Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on this this five-day adventure through New Zealand. Visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for a powhiri (formal welcome), explore New Zealand’s oldest national park and UNESCO World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park, and relax in the Ohakune wood-fired hot tubs at the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. Learn about the Bridge to here, significance to World War I servicemen and their families on a short hike, catch the Sky Waka Gondola to the Whakapapa Ski fields for panoramic views and maybe see the Waitomo Caves passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms in your free time.
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
Jump into a world of geothermal wonders, white water rapids and oceanside summits on this 8-day adventure across New Zealand’s North Island. Travel northbound from Wellington for farmlands in Taihape and geysers in Rotorua. Learn about Maori culture from a local guide in the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, laugh your way down the Rotorua hillside in a Zorb, hike up Mount Maunganui, then sit back for fish and chips on the beach. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people are top of the list. Embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their backyard with your new group of friends. Welcome to the North Island.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the best of New Zealand on this captivating tour. Take in views of Franz Josef Glacier, and cruise overnight on Milford Sound aboard the iconic Milford Mariner. Delight in gastronomic gems and savour delectable wines, all while relaxing, restoring and recharging in picturesque stays.
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.
From the vibrant city of Christchurch to the serene shores of Lake Ohau. Wander through charming historic towns from Cromwell to Arrowtown. Sample world class wines and delight in gourmet cuisine amidst the beauty of native flora and fauna.
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Ohau , Queens
Christchurch, Lake Ohau , Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fox Glacier
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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 Maori cultural performance under the glow of 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.
This trip sees you exploring magical valleys, gigantic glaciers and truly lovely lakes with a group of 35-45s. From Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka & Fox Glacier (and a 4-day stint in Queenstown!) - you’re in for a thrill-packed ride. With plenty of hiking, biking, skydiving, stargazing and lake exploration to channel your energy into. And enough incredible views to clog up your camera reel - this is reunion adventure done right.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanak
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo
Experience one of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. Your journey begins in the subantarctic, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rata forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world's largest floating ice shelf. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Revel in the richness of the unique Ross Sea ecosystem - part of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers - visit some of their historic huts
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Experience one of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. Your journey begins in the subantarctic, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rata forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world's largest floating ice shelf. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Revel in the richness of the unique Ross Sea ecosystem - part of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers - visit some of their historic huts
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands on this in-depth expedition to one of the most rugged regions of this part of the world. Witness rich endemic birdlife flourishing on Stewart and Ulva Islands, including the iconic brown kiwi and friendly flightless weka. Celebrate under the crimson blossoms of the flowering rata, affectionately known as the southern Christmas tree. Experience the majesty of Fiordland's deep Sounds and Zodiac-cruise the craggy coast of the Snares and wander through enchanting rata forests on the Auckland Islands, where you can spot endemic mollymawks and hear stories of the early sealers, settlers and explorers.
Explore the antipodean subantarctic - a sanctuary for millions of breeding albatross, penguins and seals.
Discover the delicate subantarctic ecosystem and albatross nesting ground - of mystical Campbell Island
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dunedin, Macquarie Island, Stewa
Dunedin, Macquarie Island, Stewart Island, Fiordland National Park, The Snares
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