Compare New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure 2022 by Tauck vs New Zealand Amplified (Northbound) by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Tour begins 4:30 PM. A transfer is included from Christchurch Airport to the Crowne Plaza Christchurch in the heart of the city, opposite Victoria Square. Tonight, join us for an exclusive welcome reception and dinner in the historic Riccarton House – a grand, restored 19th-century homestead.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Crowne Plaza Christchurch

PORTOFCALL : Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 2 Quake City and Sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to Quake City, a museum that documents the disastrous earthquakes that struck Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region in September 2010 and February 2011; exhibits tell of heroism and loss, the science behind earthquakes, the efforts of emergency workers and volunteers who pitched in to help, and recovery projects still going on. Leave the museum and go punting on the River Avon; punting is among the city's English traditions, like cricket, rugby, gardening, and afternoon tea, and today a punter in Edwardian outfit will pole your flat-bottomed boat along the idyllic Avon from the boatsheds to the Botanical Gardens.  Following lunch at a local restaurant, peruse the park, then take your choice of afternoon adventures. Take a walking tour of the city's amazing street art with an art historian; explore Hagley Park and the riverside on a bicycle* (manual or electric, as you prefer); or choose a guided tour of the famous Botanical Gardens, where you'll learn why Christchurch is called The Garden City. Spend the rest of the day and evening as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Crowne Plaza Christchurch

PORTOFCALL : Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 3 Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park

Today, drive to Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park, a land of skyscraping peaks and expansive glaciers in the heart of South Island, a mountain-climbers' mecca; here, the famed mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary practiced his climbing skills on Mount Cook before tackling the conquest of Mt. Everest. After lunch, board a MAC boat* for a close-up look at Tasman Glacier. The 16 mile-long glacier is continually melting and calving, creating an ever-expanding lake with icebergs; cruise the lake and its eerie iceberg-islands to the towering walls of the glacier. Dine at your hotel inside the park this evening; tonight, you'll have a chance to go stargazing with an expert who will guide you through the constellations. The park is one of the few places in world officially recognized as an International Dark-Sky Reserve, and the night skies here are rare and spectacular.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

Day 4 From glaciers to Queenstown

Set off to explore the stunning Tasman Valley and the mountains and glaciers of the South Island from the air on an Ultimate Alpine Experience that combines flights in both a ski plane* and a helicopter*. Soar up to the valley and over glacial lakes and the breathtaking Southern Alps for an eagle-eye's view of the astonishing Hochstetter Icefall and famous Mt. Cook. Touch down on Tasman Glacier for a stroll on its surface before returning to Mt. Cook Airport; during your flight back, your guide shares insights on the area's geology, ecology and history. Depart on a scenic drive to Queenstown after lunch and arrive late afternoon at your acclaimed hotel on Lake Wakatipu, ringed by glacier-carved alpine mountains.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : QT Queenstown Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 5 Nature trails and jet boats

Head to Glenorchy at the north end of Lake Wakatipu for an exhilarating jet boat ride* through Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Dart River; the park's strikingly diverse landscapes of alpine mountains, forests and valleys are laced with braided rivers and easy hiking trails where local guides will introduce you to the area's rich history and Maori legends. If you get the feeling that the beech forest along the Greenstone trail reminds you of a forest in Tolkien's Middle-earth, there's a good reason why: it was used as a location in Sir Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies. Return by helicopter* back to Queenstown where the rest of the day and evening are yours.

MEALS : B

LODGING : QT Queenstown Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 6 Adventure Choices in Queenstown

You have a choice of excursions in Queenstown today: ride in a 4WD vehicle* through breathtaking scenery on a Lord of the Rings safari to locations used in the movies (including Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, Argonath, the Ford of Bruinen and more), following an historic mining road along the Arrow River and try your hand at panning for gold. Alternatively, you can zipline* through the treetops of a beech forest for incredible scenic views; or enjoy a round of golf. Spend the afternoon as you please, then dine in Queenstown this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : QT Queenstown Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 7 Gardens & Marlborough wine tasting

Fly to Blenheim in the Marlborough region by private charter, then head to a working sheep farm for a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstrations followed by lunch at the lovely Wither Hills winery, a perfect place to discover, taste and enjoy the native wines of New Zealand. After checking into your hotel in Blenheim, enjoy dinner tonight at the acclaimed Harvest Restaurant, whose mission is simple: celebrating authentic hospitality. Utilizing local produce and sustainable practices, your meal here is sure to be one for the ages. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Chateau Marlborough

