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About this trip
Experience the best of AOTEAROA, the LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD!
This 11-day adventure covers the best highlights of the North and South Islands, offering the perfect mix of breathtaking hikes, unique natural wonders, relaxing beach time, Tolkien-inspired locations, and a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the Maori people.
Embark on a journey through New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, from North Island’s glowworm caves, geothermal geysers, and golden beaches to the breathtaking Fiordlands and alpine beauty of the South Island. Experience unforgettable adventures, including the world-renowned Routeburn Trek, with all glamping lodging and meals taken care of – no camping gear required!
Highlights:
🌟 Glowworm Magic: Tubing adventure through the enchanting Blackwater Labyrinth caves.
🥾 Tongariro Crossing: Hike New Zealand’s top 1-day trek across volcanic wonders.
🌋 Geothermal Wonderland: Explore one of the world’s most surreal landscapes.
🧙🏻♂️ Hobbiton: Step into the magical village where The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were filmed.
🏝 Coromandel Peninsula: Paddle on kayaks the stunning coastline featured in The Chronicles of Narnia.
🍺 Queenstown Charm: Discover the Adventure Capital of the World, nestled in the majestic Southern Alps.
🦀 Milford Sound Cruise: Sail through awe-inspiring Fiordland scenery.
🏔 Routeburn Trek: Take on one of the world’s most epic treks (3 days/2 nights, guided and fully catered).
🌊 Relaxation Retreats: Soak in Polynesian hot springs and dig your spa at Hot Water Beach.
An unforgettable adventure awaits!
Trip Details:
✈️ Arrival/Departure: Auckland, New Zealand
💪🏽 Difficulty Level: Moderate – suitable for beginners with prior hiking experience. No risk of altitude sickness
🍭 Kids: Recommended for ages 14+ with prior hiking experience.
🏡 Glamping-Style Lodging: Hotels and cozy alpine chalets on the trek
Expected Weather Conditions:
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March.
Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 70°-80°F on the Northern Island.
The water in the ocean warms up to 75F approx.
Expected weather on a Routeburn trek:
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that 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.
Generally, January and February are warmer, not necessarily drier. The month of March is more settled weather-wise: fresh mornings, sunny days, cooler nights and the days are getting shorter. Due to the nature of Fiordland, we cannot predict any forecast. That's why be ready for rain and shine!
Travel Entry Requirements
NZ Travel entry requirements:
- Your valid Passport
- All travelers from visa-waiver countries (including United States citizens) have to apply for NZ ETA a few days before departure to New Zealand:
Trip Cancellation Policy & Coverage
Cancel anytime if plans change with a Protected Travel Insurance Plan.
CFAR (Cancellation For Any Reason) - an add-on benefit to standard travel insurance that lets you cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as "covered reasons" on a policy. This type of policy is available only if purchased within 24 hours of the initial deposit being paid for the trip.
👉🏽 Registration deposit is NON-refundable
👉🏽 Cancellation earlier than 90 calendar days before departure – up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable
👉🏽 Cancellation 89 to 0 days - Up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
Customer Protection Notice
Safarika Travel Inc. has successfully undergone a compliance review with the California Business & Professions Code conducted by the State of California in 2024
Safarika Travel Inc. is registered with the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF)
That means, that under specific circumstances, California residents may recover funds up to USD 5000 paid for travel services not provided by a registered travel seller.
California Seller of Travel Registration: 2112795-40
Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) registration ID #709454
What’s included
- Local flightsFully refundable airfare: Auckland > Queenstown > Auckland
- Glamping experience9 nites in Hotels (dbl sharing rooms) , 2 nites in upscale alpine huts (4-ppl sharing rooms)
- Professional AssistanceFully Curated trip. Russian speaking expert on the North Island, English speaking guides on the South Island.
- Ground transportationPrivate van on the North Island & shared shuttles on South Island
- Admissions & day-toursAll listed in the itinerary, except for optional ones
- All meals on trek3 breakfasts, 3 packed lunches and 2 dinners during the trek
- Full Trip SupportPre-trip Zoom session with Organizer, Trip Info & Packing guidelines, group chats, and real-time assistance during the trip
What’s not included
- International Flightsto/from Auckland, New Zealand
- Travel InsuranceNot must, but very suggested
- Some mealsBreakfasts in hotels, lunches and dinners in towns
- Optional tours & add-onsWill be available for booking later
- Private airport transferIf you arrive or depart on your own schedule, separately from the rest of the group
Available Packages
Available Add-Ons
When: Feb 17, 2026
Pickup at hotel in Queenstown: ~8:00AM
Drop off at the hotel around ~12:15 PM
Transport: 4x4
The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up Queenstown hill you get a birds eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.
Travelling from The Remarkables viewpoint we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.
From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon
When: Feb 17
Pickup/Drop-off at Queenstown Center: ~1 PM (TBC)
Duration: ~2.5 hrs
The only way to experience our Canyons, see their beauty and feel their power, is to come on a journey with us, the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall-to-wall canyon action from start to finish!
Itinerary
Arrive in the vibrant city of Auckland of the North Island in the morning, where your friendly local guide, Ivan, will greet you at the airport.
Enjoy a relaxed tour of the city, including a chance to swim in the sparkling ocean and unwind on a beautiful beach. After a delicious lunch in town, head to your hotel for check-in and some rest.
In the evening, explore Auckland at your own pace or treat yourself to a memorable dinner at the iconic Sky Tower, with breathtaking views of the city below!
Stay overnight in a hotel conveniently located in walking distance from the wharf.