New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) (30 destinations)

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 · ChristchurchChristchurch

   You arrive in Christchurch to begin exploring New Zealand's South Island. There's a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you get in early, the Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum are worth a look. After the meeting, the evening is yours to find dinner.

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   Day 2 · ChristchurchChristchurch / Lake Tekapo / Ohau

   See how Christchurch has rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, including the striking cardboard Christchurch Cathedral that replaced the original. Then drive inland to Lake Tekapo, where purple lupins, turquoise water and snow-topped peaks create one of the South Island's most photographed landscapes.

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   Day 3 · Kawarau GorgeMackenzie Country / Queenstown

   

   Drive through the Mackenzie Basin and Southern Alps with stops at scenic viewpoints including Kawarau Gorge, where you can watch or attempt bungy jumping off the suspension bridge. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital, known for extreme sports, wine and scenery.

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   Day 4 · QueenstownQueenstown

   Queenstown is yours to explore. Choose between jet boating, kayaking, a gondola ride, 4WD tours through Lord of the Rings locations, or wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. A walk around Lake Wakatipu offers views and fresh air; Fergburger is the local dining institution.

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   Day 5 · QueenstownQueenstown / Arrowtown / Wanaka

   Complete any unfinished Queenstown activities in the morning, then drive through Crown Range Mountains to Wanaka via Arrowtown, a former gold rush town with heritage buildings and a vintage sweet shop. Arrive in Wanaka this afternoon to soak in its laidback atmosphere backed by lake and mountains.

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   Day 6 · WanakaMou Waho Island / Wanaka

   Take a boat to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free reserve famous for containing an island within a lake within an island within a lake. Walk the reserve and learn its natural history. Spend the afternoon exploring Wanaka, including the famous willow tree that grows straight from Lake Wanaka's waters.

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   Day 7 · Lake HaweaFranz Josef

   

   Drive to Franz Josef with your camera ready. Stop at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout points and off-the-beaten-track spots along the way. Arrive in the early evening and explore one of the town's pubs for dinner.

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   Day 8 · Franz JosefFranz Josef

   You're in Franz Josef, home to the glacier and views of Mt Cook. Visit a local gallery to carve your own pounamu (greenstone) pendant while learning about its Maori cultural and spiritual significance. Arrange a close-up glacier experience in the afternoon if you wish.

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   Day 9 · GreymouthWest Coast / Greymouth / Christchurch

   Head up the rainforests of the west coast, stopping at the National Kiwi Centre if time allows to see nocturnal kiwis. Then board the TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass and the Southern Alps, past the Waimakariri River and native beech forest, returning to Christchurch.

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    Day 10 · KaikouraKaikoura

    

    Drive to Kaikoura, a seaside town known for marine wildlife. Take a boat trip to spot humpback whales, orcas and sperm whales. Dine on crayfish, the local speciality, this evening.

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    Day 11 · MarlboroughMarlborough Sounds / Wellington

    

    Visit Marlborough to tour world-class white wine vineyards. Then board a ferry through the Marlborough Sounds to cross Cook Strait and reach Wellington. A second welcome meeting happens at 7.30 pm; afterwards explore local breweries and restaurants with your leader.

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    Day 12 · WellingtonWellington

    Visit Zealandia, a conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 native species to the area. Take an orientation tour of Wellington's bays, central areas, Botanic Gardens and Parliament Building. Optionally visit Weta Workshop, the special effects studio used for Lord of the Rings.

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    Day 13 · WellingtonTaupo

    

    Leave Wellington and drive to Taupo through the Ruapehu region with views over Tongariro National Park. Visit Morero marae in Taumaranui for a korero (conversation) with local iwi about their way of life. Base yourself in Taupo on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake.

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    Day 14 · TaupoTaupo

    A free day in Taupo, created by a volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago. Choose between sailing on Lake Taupo or hiking, with options including the Tongariro walk nearby.

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    Day 15 · TaupoRotorua

    
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    Day 16 · RotoruaRotorua
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    Day 17 · MatamataCoromandel Peninsula
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    Day 18 · CoromandelCoromandel Peninsula
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    Day 19 · CoromandelCoromandel Peninsula / Auckland
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    Day 20 · AucklandAuckland

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: 18 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Activities: Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Taupo - Huka Falls Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
• 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, Train, Ferry
• Accommodation: Accommodation is on twin share basis. Single travellers are paired with someone of the same gender. A single supplement can be requested at the time of booking if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Hotel/Motel (19 nights)

How travellers rate it

Your free day in Christchurch

Landing early, staying on, or filling free time? The best-rated day experiences in Christchurch — you book on Viator (we may earn a commission).

5Budget-friendly

Christchurch Guided Walking Tour with optional Wine Tasting

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Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

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Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small Group Tour via Hokitika

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Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

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Common questions