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17 Day New Zealand Intro Tour From $4799

What better way to kick start your gap year in New Zealand than by seeing the best the North and South Island have to offer.

On this 17-day New Zealand tour, you can tick off one thing after another off your bucket list while knowing that at the end of the trip you will be set up to start working. You will have a NZ bank account, IRD number, SIM card, and a bunch of awesome, new friends.

Your epic trip will start off in Auckland where you will start an 8-day adventure on the North Island. You will get to learn about Maori culture and explore Waitomo’s extraordinary glowworm caves and the world-famous Hobbiton movie set. Of course, you will also not miss out on going for a dip in Te-Puia and Kerosene creek – the impressive geysers, bubbling mud, and waters are ready for you. Before you take a short flight to Queenstown, you and your epic travel crew will go on a sunset sail from Taupo and a walk to the Huka Falls. In Queenstown, your heart rate will be pumping during a thrilling jet boat ride. The South island of New Zealand will be welcoming you with its impressive glaciers, peaks, and wilderness. Get close to mother nature as you go on a fjord cruise to Milford Sound, kayak on Lake Wanaka, hike in the Mt Field national park and up Mt John. This trip is the perfect first taste of New Zealand, showcasing its culture, nature, and magic.

  • Money Icon From $4,799 Per Person
  • Clock Icon 17 Days / 16 Nights

17 Day New Zealand Tour Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE AND MEET YOUR GROUP – AUCKLAND

Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand’s largest city, you’ll jump in your included airport transfer to our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.

Day 2: CITY ORIENTATION & WORK ESSENTIALS SET UP – AUCKLAND

Today we’ll get oriented with the beautiful city of Auckland and help get you set up with an NZ bank account and SIM card. We’ll then catch a ferry and travel to the beautiful Waiheke island. This evening we see what Auckland’s all about after dark! Don’t forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if it lives up to its title as the ‘World’s Sexiest.’

Day 3: GLOWWORM CAVES & HOBBITON - WAITOMO

Wave goodbye to the city as we set off to explore the North Island. First up we’re stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.

Day 4: EXPLORE ROTORUA – ROTORUA

Waking up to the whiff of sulfur, today you’ll definitely know you’re in Rotorua! We’ll head to the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you’ll get to take a dip, as well as one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – Te Puia, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.

Day 5: MAORI CULTURE - ROTORUA

The morning you’ll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. This evening we will go to the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture! It doesn’t get more authentic than this!

Day 6: TAUPO & SUNSET SAIL – TAUPO

Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we’ll treat you to something special – a sunset sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery as the sky changes color and the stars set in above the volcanic landscape. NZ, you’ve stolen our hearts.

Day 7: WATERFALLS & ADRENALINE – TAUPO

This morning we’re off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you’ll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!

Day 8: CHILL OUT IN AUCKLAND – AUCKLAND

Today we’ll head back to where it all started in Auckland! Spend the afternoon relaxing, checking out the sights, and getting ready for the trip down south tomorrow.

Day 9: FLY TO QUEENSTOWN – QUEENSTOWN

Catch a short flight to Queenstown and we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel in the city. We’ll head out for dinner tonight and get excited for our new adventure in the South Island!

Day 10: QUEENSTOWN AND JET BOATING

Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!), getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as the highly skilled driver keeps things pumping with 360 degree spins and speeds in excess of 80km/h. Tonight it’s time to see what this backpacker hub is all about after dark!

Day 11: MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

This morning we make tracks to New Zealand’s most majestic attraction – Milford Sound. Jumping on a fjord cruise, we’ll experience the spellbinding combination of towering peaks, forested cliffs, resident seals, and plummeting waterfalls up close and personal. Pick your jaw up off the floor, this is nature at her finest. Tonight we’ll cosy up in Te Anau, a picturesque town in the heart of Fiordland.

Day 12: TRAVEL TO WANAKA

After soaking up Middle Earth’s awe-inspiring vistas and filling our camera rolls we’ll continue on to Wanaka, a quaint resort town on a lake dwarfed by snow-capped peaks.

Day 13: DISCOVER WANAKA

Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka. Discover Ruby island, a tiny island off of Lake Wanaka. Stroll around the entire island, swim or just relax and take in the beautiful landscape.