Day 8 Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Sail along the enchanting Marlborough Sounds, a vast network of sunken valleys, islands, secluded bays, and fjord-like vistas at the northern tip of South Island, on a private wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that includes lunch; the sheltered waters are home to dolphins, seals, gannets, and occasionally orcas.  Return to the hotel for free time on your own. Dinner is at your leisure at the hotel in Blenheim this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Chateau Marlborough

Day 9 Vintage planes, then Art Deco treasures in Napier

Start your day with a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a museum presenting an astonishing array of vintage aircraft from the world wars, including many World War I planes from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson's personal collection; not merely displayed, the aircraft are featured in vivid dramatic scenes and settings designed by Jackson's film studios to show them in action. This afternoon, fly via private charter from Blenheim to Napier in Hawke's Bay on the east coast of North Island. Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the Art Deco style that was popular at the time; today the city is famous for its well-preserved 1930s architecture, and is known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand. Enjoy lunch at Mangapapa Estate before checking into your historic hotel, the Art Deco Masonic Hotel. Dine at leisure at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Art Deco Masonic Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Napier, New Zealand

Day 10 Te Mata Peak, discovering Art Deco Napier & a Gala 1930s evening

Drive this morning from Napier up to Te Mata Peak, 1300 feet above Hawke's Bay, with panoramic views of the city, the bay, and Heretaunga Plains. Then, you're off for a morning of excursions in Napier. Learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and its aftermath during a viewing of the short documentary film, "The Day that Changed the Bay". Then see the city sights on foot and in a chauffeured vintage car with stories and commentary by local guides. This evening you're in for a real treat!  Get dressed up (in 1930's costume) for our exclusive evening event, a "Gangsters and Flappers Party" in the appropriately named Gatsby Room, featuring "Prohibition-era cocktails," dinner, and a swing band.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Art Deco Masonic Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Napier, New Zealand

Day 11 Adventures in Hawke's Bay

Calling all bird enthusiasts, today is the day for you! This morning, you're off on a sightseeing adventure to Hawke's Bay, home to the world's largest (and most accessible) Gannet colony! Gannet's are incredible seabirds and beautifully colored, with a distinct orange color trailing from its head down its neck and today, and at Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, you'll have an opportunity to watch them soar, swoop, dance and dive right before your very eyes. Climb aboard a 4x4 safari vehicle and travel from Te Awanga along New Zealand's pristine coastline, where you will safari in style and comfort over picturesque Cape Kidnappers Station traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, steep gullies and the most breathtaking views of Hawke's Bay and beyond, finally finishing in New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve, an untouched paradise, free of predators, where kiwi birds and other rare bird species can roam. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at Clearview Winery before making your way back to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Art Deco Masonic Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Napier, New Zealand

Day 12 Napier to Auckland

This morning, take a private charter flight from Napier to the "City of Sails," Auckland, before enjoying lunch in Ponsonby. A visit this afternoon introduces you to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of New Zealand's most treasured institutions of history, culture, natural history and military history, known for its collections of Maori and Pacific treasures; the museum is also a war memorial for the Auckland province. Enjoy a private Maori performance and guided tour of the Maori exhibit. Early this evening, check into your luxury hotel, located in the heart of Auckland's thriving waterfront. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Park Hyatt Auckland

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

Day 13 A Choice of Auckland Sights

Take your pick of excursions this morning in Auckland, called the "City of Sails" for the abundance of yachts in its harbors. One is a City Highlights Tour that includes major highlights, bays and residential suburbs, and the Domain, the city's oldest park. Another is a coastal drive to the artisan enclave of Matakana, where you'll visit an oyster farm and enjoy a tour and lunch at Brick Bay Winery and Sculpture Trail. A third invites you to check out the historic, beautiful Hamilton Gardens, which employs the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years. Or you can explore Waitomo Caves, where thousands of glow worms light up the dark like a glorious constellation of stars. Spend free time on your own, then join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Park Hyatt Auckland

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

Day 14 Journey Home

Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Auckland to Auckland Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in. 

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

Day 1 Christchurch / Lake Tekapo

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers at 8am this morning to find out about what lies ahead on your journey, then head out to get to know Christchurch. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown was destroyed, but the locals are a resilient bunch and examples of the cool and creative ways they’ve rebuilt can be seen across the city. Perhaps the best example of this is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. Then it’s time to get on the road and drive to Lake Tekapo, a truly stunning sight with its bright blue waters and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for newlyweds snapping pictures in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, boasting one of the world’s most inspiring backdrops! Just when you thought things couldn’t get better here, nighttime reveals a whole new side of Tekapo. A designated Dark Sky Reserve, this is one of the top spots in the country for stargazing.

