fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)

Sale!

New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)

Was From $ 8,920 AUD
Now From $ 8,028 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, ,

Description

Welcome to New Zealand, where snow-dusted peaks rub shoulders with glacial lakes, and off-the-grid surf towns give way to cosmopolitan cities. This in-depth 20-day adventure takes you to all the places where you can see the country at its best, from the North Island to the South Island. Join a local leader in Auckland and travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, chill out on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park and get to know Wellington’s creative side. Hop over to the South Island where the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, fabulous wineries of Marlborough and awe-inspiring scenery of Franz Josef await.

Trip Name
New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
20
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from the geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture – visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Admire the landscapes of Tongariro National Park – home to emerald green lakes and soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Get to know New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including the Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.
  • Live it up in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, 4WD-ing through Lord of the Rings scenery or wine tasting, there’s something here for everyone.
  • Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Auckland
Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) – the land of the long white cloud! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest city on the North Island. Meet your local leader and new travel friends at your accommodation at 6 pm for a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After the meeting, you may like to dip into Auckland’s nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, following the coastline. A land of white sand beaches and rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm water found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub! After a visit to Cathedral Cove, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon.
Day 3 - Raglan
Hit the road and make a scenic drive to Raglan, passing hills and valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo stops, including a visit to the 55-m cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls. Widely considered to be New Zealand’s premier surf spot, Raglan is the ideal place to catch some waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the chilled-out town offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out the local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Tonight, get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast – a true Kiwi experience!
Day 4 - Waitomo / Rotorua
This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves – a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of gorges and limestone arches. Then, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata to visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 metres at the highest point.
Day 5 - Rotorua
Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – home to simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening, you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner (a traditional meal cooked underground, giving it a delicious earthy flavour) alongside a soul-stirring haka performance.
Day 6 - Taupo
Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind with your free morning. Or, you can head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. This afternoon, say goodbye to Rotorua and get on the road for Taupo. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls along the way, before arriving in the late afternoon. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – this is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Taupo and Tongariro National Park.
Day 7 - Taupo
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19.4 km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A variety of guided or unguided options are available, but a good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. There are shorter hikes in the park available or, for the thrill seekers, you might like to go skydiving or bungy jumping.
Day 8 - Wellington
Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy capital city. Strung between green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, and this afternoon, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city. Then, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You may like to head up Mt Victoria for a view that will help you appreciate Wellington in all its glory. With a booming food scene, your leader will have no shortage of restaurant recommendations.
Day 9 - Wellington
Kick the day off with an orientation tour of the city with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Buildings. Next up it's a visit to Zealandia – a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Visit Weta Workshop – the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone. If you’d rather spend the afternoon outdoors, a tour of Kapiti Island offers the chance to spot an abundance of rare and beautiful birds.
Day 10 - Wellington
Today is a free day in Wellington to explore at your own pace. After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the members leaving your group and get ready for the next stage of the adventure.
Day 11 - Christchurch
Embrace a free morning to enjoy all Wellington has to offer. You’ll then fly down to Christchurch – the South Island’s biggest city. Sparsely populated and spectacularly beautiful, the South Island is a paradise for lovers of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new travellers joining your group. If you arrive early, you may like to stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to admire the native plants or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. After the meeting, the night is yours to find the best spot for a cosy dinner.
Day 12 - Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Ohau
Christchurch is not just a pretty city – it’s also remarkably resilient. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 2011, the city has begun to rebuild in innovative and creative ways. Head out with your leader this morning to see this for yourself. Stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, which stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake and has now been replaced with an architecturally striking and quake-proof structure made from cardboard. After a morning of exploring, say goodbye to Christchurch and drive inland to Lake Tekapo. An eye-catching combination of purple lupins, turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks makes this one of the most photo-worthy spots in the country. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of the lakes and attracts couples from all over the world to shoot their wedding pictures. Continue to Lake Ohau where you’ll spend the night.
Day 13 - Mackenzie Country / Queenstown
Hit the road this morning for a journey to remember – watch out the window as you pass the sprawling grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin and showstopping peaks of the Southern Alps. Your drive will be broken up with plenty of scenic stops, including a visit to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungy jumping. If you’re feeling adventurous, get involved and jump off the suspension bridge crossing the gorge, or just stand back and watch brave jumpers take the plunge. Continue on to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, and rightfully so! Aside from its high-adrenaline attractions, Queenstown has a booming culinary scene, produces some of the world's best wine and boasts unbelievable scenery at every turn.
Day 14 - Queenstown
