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.
CavesWaterfallsCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore Tasmania’s wild beauty and rich heritage on this 10-day journey from Hobart. Wander among towering trees and waterfalls in Mount Field, cruise the Gordon River, and marvel at convict history on Sarah Island. Discover the Tarkine Rainforest, the volcanic Nut at Stanley, and pristine beaches along the Bay of Fires. Take in the alpine grandeur of Cradle Mountain, the coastal charm of Bicheno, and the sweeping vistas of Freycinet. Meet native wildlife at Bonorong, climb to Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and uncover the convict past of Port Arthur. From rugged coasts to rainforest trails, this adventure showcases Tasmania at its finest.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the rugged natural beauty of Tasmania’s Bruny Island on this six-day walking trip. Lace up your hiking boots and make the most of the lush trails and beautiful tracks of South Bruny National Park, chase waterfalls in Mt Field National Park and make the summit in the Hartz Mountains for exceptional natural views. Then, explore the beautiful coastline near Adventure Bay and look out for Bruny Island’s wildlife – all with an expert local leader by your side to show you the best spots!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travelling from top to toe of New Zealand, this epic 23 day adventure takes in the very best of what the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer. Discover the blissful Bay of Islands in the country's far north, explore Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori heritage in the North Island. Then head to the stunning national parks, mountains and lakes of the South Island. Cruise picturesque Milford Sound, explore Queenstown and Wanaka, then end in beautiful Christchurch.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellingt
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Russell, Twizel, Bay Of Islands, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
Discover the very best of New Zealand’s majestic South Island in two weeks. Setting off from the capital of Wellington, you will cross the Cook Strait and reach the pretty town of Nelson. Hike amongst the stunning scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, and explore Glacier Country. Marvel at Mt Cook, take tea with locals at Lake Tekapo, and cruise Milford Sound, all before ending in Christchurch.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Wellington, Queens
Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Twizel, Nelson, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Maria Island and Freycinet National Park are jewels in Tasmania’s already studded crown of coastal wonders and on this hiking adventure, you’ll be able to discover both and more in all the East Coast’s wild beauty. From Launceston, spend five days hiking some of the southern state’s best coastal walks, including part of the Three Capes Track, the Fossil Cliffs and the awe-inspiring Wineglass Bay. Take a wilderness cruise with an expert local guide, looking out for migrating whales, seals, dolphins and sea eagles, as you pass underneath rock formations and past hidden sea coves, towering cliffs and a diverse coastline. With a knowledgeable leader joining you each step of the way, plus a selection of group dinners in some of the state’s best dining locations, you’re sure to come home with some pretty great memories.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Launceston, Swansea, Port Arthur
Launceston, Swansea, Port Arthur, Hobart
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Retrace the historic voyage of Sir Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) and experience the grandeur of remote East Antarctica. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, skirting majestic ice cliffs and marvelling at beautifully sculpted icebergs. Keep 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. Continue towards Commonwealth Bay and the fabled Cape Denison. Conditions permitting, make landfall to explore what remains of Mawson's main base, and find yourself transported back to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Then onwards to Dunedin, with a pause to enjoy the ruggedly beautiful New Zealand subantarctic islands, where nesting royal albatross, the endemic yellow-eyed penguin and lush megaherb meadows await.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Discover the historic Commonwealth Bay - as we attempt to make a rare landing to the site of Mawson's huts.
Skirt rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hobart, Dunedin, Macquarie Islan
Hobart, Dunedin, Macquarie Island, East Antarctic Coastline, Commonwealth Bay, Campbell Island
As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this trip will have you spending 10 days discovering the best of the North Island with a local at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure will excite, educate and inspire.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Wellington, Tongariro
Auckland, Wellington, Tongariro National Park, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Uncover the history, culture and spectacular landscapes of New Zealand on this 19-day escorted group tour. Setting out from Auckland in the North Island, discover the beautiful Bay of Islands, learn about Maori heritage and see the volcanic terrain that formed the backdrop of Mordor in 'Lord of the Rings'. Cruise across the Cook Strait to the South Island and explore scenic national parks, glacier country and stunning lakes before ending your adventure in Queenstown.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington
Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, Te Anau, Russell, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Ride the longest off-road cycling trail on the planet. From Albany to Walpole, this carefully crafted trip takes you along a stunning section of the world-renowned Munda Biddi Trail. Cycling approximately 40 km per day from Albany to Walpole, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of isolated coastlines and the cool depths of Karri and Tingle Forest. Experience the iconic Munda Biddi trail on this six-day cycling adventure, perfect for cyclists that enjoy a mixture of sealed roads, off-road tracks and scenic views. With a dedicated support vehicle, enjoy your cycling experience in Western Australia while your meals, accommodation and luggage are all taken care of.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
UNESCO World Heritage areas, remote bays, coral reefs, desert landscapes, a bright pink lake and a beach made entirely of seashells – this west coast adventure showcases Australia’s scenic beauty over eight beautiful days. Starting in Perth, you’ll wander the strange landscape of the Pinnacles Desert, visit the pink Hutt Lagoon and settle into Kalbarri National Park, surrounded by local wildlife. Explore the diverse scenery of the park, canoe along Murchison River, then sit down to a special dining experience during sunset. Visit Shark Bay, Shell Beach and look out for rays, turtles and dolphins before soaking up some free time to get active. Search for turtles on a glass bottom boat, explore Cape Range National Park and go snorkelling in Ningaloo Reef. End it all in Exmouth, where you can extend your stay to search for whale sharks – an epic way to round off a nature-lover's journey.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Perth, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalba
Perth, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay
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