New Zealand Amplified

About this trip

Exactly what you do each day, where you sleep, and how it flows — written by us, from the real itinerary.

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   Day 1 · AucklandAuckland

   

   You arrive in Auckland and meet your local leader and group at 6 pm. The city's worth exploring on foot if you get here early—it's got hills to warm you up and plenty of decent pubs and shops. After your meeting, hang by the harbour or grab dinner with the group.

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   Day 2 · CoromandelCoromandel Peninsula

   

   Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula along a scenic coastal route with glittering water and white sand views. Hot Water Beach is the main draw—dig a hole in the sand and soak in the naturally warm water beneath it, assuming the tide's right. Rest of the day is yours to lounge on the beach or wander the town.

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   Day 3 · CoromandelCoromandel Peninsula / Rotorua

   

   Walk the clifftops down to Cathedral Cove, a stunning spot with rock arches and pristine beaches within the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. You might kayak along the coastline and spot dolphins. Later, head to Rotorua, known for geothermal activity and Maori culture.

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   Day 4 · RotoruaRotorua

   Rotorua's yours to explore. Options include strolling Kuirau Park's bubbling mud pools, white water rafting the Kaituna River, ziplining through ancient forest, or a guided kayak trip to hot pools accessible only by boat, with a BBQ dinner included.

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   Day 5 · Te PuiaMurupara

   Visit Te Puia Maori Village to see Pohutu, New Zealand's largest geyser, and the kiwi conservation centre where you'll watch the nocturnal birds at night. Travel to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara and tour the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands with a community member sharing the tribe's history.

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   Day 6 · TaupoTaupo

   Drive to Taupo via simmering mud pools, Huka Falls, and Aratiatia Dam. Taupo sits on New Zealand's largest lake surrounded by mountains. The afternoon is free for bungy jumping, skydiving, or a sunset lake cruise.

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   Day 7 · TaupoTaupo

   

   Spend the day in Taupo as you like. Chill lakeside, hike local trails, or tackle the Tongariro Crossing in nearby Tongariro National Park—one of the world's best one-day walks but genuinely tough. You can also visit Otumuheke Stream's natural hot pools or take a boat trip to see 14-metre Maori cliff artwork.

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   Day 8 · TaupoWellington

   

   Long drive from Taupo to Wellington through the Rangipo Desert and Tongariro National Park, passing volcanic peaks Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe (which doubled as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films). Arrive in Wellington, known for food and craft beer.

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   Day 9 · MarlboroughMarlborough Sounds / Kaikoura

   

   Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island, cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and into Picton Harbour. Drive down to Kaikoura, famous for marine wildlife. Crayfish is the standout dinner option if you eat out.

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    Day 10 · KaikouraKaikoura / Christchurch

    Experience Kaikoura's wildlife this morning—spot dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, common dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, or sperm whales on watching tours. Stop at a fur seal colony before driving to Christchurch for dinner at one of the city's better restaurants.

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    Day 11 · ChristchurchChristchurch

    Free day to explore Christchurch at your own pace. Hang out in the Botanic Gardens, visit the Christchurch Cathedral, or check out the rebuild around Cathedral Square. Another group meeting at 6 pm, then dinner with new travellers joining for the next leg.

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    Day 12 · ChristchurchChristchurch / Lake Tekapo

    

    Explore Christchurch with your leader, then drive to Lake Tekapo, a designated Dark Sky Reserve with brilliant blue water and mountain views. Look out for newlyweds photographing the Church of the Good Shepherd. After dark, it's one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

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    Day 13 · Kawarau GorgeQueenstown

    

    Optionally hike Mt John's summit at sunrise for Southern Alps views. Drive past the Mackenzie Basin's tussock lands and snow-dusted peaks towards Queenstown, stopping at the Kawarau Gorge to bungy jump if you're keen. Arrive in the adventure capital.

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    Day 14 · QueenstownQueenstown

    Day's yours in Queenstown. Adrenaline options include paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging, or bungy jumping. For scenery, a Milford Sound day trip sails past mountains and waterfalls. Lord of the Rings fans can do 4WD tours through filming locations.

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    Day 15 · QueenstownQueenstown / Arrowtown / Wanaka
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    Day 16 · WanakaWanaka / Franz Josef
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    Day 17 · Franz JosefFranz Josef
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    Day 18 · Arthur's Pass National ParkWest Coast / Christchurch
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    Day 19 · ChristchurchChristchurch

What's included

• Guide: NEW ZEALAND LEADERS: All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. In New Zealand your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Our crew are chosen for their driving skills, their knowledge of the country, their personality, and of course their leadership abilities. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. One of your leader’s responsibilities is to drive you safely between destinations. New Zealand regulations require them to take rest breaks during the trip. These breaks are carefully planned into the itinerary and help ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing throughout the journey. During these periods, your leader may step away to rest, but your day’s arrangements will always be clearly outlined so you can continue to enjoy your time. Rest assured, they are committed to making your experience smooth, enjoyable, and memorable, and will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring New Zealand!
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
• Activities: Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Murupara - Hangi Dinner Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax Murupara - Learn the Haka Murupara - Village Tour with Local Maori Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony Lake Tekapo - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd Christchurch - City Tour Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge Arrowtown - Village visit West Coast - Haast Pass West Coast - Lake Hawea Lookout
• Transport: Travel across New Zealand often involves long distances and varied road conditions, and our vehicle selection reflects the practical demands of operating in remote and regional areas. We primarily operate our own fleet of comfortable, fit-for-purpose vehicles, including Coaster buses with trailers and mini-coaches. To ensure seamless delivery of your itinerary, we may also utilise vehicles sourced from accredited local providers, which may not display Intrepid branding. Across both our fleet and any supplementary vehicles, configurations are standardised for touring conditions in New Zealand, prioritising reliability and access to a wide range of destinations. As such, vehicles do not include onboard Wi Fi, reclining seats, or toilet facilities. All vehicles meet New Zealand safety standards and are maintained by licensed operators; however, age, configuration, and kilometres travelled may vary and may differ from touring standards in other destinations. Private Vehicle, Ferry
• Accommodation: Accommodation on our New Zealand Basics trips is in basic twin share accommodation with shared facilities, with some exceptions where accommodation may be in multi-share accommodation. Please read the daily itinerary for more information on the type of accommodation used each night. Basic hotel (7 nights), Cabins (with shared facilities) (3 night), Multi-share accommodation (with shared facilities) (1 night), Lodge (2 nights), Lodge (with shared facilities) (1 night), Basic rooms (2 nights), Motel (2night)

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