About this trip
Seventeen days across both islands, from volcanic North Island landscapes to the snow-capped peaks of the South. This one moves at a proper pace, mixing well-known highlights with some off-the-beaten-path stops and a fair bit of adrenaline.
You'll take in Māori culture, glowing caves, and Wellington's capital energy before flying south for hikes, fjords, and jet boating through some genuinely dramatic scenery. A group leader travels with you throughout, and you're in a shared group the whole way.
What you'll do
- Visit the Hobbiton film set
- Explore glowworm caves underground
- Spend time in Wellington
- Cruise through the fjords of the South Island
- Jet boat through South Island scenery
- Hike dramatic South Island landscapes
- Moderate adventure pace with activities like jet boating and hiking built in
- Shared rooms throughout
- Fully guided with a group leader for the whole 17 days
Worth it if you want both islands covered efficiently with a strong guide and good group energy. Think twice if you need lots of solo downtime or are budget-conscious about optional activities.
- Guide quality makes or breaks it; Niamh, Faye, Danny, Tommy consistently praised for organisation, inclusivity and genuine care.
- Sweet spot between structure and freedom: planned activities plus free time, optional add-ons like white-water rafting and stargazing without pressure.
- Hostel accommodation standard; works brilliantly if your roommates become friends, less ideal if you prefer privacy.
- Optional activities cost extra; white-water rafting and stargazing add-ons mentioned but not budgeted into tour price.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Auckland · 7 Sept – 8 Sept
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