From CAD 12,850
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(16 reviews)
Experience Overview
Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on this 18-day Premium adventure through New Zealand’s north and south islands. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Taste local wines at picturesque cellar doors and wineries, set out in search of kiwis, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro. From the pure spectacle of Milford Sound to the simmering geysers of Rotorua, this adventure is sure to blow you away.
Highlights
- Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, cellar doors to learn about their production methods, sample some seriously excellent wine and enjoy a winery lunch.
- Explore the concepts, rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine in Te Pa Tu. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest and you’ll hear stories through haka, song and drama before a 2-course feast.
- Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s dazzling peaks.
- Cruise the waters of iconic Milford Sound on a Premium day cruise, where you’ll enjoy drinks and canapes on board as you look out for the waterfalls, local wildlife and learn about the area.
- Soak up one of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island – it's wine! During your Feature Stay in Gibbston Valley, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, indulge in a 3-course dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains (maybe from the on-site hot tubs)!
Trip Details
Product Code: 2253
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Catamaran,Ferry,Jet boat,Cruise boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: PHPZC
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration: 18 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (17), Lunch (3), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights),Resort (2 night),Cruise boat (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 12850 (CAD 714 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Included Activities:
- Auckland - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Included Activities:
- Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
- Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to the world below. See the limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Included Activities:
- Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
- Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, visit to Te Puia – over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu – the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next, head to the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird (the kiwi) in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch today will be a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in the traditional style. Tonight, consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
- Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
Optional Activities:
- Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway (39 NZD)
- Rotorua - Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - from (75 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, this is a popular and scenic town. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available this afternoon. You might like to take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Optional Activities:
- Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure (69 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Millenium Taupo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, uncover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is naturally beautiful. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls – an impressive 20 m cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau is surrounded by the high peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the views are simply unbeatable.
Included Activities:
- Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
Accommodation:
- Powderhorn Chateau (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Included Activities:
- Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
Accommodation:
- QT Wellington / Museum Apartment Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and head to the South Island to begin the second half of your New Zealand adventure. Cross the Cook Strait on board a ferry, taking in some pretty unforgettable views along the way. Your introduction to New Zealand’s South Island sets the tone for the rest of the journey – pass through the iconic landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise into Picton Harbour. Travel onward by private vehicle to Christchurch. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Wellington - Ferry Cruise through Marlborough Sound
Accommodation:
- The Fable Christchurch or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Christchurch. This city has great food and drink culture and museums for all interests, so take it easy and fill your day with as much or as little as you choose. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. Then, head to a tiny restaurant and natural wine bar that champions sustainability for a three-course dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Included Activities:
- Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- The Fable Christchurch or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner – the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Included Activities:
- Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
- Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
- Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
Accommodation:
- Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
- Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
- Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
Accommodation:
- Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.
Included Activities:
- Franz Josef - Glacier View Walk
Optional Activities:
- Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise (125 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from (89 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from (695 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from (149 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust – an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.
Included Activities:
- Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
- Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist
Accommodation:
- Edgewater Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch.
Included Activities:
- Wanaka - Criffel Station Foraging & Lunch Experience with Local Chef
Accommodation:
- Edgewater Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Soak up a free morning in gorgeous Wanaka, then take the short drive to Arrowtown – known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival, this leafy community is perfect to explore on foot. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walking tour through the cute shops and cafes, then head on to your Feature Stay accommodation at Kinross Winery in the Gibbston Valley. This working vineyard near Queenstown features on-site hot tubs and mountain scenery. During your stay, you’ll have a wine-tasting session followed by a 3-course group dinner featuring local, fresh produce.
Included Activities:
- Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting
- Arrowtown - Walking Tour
Accommodation:
- Kinross Winery (Feature Stay) (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about the gorgeous scenery of the South Island! Say goodbye to the vineyard after breakfast and start your journey to the iconic Milford Sound – surrounded by mountains and, depending on the season and rainfall, hundreds of waterfalls, this place is well-acclaimed for a reason. When you arrive at the port, you’ll take a Premium day cruise to try to spot the local wildlife, waterfalls and amazing scenery from the water. Enjoy drinks and canapes on board, as well as in-depth commentary. After the cruise, head on to Queenstown for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Milford Sound - Day Cruise
Accommodation:
