Experience the best of AOTEAROA, the  Land of the long white cloud 

Our 12-day adventure runs on both North and South islands and going to be a perfect combination of hiking, unique natural wonders, beach time,  visiting Tolkien-inspired places, and immersion into local "maori" culture and history.

We will start our adventure from North Island and its unique highlights like glowworm caves and geothermal geysers, astonishing volcanic landscapes and golden sand warm beaches and then continue to the World Heritage breathtaking  Fiordlands and experience #1 NZ multi-day Routeburn trek in the alpine South Island! 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

🌟 Take a tubing adventure into the subterranean wonderland, a unique Blackwater Labyrinth of Glowworm caves! 

🥾 Hike Tongariro Crossing - the New Zealand's Premium 1-Day Trek across dramatic volcanic landscapes

🌋 Experience the one of 20 most surreal places in the World - a spectacular Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland!

🧙🏻‍♂️ Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton and experience many other movie set locations where the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings was filmed!

🏝 Sea kayaking! Explore the gems of Coromandel Peninsula and the Cathedral Cove, known for being filmed in the fantasy series of Chronicles of Narnia

🍺 Fall in love with the charming Queenstown on the Southern Island, famous around the globe for its stunning alpine setting and renowned as Adventure Capital of New Zealand

🦀 Enjoy a picturesque day-cruise through beautiful Milford Sound, deep in the heart of Fjordland National Park

🏔 Take a world renowned Routeburn Trek (3days/2 nights, 32km, guided walk), rated by National Geographic as One of the Epic Treks in the World. Stay with comfort in the cozy alpine chalets

🌊 Treat yourself with relaxing in hotsprings and polynesian spas along the way, after the intensive days of hiking and exploring

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✈️  Arrival/Departure Auckland, New Zealand

🥾  Average Daily hiking distance:  ~ up to 12 miles daily

😫  Level of difficulty:  Moderate (Beginners with previous hiking experience - Ok) 

🍭  Kids:  14+ (with previous hiking experience) 

🏡  Accommodation: 

    Hotels & lodges in towns and national parks

    On Routeburn Trek: Alpine Chalets, 6-bed bunkrooms, bed linen provided, shared bathroom

Starting from October 2022 New Zealand has reopened to all travelers. No pre-departure covid test or vaccination certificate is required.

Travel declarations are required to be filled out before departure

if the Trip is canceled by Organizer for any reason, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable (100% of all your payment will be refunded, including transactions fees paid by the Participant  at the time of booking)

If the trip is canceled by Participant due to any personal reasons, the following penalties will be applied:

👉🏽 Cancellation outside of 121 days before departure - fully refundable

👉🏽 Cancellation 120 to 90 calendar days before departure - $500 USD are non-refundable, but Participant replacement is allowed with a full refund 

👉🏽 Cancellation 89 to 60 calendar days before departure – up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Participant replacement IS ALLOWED outside of 60 days before departure.

👉🏽 Cancellation 59 to 0 days - Up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

We strongly encourage you to purchase Travel Cancellation Insurance after the booking is made. It will protect you from unexpected cancellations due to personal reasons like sudden sickness, changes in travel plans, and other things. 

Please check out World Nomads travel insurance provider our travelers have been using for years www.worldnomads.com

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of the end of November to March. 

Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F.

Expected weather on a Routeburn trek:

The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.

In November and December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. If you are a keen photographer this would be the time to walk. In November and December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. If you are a keen photographer this would be the time to walk. 

Due to the nature of Fiordland we cannot predict any forecast. That's why be ready for rain and shine!

Departure from SFO on Thursday evening.  Arrival in Auckland on Saturday early morning. Meet at the airport with our local guide, and take a slow city tour in Auckland, including the opportunity to swim in the ocean and relax on the beach.

Lunch in town, Team introduction.

After lunch check in at the hotel (3 PM).

Overnight in Auckland

Check out from hotel.

In just 2 hrs drive from town discover adventure on New Zealand's original Black Water tubing trip. Float down an underground river and jump off subterranean waterfalls as you admire the glowworm-studded cave interior. A chance to weave, jump, climb, and float through a glowworm-studded subterranean wonderland. 

