Compare Trekking in New Zealand by Exodus Travels vs Classic New Zealand self-drive by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 19 days | 26 days |
| Price From | $ 11,550 | $ 6,828 |
| Price Per Day | $ 608 | $ 263 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | The itinerary includes 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches and three dinners. Usually, the group and the leader prepare the meals together as many of the meals are picnic/buffet lunches or dinners. Breakfasts are generally buffet/continental style; lunches are sandwiches, salads and fruit. The evening meals prepared in the backcountry are a little more basic for practical reasons, but still flavoursome and nutritious (mainly vegetarian). Please note: Food for lunches and dinner are purchased during the tour by your leader, and you may be asked to help with collecting these supplies. | N/A |
| Description |
New Zealand, one of the world’s great adventure travel destinations. Explore both islands on this active trip, visiting all the highlights and many lesser visited attractions, while staying at truly wild campsites followed by comfortable lodges. It’s this mix that makes NZ extraordinary: it’s majestic but down to earth, otherworldly yet reassuringly familiar. Along the way, we trek through Jurassic rainforest, hike a glacier, climb volcanic peaks, and enjoy fish and chips on the beach. A range of activities and glacier walking (optional extra) complement the hikes superbly and keep this tour as diverse and exciting as the landscapes travelled. Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: “New Zealand is a big contender on my list and this adventure covers a lot of the country’s highlights in a relatively short space of time. With treks towards Lake Rotorua and visits to the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve to see bubbling geysers, craters and epic sinter terraces, you’ll also head to Milford Sound and cruise into the fiord. It sounds like a trip of a lifetime.”Explore a heavyweight of the adventure travel world, hiking majestic landscapes on both the North and South islands |
New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters.
Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by car, bicycle or even helicopter (or a combination of them all), our specialists can help. They’ll devise a New Zealand holiday that allows you to take in the major destinations, as well as more out-of-the-way spots or lesser-known activities. They can recommend everything from the best Maori guides to the best places for viewing New Zealand’s unique panoply of birdlife. |
Day 1 Start Auckland
The adventure begins in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. If you’re arriving into Auckland Airport today, you can arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel – see the Joining Instructions for more information. The day is free to relax at the centrally located hotel or wander the downtown area to get your bearings. Other options include catching a ferry to Devonport or clambering up the volcanic cone of Mount Eden for panoramic views of the city and its bright-blue harbours. At 6pm, there is a briefing in the hotel foyer where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, those who wish, can gather for a group meal, which your leader will organise.
Day 2 Travel to Rotorua
We depart Auckland and head south through the dairy-farming plains of the Thames Valley before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Lake Rotorua, home to crater lakes and volcanoes. We savour a picnic lunch sitting on the beach of Lake Tarawera – an ancient caldera crater among forest and volcanoes. In the afternoon, we enjoy a bushwalk, taking a good trail alongside this splendid lake – there are plenty of great swimming spots. We use a water taxi to travel one way. Sample good kiwi kai (food) with an evening meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rotorua.
Day 3 Hike through the ancient rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park; visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
It’s a 1hr 30min drive to the Jurassic rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park, where the Walking with Dinosaurs BBC series was filmed. It covers 150,000 acres (60,000ha) and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off shoot of the conifer family that evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150m years ago so step back in time as you hike among weeping ferns, forest giants and rare birdlife. On our way back to the vehicle, keep an eye out for the rare blue ducks that are sometimes seen in this river. En-route to Taupo, we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where you can walk at your own pace through this fascinating thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. We visit Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo, situated on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand, which was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions over the last 2,000 years.
Day 4 South to Tongariro; bush and alpine walks
A one-hour drive gets us to Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was the first national park in New Zealand, gifted to the people of New Zealand by Māori chief Tukino Te Hue Hue who saw this as a way of protecting the tapu (respect or sacredness) of the land – in particular the summits of the active volcanoes. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status that recognises the park’s important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. En route to the park, we enjoy a one-hour hike through forest around the slopes of Mount Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your own pace. In the afternoon, hike to Taranaki Falls, which cascades 65ft (20m) over a 15,000-year-old lava flow.
Day 5 Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Today is a full day of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best daywalks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mount Tongariro. Hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up the last steep section to Red Crater, and down to the Emerald Lakes – our usual lunch stop. Admire the volcanic views and steaming vents that make this hike so outstanding. This is a tough walk so those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village (unguided): Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the park visitor centre. Enjoy your second night in this village. Today and yesterday may be swapped around to take advantage of the best weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Day 6 To Wellington; free time
We drive to Wellington this morning, the wonderful harbour capital of New Zealand, arriving in the early afternoon. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to walk around the city and absorb the lively atmosphere. Wellington is well known for having vibrant cafe, art and culture scenes. There is no shortage of places for a drink with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. You may like to visit the Museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the Beehive (Parliament House).
