- Discover Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand
- Gain an insight into Māori culture, join in a hāngi (Māori feast) and cultural performance
- Enjoy a half-day coastal walk and sailing trip in Abel Tasman National Park
- Cruise the stunning Milford Soundwith one night on board the Milford Mariner
- Discover Queenstown and enjoy the scenic delights of this world-famous destination
- Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: home to the highest mountains and longest glaciers in New Zealand
Trails of New Zealand
18 Days
from
0 Days
from
Culture
Itinerary
Auckland Christchurch
Depart London
Flights usually depart London in the afternoon.
Arrive Auckland
The day is free to relax and recover from the flight. If you’re arriving into Auckland Airport today, you can arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel – see the Joining Instructions for more information.
Auckland is a beautiful city and worthy of time to explore. The nearby Viaduct restaurants are an ideal means of overcoming the last of the jetlag. If you’re feeling lucky, visit the SkyCity casino and entertainment tower for one of those lunches you just don’t forget. Please meet at the start hotel at 6pm for a full briefing with your leader.
Accommodation: Copthorne Auckland City Hotel (or similar)
Visit Rangitoto Island
Auckland is the City of Sails, so what better way to start your trip than to cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to beautiful Rangitoto Island? At 600 years’ old, it is actually the youngest volcano in New Zealand. The island has undergone a significant restoration programme and is entirely pest-free, which encourages the native flora and fauna to thrive. We walk through lava fields and forests to the island summit (850ft/259m) for stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
Please note: Occasionally, access is temporarily and unexpectedly denied to various islands off the Auckland coast including Rangitoto due to cultural considerations. In this case, we respect the local Māori wishes and try to visit an alternative island if possible.
Accommodation: Copthorne Auckland City Hotel (or similar)
To Rotorua
Leaving the city, we head south to Rotorua (approximately 3hr 30min drive). On arrival, we stretch our legs with a hike around a redwood forest followed by an afternoon at leisure in town or an optional hike at Blue Lake. The evening highlight is a visit to a marae (ceremonial ground). Our Māori hosts welcome us in their traditional manner before entertaining us with a concert and hangi (traditional meal).
Accommodation: Jet Park Hotel (or similar)
To Tongariro National Park
We explore one of the most colourful thermal areas in New Zealand with boiling mud pools, hot streams and silica terraces. The natural wonders that first attracted the Māori in the 14th century, and later the Europeans, still draw large numbers of tourists every year. Rotorua is a unique natural wonder and a must-see destination. Leaving Rotorua, we drive south (approximately three hours) to Tongariro National Park. On the way, we visit the steaming Wai-O-Tapu geothermal valley and impressive Huka Falls.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel (or similar)
Free day in Tongariro National Park; option to hike Tongariro Crossing and other activities
We wake up in the heart of Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the important Māori cultural and spiritual associations plus its outstanding volcanic features.
If you’re physically fit and well equipped, there is the option of walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: one of the greatest one-day walks in New Zealand. Provided the weather is kind, the rugged volcanic desert, craters and glacial valleys combine with incredible views to make this a day to remember. The crossing should not be underestimated and there are several steep sections where the loose surface can make it tough going, so come well-prepared. The crossing can take seven to eight hours depending on walking ability. There is a return shuttle service – 50 New Zealand dollars (US$31) per person – from your hotel to the start and finish of the crossing. Your leader provides you with information about the walk and can advise you on the fitness and equipment required. If you are intending to do the crossing, please bring sturdy walking shoes/boots, a suitable backpack, wind- and waterproof jacket and a warm hat.
Distance: 12mi (19.4km); ascent: 2,510ft (765m); descent: 3,691ft (1,125m); total time: approximately seven to eight hours
Alternatively, there are several other options available to experience the wonders of this unique environment. These include the Taranaki Falls walk, one of the best short walks in the park. This easy loop takes in a variety of volcanic landforms, forest and native shrubland along with excellent volcano and waterfall views.
Distance: 3.7mi (6km); ascent: 377ft (115m); descent: 377ft (115m); total time: approximately 2hr 30min
Other options include a visit to the park conservation centre, a trip up Mount Ruapehu on the Sky Waka gondola with a short walk to the viewing platform, a visit to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools or a unique rafting experience including the opportunity to help with conservation efforts for an endangered native duck.
