20 Day New Zealand Explorer (Auckland to Christchurch)

Day 1 · Arrival Auckland

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   Auckland

   12 hours

   Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city, we recommend starting at the waterfront which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).

Haka House Auckland City

Day 2 · Auckland to Hahei

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   Hahei

   12 hours

   Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury? This evening we’ll enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner together at the resort.

Hahei Beach Resort or similar

Day 3 · Hahei FREE Day

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   Hahei

   12 hours

   Today you have a full free day to explore Hahei. Take a sunrise kayak to Cathedral Cove, board a boat and cruise around exploring the sea caves, chill out on the beach or enjoy a beer in the local pub. This is your time to relax in paradise so get your R&R on!

Hahei Beach Resort or similar

Day 4 · Hahei to Rotorua

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   Rotorua

   12 hours

   Rise and shine for an early start this morning as you walk to Hahei Beach to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

   Before we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options!

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   Hobbiton Movie Set

   2 hours Admission included

   Tour the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth!

Haka House Rotorua or similar

Day 5 · Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua

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   Stop 1

   12 hours Admission included

   This morning, take your pick of epic Rotorua experiences: go ziplining, plunge over a 7m waterfall, soak in the Polynesian Spa’s hot pools, or wander through Kuirau Park with its bubbling mud pools. Whether you're chasing thrills or chill time, Rotorua delivers.

   In the afternoon, we head off the beaten path to Lake Aniwhenua. Here you'll be welcomed by the local Māori whānau at Kohutapu Lodge. Discover sacred rock carvings, try traditional stick games, and watch a ground-cooked hangi come to life—before digging in. Trust us, it might just be the best meal you’ll have in New Zealand (or ever).

Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert

Kohutapu Lodge lakeside accommodation

Day 6 · Lake Aniwhenua to Lake Taupo

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   Lake Taupo

   2 hours

   Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation.

Haka House Taupo or similar

Day 7 · Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park

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   Tongariro National Park

   12 hours

   Today we’re up bright and early as we leave Taupō and head deep into Tongariro National Park — home to what’s often described as the best one-day walk in the world: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This iconic 19 km trail leads us through an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape of steaming vents, crater lakes, and rugged alpine ridges.

   The Crossing is open year-round, and when there’s snow or ice on the route, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required for safety (additional cost). These alpine conditions — most common from June to October, but possible at any time — can make the scenery even more dramatic and unforgettable.

   As always, safety is our priority and the plan is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for the full Crossing, your guide will have a choice of other incredible hiking options in Tongariro National Park ready to go.

Alpine Chalets or similar

Day 8 · Tongariro National Park to Wellington

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   Wellington

   12 hours

   Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum (at your own cost), grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.

Cambridge Hotel or similar

Day 9 · Wellington FREE Day

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   Wellington

   12 hours

   Today is a free day to spend exploring Wellington, our capital city and home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Also known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ thanks to Lonely Planet, Wellington is a great place to check out the lively arts, craft beer and café culture scenes or do some shopping. The afternoon is yours to explore the sights - we recommend wandering down Oriental Parade or viewing the excellent exhibits on display at Te Papa National Museum.

Cambridge Hotel or similar

Day 10 · Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

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   Marahau

   12 hours

   Today we’ll catch an early Ferry across the Cook Strait and through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck to witness some incredible scenes and spot some wildlife. From there we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region to Marahau, our accommodation is situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park - perfect for exploring arguably the best National Park in NZ.

The Barn Marahau or similar

Day 11 · Marahau (Abel Tasman)

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   Marahau

   12 hours

   Count yourself lucky because you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park today. From our accommodation we’ll head by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide and then, we’ll walk approximately 4 hours back to our accommodation, stopping along the way to take amazing photos and swim in the secluded bays.

The Barn Marahau or similar

Day 12 · Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Franz Josef

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   Franz Josef

   12 hours

   Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much phone reception but you are NOT going to need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even just a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner together at our accommodation.

Rainforest Retreat or similar

Day 13 · Franz Josef

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   Franz Josef Glacier

   12 hours

   Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to see the terminal face for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.

Rainforest Retreat or similar

Day 14 · Franz Josef to Queenstown

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   Queenstown

   12 hours

   It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea and into Queenstown. Once settled, put on your dancing shoes and head out to explore this lakeside resort, there are over 100 clubs and bars to choose from in Queenstown!

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Day 15 · Queenstown FREE DAYS

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   Queenstown

   12 hours

   Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With awesome night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Day 16 · Queenstown FREE DAYS

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   Queenstown

   12 hours

   Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With awesome night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Day 17 · Milford Sound Day Trip

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   Milford Sound

   6 hours

   Today you’ll hop aboard the bus and we’ll take you to the stunning and world famous Milford Sound. After a super scenic drive, you’ll board the boat and cruise across the Sound. Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and (if it’s been raining) thundering waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot lots of amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown where you can check out some one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer - or try the famous Fergburger!

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar

Day 18 · Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

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   Dark Sky Project

   12 hours Admission included

   It’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo this morning where we’ll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake for some awesome photo opportunities.

   In the afternoon take part in an engaging experience that offers deep insight into Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central place in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.

Haka House Lake Tekapo or similar

Day 19 · Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

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   Christchurch

   12 hours

   Our next stop is Christchurch, a super cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and cool laneway bars! Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets to discover creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram and see the sights!

Drifter Christchurch or similar

Day 20 · Depart Christchurch

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   Christchurch

   12 hours

   Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future!