14 Day New Zealand Explorer Adventure Tour

Begin your New Zealand adventure with a scenic journey from Auckland towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal landscapes become increasingly spectacular as you make your way to the laid-back seaside town of Hahei, where turquoise waters, golden beaches and lush native bush set the scene for your first night.

Included: Hot Water Beach (Tide Dependent)
Dig your own natural spa pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach, where geothermal springs bubble beneath the shoreline. Visit around low tide for the best chance to experience the warm water while taking in the dramatic coastal scenery.

Leave the coast behind and travel towards Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating geothermal destinations. The landscape gradually changes as bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and volcanic features become more common, giving you a first-hand look at the powerful forces beneath the North Island.

Included: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
Explore one of New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal areas, where vivid mineral pools, steaming landscapes and unusual volcanic formations showcase thousands of years of geothermal activity. The contrasting colours and otherworldly scenery make this a standout stop on the journey to Rotorua.

Spend the day discovering Rotorua, where adventure and Māori culture come together against a backdrop of bubbling mud pools and volcanic landscapes. With everything from luging and zorbing to white-water rafting and cultural experiences available, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your free time, including an evening visit to Mitai Māori Village to experience traditional Māori performances, storytelling and customs alongside the flavours of a traditional hāngī feast.

Travel towards Taupō through the heart of the North Island, with a stop at the famous Hobbiton Movie Set along the way. Take in the lush green countryside that inspired the Shire, then continue towards Taupō through landscapes shaped by the region’s volcanic past before arriving at the shores of the vast Lake Taupō.

Included: Huka Falls Walking Loop
Follow the walking loop to Huka Falls and watch the Waikato River surge through a narrow rocky channel before plunging into a powerful torrent of blue-white water. The viewpoint offers an impressive perspective of one of New Zealand’s most iconic waterfalls and the immense force of the river.

Enjoy a full day in Taupō with the freedom to explore the shores of the vast volcanic Lake Taupō at your own pace. Choose from scenic cruises, adrenaline-fuelled activities or the spectacular Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated day hikes, where rugged volcanic terrain, emerald lakes and dramatic alpine landscapes create an unforgettable adventure for experienced walkers.

Continue west towards Waitomo, where some of New Zealand’s most fascinating landscapes are hidden beneath the surface. After exploring the underground world around Waitomo, continue to Raglan, a relaxed surf town known for its creative atmosphere, rugged coastline and famous black-sand beaches.

Included: Exploration of Waitomo Area
Discover the fascinating landscapes around Waitomo, a region famous for its extensive limestone cave systems and glowworm-lit underground environments. The area offers a range of optional adventures, from gentle cave experiences to more adventurous underground excursions.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Raglan before travelling back towards Auckland and crossing to the South Island by domestic flight. The change of scenery is dramatic, taking you from the North Island’s volcanic landscapes and surf beaches to Christchurch and the beginning of your South Island adventure.

Leave Christchurch behind and journey towards the Southern Alps and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, travelling through the wide-open landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin. As evening falls, discover why the region is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world’s premier destinations for stargazing thanks to its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Included: Church of the Good Shepherd
Visit the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the South Island’s most photographed landmarks. Set beside Lake Tekapo with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, its simple stone architecture and spectacular setting make it a memorable stop on the journey.

Continue south from Tekapo through the spectacular landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin, passing snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and wide-open golden plains along the way. Once you arrive in New Zealand’s adventure capital, take some time to explore the lively town centre, stroll along the lakefront or soak up the views before choosing your next bucket-list experience.

Set off on an unforgettable journey to Milford Sound, travelling through rugged mountain landscapes, ancient forests and remote wilderness. The road to the fiord is an adventure in itself, winding through the spectacular scenery of Fiordland National Park before arriving at the towering peaks, waterfalls and dark waters of one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural destinations.

Included: Transport to Milford Sound
Travel through the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park, with opportunities to admire towering mountains, ancient rainforest, alpine valleys and cascading waterfalls along the way. A Milford Sound cruise is optional, allowing you to experience the fiord from the water and get closer to its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Enjoy another day in Queenstown, New Zealand’s renowned adventure capital, with plenty of ways to experience the spectacular alpine surroundings. Take your pick from adrenaline-filled activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and luging, or slow things down with a scenic walk, lakeside stroll or relaxed afternoon exploring the lively town centre.

Travel from Queenstown towards the wild West Coast, stopping in picturesque Wānaka, a lakeside town framed by rugged mountains. Continue through Haast Pass, where the landscape transforms from alpine scenery to lush rainforest, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. As you approach Franz Josef, dramatic glacier-carved valleys and towering peaks mark your arrival in one of the South Island’s most spectacular glacier regions.

Wake up in the heart of glacier country with a full day to explore Franz Josef and its spectacular alpine surroundings. Discover a dramatic landscape where towering mountains, lush rainforest and icy valleys come together, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region at your own pace. Optional activities range from glacier adventures and scenic helicopter flights to relaxing in naturally heated pools, offering a memorable way to experience this remarkable part of the West Coast.

Travel from Franz Josef to Christchurch through some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery, crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass. The journey takes you through rugged valleys, snow-capped peaks and dramatic alpine landscapes before the scenery gradually changes as you approach Christchurch. Reflect on two weeks of unforgettable landscapes and adventures as you return to Christchurch at the end of your journey.