Your leader will discuss the options and additional costs for the day. Based on the weather and interest of the group, your leader can join the majority of the group in their chosen activity. Where external transfers or the services of an external provider are required, then additional costs are payable on the day. Please also see the Optional Excursions section of the Trip Notes for further details.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel (or similar)
To Wellington
Relax following yesterday’s free day of exploring Tongariro National Park as we drive (approximately five hours) south to Wellington. Continue across the Rangitikei and Manawatu Plains and down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. On Wellington waterfront is Te Papa, the NZ National Museum, which we can explore in the afternoon along with the beautiful botanic gardens and cable car and enjoy the exciting nightlife of the capital city.
Accommodation: The Bay Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough; drive to Abel Tasman National Park
After an early breakfast, we board the ferry and leave the North Island as we cross the Cook Strait, passing the Marlborough Sounds with 932mi (1,500km) of beautiful coastline. From Picton, we have a 1hr 30min drive to Nelson where we can take time out to explore the city and a chance to stretch our legs with a short walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand. After, we drive to the small town of Motueka (approximately one hour) on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, home to idyllic gold-sand beaches and forests.
Accommodation: Avalon Manor Motel (or similar)
Half-day coastal walk; boat to Motueka
We have a 25-minute transfer to the village of Marahau, where a morning coastal walk takes us through beautiful beaches and coastal vegetation. The path is well maintained and the walk takes approximately three to four hours. We meet our sailing boat at Anchorage Bay, providing our return to Marahau and time to relax and dine out in Motueka. (Depending on tides, sometimes the sailing trip is completed first).
Please note, today your leader has a guide-free day. Instead, you are accompanied by a local guide on the coastal walk who has expert local knowledge. Return transfers from Motueka are provided.
Accommodation: Avalon Manor Motel (or similar)
To Buller River; sunset walk at Punakaiki
Our departure from Abel Tasman National Park is followed by a scenic drive down the mighty Buller River. After a short stop at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony, we stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks, to watch the setting sun (drive time: approximately five hours). If the tide is up, the ground can physically shake and water spurts from the blowholes and fissures that dot the coastline.
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
To Fox Glacier, passing Okarito en route
Passing through areas of lush forests, we continue south down the beautiful west coast. We drive onto the small lagoon-side village of Okarito, home of the rare kotuku (white heron). On offer here is optional kayaking where we float in on the incoming tide and explore the bush-clad waterways seeking out the abundant bird life here. Those looking to stretch their legs can hike to the nearby trig station (approximately 1hr 30min) for spectacular views over the Southern Alps. Later, we continue the short drive through to Fox township.
Depending on time, you may have an opportunity to hike to the lookout for the Franz Josef Glacier.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
Walk to Fox Glacier; continue to Wanaka
After breakfast, we backtrack to the township of Franz Josef. From here, we go for a walk to the lookout point for the glacier (if not completed the day before). After, we drive on and stroll around the reflective Lake Matheson, a photographer’s dream.
We then continue south along bush-clad roads and past the dramatic coastline with its wild windswept beaches to the settlement of Haast. Turning inland, we climb over Haast Pass, the southernmost crossing of the Southern Alps, which forms the boundary between Westland and Otago. From here, the tussock lands of the eastern slopes merge with beech forests. We travel through to Wanaka, home for the next two nights.
Lake Matheson Loop: Distance: 1.6mi (2.6km); ascent: 138ft (42m); descent: 138ft (42m); total time: approximately 1hr 30min
Fox Glacier Valley Walkway: Distance: 1.6mi (2.6km); ascent: 223ft (68m); descent: 226ft (69m); total time: approximately one hour
Accommodation: Wanaka Hotel (or similar)
Jetboat in Matukituki
In the morning, we head into Mount Aspiring National Park for an exciting jetboat ride along the braided rivers leading into the park. Jetboating was invented in NZ as a means to negotiate the shallow braided rivers that we use to access a track leading to a hike into the cirque surrounded by huge mountain walls. Back at our coach, we eat our picnic lunch before driving onto our three-hour hike at beautiful Diamond Lake, which provides stunning views of the river delta and the landscape.