- Ramada Queenstown Central or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Soak up a free morning and early afternoon in Queenstown, making the most of your time in this scenic city. Wander at your own pace, then head out in the late afternoon with your group. You’ll board the TSS Earnslaw – an iconic, century-old coal-fired steamship. Cruise along Lake Whakatipu to Walter High Peak Country Farm, taking in the scenery of the lake as you go. When you arrive, take a tour of the working farm, then sit down with your hosts for their famous gourmet barbeque dinner. Maybe say a cheers to an amazing adventure, then cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
- Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner
- Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
Accommodation:
- Ramada Queenstown Central or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jonathan - Traveled, February 2024
New Zealand - 5 Stars. Wayne (our tour leader) - 5 stars. Intrepid - 2 stars. Coming on this tour you know you are going to be impressed with the scenery, the friendliness of the people and the focus on environmental conservation. You will not be disappointed. The itinerary is good - if a little breathless at times - and if you have the same guide we did you will be guaranteed a wonderful time. The only shadow cast over our trip was due to the lack of care provided by Intrepid. Watch out for “feature stays” being replaced by much lower class accommodation with no notice or compensation. And don’t expect a response if you need to contact them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Megan - Traveled, January 2024
Make sure you read the itinerary very, very carefully and compare it to other companies to be sure it covers everything you want to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Kevin - Traveled, January 2024
What a fun trip! The itinerary and included activities gave us a very good introduction to the natural beauty, culture, history, flora, and fauna of New Zealand. We had a wonderful group of fellow travelers and our local guide Robbie John was absolutely outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Lauren - Traveled, November 2023
LOVED our Intrepid Premium New Zealand Encompassed trip! Out small group bonded well on this adventure across both islands. There was just the right amount of activities & free time. Each day was a delightful adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2023
This trip far exceeded my expectations. Summer’s knowledge of the culture and land coupled with her hysterical personality made the trip feel like we were traveling with special friends that just met. There really aren’t any words to relay the Spark felt on this 17 day adventure so you just have to experience it for yourself! Intrepid’s mission brought together similar yet different personalities of all ages from around the globe forming a special bond!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Liliana - Traveled, February 2024
As expected, NZ is a beautiful country with breathtaking sceneries and waterfalls. You see unique birds like the mountain parrot ( they are a treat) and of course the kiwi ( seen in enclosures). The trip feels rushed in some areas where it was really scenic and you just have to pass without even taking a photo. Milford Sound is a highlight. Hotels are a mixed bag, best was in Franz Josef. Overall, an unforgettable trip, but it could be a lot better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Sarah - Traveled, November 2023
I can't say enough positive things about the New Zealand Encompassed trip and our fearless leader Summer. Our group bonded and had amazing times. I laughed until I cried daily. The itinerary offered diverse enjoyable experiences like the Te Puia cultural center in Rotorua, hiking in Tongariro and an overnight cruise in stunning Milford Sound. Summer was a joy to be around. She was extremely well organized and kept our group on-the-go in a seamless and stress-free manner.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Lucy - Traveled, March 2023
Our group got lucky and had a good variety of lovely people on the tour. Our guide was friendly, efficient & enthusiastic. NZ is an incredible place to visit & this tour was definitely an effective way to see the main things in a relatively short space of time, particularly if you're travelling alone and/or want someone to take care of everything for you! The hotels are good quality and you eat some amazing food in the included meals. Driving times are long but that's to be expected - the scenery is so stunning that it's easy to wile away the time looking out of the window. With the changeable weather there can be some disappointments with activities not being able to take place so you should definitely be prepared for that. And take good waterproofs! Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the tour & the NZ experience, my highlights being Waiheke Island wine tasting, Wanaka & the Milford Sound overnight cruise. You don't get to spend much time in the cities so definitely come early & stay after if this interests you - Queenstown warrants a weekend for sure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Benjamin - Traveled, March 2023
The trip had great coverage of North and South Island of New Zealand in only 17 days, with a good mix of culture, nature and adventure. Highlights for us were going to Hobbiton and Milford Sound! Some activities were very weather dependent and there were some adjustments to the published itinerary/activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2023
Susan - Traveled, February 2023
New Zealand was shown in all it's beautiful and amazing glory. The itinerary was great although I would have liked a little more time in Wellington and Christchurch. It is a great trip for us older back packers who now need a little more comfort when travelling. The accommodation was fabulous as were our two tour leaders George and Michelle. The inclusions were great especially Waiheke Island. The overnight boat on Milford Sound was also a highlight. A few long days travelling were made magnificent by the scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Ronald - Traveled, January 2023
Crap happens. During our trip we contracted COVID. When faced with an illness far from home in a foreign land it is easy to become overwhelmed. Intrepid stepped forward, held our hand and walked us through all the issues we faced. I look forward to our future travels with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2023
Cindy - Traveled, January 2023
Our tour leader was exceptional, she had great local knowledge and was enthusiastic about sharing this. Some days were very long driving days, this can become tiring and there needed to be more free time. But overall this was a wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2023
Jeanne - Traveled, December 2022
If you're thinking about booking onto this trip, stop thinking about it and book! :) This trip is full of daily highlights, from the beautiful island of Waiheke, visiting the magical Hobbiton set, and sailing through the spectacular views of the Milford Sound and many, many more. You also eat VERY well on this trip from delicious home cooked food on a deer farm to visiting the best delicious local bakeries - this is also quite the culinary journey! You will definitely fall in love with New Zealand on this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2023
Beth - Traveled, December 2022
Intrepid is an excellent tour company. Very organized and beautifully set up.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2023
Cj - Traveled, April 2024
The trip lived up to my expectations and actually exceeded them. I needed customer service help at one point and the ladies i dealt with were fantastic, and able to fix my problem immediately. Also the phone was answered by a human, so important in this day and age. Our guide Lexi was excellent, exceptionally organized!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2024
Andrea - Traveled, March 2024
My husband and I took a 17 day guided tour through both the North and South islands of New Zealand with Intrepid. We were very pleased with every aspect of the trip. We highly recommend both Intrepid and our wonderful guide, Summer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2024
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