Ultimate New Zealand Adventure-winter

DAY 1: Epic New Zealand 

AUCKLAND-ROTORUA

Your New Zealand adventure begins as we gather at Auckland Airport before making our way south. After a short stop in Hamilton to meet the rest of the group, we continue to one of the country’s most celebrated destinations—Rotorua.

Our first experiences set the tone for the journey ahead. Explore native bush, geysers, and mud pools, feel the power of Pōhutu Geyser — the largest in the Southern Hemisphere — and visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute at the world Famous Te Puia. 

Savour a delicious buffet at Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, featuring freshly-sourced produce, traditionally cooked meats and vegetables, kai moana (seafood), and sweet desserts — all overlooking a geothermal wonderland.

Be captivated by a cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house and round off the evening with a stroll back through the geothermal landscape, hot chocolate in hand.

Includes: Maori cultural Performance, geothermal tour, dinner and the chance to see up close New Zealand's national symbol the Kiwi.

DAY 2: Geothermal Wonders and Jet Boat Fun 

ROTORUA-TAUPO

After a relaxed morning, we make our way south to Taupo, with a quick stop en route at New Zealand's most impressive free mud pool, a bubbling, steaming natural wonder just off the road near Waiotapu that never fails to impress.

From there, brace yourself for the Huka Jet, one of New Zealand's most thrilling experiences. Thundering through narrow rock canyons at breathtaking speed, the jet boat delivers heart-pounding twists and turns before revealing the awesome spectacle of Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water per second crash through a narrow gorge in a wall of churning turquoise, white water.

Lunch follows in Taupo itself, a vibrant lakeside town with sweeping views across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of the Tongariro National Park, a backdrop that makes even a simple lunch feel extraordinary.

The afternoon is yours to unwind at DeBretts Hot Pools — soaking in naturally heated thermal pools or racing down the hydroslides, there's something for everyone. Best of all, there's no need to board the bus again: DeBretts is home for the night, with excellent accommodation right on site.

Includes: Breakfast Wai-0-Tapu mud pool, Huka Falls Jet boat ride, DeBretts Hot Pools 

Day 3: Capital Delights

TAUPO-WELLINGTON 

Leaving Taupo, we journey south to Wellington — New Zealand's vibrant capital. With some free time to explore, you might stroll the city streets, ride the historic cable car for sweeping harbour views, discover treasures at Te Papa (New Zealand's national museum), or simply soak up the atmosphere in the local shops and cafés.

As evening falls, we head to the world-famous Weta Workshop for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic is made. From incredible special effects to hands-on workshops where you'll create your very own fake blood and prosthetic scars — just like the professionals do on set — it's an evening that's equal parts fascinating and fun. We round off the night with dinner and a well-earned rest at our hotel.

Includes: Breakfast, Weta Workshop tour/workshop and dinner

DAY 4: The Mainland

WELLINGTON-KAIKOURA (VIA FERRY CROSSING)

We cross the spectacular Cook Strait by ferry, arriving at the charming seaside port town of Picton, the gateway to the South Island. From here, we wind our way down the breathtaking Kaikōura coastline, one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, pausing to visit a lively fur seal colony basking on the rocky shores.

Includes: Breakfast, ferry crossing and dinner

DAY 5: Whale Watching Adventure 

KAIKOURA

We start the day with the highlight of your Students on Tour NZ experience, a spectacular whale-watching cruise. With a remarkable 90% success rate, get your camera ready to capture the awe-inspiring moment as majestic whales dive into the depths, framed by the stunning snow-capped Kaikōura Ranges. Many cruises also encounter playful dolphins adding more magic to the experience. We end this unforgettable day with a delicious dinner, basking in the glow of a beautiful sunset and reflecting on the incredible adventure.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner and whale watching experience.

DAY 6: Time at the Seaside

KAIKŌURA – NELSON – MOTUEKA

Start the day with a magical experience—the chance to swim with dolphins (optional activity)—before setting off on a picturesque drive along the Kaikōura coastline to the seaside city of Nelson. Explore the local shops and beach before heading to our accommodation in Motueka. A perfect day of adventure and relaxation.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 7: Stunning Abel Tasman National Park

MOTUEKA (ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK)

Embark on an unforgettable experience paddling a traditional waka (Māori canoe) through one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, Abel Tasman National Park.