Matukituki Valley: Distance: 1.3mi (2.2km); ascent: 95ft (29m); descent: 95ft (29m); total time: one hour
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Circuit: Distance: 4.4mi (7.1km); ascent: 1,434ft (437m); descent: 1,417ft (432m); total time: approximately two to three hours
Accommodation: Wanaka Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Milford Sound and board overnight boat
From Wanaka, we depart early heading for Te Anau and then into Eglington Valley, enjoying a series of short walks in the spectacular Milford region and then into Milford Sound itself where we join our floating accommodation for the night. The Milford Mariner boat, which has two-bed cabins with private bathrooms, allows us to stay overnight amid dolphins and mighty peaks towering above the fjord.
Walk profile: Various short walk options on Milford Road of up to one hour depending on group fitness, weather and time
Accommodation: Milford Mariner
Cruise inner sound; drive to Queenstown
After an early breakfast, we cruise the inner sound again searching for dolphins and seals before disembarking and retracing our tracks to The Divide and the start of the Routeburn Track. Here we take a three-hour walk to Key Summit for spectacular views. After this hike, we drive via Te Anau (approximately four hours) onto Queenstown, where we stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Free day in Queenstown
Today is free to enjoy the scenic delights of this world-famous destination! There are numerous activities on offer, which your leader can advise about locally. Or you may just prefer to spend the day shopping or relaxing.
Today your leader has a guide-free day but they can advise on how best to spend your free day in Queenstown.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Transfer to Mount Cook National Park; trek in Hooker Valley
Travel through the barren Kawarau Gorge where large amounts of gold were dredged at the turn of the century. Drive over Lindis Pass to the tussock-covered plains of the Mackenzie Basin and into Mount Cook National Park (approximately four hours). Beneath the highest peak in NZ, we walk into Hooker Valley, which has crashing glaciers and glacial lakes. By early evening, we reach our accommodation and watch the spectacular view from the warmth of the restaurant.
Accommodation: Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge/Aoraki Court Motel (or similar)
Drive to Christchurch via Canterbury Plains
After breakfast, we drive to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains. After the devastating earthquakes of 2010/11, Christchurch is undergoing a major rebuild, unrivalled in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city, beautiful gardens and Hagley Park followed by an optional final group dinner.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch (or similar)
End Christchurch
The trip finishes after breakfast and checkout from the hotel. A free departure transfer by taxi from the hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked at least one month before departure.
Depart Christchurch
For those travelling on the group flights, the flight usually departs in the afternoon/early evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. Until departure we have free time in Christchurch to relax or enjoy last-minute shopping before departing to the airport. Land Only arrangements will finish after checkout from the hotel.
Arrive London
Share Your Photos...
#ExodusTravels
Reviews
Add your own reviewGreat overview
This was an amazing trip to see the highlights of new Zealand. It is full on with long driving days staying in a different hotel every 1-2 days. The walks are mostly short but there a few days of longer walks but these are optional (just don’t miss Hooker valley ) Unfortunately due to the weather we weren’t able to do Tongariro alpine crossing but instead walked to waterfall and lakes which was great
Most Inspirational Moment
It’s hard to choose but I think I would refine to 3: seeing a purple sunrise in Milford sound, hand gliding in Queenstown and the Hooker valley walk- but I don’t want to spoil your surprise.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2. Our first guide Duli, covered the North island. He was a great driver but left to feel self- guided at stops. A few of us wrote to exodus and we promptly had a change of guide. Peter was great, improving our experience. He appeared to know the South Island in great depth, choosing interesting stops en route. Whilst also not a hiker, he joined in with the group including for walks and appeared to enjoy himself.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t overpack! You really do not need shampoo/ conditioner (or maybe just a tiny bottle) as available in most the hotels. Laundry facilities (water/ dryer) are available in several of the hotels but limited by time to use them if you arrive late/ leave early. 5 days worth of clothing would be adequate including waterproofs! There are a number of very long drive days of 4-5 hours but this is interspersed with stops at interesting sites / beautiful scenery so really doesn’t feel arduous (except for driver)
Suggestions
It’s an expensive trip but I can see why. New Zealand is not cheap and the trip includes several activities which I may not have considered myself but it is well packaged and varied and definitely worth it.