Day 7 Short, scenic flight to Nelson; to Abel Tasman; water taxi into park
We transfer to Wellington Airport for the short flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island, where we meet our South Island-based guide. A pleasant drive through the orchards and vineyards of Nelson Bay takes us to Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman’s wilderness flows unhindered to golden beaches and granite headlands; there are no roads here – just boat and walking access. We hail a water taxi to reach the lovely Onetahuti Beach in the heart of the park. From here, we hike on the coastal track to our tranquil campsite at Bark Bay, a great spot to stargaze before falling asleep to the ocean sounds.
Day 8 Walk Abel Tasman National Park coastal track; to Murchison
Today we wander through lush coastal forests, cross Falls River via a 155ft (47m) suspension bridge then (depending on the tides) we may cross an estuary or follow the all-tide track. Cleopatra’s Pool is a worthwhile side trip; here, the river has carved a smooth slide down the rocks into deep clear pools – you may not be able to resist a dip! We finish our hike on the gold-sand beaches of Anchorage, where a water taxi takes us back to Kaiteriteri and our vehicle. We spend the night in Murchison, a quiet rural town on the edge of the wilds. This is the northeastern limit of the vast wilderness ranges and rivers that dominate much of the South Island.
Day 9 To Paparoa National Park; hike up Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang
This morning, we drive beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind, we take a short walk to view a seal colony. We might see the young pups frolicking in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast (New Zealand fur seal pups are born in December and January). After lunch, we start an overnight hike in Paparoa National Park. Among the largest remaining tract of coastal native forest in New Zealand are towering limestone cliffs, caves and rivers – an ideal area for hiking. Starting at the mouth of the Fox River, we take a historic packhorse route to Dilemma Creek, then follow the river upwards to the Ballroom Overhang where we spend the night. Your guide will show you river-crossing techniques and you will be thankful for your proper hiking boots, which are essential in this terrain. The Ballroom is a large limestone overhang, which shelters a serene campsite just above the Fox River. The evening is spent sitting around the campfire and enjoying a delicious meal.
Day 10 Hike out of canyon; drive to Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika and Fox Glacier
After a leisurely breakfast, we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30m-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Originally known as the Capital of the Goldfields, Hokitika was once a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone (pounamu) or jade. This hardstone is treasured by the Māori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving some of their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. From Hokitika, we continue south to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you can see glaciers descending into the level of the rainforest.
Day 11 Fox Glacier trek; to Makarora and Wanaka
We make the most of being in the South Westland World Heritage Area this morning and hike to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef glacier. This dynamic glacier falls 7,875ft (2,400m) over 7.5mi (12km) as it journeys from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest just 820ft (250m) above sea level. After we return from the hike, we continue our drive through this remarkable World Heritage Area onto Makarora, crossing back over the Southern Alps at Haast Pass, stopping to explore remote beaches and coastal lagoons and forests on the way. Tonight, we stay in the lakeside town of Wanaka.
Day 12 Rob Roy Glacier walk in Mount Aspiring National Park; transfer to Queenstown
After a relaxed breakfast enjoying stunning views over Lake Wanaka, we set off on today’s hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. We start with a beautiful drive up the Matukituki Valley, journeying through large sheep, cattle and deer farms. Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge across the Matukituki River before climbing through Beech Forest alongside the raging, boulder-strewn waters of Rob Roy. Eventually the track emerges above the treeline in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb vista of the Rob Roy Glacier. We lunch here before wandering back down the valley to the vehicle. We drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown, where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 13 Free day in Queenstown
The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample numerous optional activities. Alternatively, you may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also great daywalks (some up to eight hours) that leave from this bustling little town. Your guide will outline all the options.
Day 14 To Te Anau; afternoon hike on the Kepler Track
We head into Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand. The area is dominated by water, in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain, which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest, while the huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri are the border of the dramatic inland coast. We hike on the Kepler Track, firstly around the lakeshore before climbing gently up through the forest and limestone outcrops to the bush line. From these broad tussock tops, we are rewarded with sweeping views of the Fiordland wilderness including the Murchison and Kepler mountains and lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Descend back to the lake and follow the lakeside trail back to the vehicle. We stay in Te Anau for the next two nights, an ideal base to explore Fiordland National Park.
Day 15 Drive to Milford Sound; optional boat cruise into the fiord; to Te Anau
We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a two-hour cruise on the fiord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (5,650ft/1,722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the boat. An afternoon hike takes us up to Key Summit (the tail end of the renowned Routeburn Track) for fantastic views across the gneiss and granite Darran Mountains. After the hike, return to Te Anau via the splendid Eglinton Valley, one of the only road-accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park.
