Day 1
Auckland
With no planned activities during the day, you are free to explore the city upon arrival. In the evening, meet your tour leader (otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer or CEO) and group members, and learn more about the tour. You may then opt to join the group for a local meal.
Optional experiences: Maritime Museum visit, Waiheke Island excursion, Auckland sailing - America Cup experience.
Day 2
Auckland/Raglan
Journey to the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls, upon arrival you will walk through native North Island bush to this stunning waterfall. Then, continue to the surf town of Raglan, famous for black sand beaches and surf breaks. Get out on the water and kayak around Raglan's unique coastline. If you are lucky you may spot an orca.
Private Vehicle: Auckland – Raglan (3 hours, 160 km)
Overnight: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge or similar (breakfast included).
Day 3
Raglan
Enjoy a full day in Raglan, where you can experience local life with an included three-hour surf lesson. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish - perhaps unwinding and enjoying the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Overnight: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 4
Raglan/Rotorua
The day begins with a drive to Rotorua, with the option to stop at the famous Waitomo Caves to see glowworms light up the cave. Continue to Rotorua, known for geothermal activity. Start the day with a drive to Rotorua, making a stop at Waitomo to visit the famous Waitomo Caves. In the evening, enjoy a cultural experience during a visit to a thermal valley and the Te Puia Village.
Private Vehicle: Raglan – Rotorua (3 hours)
Overnight: Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Waitomo Valley walk, Waitomo Cave excursion.
Day 5
Rotorua/Taupo
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure - you may opt to visit the hot springs, or embark on a canopy tour. Then, in the afternoon, leave Rotorua to travel to Taupo. On the way, stop to admire the impressive Huka Falls, one of the North Island's must-see spots. Upon arrival in Taupo, spend the afternoon sailing on New Zealand's largest lake.
Private Vehicle: Rotorua – Taupo (1 to 2 hours, 80 km)
Overnight: Based by the Lake or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Rotorua canopy tour, hot springs.
Day 6
Taupo/Wellington
Today, travel to New Zealand's capital, Wellington, at the southern end of the North Island. Along the way, take in the range of landscapes and reflect on the journey so far. Upon arrival there is the option to visit the National Museum, Te Papa, housing a fascinating array of Maori artefacts and modern exhibits, or spend the day exploring the city.
Private Vehicle: Taupo – Wellington (5 to 6 hours, 375 km)
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Te Papa Museum visit
Day 7
Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park
Board the morning ferry to cross the picturesque Cook Strait, taking three and a half hours. The views of the Marlborough Sounds are spectacular from the ferry. Then, drive through lush native forests and past stunning beaches to Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its pristine sands.
Private Vehicle: Picton – Abel Tasman National Park (3 hours, 200 km)
Overnight: The Barns Cabins & Camp or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 8
Abel Tasman National Park
Enjoy a day in paradise with birdsong ringing in the trees as you wander through the forest, discovering waterfalls, clear pools, and pristine coastlines. Explore the golden beaches and winding waterways at your own pace or relax in the sun.
Overnight: The Barns Cabins & Camp or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Abel Tasman National Park kayaking, sailing
Day 9
Abel Tasman National Park/Westport
Travel to Westport today, stopping at Cape Foulwind to see the local seal colony. Watch these majestic creatures in their natural habitat before continuing to Westport. Once you arrive, enjoy a cold drink and chat with the locals to experience the charm of this coal mining town.
Private Vehicle: Abel Tasman National Park – Westport (4.5 to 5 hours, 270 km)
Overnight: The Barns Cabins & Camp or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional experiences: Surfing in Westport
Day 10:
Westport/Franz Josef
Continue south to Punakaiki, known for its pancake rocks and blowholes. Take time to explore this strange and beautiful place before continuing on to Franz Josef, where you’ll spend the night at a unique wilderness lodge in the rainforest.
Private Vehicle: Westport – Franz Josef (5 to 5.5 hours, 285 km)
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 11
Franz Josef
Enjoy a full day to explore Franz Josef. Whether you want to go hiking, kayaking or view the glacier from the skies, there’s something for everyone. If you'd prefer a more relaxing day, unwind with a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools.
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Heli scenic flight, hiking, Franz Josef kayaking
Day 12
Franz Josef/Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Enjoy the scenic drive, taking in forests, coastlines, and mountain passes along the way. Get ready for an adrenaline-packed few days in Queenstown.
Private Vehicle: Franz Josef – Queenstown (8 to 9 hours, 420 km)
Overnight: Nomads Queenstown Hostel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 13
Queenstown
Queenstown is filled with adventurous activities sure to get the adrenaline pumping. On this free day, further explore the area and all it has to offer or enjoy options such as jet boating for the more adventurous travellers, or for those looking for a more relaxing day, opt for a vineyard tour or gondola ride.
Overnight: Nomads Queenstown Hostel or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Queenstown jet boating, Vineyard tour, Gondola ride.