Full on trip
This was a fantastic trip where we saw so much . Not for anyone wanting to take it easy. Some fantastic sights great tour manager and lovely accommodation
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to pick one but my favourite day has to be the walk in Abel Tasman National Park and then the afternoon spent on a catqnaran sailing around Anchorage Bay. Lovely walk and beautiful weather for a sail.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Summer was a good tour leader. She was enthusiastic ,helpful, knowledgeable about the culture especially the maori culture. She was always fun to be around
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't do this trip if you want plenty of rest. There is a lot of walking involved and a lot of it uphill. There are some long days getting in not much before 7pm so be prepared for not having much time before dinner Otherwise just enjoy the amazing sights you will see and some great accommodation
Suggestions
I was disappointed by Milford Sound and would have liked to have just had a few hours there instead of staying overnight. Getting there at 4pm and leaving at 9am in the morning we didn't see as much as I expected. I would have liked more time in Wellington as we got in there in the afternoon and left early the next morning
A great summery of what New Zealand has to offer.
A packed trip including most of the scenery and activities you can get in New Zealand.Although we covered a lot of kilometers, there was time to walk, take a boat and just take it all in. We had a great tour leader who also drove the van, even the men in the group noticed she is a very good driver.Everything was well planned for, including stops for buying food in supermarkets, and of course the toilet stops. We were lucky with the weather, although the only rainy day was when we were in Tongariro so the crossing was cancelled.But later in the afternoon it was still possible to walk around a bit. Most of the group, if not all thought that another night in Rotorua and especially in Mount Cook would add to the trip.The hotels were very good, most of one hotel group,but the hotel in Mount Cook stood out and even had a complete kitchen, and the views… with clear skies just amazing.,
Most Inspirational Moment
For me the hike to Key Summit, as 15 years ago I walked the other end of the Routeburn trek in heavy rain and got then wet to the skin. This time the rain was a little drizzle slowing down, and at the top clouds were playing around the tops of the mountains.The same gave a magical touch when we woke up in Milford Sound that same morning. Another moment was when Summer saw the rare white Heron flying just in front of the car. We stopped ,and could see it and even take pictures when if flew alongside the road for several minutes. The opposite was true for Christchurch, which I remember from 15 years ago and looks now so different and cold with new high modern buildings and lost all the charm it had before.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Summer is the right person for this work: passionate about her country and its culture, has broad knowledge of every aspect of nature and life in New Zealand, is interested in her guests and devides her time between all in the group.Always on time, drives good and very careful,efficient when dealing with hotels and other service providers.I think she found the right balance between giving alone time and initiating reservations for dinner.The goodies bag was a welcome surprise and greatly appreciated.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take good raingear, and layered clothing.Be ready for some long drives but with stops ,sometimes some early mornings. Everything could be paid for by credit card, although some places had a surcharge for that from 0,8-2,95%. So you can decide if that's for you or pay cash. Most of the group came 1-2 days before the trip to New Zealand , so were over the jet lag when we started, and some also planned some extra days after the trip.If you fly to the other side of the world, that might be a good thing to consider.
A wonderful trip.
This trip covers a lot of ground, with a packed itinerary and with plenty of walking in beautiful scenery. The weather was very kind to us – we even saw Milford Sound with clear blue skies!
Most Inspirational Moment
I couldn't single out just one - there were too many. The North Island volcanoes and geothermal activity were amazing but the South Island scenery was spectacular. The ' Abel Tasman' day was one highlight - a beautiful walk followed by a swim and beach picnic then a return journey by sail - perfect. Sunrise at Lake Matheson, the boat trip on Milford Sound and walk to Key Summit were other highlights, as were the unexpected extras arranged by Sean and Merisha.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Joint leaders Sean and Merisha were great!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel as light as you can - there are chances to wash clothes at lots of the motels. I brought far too much luggage and regretted it! Do bring layers, even though we had fantastic weather the temperature ranges were big. We didn't use our waterproofs much but I don't think our weather was typical. If you can, add an extra day or two in NZ at the start and end of the trip.
Suggestions
New Zealand is a beautiful and fascinating country. We had a great group and excellent leaders. I would highly recommend this trip.
Title is good.
It’s a very full an encompassing trip. It covers a great deal and involves a lot of hiking, which is really the only way to truly see and appreciate this spectacular country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many many beautiful views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2, they we’re both absolutely excellent and complimented one another perfectly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be fit
Suggestions
Our small group of 10 was very special and together with our guides we really seem to bond. All of us had a great time. As a solo traveller, I got lucky - it was a special group! Our guides were over-the-top wonderful! We got lucky with the weather too which was beautiful.
An Unexpected Journey.
An excellent introduction to both islands. There is so much to see and do that the time we had just whizzed by. It is clear that this trip only just touches the surface but in saying that we had an unprecedented insight into the geography, geology, flora, fauna and cultural diversity, balancing the city explorations with the more exciting challenges provided by the spectacular scenery. To achieve this itinerary you have to withstand long travelling interspersed by the activities included. It would have been good to have extra days in certain areas to enhance the experience but you can only do so much in 19 days. However, in saying that, this trip cannot be faulted and certainly shows New Zealand at its best.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many as each area we visited gave totally different experiences. The Tongariro crossing was not to be missed- fortunate with the weather but there was snow in the craters at the plateau with high winds on the crater edges. Geothermal valleys. Walking up to the terminal face of Fox glacier (despite no polar bear!) Cruising the Milford Sound-seeing the penguins. Walking through the indigenous tropical forests. Walking in the snow at the foot of Mount Cook and crossing glacial torrents in full flood. Walking at night on a Glow Worm trail- like thousands of LED lights- quite enchanting. Sobering walk through the disembodied Christchurch- still recovering and has not regained its soul yet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
All this could not be achieved without the excellent guidance, support and knowledgeable expertise of our two guides, Chris and Rich who both complemented each other- one being a Kiwi and the other a Devonian export. Nothing was too much trouble for them in trying to accommodate individual interests, adjusting the activities according to the prevalent weather conditions and providing a constant supply of snacks to sustain us upon our activities. They appeared to have a magical influence over the weather and visitors, providing a narrow window of opportunity that allowed us to visit volcanic landscapes and geothermal valleys without the crowds or rain that would normally be expected. Their energy and enthusiasm to share their knowledge of the islands and its peoples went without saying. They were quick to ascertain the abilities of each individual member and gave optional activities when needed. The entire trip was skilfully organised and despite the long distance driven by both of them, they were able to protect themselves from being on constant demand.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long travelling. Be prepared for Vivaldi weather (four seasons). If you are reasonably fit and used to mountain terrain, all walks should be within your grasp. Make the most of your time.
Suggestions
The accommodation was excellent and the resort spa was much appreciated.
Fabulous walking in New Zealand
A wonderful itinerary and excellent guides/leaders with infectious enthusiasm for this amazing country!
Most Inspirational Moment
The Tongariro Crossing and the visit to the Milford Sound, but so many wonderful days so very difficult to choose just one. I would therefore say, the entire trip!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Chris Cameron and second leader was Richard Mortiboys. Chris was an excellent experienced leader with a lovely friendly personality and huge knowledge of the country and all the plants. She had boundless energy and tremendous enthusiasm for the country which was very infectious. Her organization of every part of the day was very clear and well planned, ensuring the best possible experience and full confidence in her leadership. Richard was the second in command and he and Chris worked very well together, sharing the driving and general care of each and every one in the party. He was extremely kind and caring when some of us had left items at various places enroute and he spent a great deal of time and effort to ensure that these items were successfully forwarded. They were both excellent leaders and they certainly made the trip a resounding success.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't pack too many items. When you are moving on regularly, there isn't the time or the inclination to uncover more than the top few items of clothing!
Suggestions
I do not see how this trip could be improved! It just had everything to make it a wonderful comprehensive tour of North and South Islands.
AWESOME NEW ZEALAND
This trip is one of the best we have experienced with Exodus. The varied walking, landscape and experiences on the trip make it an amazing adventure. Beware though there are many long distances to cover (we did over 3500 Km in the 19 days), but Ian and Sonya made it very interesting with their local knowledge and frequent rest stops at interesting places. The highlight of the walking was of course the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which on the day we did it was truly spectacular with the Emerald lake just like the Guide books. The Abel Tasman Coastal walk again like the guide book pictures. The Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walk was tough but well worth it for the views. Other experiences met all our expectations – Sailing on Tasman sea, Jet boat on River Motukituki where at times we were in 5 inches of water, Helicopter to Fox Glacier (paid locally) and overnight on Milford Sound in Fiordland. Christchurch was sad to see but it is good to that they are beginning to get the city rebuilt. It is important to note that a few walks and experiences can be affected by weather. Although it was summer we dodged Storm Fehi – Tongariro was closed the day after we walked it, Windy Wellington was stormy Wellington, roads near Fox Glacier were closed due to landslides and they had had no electricity for 3 days before we arrived. However we managed all the planned itinerary except walking to Fox Glacier due to landslide. All in all an AWESOME trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the summit on the Tongariro Alpine Pass and seeing the Lakes as shown in all the guidebooks
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ian was an excellent leader. He was a very confident and safe driver which is important on this trip. He kept us up to date with weather and reasons for his decisions in view of Storm Fehi. We had plenty of rest stops mostly in very interesting places.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take note of distances travelled in order to cover the area - New Zealand is a huge country Be aware that although summer itinerary might be changed due to weather
The best of New Zealand
What an amazing trip! I cannot recommend it highly enough – it showcasts everything that New Zealand has to offer, and despite travelling for 3 weeks it is not enough. We wanted to stay longer, explore further, be stunned by the mindblowing views. From the rolling hills on the North Island to the majestic mountains and fields in Middle Earth and Milford Sounds on the South Island – it is impossible to choose a favourite spot, and certainly calls for another trip in the near future. I loved, loved, loved it, the country, the people and how happy it made me.