Day 16 Drive through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook
After several days of rigorous hiking, give the legs a rest today on our drive north to Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample delicious locally grown fruit and take a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored historical precinct of the town. The high-country landscape of Central Otago contains some of the largest high-country sheep stations in NZ, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Patagonian-like in size and splendour. Crossing Lindis Pass, we continue through Mackenzie Country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mount Cook (12,218ft/3,724m). Arriving late in the afternoon, we have the remainder of the afternoon free, either hike (unguided) the nearby Red Tarns Track or relax and enjoy the views of Aoraki.
Day 17 Hike up to Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns
Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Hooker Valley or stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.
Day 18 Hike small lakes of Tasman Glacier; transfer across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch
Time for one final hike this morning as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, an area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial moraines. Leaving Mount Cook, we continue north through Mackenzie Country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo – aqua-blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. Tekapo is filled by glacially fed rivers which deposit tons of glacial flour (finely ground rock) into the lake; this flour is so fine that it is suspended in the water and refracts the light giving the lake a stunning colour. After crossing the Canterbury Plains, we arrive in Christchurch midafternoon, and here the trip concludes after three weeks of hiking through volcanoes, thermal wonderlands, rainforests, glaciers and remote mountain valleys.
Day 19 End Christchurch
The tour ends in Christchurch and it’s time to begin our return journeys home. A free shared shuttle departure transfer from the hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked at least one month before departure if you wish to utilise this service. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to you sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.
Day 2 : International outbound flight
On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.
Day 3 : Auckland
On arriving in Auckland you're welcomed by an Audley representative and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation in the central city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax after your flight, or start exploring the city by taking a trip up the Sky Tower for 360-degree views over the city and harbours.
Day 4 : Auckland
Enjoy a day at leisure around Auckland. We recommend taking a stroll along the waterfront and enjoying a bite to eat at one of the cafes on Viaduct Harbour. In the afternoon, you might like to take a Maori guided tour of One Tree Hill, an important cultural site for both Maori and New Zealanders alike, which also offers great views over Auckland. Alternatively, make the short ferry trip to bucolic Waiheke Island and visit its many wineries.
Day 5 : Coromandel Peninsula
Today you collect your hire car from the downtown depot and make your way to the Coromandel Peninsula. You can take the shorter drive, crossing the flat plains of the northern Waikato region and arriving at your accommodation in around two and a half hours. You could also, if you wish, take the more scenic five hour route. Sections of it hug the coast and you'll have great views of the Pinnacles mountain range.
Day 6 : Coromandel Peninsula
Today you explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula with one of our best-loved guides, Kiwi Dundee. The guides will take you around the peninsula as part of a small group, showing you sights such as historic gold-mining caves, Maori sites, and Hot Water Beach (tide permitting). You'll enjoy a picnic lunch on this full day tour, and be dropped back at your accommodation at the end of the day.
Day 7 : Rotorua
Depart the Coromandel Peninsula this morning and make your way to Rotorua. The drive takes around three hours or you can take it at a more leisurely pace and explore the sights along the way. At Tauranga and Mount Maunganu you can take a hike that gives great views of Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island and the Bay of Plenty. Further south, you'll pass volcanic-formed lakes and lakeside villages before reaching Rotorua. Relax at your hotel on arrival.
Day 8 : Rotorua
A day at leisure to explore Rotorua. You may like to visit Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu for a chance to see some fascinating geysers and for an opportunity to learn a little more about the Maori culture (at Te Puia). In the evening you will experience a traditional Maori feast and performance.
Day 9 : Napier & Hawkes Bay
Make your way to Napier in the heart of the Hawke's Bay region today. The journey will take you via Lake Taupo where you may like to stop for lunch. The whole route lasts about four hours, passing through varied scenery including plantations and vineyards, as well as some wilder, more remote stretches.
Day 10 : Napier & Hawkes Bay
A day at leisure to explore Napier and the Hawke's Bay area. You may like to take a tour of the local winelands where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the country's finest wines. At Cape Kidnappers, you can visit a huge colony of nesting gannets. Alternatively, explore the Art Deco architecture of Napier.
Day 11 : Wellington
Leave Hawke's Bay this morning and make your way to the capital city of Wellington. This five and a half hour drive passes through rolling countryside, sheep farms, and the town of Norsewood. Drop off your hire car upon arrival and you'll have the rest of the day to explore at leisure. We can arrange a night tour of Zealandia, a wildlife reserve where you might spot the elusive kiwi as dusk falls.