Day 14: AORAKI/MT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Saying goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo is alpine in the purest sense – boasting sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins – so have your camera at the ready! On the way we’ll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, this track will wind us through the valley to give us awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

Day 15: LAKE TEKAPO

Today we will hike up Mount John where we’ll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps as well as a stunning bike ride around Lake Tekapo. After the walk we’ll soak our tired muscles in some hot pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Day 16: WORK & ONWARD TRAVEL PLANNING

After traveling back to buzzing Queenstown, we’ll help sort out your onward travel for your trip in New Zealand. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Eager to book a skydive, bunny jump, or ski pass? We’ve got you covered. Tonight we’ll get the gang together one more time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and night out on the town. Sweet as, bro.

Day 17: CHECK OUT

This morning your unforgettable 17 day adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels with the new friends you’ve made! Whatever your plans, we’ll be there to help every step of the way.

Inclusions & Extras

Included

  • Airport Transfer
  • 16 Nights Accommodation
  • 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • All Transport
  • Help Before You Go
  • NZ Sim Card
  • NZ Bank Account
  • IRD Number
  • NZ Jobs Program Lifetime Membership
  • Awesome Group Leader
  • Auckland City Orientation
  • Ferry Trip to Waiheke Island
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Hobbiton Film Set Tour
  • Kerosene Creek
  • Te Puia Geothermal Pools
  • Māori Village Experience
  • Lake Taupo Sunset Sailing
  • Hike to Huka Falls
  • Queenstown City Orientation
  • Jet Boating on Lake Wakapitu
  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
  • Hooker Valley Hike
  • Bike Ride Around Lake Tekapo
  • Hike Mount John
  • Hot Pools
  • Help with Onward Travel
  • Unlimited Support

Excluded

  • Visas
  • Some Meals
  • External Flights
  • Travel Insurance

Tour Type & Availability

Tour Inclusions Price

17 Day New Zealand Group Tour

17 Day Fully Guided New Zealand Tour

$3,999.00

What to bring

  • Passport & Flight Tickets
  • Arrival Information
  • Travel Insurance Documents
  • Sneakers/Trainers or Good Walking/Outdoor Shoes
  • Casual Summer Clothes (Oct-April)
  • Casual Winter Clothes (April-Oct)
  • Light Rain Jacket
  • Insect Repellant & Sunscreen
  • Money for Snacks & Meals
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Camera to Capture Every Moment of This Epic New Zealand Tour

Pick Ups & Departures

Complimentary pick-ups are offered from Auckland International Airport (AKL), Auckland, New Zealand.

Supplier Terms & Conditions

INTRO TRAVEL Terms & Conditions

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames.
Cancellations within 28 Days of the start date incur a 100.00% fee.
Between 28 Day and 365 Days incur a 25.00% fee.

Free date or tour changes up to 30 days before start date. If changes are made within 30 days, fees will apply

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to reconfirm my bookings?

All bookings for New Zealand Tours must be reconfirmed 48 hours in advance by contacting your tour provider directly using the contact information listed on your tour voucher.

What should i do if my trip is cancelled due to bad weather?

You may either re-schedule directly with the supplier or you can email our support team on [email protected] and include your voucher number, name of product you booked, planned departure date and your contact details. Once you’ve emailed us, you can drop us a line at +61 2 5633 1149.

Do you book tours with flexible dates? If so, how long are they valid for?

Yes, we do have open dated/flexible tickets available. Most tour vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, however please be aware that you may be subject to supplier price fluctuations. All ticket validity is specified on the tour voucher. If you are unsure of the validity of your voucher, just ask one of our wonderful staff.

What do I do if I need help with an existing booking?

Some tours have extra costs and you should be aware that there may be added expenses. These expenses will differ for each service provider, but some of the more usual extras are: EMC tax, stinger suit hire, luggage storage, sleeping bag hire, linen hire, national park fee, food, insurance, accommodation, equipment hire, petrol levy, etc. We will alert you to extra costs to the extent reasonably practicable. However, you must also check with each individual service provider when you re-confirm your booking.

Do I need travel insurance?

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have travel insurance, please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).

How do I know if my trip is BYO?

Most tour vouchers will specify if your trip is BYO however we recommend asking your tour provider if your trip is BYO when you reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior to departure.

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New Zealand

17 Day New Zealand Intro Tour

Valid for 12 months

Experience the North and Sound Island with this amazing New Zealand tour. Make friends, submerge yourself in culture and get set up for life in NZ!

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