Iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader.Eye-popping landscapes. Jaw-dropping activities. And local know-how by the bucketload. This trip isn’t about seeing the North Island – it’s about experiencing it. In all its spectacular, quirky, historic glory. Expect: towering volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, magical caves and out-of-this-world views. The adventure starts HERE.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Jump into a world of geothermal wonders, white-water rapids, glaciers and oceanside summits on this 19-day adventure across New Zealand’s South and North Islands. Starting in the south, you’ll explore the limsestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki, spend two nights in Queenstown and walk through the forest near Franz Josef Glacier. Then journey to the north, where you’ll learn about Maori culture from a local guide, roll down the Rotorua hillside in a zorb and hike up Mount Maunganui. Explore the best of New Zealand from bottom to top and enjoy plenty of free time to skydive, stargaze or unwind with your new friends – maybe with a local beer or cocktail in hand.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Abel Tas
Auckland, Christchurch, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Rotorua, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Westport
Journey through the South Island of New Zealand on this 12-day adventure. Explore the limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations and see the blowholes at Punakaiki. Take a ferry through Marlborough Sounds and spend a night at Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters and snowy peaks. Spend two days in Queenstown and enjoy plenty of free time to skydive, surf, stargaze or unwind with your new friends.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Wellington, Abel T
Christchurch, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Westport
Explore New Zealand's stunning South Island on a 12-day tour from Wellington to Christchurch. Cruise the Cook Straight, embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound, and explore adventurous Queenstown. From the mountains and lakes of Wanaka and Ohau to the wild West Coast, Southern Sounds is a journey that will take your breath away.
AdventureSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Wellington, Fox Gl
Christchurch, Wellington, Fox Glacier, Blenheim, Lake Ohau , Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore New Zealand's stunning South Island on a small group tour. Embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound and explore adventurous Queenstown. Enjoy overnight stays surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lakes. From the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Ohau to the wild West Coast, this compact tour of the best of the South Island is a breathtaking journey of epic proportions.
From Wellington's vibrant charm to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Auckland’s harbour-side sparkle, every day brings new discoveries. Take a tour through Napier’s Art Deco streets, visit Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools, a traditional pounamu carving workshop, and a Māori cultural performance under the glow of the Pohutu Geyser, await. Discover an immersive All Blacks Experience in Auckland before heading to the breathtaking Bay of Islands and then celebrate it all at dinner with your new-found friends.
AdventureLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Ro
Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Bay Of Islands
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the very best of New Zealand on this small-group adventure from Auckland to Christchurch. Highlights include an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound, immersive Māori cultural encounters in Rotorua, a guided Art Deco walking tour in Napier, wine tasting at a boutique Wairarapa vineyard, and engaging local connections - from a fifth-generation beekeeper to the Pavlova Queen of Lake Tekapo. Add in aviation history, farm shows, and breathtaking landscapes, and you’ve got an untamed journey to remember.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Auckland, Lake Oha
Christchurch, Auckland, Lake Ohau , Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fox Glacier, Rotorua, Napier, Wairarapa, Wellington, Blenheim
Are you ready to explore the best of New Zealand over 13 epic days? We're going BIG for this New Zealand Adventure...Get ready to kick things off in Auckland before discovering Rotorua’s geothermal magic and Taupo’s 10/10 vibes. Think kayaking on crystal-clear waters, exploring Hobbiton (get your best Gandulf impression ready), and chasing waterfalls at Huka Falls. Then it's over to the South Island with bucket-list spots like Christchurch, Wanaka, and Queenstown! From a Maori cultural evening, walking through the jaw-dropping Hooker Valley, or simply taking in those insta-worthy views in every-single location, this is the perfect way to explore New Zealand and make the most out of every moment in this incredible country!
I had an amazing experience with intro traveling the north and south island with James and Ben as my tour leaders. New Zealand is a beautiful place and our tour leaders were great. I would highly recommend this trip.
Caves
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hostel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Lake Tekap
Auckland, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Taupo, Huka Falls, Wellington, Christchurch
I had an amazing experience with intro traveling the north and south island with James and Ben as my tour leaders. New Zealand is a beautiful place and our tour leaders were great. I would highly recommend this trip.
CavesWaterfallsCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
New Zealand is an outdoor lover’s dream, and on this two-week Solo-ish adventure, you’ll explore with new mates while still carving out time for yourself. Dive into nature’s wonders in Franz Josef and Queenstown, and satisfy your taste buds with a delicious Kiwi cooking experience in Auckland. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Māori culture with your local hosts in Rotorua. Discover the charm of Hokitika, a quirky west coast gem, as you journey from the North Island to the South. This is your chance to tick New Zealand off your bucket list in the most unforgettable way.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Franz Jose
Auckland, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Fiordland National Park, Rotorua, Kaikoura, Hokitika
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
For departures from June 2025.
The North Island is full of fun and fabulous contrasts! Up North you’ll find the idyllic Coromandel where you can soak in a hot pool that you’ve dug in the sand or venture through a geothermal wonderland of geysers. Enjoy the real Middle Earth countryside and explore a Hobbit Hole, admire lush rainforests and marvel at a volcanic desert – you’ll be amazed by the variety of experiences and landscapes on offer.
This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, Hobbiton, and the Tongariro Crossing along the way. We’ve also extended the North Island trip so we can head down to the South Island and visit Kaikoura and Christchurch – a great win for those looking to visit the South Island but are short on time! Plus, an ideal for those looking to end their time in Aotearoa at an international airport.
As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events including a Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven.
You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add to your tour, from bungy jumping and white-water rafting to canopy forest zipline tours and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; you can just add in the ones you want.
Looking to extend your time in New Zealand? We can book a few extra nights for you at the beginning or end of your trip, so you can explore further.
New Zealand’s North Island Adventure Tips:
- All activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know and we can book them in for you.
- Our tour starts in the evening, so you can spend the day exploring Christchurch at your leisure. You can check out our website for recommendations on what to do and where to explore!
- The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space, you have the option to upgrade to a private room. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online. Please note: private room upgrades are not available for one night on this tour: the cultural experience at Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers