Best of New Zealand North to South Adventure

Auckland, New Zealand

ST
Safarika Travel
  • Facebook verified
50 reviews
Duration: 11 days
Group size: 8 - 12
Best of New Zealand North to South Adventure
Auckland, New Zealand

Safarika Travel
  • Facebook verified
50 reviews

$NaN
Duration: 11 days
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

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

Travel Entry Requirements

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

Trip Cancellation Policy

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

Weather

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!

What’s included

  • Comfortable lodging
    Standard Hotels (2 ppl sharing rooms)
  • Assistance
    Local guides, English.Russian -speaking Team Leader along the trip
  • Ground transportation
    Comfortable private vans
  • Admissions & parking
    National parks and all attractions
  • ROUTEBURN TREK (3D/2N):
  • Upscale Alpine lodges
    Bunkbed rooms 4 ppl sharing, shared bathrooms , hot showers, toiletries and hair dryers, electricity , laundry, bar, dining room
  • Meals
    All inclusive on Routeburn Trek (hot breakfast , packed trail lunch and hot dinner will be served at the restaurant of the lodge)
  • Professional assistance
    3 Trekking guides
  • All tours & activities
    All mentioned activities and day-tours (see itinerary)
  • Flights
    International direct flights start at $1000 USD from SFO. Domestic flights Auckland-Queenstown roundtrip start at $250-290 USD (refundable rate)
  • Meals in towns
    the ones that are not included

Available Packages

Trip Price
Available until 90 days before departure
$4,795
Deposit: $500

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat)
Auckland city walk

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

Your Organizer


ST
Safarika Travel
50 reviews
Safarika Adventure Club (Safarika Travel Inc.) was founded in Los Angeles (CA) in the year 2013. Legal travel provider on the territory of United States (California Seller of Travel License # 2112795-40) since 2013. Founder & CEO - Karina Safari, professional adventure travel organizer and team leader since 2011. Specialization: in small group hiking trips in South America and beyond, as well as private eco-adventures for families.

Reviews

Wonderful surprise! Karina is not only amazing group travel organizer, but also works with private parties. Our trip was catered to our specific needs, and we couldn’t be happier with everything! So much fun, amazing experiences and fond memories! Thank you so much, will be back! 🤩
By Alina S for Ecuador Adventure: Avenue of Volcanoes, Amazon & Galapagos on Aug 08, 2023
This was an unforgettable trip into Peruvian mountains, jungle, culture and cuisine. The trip managed to cover all the key sights in the Cusco area balancing sightseeing and hiking. The trekking company was amazing and they made the trek as comfortable as it can be. The two main hikes we did (Salkantay trek and rainbow mountain) were not particularly hard and we had plenty of time and did not need to rush. The were lucky to have very knowledgeable guides who educated and entertained us with various stories about Inka history and culture. I hope to come back to Peru again in the future.
By Vladimir L for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mt (Memorial day 2023) on Jun 07, 2023
GL
Excellent tour + great planning and execution (as usual). Highly recommend it. Not too strenuous.
By Grigory L for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mt (Memorial day 2023) on Jun 06, 2023
The trip to Peru was amazing! Flawless organization of the trip up to any small detail + genuine care for every single member of the group. Amazing experiences, great food, beautiful country and fun group to enjoy all of that! Highly recommended!
By Evgeny S for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mt (Memorial day 2023) on Jun 05, 2023
LZ
Every day of the trip was unforgettable and filled with adventure. After telling all the stories to friends dozens of times I realize how lucky I am to know Safarika Adventure Club , because without Karina Safari this trip would not have been as awesome.
By Larysa Z for Best of New Zealand North to South Adventure on Mar 20, 2023
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References

YM
One of the best trips I've done! I am mainly either a solo traveler or prefer to go with my family But 4 days hiking trip to Montana Glacier NP has changed my preferences :) Thank you very much, it's been a pleasure and FUN Met so many interesting intelligent people, would highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations
By Yelena M on 10 Sep, 2020
GL
I traveled with Karina to Patagonia in 2020 and it was awesome! Perfect planning & organization throughout the trip, including dealing with the unexpected (e.g. lost luggage). I really liked other folks in the group and made several new friends in this trip. I highly recommend Karina's trips to casual and semi-serious hikers, and plan to be a return customer myself.
By Grigory L on 14 Mar, 2020
Thank you, Karina, for a wonderful first time experience of active adventure trip! Everything is well thought and organized. Would recommend to anyone!
By Aizhan T on 20 Jun, 2019