Trip Overview
High-octane or slow and steady? Actually, you don't have to choose - this trip switches up the pace every day. Learn local legends from the Maori people, go skydiving and hike one of the best one-day hikes in the world - with movie-worthy scenery, lush greenery and volcanic vistas along the way. Kia ora!
Worth noting…
This is a sector of the 17 Day Kiwi Encounter trip.
YOUR #TOPDECKER TRAVEL MOMENTS
Trip itinerary
-
Kaikoura to Nelson
2Onwards to Nelson. The Marlborough region is super famous for its wine - and today we’ll find out why as we swing by a Cellar Door. Ready to raise those pinkies at an included tasting session? Heck, yes! And tonight? A delicious BBQ dinner awaits...
-
Included Today
- Wine tasting in the Marlborough region
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Nelson
3Did someone say coastal paradise? Today is yours to explore this vibrant region. Hop from bay to bay via boat, sea kayak, on foot or see it all from above with an epic skydive. Whatever you choose, we know you’re going to love it!
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Kayaking and seal-spotting in Abel Tasman National Park: from $150.00
- Day tour of Abel Tasman National Park: from $92.00
- Skydiving in Abel Tasman National Park: from $329.00
-
Meals
-
Nelson to Wellington
4Today we'll cross the Cook Strait by ferry and sail into the blue waters of Marlborough Sound. Next stop, Wellington! Did you know? This place has more bars and restaurants per capita than the mighty NYC. It'd be rude not to check 'em out...
-
Included Today
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Wellington
5Free days are the best days. Get lost in the awesome Te Papa museum or hit up Cuba Street for some quirky stores and cafés. Anyone for another night of bar-hopping later? Sign us up!
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Meals
-
Wellington to Tongariro National Park
6If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, why not hit up the Weta Workshop for maximum Middle Earth vibes this morning? Then: after heading to Mt Victoria for 360-degree city, harbour and ocean views, we’ll leave Wellington behind us and move on to Tongariro National Park. Get excited: tomorrow we’ll be able to roam the park as we please!
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Meals
-
Tongariro National Park
7Rise and shine - we’ve got exploring to do! Known as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing sure lives up to its reputation - and you’ll get the chance to complete it today (weather dependent). With three volcanic peaks dominating the horizon and terrain that’ll make you feel like you’re on Mars, this hike is 100% worth the sore legs the next day. Rather have yourself a four-wheeled adventure? There’s an optional quad biking experience on offer, if you’re interested. Let’s do this!
-
Included Today
- Short guided walk around Tongariro National Park
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Optional extras
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: from $195.00
- Quad biking in Tongariro National Park: from $155.00
-
Included Today
-
Tongariro National Park to Rotorua
8Today we’ll swing by beautiful Lake Taupo before making tracks to Huka Falls (you’ll hear the rumble before you see them). Then: crank the heat up to the max, ‘cos we’re off to check out the area’s famous geothermal activity on an included tour. This experience comes complete with a traditional Hangi lunch – a meal of roasted meat and veggies slowly cooked in an underground oven pit. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Kiwi birds! Later, we’ll learn some Haka moves and watch a Poi dance before tucking into a delicious dinner at a traditional marae (Maori meeting ground).
-
Included Today
- Visit Lake Taupo and Huka Falls
- Traditional Hangi lunch
- Overnight stay in a traditional Maori marae
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Rotorua
9Are you ready for all the optional extras your free day has to offer? Take a walk through Tolkien’s dreams at the Hobbiton movie set or head to a geothermal reserve for a relaxing mud spa. For the thrill-seekers, there’s Zorbing on offer here too (think: rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball). When in New Zealand!
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Visit the Hobbiton movie set: from $124.00
- Canopy tour of Rotorua: from $159.00
- Visit a mud bath and spa: from $75.00
- Zorbing in Rotorua: from $45.00
- Whitewater rafting in Rotorua: from $90.00
-
Meals
-
Rotorua to Auckland
10Wah! It’s the last day already? On our way out of Rotorua we’ll swing by the Waitomo Caves - a glowworm-studded labyrinth of underground caves and rivers. This place is like something out of a sci-fi movie! Choose to explore on foot, by boat or brave the cold on a unique blackwater rafting experience (trust us, it’s awesome). Later on, we’ll say hello to Auckland - and goodbye to the trip. With so much to see here, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to stick around, though!
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves: from $53.00
- Ruakuri Cave: from $76.00
- Blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves: from $147.00
-
Meals
What's included
Included experiences
- - Wine tasting in the Marlborough region
- - Visit Lake Taupo and Huka Falls
- - Traditional Hangi lunch
- - Overnight stay in a traditional Maori marae
Accommodation
-5 nights in hotels, 2 nights in lodges, 1 night in a cabin, 1 night in a traditional Maori marae
Transport
Modern air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi
Optional activities
-Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura: from $180.00
-Kayaking and seal-spotting in Abel Tasman National Park: from $150.00
-Day tour of Abel Tasman National Park: from $92.00
-Skydiving in Abel Tasman National Park: from $329.00
-Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: from $195.00
-Quad biking in Tongariro National Park: from $155.00
-Visit the Hobbiton movie set: from $124.00
-Canopy tour of Rotorua: from $159.00
-Visit a mud bath and spa: from $75.00
-Zorbing in Rotorua: from $45.00
-Whitewater rafting in Rotorua: from $90.00
-Waitomo Glowworm Caves: from $53.00
-Ruakuri Cave: from $76.00
-Blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves: from $147.00
HOBBITON MOVIE SET TOUR - PRE-BOOK NOW
Take a step into Tolkein’s dreams as we explore the Hobbiton movie set and learn how this fantasy world came to life on selected New Zealand Explorer trips. This ultimate bucket-list experience can now be booked online – check out all the deets below!