Day 1 : Arrival Auckland
Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then head out to explore — start with a downhill walk to the waterfront to discover for yourself why Auckland is known as the City of Sails. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).
Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City (5 Turner St, Auckland CBD) or similar.
Free activities: Walk the waterfront
Meals :Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 : Auckland to Hahei
Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury? This evening we’ll enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner together at the resort.
Accommodation: Hahei Beach Resort or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Optional activities: Kayaking or Hahei Explorer.
Free activities: Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach.
Meals :Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 : Hahei
Today you have a full free day to explore Hahei. Take a sunrise kayak or walk to Cathedral Cove, board a boat and cruise around exploring the sea caves, chill out on the beach or enjoy a beer in the local pub. This is your time to relax in paradise so get your R&R on!
Accommodation: Hahei Beach Resort or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Optional activities: Cathedral Cove kayaking, Hahei explorer boat.
Free activities: Visit Cathedral Cove.
Meals :Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 : Hahei to Rotorua
Rise and shine for an early start this morning as you walk to Hahei Beach to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Before we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options!
Accommodation: Haka House Rotorua or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Included activity: Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Free activities: Karangahake Gorge, Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 5 : Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
This morning we’ll head to Kuirau Park where we’ll see some geothermal activity, boiling mud pools and steaming lakes! After hanging out in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably feel ready to experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. Today we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about their Maori tribal heritage and their local community. You'll see sacred Maori rock carvings, play traditional stick games and watch the preparation of a ground cooked 'hangi', before tasting it for yourself! Prepare your tastebuds - this will probably be the best meal you eat in New Zealand, or maybe even in your lifetime!
Exclusive experience includes: 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge, Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert, Continental breakfast, Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings, Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges.
Accommodation: Kohutapu Lodge.
Included activity: Learn the Haka, Maori flax weaving.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, traditional hangi dinner and dessert included.
Optional activities: Rotorua Canopy tours, Rotorua Rafting, Polynesian Spa.
Free activities: Maori rock carvings, volleyball, Maori cultural games.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 6 : Lake Aniwhenua to Lake Taupo
Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Haka House Taupo or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Optional paid activities: Skydiving or bungy in Taupo.
Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 7 : Taupo to Tongariro National Park
Today we’re up bright and early as we leave Taupō and head deep into Tongariro National Park — home to what’s often described as the best one-day walk in the world: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This iconic 19 km trail leads us through an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape of steaming vents, crater lakes, and rugged alpine ridges.
The Crossing is open year-round, and when there’s snow or ice on the route, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required for safety (additional cost). These alpine conditions - most common from June to October, but possible at any time - can make the scenery even more dramatic and unforgettable.
As always, safety is our priority and the plan is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for the full Crossing, your guide will have a choice of other incredible hiking options in Tongariro National Park ready to go.
Accommodation: Alpine Chalets or similar.
Included activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (snow & ice, extra cost).
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Pack a lunch & plenty of snacks and water.
Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool).
Optional paid activities: Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions).
Meals :Breakfast
Day 8 : Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by grabbing a craft beer at a brewery, head up on the cable car to overlook the city or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.
Accommodation: Cambridge Hotel or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Optional paid activities: Wellington Cable Car.
Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, Gumboot (welly) throwing.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 9 : Wellington
Today is a free day to explore more of Wellington, home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Wellington is a great place to check out the lively arts, café culture scenes or do some shopping. Today is yours to explore the sights - we also recommend viewing the excellent exhibits on display at Te Papa National Museum or head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views.
Accommodation: Cambridge Hotel or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Optional paid activities: Te Papa National Museum, Weta Workshop.
Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, Mt Victoria walk and views.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 10 : Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)
Today we’ll catch an early Ferry across the Cook Strait and through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck to witness some incredible scenes and spot some wildlife. From there we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region to Marahau, our accommodation is situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park - perfect for exploring arguably the best National Park in NZ.
Accommodation: The Barn Marahau.
Included activity: Ferry Crossing to the South Island.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group
dinner.
Optional paid activities: Wine tasting.