The day is all yours to discover the varied delights of Queenstown. There are loads of options to get your heartrate up, whether you fancy shooting down the river on a jet boat, river kayaking, flying above the town in a gondola or a 4WD adventure through landscapes of Lord of the Rings fame. If you’d like to take things a little slower, perhaps head to the Gibbston Valley to taste wines only topped by the inspiring scenery. A walk around the stunning Lake Wakatipu will give you a good dose of fresh air and epic views. There’s no shortage of dining options to tempt your tastebuds – if you’re willing to wait, a famous Fergburger is hard to beat!
Day 15 - Queenstown / Wanaka
Take the chance this morning to cross off any Queenstown activities you didn’t have time for yesterday – be sure to speak to your leader for tips on the best way to spend a morning here. In the afternoon, get back on the road for the scenic drive to Wanaka, through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop off along the way in Arrowtown – a little goldrush town popular for its heritage buildings and Autumn festival. Take a walk along the tree-lined high street and maybe pop into the old-school lolly shop. Arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon and embrace the vibe of this laidback and beautiful town. With Lake Wanaka as its glittering centrepiece and dramatic mountains as its backdrop, the town is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s best. This afternoon you may like to head out on a hike or just stretch out on the shores of the lake and take it all in.
Day 16 - Wanaka
Visit Mou Waho Island today. Accessible only by boat and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! Enjoy a walk as you learn more about this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial-formed lake at its summit. Your afternoon is free to explore Wanaka and surrounds. No visit to Wanaka would be complete without seeing #thatwanakatree. Springing up from the waters of Lake Wanaka, this sloping willow is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There's no shortage of excellent hiking routes in the region if you'd like to get out and explore on foot, or you may prefer to hire a bike and hit the cycling trails.
Day 17 - Wanaka / Franz Josef
Enjoy a free morning in Wanaka, then get back on the road and make tracks for Franz Josef. This is another incredible drive, so have your camera ready! Depending on the weather, stop off at either Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout points. Along the way, your leader will pause at some off the beaten track spots to snap some pictures and stretch your legs. Arrive in Franz Josef in the early evening and perhaps head out to one of the town’s cosy pubs for dinner.
Day 18 - Franz Josef
Rise and shine – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's so much to discover here. Known for the dazzling Franz Josef Glacier and awe-inspiring views of Mt Cook, this is natural beauty on the biggest scale. The region also has a cultural history that’s every bit as captivating as its natural wonders. Only found in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu (greenstone) is an important part of Maori culture. Today, you’ll visit a local gallery where you’ll have the chance to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. If you’d like to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon, you can arrange for a helicopter to drop you in for a hike. You may prefer to sit back and unwind in local hot springs, or head out kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake.
Day 19 - Hokitika / Greymouth / Christchurch
Begin the journey up the west coast – this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, resulting in greenery and lush rainforests like nowhere else in the country. Stop off in the town of Hokitika to visit a pounamu factory and maybe pick up any last minute souvenirs of gifts. If time allows, there may be the chance to check out the National Kiwi Centre – the nocturnal house here gives visitors the opportunity to see how these nocturnal birds behave. The next stretch of your journey may just be the most magnificent – hop aboard the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch, widely believed to be one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and travel past the rushing blue waters of the Waimakariri River and endless native beech forest. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.
Day 20 - Christchurch
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 8,086-
10-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 8,086-
06-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 8,086-
14-01-202502-02-2025AUD $ 8,086-
16-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 8,086-
04-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 8,086-
13-02-202504-03-2025AUD $ 8,086-
20-02-202511-03-2025AUD $ 8,086-
04-03-202523-03-2025AUD $ 8,028-
20-03-202508-04-2025AUD $ 8,028-
17-04-202506-05-2025AUD $ 8,028-
24-04-202513-05-2025AUD $ 8,028-
25-05-202513-06-2025AUD $ 9,135-
30-05-202518-06-2025AUD $ 9,135-
13-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 9,135-
27-06-202516-07-2025AUD $ 9,135-
12-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 9,135-
25-07-202513-08-2025AUD $ 9,135-
01-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 9,135-
24-08-202512-09-2025AUD $ 9,135-
05-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 9,135-
12-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 9,135-
18-09-202507-10-2025AUD $ 9,135-
20-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 9,500-
07-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 9,500-
12-10-202531-10-2025AUD $ 9,500-
15-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
21-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
26-10-202514-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
28-10-202516-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
08-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
11-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 9,500-
19-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 9,500-
22-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 9,500-
05-12-202524-12-2025AUD $ 9,500-
10-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 9,864-
13-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 9,864-
19-12-202507-01-2026AUD $ 10,960-
03-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 10,960-
06-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 10,960-
09-01-202628-01-2026AUD $ 10,960-
13-01-202601-02-2026AUD $ 10,960-
16-01-202604-02-2026AUD $ 10,960-
20-01-202608-02-2026AUD $ 10,960-
03-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 10,960-
10-02-202601-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
14-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
19-02-202610-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
21-02-202612-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
25-02-202616-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
28-02-202619-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
10-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 10,960-
24-03-202612-04-2026AUD $ 10,960-
28-03-202616-04-2026AUD $ 10,555-
03-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 10,555-
11-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 10,555-
25-04-202614-05-2026AUD $ 10,555-
08-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 10,555-
23-05-202611-06-2026AUD $ 10,555-
02-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 10,150-
20-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 10,150-
03-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 10,150-
21-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 10,150-
31-07-202619-08-2026AUD $ 10,150-
08-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 10,150-
15-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 10,150-

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (19 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Train,Ferry

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid New Zealand On Sale