Day 12 : Wellington
Today is yours to explore New Zealand's capital under your own steam. We highly recommend spending several hours in the national museum, Te Papa, where you have the opportunity to learn a little more about New Zealand's history and Maori culture. The museum features an excellent Maori meeting house and even a reconstruction of natural wonders such as a glow worm cave.
Day 13 : Hanmer Springs
Make your own way to the ferry terminal this morning for your Interislander ferry journey to the South Island. This is a stunning journey that will take you through the Marlborough Sounds and you will be rewarded with some fabulous photo opportunities en route. The crossing lasts around three hours.Pick up a hire car upon arrival and make your way inland and south to the pretty alpine town of Hanmer Springs.
Day 14 : Christchurch
This morning go for a walk to explore the beautiful scenery that Hanmer has to offer and then enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs before driving down to Christchurch this afternoon.This evening, try one of the city's many excellent restaurants. We can book you a meal in the quirky yet chic Tramway restaurant. It's a great way to see the city while dining on delicious traditional New Zealand cuisine.
Day 15 : Christchurch
You will have time at leisure to explore the 'Garden City' of Christchurch today. We recommend visiting the ingenious cathedral made of cardboard and ambling around Cashel Street's vibrant pop-up mall. You could also take a gondola ride to the top of Port Hills for panoramic views over the city and the Banks Peninsula.
Day 16 : Franz Josef Glacier
Drop your car off at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning for your scenic TranzAlpine rail journey to the West Coast. The journey normally lasts four and a half hours as you travel through the farmlands of Canterbury, then traverse the mountainous Southern Alps before arriving into Greymouth. Snacks, sandwiches, salads and drinks (including wine and beer) are sold on board. On arrival you pick up your hire car and make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier, a two hour drive through glaciated landscapes. We suggest stopping at the town of Hokitika to visit its jade museum, or to take a break in one of its cafes.
Day 17 : Franz Josef Glacier
You will have today at leisure on the West Coast. You may like to visit Lake Matheson at sunrise, New Zealand's most photographed lake where you will have some fantastic views of the surrounding Southern Alps. You could also take a scenic helicopter ride over the glaciers, which sometimes involve landing on the ice itself. Wildlife enthusiasts might enjoy birdwatching at Lake Okarito Lagoon, or visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre, which runs a rehabilitation and incubation project for kiwi birds.
Day 18 : Wanaka
Today you drive through the magnificent Haast Pass and make your way to Wanaka. This journey will take you through forests, coasts and mountains, and along the northern edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. There are lots of short walks and scenic viewpoints along the way: we like stopping off at Lake Moeraki and Ship Creek. With no stops the drive takes around five hours, but we recommend just taking your time and following your whims, pulling over to explore and admire views.
Day 19 : Wanaka
Spend today at leisure in Lake Wanaka. There are some excellent short and more strenuous walking trails here. Adrenaline-seekers will also find much to enjoy: jet boat rides, paragliding, white water rafting and rock climbing. Wanaka also has fine restaurants, bars and cafes, some with a view over the willow-lined lake.
Day 20 : Te Anau
Depart Lake Wanaka and make your way to Te Anau. This four and a half hour drive takes you past Queenstown (where you may wish to stop) and Lake Wakatipu, through apricot orchards and vineyards, and over New Zealand's highest public road. After arriving in Te Anau, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may like to visit the local glow worm caves this evening, or take in a visit to the tiny local cinema to watch Ata Whenua, a superb presentation about the local area.
Day 21 : Te Anau
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Manapouri. You will be taken by boat across Lake Manapouri where you will meet another coach that will take you across a mountain pass to Doubtful Sound. Here you will board your day cruise. This is an excellent opportunity to explore this remote part of Fiordland National Park. Look out for birds, seals, dolphins, penguins and, if you are very lucky, whales! At the end of the day you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Te Anau.
Day 22 : Queenstown
Drive about two and a half hours to Queenstown this morning and enjoy a day at leisure here. Although Queenstown is known for its high-risk activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving, these are certainly not the only ways to enjoy the area. You could drive up to Arrowtown, a place almost frozen in time as a former gold rush town, or take a gondola ride up to a mountaintop restaurant for a meal with a view over The Remarkables. We like to drive along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, a small settlement, and stop off at some luscious botanical gardens and tea rooms along the way, before enjoying a walk through the forest at Glenorchy.
Day 23 : Queenstown
Another day at leisure to explore Queenstown and its surroundings. Today you might wish to take a 4x4 safari into the remote backcountry to see the wilderness that is Mount Aspiring National Park. For something a little more pulse-racing, try jet boating on the Dart River. There are also several excellent Pinot Noir wineries in the area.
Day 24 : International return flight
Today you take a two hour flight from Queenstown to Auckland in order to connect with your international return flight.
Day 25 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
