complete, speak to our reservations team if you want to discover the beautiful south!
Accomodation
Nomads Wellington (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.Â
WELLINGTON TO ABEL TASMAN
Your South Island Adventure will start in Abel Tasman, one of New Zealand's largest national parks. You'll drive through NZ's famous Nelson wine region before stopping in Kaiteri right on the edge of the park. Here you can enjoy a relaxing free night and next day you'll have the option to jump out a plane over the park at an extra cost if you wish!
Accomodation
Kaiteri Lodge (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley once bus pass is secured.Â
ABEL TASMAN TO WESTPORT
You'll head south down the Kaikoura coastline stopping on the way at Nelson Lake so you can your iconic wharf jumping pic for the gram! Westport is the surfing capital of New Zealand so once you arrive you'll check into your surf style accomodation and even partake in a beginner's lesson if you wish (extra cost.)
Accomodation
Bazils Hostel & Surf School (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley after bus pass secured.
WESTPORT TO FRANZ JOSEF
Franz Josef is the gateway to the Southwest New Zealand world heritage area, this is also the home to Mount Cook. Here you can experience a free walk across the glacier and enjoy some free time in the local township where you're based. On your free day, as an optional extra, you can book the Glacier Heli hike which can includes a guided glacier tour with transport to and from by helicopter. You can also book a skydive over the icy mountains.
Accomodation
Rainforest Retreat (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.
FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN
Next you'll head to the backpacker and adrenaline capital of NZ - Queenstown! On your journey you'll stop at the iconic Wanaka tree - one of the most 'instagrammable' spots New Zealand as to offer! We recommend spending a few days in Queenstown as there is so much to do here. When you arrive you can sign up to the optional Kiwi Bar Crawl if you wish, this is a great way to meet some new people or enjoy an epic night out with your travel buddies! On your free days you can tick a bungy jump off your bucket list - either the AJ Hackett bridge jump or the world renowned Nevis Bungy which has an unbelievable 7 seconds of freefall. Other options iunclude a Skydive, jetboat ride and canyon swing - all of the above are at an extra cost.
Accomodation
Nomads Queenstown (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.Â
MILFORD SOUND
Enjoy a day trip to the undisputed 8th wonder of the world! Starting and ending in Queenstown, you can experience an unforgettable boat cruise through the Milford Sound taking in the landscapes, towering waterfalls and mountains.Â
QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO
Your drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo will be one of the most scenic you can experience so be sure to have your camera handy! You'll stop for a hike at Mount Cook as well drive through Lord of the Rings territory. Once you arrive you can soak in the skyline and star gaze at the world's largest dark sky reserve, unoffically the best in the world!
Accomodation
Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass is secured.
LAKE TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH
Head to the South Island's largest city and experience the botanical gardens. Learn about the repurcussions of the 2011 earthquake and the rebuilding of the city.Â
Accomodation
Hotel Give (or similar.) Not included - book seperatley once pass is secured.
CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA
Your final stop of your South Island adventure is in Kaikoura, the best place in NZ for Whale Watching and swimming with dolphins. As well as enjoying the county's best seafood.Â
Accomodation
Dusky Lodge (or similar.) Not included - book seperately once bus pass secured.Â