Day 14
Milford Sound Day Trip / Queenstown
Take a breather today as the group travels to Fiordland National Park. Cruise through one of New Zealand’s most iconic spots and one of the wettest places on Earth – Milford Sound. Admire the views before returning to Queenstown for the night.
Private Vehicle - Queenstown to Milford Sound (4h 30m)
Overnight: Nomads Queenstown Hostel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 15
Queenstown
Enjoy another day of free time in Queenstown. Whether you’re up for more adrenaline-fueled activities, or if you prefer to simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere, the choice is yours. Explore local restaurants or wind down in a cosy café.
Overnight: Nomads Queenstown Hostel or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Queenstown jet boating, Vineyard tour, Gondola ride.
Day 16
Queenstown to Tekapo
Leave Queenstown and head towards Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy free time for hiking or visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Then, continue on to Lake Tekapo for your next two-night stay.
Private Vehicle - Queenstown to Mount Cook (3h 30m - 4h 26km)
Private Vehicle - Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo (1h 15m 93km)
Overnight: Lakes Edge Holiday Park or similar (breakfast included).
Day 17
Tekapo
The day begins with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals, taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Afterward, explore Tekapo at your own pace. You could visit the hot springs, relax by Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory for a look at the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.
Overnight: Lakes Edge Holiday Park or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Dark Sky Project - the crater experience, Tekapo hot springs.
Day 18
Tekapo to Christchurch
Travel to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Spend your free time exploring the city and enjoy a restful night in a converted jailhouse.
Private Vehicle - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (3h 23m 230km)
Overnight: Drifter Christchurch Hotel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 19
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a special place, and probably the South Island’s best-kept secret. Experience it by going on a whale watching cruise, swimming with seals, or taking a walk along the coast to admire the landscape. In the afternoon, try bird watching, swimming with dolphins, or take a scenic flight over the peninsula.
Private Vehicle - Christchurch to Kaikoura (2h 30m)
Overnight: Dusky Lodge or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Hiking, whale watching, scenic flight, dolphin tour.
Day 20
Kaikoura to Wellington
Relive your New Zealand adventure as you head to Picton and catch a ferry back to Wellington. Take in the beautiful views as you sail back to the city for your last night in New Zealand.
Private Vehicle - Kaikoura to Picton (2h 15m 150km)
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 21
Wellington/Sydney
Say goodbye to New Zealand, as it is now time to fly to Australia. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Australia’s largest city. Visiting 'The Rocks' is the perfect way to commence your time in Sydney.
A great way to start your time in the city is to head to the harbour’s edge and explore the historic area of ‘The Rocks.’
Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney or similar.
Optional experience: The Rocks neighbourhood visit.
Day 22
Sydney
Board the local ferry to travel from Sydney to the famous Manly Beach. Offering world-class surfing on the glistening water and pristine beaches, it is easy to see why Manly Beach is so popular. Unwind on the beach and indulge in delicious food at one of the many restaurants in the area, or take a surf class.
Ferry to Manly Beach (Sydney – Manly Beach, 1h 15m)
Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney or similar.
Day 23
Sydney
There are endless possibilities in Sydney - with a fantastic food scene and famous museums to visit. You may choose to visit the Sydney Opera House or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney or similar.
Optional experiences: Sydney Opera House visit, Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
Day 24
Sydney
For your final day in the city, tick off any final must-see spots and further explore Sydney at your leisure.
Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney or similar.
Day 25
Sydney/Arrawarra
Take the train to Coffs Harbour, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, travel to Spot X Surf Camp - your base for the next few days.
Train: Sydney – Coffs Harbour (9h)
Overnight: Spot X Surf Camp or similar (dinner included).
Day 26
Arrawarra
At sunrise, enjoy a picturesque included surf lesson with Spot X. After, soak in the sunshine before embarking on a kangaroo trek. Then, enjoy an afternoon at your leisure to explore the surrounding area - perhaps you might admire the scenery of Solitary Islands Marine Park, or visit Mullawarra Beach.
Overnight: Spot X Surf Camp or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Optional experiences: Swimming
Day 27
Arrawarra/Byron Bay
As the group travels from Arrawarra to Byron Bay, take in the beautiful scenery of vibrant national parks, breathtaking beaches and charmin Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and charming towns full of Australian culture. After lunch in this surf and arts town, take a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse to visit the easternmost point of the country.
Private Vehicle: Arrawarra – Byron Bay (3h, 210km)
Overnight: Wake Up! Byron Bay or similar (breakfast included).
Day 28
Byron Bay
Wake up in Byron Bay - the city of surfing and sunbathing. Take the day to explore - discover hidden beaches, play in the surf or opt to spend the morning kayaking through the water.
Overnight: Wake Up! Byron Bay or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experience: Byron Bay ocean kayaking
Day 29
Byron Bay/Brisbane
Travel north to the capital of Queensland, Brisbane. During the journey, visit the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, with multi-level views of the rescue koalas and educational displays. The tour ends upon arrival in Brisbane.
Private Vehicle: Byron Bay – Brisbane (4h, 288km)
Breakfast is included.