Day 2 Queenstown

Rise and shine! If you’d like to really embrace the morning, a hike to the summit of Mt John rewards with showstopping views of the Southern Alps. If you skip out on the walk, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of incredible views to be seen today. Drive past the tussocklands of the Mackenzie Basin and snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel down to Queenstown, making plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. Swing by the Kawarau Gorge, where you’ll have the chance to take the plunge with a bungy jump if you’re feeling brave! Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and your home for the next two nights. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline experiences or sitting back with a glass of wine, Queenstown is sure to tick all your boxes.

Day 3 Queenstown

The day is yours to experience all Queenstown has to offer. If you want to get your heart racing, look no further! Paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging and bungy jumping could all be on the cards for you today – just speak to your leader about arranging these optional activities. For Lord of the Rings fans, a 4WD adventure through scenery where the film was shot is a real highlight. Wine lovers are in the right place – this is one of the top wine-producing regions in the world and there’s no shortage of fantastic wineries where you can sample some for yourself. Queenstown’s nightlife punches above its size, and with more than 40 bars to choose from, you’re guaranteed a good night ahead.

Day 4 Queenstown / Wanaka

Take the morning to tick off anything you didn’t get to see or do yesterday, then leave Queenstown in the rear-view mirror and begin the super scenic drive across the Crown Range to Wanaka. Along the way, stop off in the lovely little gold-rush town of Arrowtown, where the high street’s historic facades make it easy to imagine what life here once looked like. Arrive into Wanaka and enjoy a slower pace than high-octane Queenstown. With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Hit a hiking trail, explore on a bike or find a cosy cafe to admire the view.

Day 5 Wanaka / Franz Josef

Enjoy a morning at leisure for your own explorations of Wanaka. There’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Depart Wanaka in the afternoon and venture further north, stopping off at a lookout point over either Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea, depending on conditions. Your eyes will be glued to the window for this journey as you pass the impressive waterfalls of the Haast Pass and more spectacular coastline (your leader will make a few special stops along the way too!). Arrive to Franz Josef village, your base for the evening.

Day 6 Franz Josef

Franz Josef is the stuff of dreams, where glittering glaciers and soaring peaks provide a spectacular background to daily life. This part of the country is known as Te Wahi Pounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’, due to the region’s abundance of this culturally and spiritually significant stone. Pay a visit to a local gallery and carve your own pendant while learning about pounamu’s importance to Maori culture. This afternoon, if you’d like to get closer to the Franz Josef Glacier, speak to your leader about the option of booking a helicopter ride to drop you on the snow, allowing you to then hike over the glacier’s surface. There’s also the chance to kayak over a glacial lake or chill out in natural hot springs. No matter how you choose to spend the day here, it’s set to be one to remember.

Day 7 Hokitika / Greymouth / Christchurch

Travel up the wild and wet West Coast, where the country’s highest annual rainfall means the landscapes are unbelievably green and lush, standing in striking contrast to the blue ocean. Stop off in the town of Hokitika and pop into a pounamu factory where you’ll have the chance to pick up any final souvenirs to remember your trip. If time allows, you may have the chance to visit a kiwi centre, where delightful kiwi birds can be observed in a nocturnal house. Your journey may be nearing its end, but the last leg may just top them all. Hop aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train as you cross the Southern Alps through Arthur’s pass on your way back to Christchurch – you’re going to want to have your camera ready for this one! Arrive to Christchurch in the evening and perhaps head out for dinner and drinks with your group.

Day 8 Christchurch / Kaikoura

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. With plenty of pleasant cafes and interesting shops, there’s a lovely morning to be had wandering around town. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura, a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. On arrival, take the chance this morning to get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.

Day 9 Kaikoura / Wellington

Take the morning to soak in the stunning scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this delightful harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. But this is no ordinary ferry trip – crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides. Be amazed as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold before you, as well as beautiful coastline, sweeping vineyards and wide open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Known for its amazing food and craft beer scene, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.

Day 10 Wellington / Taupo

Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include a visit to Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame, the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, nestled into the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.

Day 11 Taupo

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.

Day 12 Taupo / Murupara

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.

Day 13 Rotorua

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

Day 14 Rotorua

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take an unforgettable stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.

Day 15 Coromandel Peninsula

We start today with a visit to Hobbiton, an absolute must-do on the way through Matamata. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a land of beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

Day 16 Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland, hugging the glittering on your way there. New Zealand’s biggest city has a privileged location where you’re never far from the water, and the dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them. As it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for a final dinner with the group before saying your goodbyes.

Day 17 Auckland

Your North Island adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange extra accommodation (subject to availability).