New Zealand Multi-Adventure: North & South Islands
14 days | 17 days with Bay of Islands extension |
- Group size
- 6–20 travelers
Epic adventures in the most untouched of wildernesses
From cities framed by volcanic cones, to towering trees and swirling rivers that have inspired backdrops of blockbuster hits like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings—New Zealand boasts a nearly endless list of activities and landscapes that have rightfully earned it the status as an adventure hub. In New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll experience roaring waterfalls and geothermal playgrounds. Feel your heart pumping as you blackwater raft in Waitomo through twinkling glowworm grottos, cycle through unspoiled redwood forests in Rotorua, and trek in Tongariro National Park, home to three active volcanic mountains. Trade lava plateaus and crater lakes for Fiordland’s beech forests, alpine tarns, and wineries as you enter the South Island, where you’ll hike the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, kayak and cruise through Milford Sound past fur seal colonies and waterfalls, and raft whitewater rapids on the Kawarau River. You wanted an adventure, and you'll get that and more as you traverse New Zealand's North and South Islands, discovering Maori culture and their sacred principle of “Manaakitanga”—the art of hospitality and respect.
What's included
- Blackwater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting & e-biking
- 11 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- Internal flight from Rotorua to Queenstown
- 11 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 7 dinners with wine or beer
- 1 wine tasting and 1 tea tasting
- An expert local Tour Director
- Local guides for all adventure activities and select experiences
- Safety equipment and briefings for all activities
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Float beneath a sky of glowworms in Waitomo’s studded Ruakuri Cave
- Brave the Devil’s Staircase through volcanic landscape on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Hike the Routeburn Track to Key Summit’s alpine views in Fiordland
- Admire majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs kayaking through Milford Sound
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a BBQ homestead dinner
- E-bike through the pristine Gibbston Valley in Queenstown’s wine country
Itinerary
Overnight flight2 nights
Day 1: Fly to Auckland
It's time to make your way to the airport and settle in for your overnight flight to Auckland. This is a long one, but it's worth the many hours in the air for an epic experience traversing the pristine natural beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Pack a few good books, download some movies, and make sure you've packed everything you need for the next two weeks of adventure ahead.
Day 2: Cross the International Date Line
As you cross the International Date Line during your flight, you'll jump ahead one day—meaning your first two days will be spent in the air.
Auckland1 night
Day 3: Arrival in Auckland & Welcome Dinner
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to the North Island, home to Auckland (known as the City of Sails), where New Zealand’s natural beauty collides with urban life in a city known for food, arts, and culture. Stretch your legs after the long journey while strolling around the landmark Waitemata Harbor, which means “sparkling waters” in the Maori language, before mingling with your fellow travelers over your first group dinner of the trip. Rest up this evening—the adventure kicks off bright and early tomorrow!
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 45 minutes to your hotel to check in, then shake off jetlag with a walk around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbor before checking into your hotel.
- Get to know your Tour Director and fellow adventurers during a Welcome Orientation and keep the bonding going during a Welcome Dinner in town.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Taupo2 nights
Day 4: Waitomo Caves and glowworm grotto blackwater rafting & travel to Taupo
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your first stop on this adrenaline-packed itinerary is Waitomo Caves and its glowworm grotto. Meet your guides, gear up in a wetsuit, helmet, and light, and test your tubing skills before slipping through a hole in the rock into an underground river. From there, you'll weave through the dark and climb over rocks as fast water carries you along. Then lean back and float beneath the glowworms studding Ruakuri Cave, a ceiling of twinkling lights that rivals staring up at a galaxy. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for afterward. Up next: Taupo, whose namesake lake (which is more of an inland sea) measures about the same size as Singapore and was created nearly 2,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption—which is why you’ll notice geysers and bubbling mud pools.
Waitomo Caves and glowworm grotto blackwater rafting
- Duration: 3 hours
- Head out from Auckland to Waitomo Caves Village (~3 hours) where you can enjoy lunch at your own pace during free time.
- Get your blood rushing on a rafting tour through the nearly pitch-black Waitomo Caves and glowworm grotto.
- Continue on to Taupo (~2.5 hours), settling into your hotel on the shores of the country’s largest lake.
- Relax and chat about the day’s highlights during a group dinner at a restaurant in Taupo.
Day 5: Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tongariro National Park's moon-like crater lakes, lava flows, and steaming vents are the result of 275,000 years of volcanic and glacial activity. Today's hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, follows part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand's premier Great Walks. You'll start at about 3,690 feet in Mangatepopo Valley, between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, peaks sacred to Maori. From there, climb the Devil's Staircase to the South Crater, then continue to Red Crater, the high point of the day at 6,190 feet. The descent crosses loose scoria to Emerald Lakes, then Blue Lake and Ketetahi Hut, before the trail finishes through an alpine garden and native forest. This is a truly epic hike – taking between 7–8 hours, and including a picnic lunch on the trail.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike
- Physical intensity: 5 out of 5
- Distance: 12.5 miles
- Elevation change: 2,917 ft gain
Note: Weather shifts quickly in an alpine environment, so parts of the trail may be closed.