Most Inspirational Moment
I cannot pick a most inspirational moment, but Mount Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and Mount Cook left quite an impression - I am in awe. The views! Simply stunning.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic leaders. I very much appreciated having two leaders, both very friendly, approachable, fun and entertaining and of course, knowledgeable about flora and fauna. Both were a treasure!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for mindblowing views.
Suggestions
n/a
Trails of New Zealand
A perfectly balanced blend of touristy sightseeing activities, incredibly beautiful, varied walks and exciting, unforgettable experiences. We were blessed with fantastic weather, too!
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing under the 80m high Fairy Falls on the bow of the Milford Wanderer, water pummelling down on our heads, totally surprised, completely exhilarated and utterly happy. I have to add first seeing Red Crater on the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating, catamaran sailing on the Tasman Sea, walking through Tiritiri Matangi Island’s gorgeous native woodland ringing with exotic bird calls and cicadas, the joy of seeing the glorious colour of Huka Falls. The trouble is that every day had moments like these, so how do you choose!?
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hayley and Josh are an extraordinary young couple, calm, cheerful, incredibly hard working and competent. If everyone drove like Josh, the roads would be safer places. Every suggestion regarding where to eat or shop or what to do in our free time turned out to be good. In his review, Martin mentioned the lady stranger who had a fall, but not that Hayley actually carried her most of the way down a steep mountain after giving first aid! There were, inevitably, some long drives, but Hayley and Josh arranged an enjoyable short walk or other activity at least every two hours. I think I’d trust these two in almost any situation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t scratch your Blackfly bites! They really are the scourge of South Island, but DEET does deter them so use it. I kept leaving it too late. Bites I managed to resist scratching settled down quickly, those I took the tops off had scabs for weeks and have left scars. Be prepared for the jet lag - it took us a week to get over it after coming home. Take lots of notes as well as taking photos -see below!
Suggestions
It has been five weeks since the end of our holiday. It has taken this long to go through all my photos and notes, remembering more and more things that we did, to do research on the internet and to write a journal. Only now do I feel able to take an overall view and write this review. This holiday is a full-on three weeks of new experiences and it is almost impossible to take it all in at the time. For us and, I imagine most people, this was a holiday of a lifetime and I really do recommend making a photographic journal to fix those memories. It is a lot of work, but rather like having the holiday again!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
20 Jan 2024 20 Jan 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
06 Feb 2024 06 Feb 2024
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 6,699 £ 6,699
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,660
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Feb 2024 17 Feb 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
05 Mar 2024 05 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 3 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 6,699 £ 6,699
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,660
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
25 Oct 2024 25 Oct 2024
Monday Monday
11 Nov 2024 11 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Nov 2024 30 Nov 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
17 Dec 2024 17 Dec 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
10 Jan 2025 10 Jan 2025
Monday Monday
27 Jan 2025 27 Jan 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
23 Jan 2025 23 Jan 2025
Sunday Sunday
09 Feb 2025 09 Feb 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 Feb 2025 15 Feb 2025
Tuesday Tuesday
04 Mar 2025 04 Mar 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
07 Mar 2025 07 Mar 2025
Monday Monday
24 Mar 2025 24 Mar 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 6,999 £ 6,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,830
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.
Trails of New Zealand
18 Days
from
0 Days
from