Glide across calm, turquoise waters as golden beaches stretch along the shoreline and lush native forest rises dramatically from the sea. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, students will not only explore this spectacular marine environment but also gain meaningful insight into Māori culture, history, and tikanga (customs).

This immersive cultural and environmental experience offers a unique connection to Aotearoa’s heritage—truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

After some time to eat, explore the fascinating underground world of Ngārua Caves. Walk through impressive chambers formed over millions of years and encounter dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, intricate rock formations, and even moa bones.

Finally, enjoy dinner together and share stories from the day’s adventures, relaxing as a group in this stunning region of New Zealand.

Includes: Breakfast, Waka experience, Ngārua Caves tour, dinner

DAY 8: West Coast Natural Wonders

MOTUEKA – HOKITIKA

Embark on a scenic drive to the spectacular West Coast of the South Island, where dramatic landscapes and rugged beauty await. Our first stop is the unique Pancake Rocks—remarkable coastal formations surrounded by native flora and fauna, with stunning ocean views—a true natural wonder.

We stop at Underworld Adventures to have an amazing glow worm cave experience and the opportunity to float down a raw and untamed West Coast river on a tractor tyre inner tube. Doesn't get more Kiwi than that!

Arrive to our accommodation in Hokitika for a relaxing dinner.

Includes: Breakfast, Pancake Rocks, Underworld Adventure, dinner

DAY 9: Beauty, Walks, Zipline and Gold Panning

HOKITIKA

After a leisurely start, we head off for a day of beauty and exhilaration at the West Coast Treetops experience—where the forest meets the sky. From the roots of towering rimu trees to the canopy above the lake, experience the West Coast like never before. Step out onto the cantilever, ascend the magnificent 47-metre tower, and take on the high-speed zipline.

We then head into Hokitika township and beach for lunch and free time to explore the shops or watch greenstone being carved into jewellery.

In the afternoon, enjoy more exploration as you try panning for gold in local creeks and take in relaxing beach walks.

Includes: Breakfast, Treetop Walk, Zipline, Gold Panning, dinner

DAY 10: New Zealand at its Best

HOKITIKA – LAKE TEKAPO

Prepare for one of the most breathtakingly scenic days of the tour. Our first stop is the Hokitika Gorge Walk, famous for its vivid turquoise water, lush native forest, and scenic swing bridge.

We then continue over the stunning Arthur’s Pass, a high mountain pass and national park in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. If you’re lucky, you may spot a kea—one of New Zealand’s cheeky native mountain parrots.

The day ends with a relaxing soak in the Tekapo Hot Pools.

Includes: Breakfast, hot pools, dinner

DAY 11: Stunning Scenery 

LAKE TEKAPO – QUEENSTOWN

The journey continues through the South Island, taking in incredible views as we make our way to the picturesque lakeside town of Wānaka. From there, we travel over the Crown Range into Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 12: Queenstown – The Adventure Capital of the World

QUEENSTOWN

Kick off the day with an exhilarating gondola ride offering stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, followed by an adrenaline-pumping luge ride down the track—tight turns and high-speed fun guaranteed!

The afternoon is yours to choose your own adventure, with plenty of optional activities available. In the evening, unwind and explore Queenstown’s vibrant town centre, with time to shop and enjoy a delicious meal.

Includes: Breakfast, Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge Ride

DAY 13: Queenstown Activities Day

QUEENSTOWN (OPTIONAL MILFORD SOUND TRIP)

Today is all about choice. Students on Tour NZ can help arrange a wide range of Queenstown’s famous adventure activities. A Milford Sound day trip is always a popular option.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, explore the shops in Queenstown and enjoy a leisurely lunch. We’ll take care of booking any activity you’d like to experience. Students will always be accompanied by experienced guides, ensuring a safe and unforgettable day.

The flexibility continues into the evening, where you can choose what you’d like for dinner—whether it’s local cuisine or familiar favourites, there’s something for everyone.

Activities on offer (at own cost):
• Milford Sound day trip
• White water rafting
• Mountain biking
• Nevis Canyon Swing
• Nevis Bungy
• Skydiving
• Skiing (dependent on snow conditions)

Includes: Breakfast, dinner (student activities not included)

DAY 14: Last Chance Activities and Farewell

QUEENSTOWN

Enjoy a relaxed morning to fit in one last activity or spend time with new friends before saying your goodbyes and heading to Queenstown Airport.

Includes: Breakfast