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Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand’s North to South Island Adventure

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New Zealand’s North to South Island Adventure

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Description

From heart-racing moments to awe-inspiring scenery, this road trip through New Zealand is one to remember for a lifetime. Join a local leader for an 11-day adventure taking in epic landscapes, wildlife and culture. Take it easy at Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach, check out simmering mud pools and geysers in Rotorua, learn the Haka and tuck into a traditional hangi at a Maori village and make the most of all Taupo has to offer. See Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings fame and feel like you’re stepping straight into a fantasy as you drive through landscapes used in the films. Then, travel to the South Island to continue your adventure, sailing on the ferry through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. End it all in Christchurch, the perfect spot to extend your journey into the south!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating “twin-share” on sections of booking confirmations and invoices.

Trip Name
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Head to a Maori village where the profits from your visit are fed back into the community, learn the haka and Maori weaving before tucking into a traditional hangi dinner.
  • Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, sailing through the Marlborough Sounds – scenic sea-drowned valleys with lush peaks and bright blue waters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins swimming next to the boat!
  • Dig your own natural hot tub on Hot Water Beach and check out the much-photographed Cathedral Cove – a little piece of paradise awaits on the Coromandel Peninsula.
  • Experience the geothermal delights of Rotorua, watch New Zealand’s largest geyser erupt and observe adorable kiwis in a nocturnal house at a conservation centre.
  • Chill out next to New Zealand’s largest lake in Taupo. Whether you fancy bungy-jumping, skydiving, kayaking or relaxing, Taupo has something for you.

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
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Auckland – a multi-cultural city full of good food, local music, arts and culture. You’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore at your own pace? This is a great city to explore on foot (the hills make for a good warm up!) and there’s lots of cool pubs and shops to check out. Tonight after your meeting, maybe chill out by the harbour or head to a restaurant with your group.
Day 2 - Auckland / Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, get on the road and travel towards the Coromandel Peninsula. This super scenic drive sets the tone for the rest of your journey, as you cruise down the coastline past views of glittering water and white sands. The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its lush rainforests and gorgeous beaches, but there’s one that tops them all! 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. If the tide times line up with your visit, take advantage of this unusual phenomenon and relax in a natural hot tub. The rest of the day is yours to chill out on the beach or enjoy the cool little town.
Day 3 - Rotorua
Take a deeper dive into the landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula today with 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, maybe explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! In the afternoon, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata where you’ll find Hobbiton – the set where parts of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and finish with a drink (and maybe a pie) at the Green Dragon Inn. After an amazing day, you’ll continue to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Day 4 - 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 a 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. Maybe 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 5 - Murupara
Start 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. This afternoon, travel 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 6 - Taupo
Hit the road this morning and head to Taupo, making a few stops along the way. Check out simmering mud pools, the rushing waters of the Huka Falls and the impressive Aratiatia Dam and rapids. Arrive in Taupo, sitting in the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, you’re in the right place! The afternoon is yours to try out bungy jumping or skydiving, or you may prefer to take it easy with a sunset lake cruise.
Day 7 - 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 on a boat trip. 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 8 - Wellington
Get ready for a long drive from Taupo to Wellington with views so incredible you’ll wish the drive was longer! Weave through the barren landscapes of the Rangipo Desert and pass through Tongariro National Park. Look out for the volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s cool and creative capital city. There should be time for a visit to Weta Workshop, the special effects studio famous for its work on Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Avatar. Celebrated for its amazing food and craft beer scene, Welly is the perfect place to grab dinner and a drink with your group.
Day 9 - Kaikoura
Say goodbye to the North Island and jump on a ferry across the Cook Strait. Your introduction to the South Island is certainly a beautiful one as you cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and into Picton Harbour. Next, travel down to Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine wildlife. If you’re heading out for dinner in town tonight, the local crayfish should be at the top of your must-try list!
Day 10 - Kaikoura / Christchurch
Experiencing Kaikoura’s wildlife while you’re in this corner of the country is a must, so 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 encounter dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all common 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. On your way out of town, stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business. Travel down to Christchurch, arriving in time to head out for dinner at one of the city’s many top-notch eateries.
Day 11 - Christchurch
Your adventure wraps up this morning after breakfast. Keen to see more of Christchurch? Get in touch ahead of time and your booking agent can help to arrange additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $ 2,045-
19-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 2,210-
11-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 1,878-
28-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 1,878-
08-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 1,878-
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 1,878-
22-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 1,878-
01-03-202508-03-2025AUD $ 1,738-
06-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 1,738-
08-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 1,738-
14-03-202521-03-2025AUD $ 1,738-
26-03-202502-04-2025AUD $ 1,738-
05-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 1,738-
18-04-202525-04-2025AUD $ 1,738-
25-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 1,738-
02-05-202509-05-2025AUD $ 1,738-
08-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 1,738-
25-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 1,738-
08-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 2,716-
12-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 2,716-
25-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 2,716-
09-08-202519-08-2025AUD $ 2,716-
17-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 2,716-
11-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 2,716-
18-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 2,716-
25-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 2,716-
03-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 2,716-
10-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 2,822-
17-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 2,822-
23-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 2,822-
03-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 2,822-
08-11-202518-11-2025AUD $ 2,822-
14-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 2,822-
21-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 2,822-
24-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 2,822-
29-11-202509-12-2025AUD $ 2,932-
04-12-202514-12-2025AUD $ 2,932-
02-01-202612-01-2026AUD $ 3,450-
06-01-202616-01-2026AUD $ 3,450-
09-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 3,450-
13-01-202623-01-2026AUD $ 3,450-
27-01-202606-02-2026AUD $ 3,450-
30-01-202609-02-2026AUD $ 3,450-
07-02-202617-02-2026AUD $ 3,450-
13-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 3,450-
19-02-202601-03-2026AUD $ 3,450-
24-02-202606-03-2026AUD $ 3,450-
06-03-202616-03-2026AUD $ 3,450-
08-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 3,450-
10-03-202620-03-2026AUD $ 3,320-
13-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 3,320-
19-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 3,320-
03-04-202613-04-2026AUD $ 3,320-
07-04-202617-04-2026AUD $ 3,320-
18-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 3,320-
02-05-202612-05-2026AUD $ 3,320-
15-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 3,195-
14-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 3,195-
19-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 3,195-
11-07-202621-07-2026AUD $ 3,195-
08-08-202618-08-2026AUD $ 3,195-

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (10 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Ferry

Map

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