16 Days,
Auckland to Christchurch
Take on New Zealand like a pro with Topdeck
Visiting 1 country: New Zealand
Wherever you look it’s beauty, beauty and more beauty. You’ll see everything from soaring volcanoes and towering mountains to mirror-like lakes and dolphins. Journey through wine regions (and try the local goodies) and chill out in a craft beer capital. Make friends for life and see the best that New Zealand has to offer. Are you ready for it?
-
Day 1:
Auckland to Rotorua
On our way to Rotorua we’ll swing by the Waitomo Caves. Take on the optionals and go exploring this otherworldly attraction. Why not try Black Water Rafting, explore the Ruakuri Cave or go see the glowworms. They’re all awesome, trust us. Maori legends and mythology have been passed down for thousands of years. You have one night in a meeting house to soak in as much as you can! After learning some Haka moves and checking out the ladies’ Poi dance, it’s time to tuck into a traditional Kiwi dinner.
Included today:
-Stay overnight in a traditional Maori Marae
-Take part in a Haka and Poi class
Meals:
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Visit the Waitomo Caves - Black Water Rafting or Glowworm Caves Tour
-
Day 2:
Rotorua
While you're in Rotorua, you could head to the spa for a massage, jump into Tolkien's dreams at the Hobbiton movie set, take on the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world or roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball (all optional). When in New Zealand!
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit a day spa
-Visit the Hobbiton movie set
-OGO Rotorua
-Whitewater rafting
-
Day 3:
Rotorua to Tongariro National Park
Crank the heat up to the max – today we’re off to check out the geothermal activity in Rotorua on an included tour. Enjoy a traditional Hangi lunch – a meal cooked in an underground oven pit. Then, after taking a look at some Kiwi birds, we’ll make tracks to the epic Huka Falls (you’ll hear the rumble of the falls before you see them). Finally, we’ll swing by beautiful Lake Taupo before settling in at our accommodation near Tongariro National Park.
Included today:
-Visit Rotorua
-Traditional Maori Hangi buffet lunch
-Visit Huka Falls
-Visit Lake Taupo
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
-
Day 4:
Tongariro National Park
Known as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, you’ll get the chance to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing today (optional and weather dependent). With three volcanic peaks dominating the horizon and terrain that’ll make you feel like you’re on Mars, this hike is so worth the sore legs the next day. Look at you adventuring like a pro!
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
-Shorter, local walks
-
Day 5:
Tongariro to Wellington
Next up: Wellington. Get your bearings on an orientation tour, then go exploring. Our top tips? The incredible Te Papa Museum and the pretty botanical gardens. Don’t miss the nightlife here either. With more bars and restaurants per capita than New York, what better way to spend the night?
Included today:
-Orientation tour in Wellington
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit the Te Papa Museum
-Visit the botanical gardens
-
Day 6:
Wellington to Nelson
Today we’ll cross the Cook Strait by ferry and sail into the blue waters of Marlborough Sound. Hop off in Picton and you’ll find out why this region has become so famous for its wine (and scenery).
Included today:
-Cook Strait ferry crossing
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
-
Day 7:
Nelson
Explore the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park by boat, take to the walking tracks, paddle along the shoreline in ocean kayaks, or see it all from above with a skydive. This is a real South Island gem, so get amongst it.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit Abel Tasman National Park
-Hiking
-Kayaking
-Skydiving
-
Day 8:
Nelson to Kaikoura
This place is famous for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Today, see if you agree with an included tour and tasting at a Marlborough winery. As we carry on down the coast, try to spot a New Zealand fur seal or two in Kaikoura.
Included today:
-Wine tasting in Marlborough
Meals:
-Breakfast
-
Day 9:
Kaikoura to Christchurch
Few places in the world can boast such natural wonders as Kaikoura. Get amongst it today with some unique optional activities. There’s optional whale watching and swimming with the resident dusky dolphins today. Then: after an orientation tour in Christchurch, the city is yours to wander.
Included today:
-Christchurch orientation tour
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Whale watching
-Swim with dolphins
-
Day 10:
Christchurch to Fox Glacier
The Canterbury Plains make for pretty window views today – but we’ll be in mountain territory in no time. We’ll make a pit stop by the stunning Lake Matheson en route to Fox Glacier. Fingers crossed for good weather so you can see NZ’s two tallest mountain peaks reflected in the mirror-like lake!
Included today:
-Visit Lake Matheson
-Stay in the Fox glacier region
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
-
Day 11:
Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Hit up NZ's most famous glacier with an optional guided terminal face walk or heli-hike. Then, we’ll journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea as we roll into Queenstown. Get your bearings on an orientation tour, then be free! The nightlife here is unreal. Trust us.
Included today:
-Queenstown orientation tour
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Heli-hike
-Guided terminal face walk
-
Day 12:
Queenstown
Queenstown has sooo many adrenalin-fuelled activities to try. Question is, how many can you fit in to your time here? You could try bungy jumping, a canyon swing, skydiving, hiking or the skyline gondola. Hungry after all of that adventuring? Don’t miss Fergburger, Queenstown’s famous burger joint. The queues are worth it.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Jet boating
-Bungy jumping
-Canyon swinging
-Skydiving
-Skiing in winter
-Hang-gliding
-Ziplining
-Whitewater rafting
-Half day hike
-Scenic helicopter flights
-
Day 13:
Queenstown
It’s time for the main event! We’re headed to the unbelievable beauty of NZ’s southwestern fjords for a cruise through Milford Sound. This place comes complete with thundering waterfalls and towering cliffs that’ll blow your mind. Keep your eyes peeled for resident seals and dolphins too (cute).
Included activities:
-Cruise Milford Sound
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-
Day 14:
Queenstown
Our hot tip for your last day here? Sign up for a jet boat ride or some rafting (both optional). For dinner, why not try the yummy pizzas at Winnie’s before a final night out on the town? Let’s gooo!
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Jet boating
-Rafting
-
Day 15:
Queenstown to Lake Ohau
Hop on a bike and ride past mountains, lakes and rivers in Arrowtown on the most spectacular ride on the Queenstown trail. Crossing the 80 m suspension bridge, get ready for open farmland and stunning views.
Included today:
-Mountain bike in Arrowtown
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
-
Day 16:
Lake Ohau to Christchurch
It may be our last day, but there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in a visit to a real working farm. We’ll tuck into afternoon tea with the owners before moving on to Christchurch to say our goodbyes.
Included today:
-Visit a local farm
Meals:
-Breakfast
