Kiwi Encounter

Are 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) – or you could always hit the water for a spot of rafting. When in New Zealand!

Crank the heat up to the max – today 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. After catching a glimpse of a Kiwi bird or two, we’ll make tracks to Huka Falls (you’ll hear the rumble before you see them). Finally, we’ll swing by beautiful Lake Taupo before settling in at our accommodation near Tongariro National Park. Phew! What. A. Day.

Rise 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!

Next up: Wellington. Get your bearings as we head to Mt Victoria for 360-degree city, harbour and ocean views. Lord of the Rings fan? Pro tip: check out the Weta Workshop for maximum Middle Earth vibes this afternoon.

Free days are the best days. Get lost in the awesome Te Papa museum or hit up Cuba Street for some quirky stores and cafés. Don't miss the nightlife in the capital either! With more bars and restaurants per capita than New York, there's no excuse not to hit the town with the crew tonight...

Today we’ll wave goodbye to the North Island as we take a ferry across Cook Strait and into the blue waters of Marlborough Sound. Hop off in picturesque Picton, then get ready to find out why the Marlborough region is so famous for its wine. We’ll stop by a Cellar Door for an included tasting of the sweet stuff before digging into a delicious BBQ dinner in Nelson tonight.

Did 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!

From one coastal town to another. Spot the wild fur seals getting their tan on as we roll into Kaikoura today. And this afternoon? Channel all those mermaid/man vibes on an optional dolphin swim, or take in the wild acrobatics from above deck – these little critters love to put on a show! Then: soak up the laid back atmosphere, take a short stroll to the beach for sunset and maybe visit a local bayside vendor for the freshest of crayfish (Kaikoura literally translates to ‘eat crayfish’). This is livin’.

Next stop: the South Island's largest city. After being hit by an earthquake in 2011, resilient Christchuch is rebuilding in a creative way. Tonight, the city is yours. Why not get out there and check out the vibrant restaurant scene?

One minute you’re sipping lattes in the city, nek minnit you’re off to visit New Zealand’s most famous glacier. But first: a photo stop at Lake Matheson that will make all your friends back home totally jealous. Sorry, not sorry.

Who’s ready to hit the ice? If the weather is good, you’ll have the chance to explore this chilly playground on a heli hike. Alternatively, you could go all-out and get a bird’s eye view on a scenic flight. Then: the adventuring continues as we roll into the adrenalin capital of NZ – Queenstown. Get your bearings on an orientation tour, then be free! The nightlife here is on a whole other level. Ice Bar, anyone?

Ready. Set. GO! Queenstown is loaded with adventure activities – and you’ve got two days to cram them all in! For the thrill seekers: choose from bungy jumping, jet boating, canyon swinging, skydiving or zip lining. Doesn’t sound like your thing? Take the skyline gondola for some incred views over Lake Wakatipu. There’s even a sky-high luge track to challenge your Topdeck buddies on. It’s on! Tonight, why not hit up Fergburger for a meal that will haunt your dreams? Yep, it’s that good!

Plaster your face to the window as we take the scenic route to Milford Sound for today’s main event: a cruise on the fjord, complete with thundering waterfalls and towering cliffs that will just blow your mind. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident seals and dolphins, too!

Quick! It’s your last day here. Our hot tip: sign up for some whitewater rafting on the Shotover River, or jump in a funyak (like kayaking, but better). Hungry after all of that adventuring? You’re in luck. We have an included dinner tonight at one of Queenstown’s most popular hangouts!

We’ve got an epic two-wheeled excursion in Arrowtown on the agenda today – so get ready to tone those thighs as we cycle along the banks of the Arrow River, crossing some OMG-worthy suspension bridges along the way. Later, take in all the pretty window views before hunkering down at our lodge for the night. Nestled between towering mountains and overlooking the sparkling lake, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a hectic few days. Clink glasses with your #Topdeckfam tonight over one last group dinner. It’s going to get emosh...

It may be our last day, but there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in one last pano at Lake Tekapo before we head back to Christchurch. We’ll say our goodbyes after an orientation tour of the city. *sad face* With so much to see here, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to stick around, though!