Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Oaks Auckland Hotel (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like a local winery, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2: Auckland/Rotorua. Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Auckland - Rotorua, 7 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Waitomo Cave Excursion: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Day 3: Rotorua. Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Mitai Experience: Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
- Free time: Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand we suggest you pre-book before arriving in New Zealand. Hobbiton is accessible as a day trip from Auckland or Rotorua.
Day 4: Rotorua/Wellington. Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way places like the mighty Haka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Rotorua - Wellington, 7 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Wellington. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Accommodation: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Free time: Spend some time exploring the city.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 6: Wellington/Kaikoura. Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: The White Morph (or similar) - Motel
Today's activities:
- Winery Visit: Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.
- Plane: Wellington - Christchurch. Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Private Vehicle: Christchurch - Kaikoura, 2 hours and 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Kaikoura/Hammer Springs. Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Accommodation: Drifters Inn Hammer Springs (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs, 3 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef. Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) - Motel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Hanmer Springs - Franz Josef, 8 hours. Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
Day 9: Franz Josef. Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) - Motel
Today's activities:
- Free time: Don't waste a minute - get exploring.
Day 10: Franz Josef/Queenstown. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Franz Josef - Queenstown, 8 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11: Queenstown. With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Free time: There's tons to do, get out and get going.
Day 12: Queenstown. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Queenstown - Doubtful Sound, 3 hours. Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise: Doubtful Sound. Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
- Private Vehicle: Doubtful Sound - Queenstown, 3 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 13: Queenstown to Tekapo. Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Godley Hotel (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Queenstown - Mount Cook, 3 hours and 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre: Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit: Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
- Private Vehicle: Mount Cook - Lake Tekapo, 1 hour and 15 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 14: Tekapo to Christchurch. Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Accommodation: Bealey Quarter (or similar) - Motel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch, 3 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Orientation With CEO: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Free Time: Enjoy a last night out.
Day 15: Christchurch. Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Next Steps
Ready to go? Simply request a spot via your portal and our team will reach out with availability and seasonal pricing details.
This tour can be completed before or after your internship in New Zealand, we'll help with recommendations to bridge any gaps between your internship and the tour. These arrangements are your responsibility and we can provide you with personalized transit and accommodation advice to make your travel straightforward.
Best of all, you’ll be in great hands with our trusted partners who have led sustainable, community-first travel for 30 years. Your adventure makes a real, positive difference every step of the way.
Please note that exact activities and timing can vary depending on the season and availability. Don't worry, your tour provider will share your final, confirmed itinerary once your dates are set!
Let’s get your journey started!
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