- Set off for Tongariro National Park (~1 hour 45 minutes) for a hike across unbelievable volcanic landscapes, passing by crater lakes and lava flows.
- Rest your legs in a clearing along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail for a pre-packed picnic lunch.
- Make the trip back to Taupo, stopping off for a rejuvenating soak in the soothing Tokaanu Thermal Pools along the way if time allows.
Rotorua2 nights
Day 6: Travel to Rotorua via Huka Falls and optional Rotorua ziplining tour excursion
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Rotorua is New Zealand’s geothermal capital—a landscape where the earth itself seems alive. Bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and the Pohutu Geyser (the Southern Hemisphere’s largest active geyser) define the region, all part of the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley that has shaped Maori life for centuries. The Te Arawa iwi have lived here for generations, their culture and traditions deeply woven into this geothermal landscape—a connection you’ll feel the moment you arrive. But before you reach Rotorua, there’s one more natural wonder waiting: the rushing Huka Falls, where more than 58,000 gallons of water per second race over a 36-foot drop. You’ll have time to explore the lookout points and footbridge at the top of the falls before continuing on to Rotorua for a free lunch. This afternoon, those seeking an unforgettable rush can join the optional ziplining tour excursion—a 3-hour adventure that takes you 50 meters above the forest floor on ziplines, swing bridges, and a suspended staircase through 1,000-year-old native forest, culminating in a 400-meter zipline that feels like pure flight.
- Perch over the Waikato River on a wooden viewing platform watching Huka Falls’ impressive series of waterfalls tumbling down 36 feet into swirling, emerald-hued water.
- Continue on to Rotorua (~1 hour 15 minutes), where you can fly through the forest on an optional ziplining tour excursion.
- Share stories about the day with a group dinner at a local restaurant in Rotorua.
Day 7: Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike ride and optional Maori village visit & dinner excursion
Included meal: Breakfast
Not far from downtown Rotorua lies “The Redwoods,” as locals lovingly call Whakarewarewa Forest, where Californian redwoods planted more than a century ago now tower over the trails. Part of New Zealand’s celebrated Great Rides network, the forest is ranked among the best places in the world for mountain biking. The route runs clockwise, starting at about 1,060 feet and climbing to the Tokorangi Face at roughly 1,640 feet, where the views open up over Rotorua. Along the way you'll pass Lake Tikitapu and geothermal areas before finishing at Secret Spot, where food trucks serve lunch and cedar hot tubs sit among native ferns. Later this evening, an optional excursion to a Maori village offers an authentic dinner and a discussion of the area’s history and culture.
Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike ride
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 18.1 miles
- Elevation change: 1,699 ft gain
- Embark on a mountain biking tour through one of the world’s most popular mountain biking parks, pedaling through the Redwoods of the Whakarewarewa Forest.
- Relax after your ride at Secret Spot, where you can grab lunch from the food trucks or soak in their cedar hot tubs (locally known as 'Shinny Dips') surrounded by native ferns.
- Experience a living Maori village on an optional excursion featuring a private, home-hosted dinner cooked using the area’s geothermal steam, or rest your legs after a busy day of cycling enjoying the amenities at your hotel.
Te Anau3 nights
Day 8: Fly to Queenstown and travel to Te Anau
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The North Island's geothermal wonders and vibrant Maori cultural centers will now give way to the South Island's raw glacial drama. Today you cross over, leaving behind steaming valleys and living villages for a landscape carved by ancient ice—one of Earth's most remote and untamed corners. You'll fly from Rotorua to Queenstown, from where a bus will bring you to Te Anau, your base for the next three nights and your gateway to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and the Routeburn Track.
- Fly from Rotorua to Queenstown for your first taste of New Zealand’s South Island.
- Travel from Queenstown to Te Anau (2.5 - 3 hours), the town that opens onto Fiordland’s glacier-carved fjords and glassy lakes.
- Toast to your first night in Te Anau with a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Routeburn Track hike in Fiordland National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, and today you'll experience why. Winding through the Southern Alps mountain divide in Fiordland National Park, this iconic trail takes you from enchanting temperate rainforest into open alpine terrain, passing Earland Falls and Lake Howden Hut before climbing steadily to Key Summit at 3,900 feet. As the lush forest gives way to a distinctive alpine herb field, panoramic vistas unfold—snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and verdant valleys stretching across Fiordland's vast landscape below. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the alpine tarns at the summit itself, or you’ll seek shelter at the lunch hut beside Lake Howden on less favorable days. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the area's natural and cultural history as you traverse this iconic landscape—a day that promises to be one of the most unforgettable of your entire journey.
Routeburn Track hike
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Elevation change: 1,312 ft gain
- Ride from Te Anau to the Divide Shelter (~1.5 hours), the trailhead for the Routeburn Track.
- Look for Earland Falls and Lake Howden Hut as the forest gives way to open country.