We will stop at hot springs on the way to our next destination (admission ~ $20 NZD)

Drive to Lake Taupo. Overnight in the lodge by the lake. Dinner & overnight.

The best one-day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing in the valley of 3 active volcanoes is a superb introduction to the region’s scenic beauty.  The track itself takes 7-8h to complete, 

Distance 20km (14 mi)

Elevation gain: 2600 feet

Difficulty: Medium

Optional visit to hot springs after the hike.

Overnight by the Lake Taupo, lodge.

In the morning: take a walk to the beautiful Huka Falls  the fantastic natural attraction of New Zealand! 

After a 40-min drive continue to the legendary Waiotapu, known as "one of 20 most surreal places in the World"! Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity!

Our next stop at Hobbiton, where the Lord of the Rings was filmed. Guided walk with lots of funny stories ends up in the Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary glass of ginger beer, cider or ale.

We continue our journey to Coromandel Peninsula (2 hrs drive), famous for its unique Pacific beaches. Watch the sunset on one of the picturesque beaches.

Overnight on the Coromandel Peninsula, oceanfront villas (3 people sharing).

Full day chillin at Coromandel's beaches

Renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, The Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape.

Early in the morning we will climb the local volcano to see the sunrise.

In  the time of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - digging your own natural spa is one experience that should be on your bucket list!

Then we will head to Cathedral Cove on sea kayaks, a gem of Coromandel also known for being filmed in the fantasy series of Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

Second night in Coromandel, oceanfront villas (3 people sharing)

Check out in the morning and 2hrs drive to Auckland airport.

Take a 2hrs flight to Queenstown in the afternoon. 

Arrive at around 4:30 PM, and take a shuttle to the hotel for check-in.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Check out.

Early morning 5hrs drive to board a Scenic Milford Sound Cruise. Make a stop in Te Anau for snacks and coffee.

A picturesque cruise through beautiful Milford Sound, deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island. Take in the stunning scenery from the large viewing decks aboard a modern and spacious catamaran.

After the cruise drive to Te Anau (3hrs). Check-in hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Te Anau, hotel.

Our adventure begins with a coach ride from Queenstown to the Divide on the scenic Milford Road. We will climb the wide and well formed track from the Divide to Key Summit. Here we can sit among the alpine plants and gaze down three valleys from which water flows to three different coasts.

Then descend to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and picnic lunch, before gradually climbing through silver beech forest to Earland Falls.  From there the descent into Mackenzie lodge is steep and rocky, so take your time.  Refreshments, a hot shower, three course meal and comfortable beds are waiting at Mackenzie Lodge.

HIking distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Terrain: The track is reasonably smooth, with some steep rocky sections.

Lodging: Mackenzie Lodge, 4ppl sharing dorms, made-up bed

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner

Our day starts with an ascent through ancient forest, and alpine zig zags to Ocean Peak Corner, where we will have a full vista of the Darran Mountains.  Crossing the Hollyford Face, you will stop for lunch at the Harris Saddle. 

Walk up Conical Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. From Lake Harris descend into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley, with the towering mountains above. Spend your final night at the beautifully located Routeburn Falls Lodge.

Distance: 11 km (6.9 miles) 

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Track Terrain: Uneven and steep in places, with a series of zig zags, then mostly flat, before heading downhill with some boardwalks and steps.

Lodging: Routeburn Falls Lodge, 4ppl sharing dorms, made-up beds

Meal plan: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge. Gorge Flat is a great place to stop for lunch.  

From here it is a gentle walk through the beech forest to the Road End. A coach will take you back to Queenstown, stopping at the small town of Glenorchy on the way.

Distance: 9km (5.7 miles) 

Level of difficulty: Easy

Track Terrain: Mostly wide and smooth with some rocky patches.

Accommodation: Hotel in Queenstown

Meal plan: Brekfast, Picnic Lunch

Hotel check out and transfer to the airport.

Evening free to explore Queenstown on your own. 

Take a ride the Skyline Gondola above Queenstown to the top of Bob's Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Queenstown and more and may be doing some shopping and bar hopping in the evening.

Take a flight to Auckland in the afternoon,  in time for your connecting flight back home.

Arrival in SFO on the same day (morning).