Free activities: Stargazing.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 11 : Marahau (Abel Tasman)
Count yourself lucky because you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park today. From our accommodation we’ll be picked up and taken by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide and then, we’ll walk approximately 4 hours back to our accommodation, stopping along the way to take amazing photos and swim in the secluded bays.
Accommodation: The Barn Marahau.
Included activity: Water taxi into Anchorage Bay.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs.
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, skydiving, canyoning - (PM).
Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 12 : Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Franz Josef
Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much phone reception but you are NOT going to need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even just a second. We’ll stop at Cape Foulwind and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner together at our accommodation.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Free activities: Buller Gorge, Pancake Rocks and blowholes, Hokitika.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 13 : Franz Josef
Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat or similar.
Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Glacier hike, bush tracks, soak in the spa.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 14 : Franz Josef to Queenstown
It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea to arrive in Queenstown! Once settled, put on your dancing shoes and head out to explore this lakeside resort, there are over 100 clubs and bars to choose from in Queenstown!
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 15 : Queenstown (Free Day)
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With an awesome night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar.
Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating,
skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding...).
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 16 : Queenstown (Free Day)
You have another free day in the adventure capital! (as above)
Meals :Breakfast
Day 17 : Milford Day Trip
Today you’ll hop aboard the Coach and we’ll take you to the stunning and world famous Milford Sound. After a super scenic drive, you’ll board the boat and cruise across the Sound. Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and (if it’s been raining) thundering waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot lots of amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown where you can check out some one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer - or try the famous Fergburger!
Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront or similar.
Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 18 : Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
It’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo this morning where we’ll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake for some awesome photo opportunities. In the afternoon take part in an engaging experience that offers deep insight into Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central place in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.
Accommodation: Haka House Lake Tekapo or similar.
Included activity: Dark Sky Experience.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Self-catering in the hostel kitchen or local bars and restaurants.
Optional paid activities: Dark Sky Crater Experience, Tekapo Hot Springs (All seasons), Ice Skating, Snow tubing (Winter only).
Free activities: Mount John Observatory Hike, Church of the Good Shepherd, stargazing.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 19 : Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Our next stop is Christchurch, a super cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and cool laneway bars! Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets to discover creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram and see the sights!
Accommodation: Drifter Christchurch or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Explore Christchurch by foot, check out the new Riverside Market, Botanic Gardens.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 20 : Christchurch to Kaikoura
We’ve got an early morning start for a beautiful drive up the coast to Kaikoura, arriving around midday so you have the afternoon free to explore. See the Kekeno (NZ fur seal) colony and hike around the peninsula to check out the breath-taking views from the lookout. You’re likely to see sea birds, seals and maybe even whales or dolphins if you’re lucky. Or, if you’d like to see whales and dolphins, jump on a boat or plane!
Accommodation: Dusky Lodge or similar.
Optional paid activities: Whale watching by boat or by plane, swimming with dolphins, ziplining.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Visit a fur seal colony, walk around the peninsula and up to the lookout.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 21 : Kaikoura to Wellington (via Picton)
This morning we’ll hop on the bus and wind our way up the coastal roads towards the top of the South Island. We’ll catch the afternoon Ferry across the Cook Strait and then you’ll have the evening in Wellington, your second chance to explore the city’s nightlife!
Accommodation: Cambridge Hotel or similar.
Included activity Ferry Crossing to the North Island.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Seal and dolphin spotting.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 22 : Wellington to Auckland
We’ll head out this morning and continue north straight to Auckland. Today is a big travelling day so load up on snacks and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Auckland in the afternoon to enjoy your last night in New Zealand with your new Stray family.
Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City or similar.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast.
Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen.
Free activities: Explore the city.
Meals :None
Day 23 : Depart Auckland
All good things must come to an end, and after an incredible few week of exploring New Zealand it’s officially time to head to the airport. We hope this was truly a once in a lifetime experience for you and you’ll take some of New Zealand's way of life home with you. Please come back and visit us again someday!
Meals :None