- Enjoy a trail picnic lunch, then climb to Key Summit, the hike's high point, where alpine tarns and the Humboldt and Darran Ranges come into view.
- Retrace your steps to the Divide Shelter and ride back to Te Anau for the evening.
Day 10: Kayaking and boat cruise in Milford Sound
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today brings a bucket list moment: Milford Sound—or Piopiotahi in Maori—a remote and unspoiled fiord that was only accessible by foot or boat for centuries. Known to Maori for over 1,000 years as a source of precious pounamu (greenstone) and rich in legend, the fiord remained largely untouched by European explorers until the 1800s, its narrow entrance and steep mountainsides deterring even Captain Cook from venturing inside. It’s an early start: you’ll leave Te Anau with a breakfast box in hand, stopping at Homer Tunnel and Mirror Lakes on the scenic drive to the fiord. Once there, you’ll paddle 10 kilometers on a big loop through the heart of Milford Sound, where the landscape unfolds in all its drama—sheer granite cliffs rising over 1,200 metres straight from the water, the iconic pyramid of Mitre Peak towering at 1,692 meters, and permanent waterfalls like Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls cascading down the mountainsides. In the afternoon, board a boat cruise for a new vantage point of the fiord, with a prepared lunch on board and expert commentary on its geology, flora, and fauna, before the drive back to Te Anau for dinner.
Kayaking in Milford Sound
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound (~2 hours), with stops at Homer Tunnel and Mirror Lakes along the way.
- Paddle past series of waterfalls on a kayaking excursion in Milford Sound, where you may spot native birds, seals, penguins, and dolphins.
- Hand in your paddles after a morning spent gliding beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls.
- Board a boat cruise with lunch on board and take in the fiord from a new vantage point, with commentary on its geology, flora, and fauna.
- Drive back to Te Anau to exchange stories and photos from the day over a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Queenstown3 nights
Day 11: Local farm tour, travel to Queenstown & Skyline Gondola
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Start the morning at a local working farm close to Te Anau, covering roughly 3,000 acres, where morning tea with your hosts comes before a sheep shearing and dog herding display. From there, a bus ride carries you out of Fiordland and on to Queenstown, dubbed the "Adventure Capital of the World" as the birthplace of both bungy jumping and tandem paragliding. In the afternoon, walk to the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 1,476 feet up Bob’s Peak in just 5 minutes. At the top, you’ll have free time with views of Lake Wakatipu—the longest lake in the country. It's a perfect first look at the town you'll call home for the next three nights, and tomorrow the Kawarau River is waiting.
- Tour a local working farm, watch sheep shearing and dog herding in action, and enjoy morning tea with your hosts.
- Travel to Queenstown (2.5 - 3 hours) with free time for lunch on arrival.
- Ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for views across Lake Wakatipu.
Day 12: Whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River and Walter Peak Lake cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you'll experience whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River, a river flowing east of Queenstown through spectacular Central Otago scenery. After being transported to the river, you'll paddle 8 kilometers downstream, navigating Class II to III rapids while enjoying flat stretches between them—perfect opportunities to race other rafts, swim, and watch out for friendly water fights. The real showstopper comes at the end: the famous 400-meter Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid, a dramatic finale that caps off a morning of adventure without the extreme intensity of higher-grade rapids. After an afternoon to adventure around Queenstown as you see fit, you’ll cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the base of Walter Peak, a snow-capped mountain near Queenstown, for a BBQ buffet dinner at a homestead restaurant housed in a gorgeously restored colonial building. A dog and sheep herding demonstration follows, and a scenic cruise carries you back across the lake.
Whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Navigate Class II to III rapids on the Kawarau River, paddling 8 kilometers through Central Otago's dramatic scenery.
- Tackle the famous 400-meter Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid.
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, a snow-capped mountain, for a BBQ buffet dinner at a homestead restaurant in a restored colonial building.
Day 13: Gibbston Valley e-bike ride & Farewell Dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Farewell dinner
Your last full day ends on a number of high notes, starting with a morning e-bike ride from the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, about 1,330 feet above sea level. You'll follow the Arrow River toward the Gibbston "Valley of the Vines," crossing three bridges—two of them suspension bridges—before reaching the Kawarau Bungy Centre and its historic bridge. From there, follow the Kawarau River, another Lord of the Rings backdrop, on to Gibbston, home to some of the region's oldest vineyards, where you'll sample a flight of boutique pours at a local winery. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner—a chance to reflect on the landscapes you've crossed, the peaks you've summited, and the friendships forged along the way.
Gibbston Valley e-bike ride
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 12.7 miles
- Elevation change: 741 ft gain
- Strap on a helmet and hop on an e-bike for a ride through Gibbston Valley’s charming wine country.
- Sip a flight of boutique wines during a post-ride tasting at a local cellar.
- Toast the end of your adventure at a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Flight home
Day 14: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast
Get your bags together and head out on the 15-minute transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight home. It’s hard to process everything you’ve seen and done the past two weeks, but you’ll have time to flip through photos and reflect on your plane ride home to the U.S. As you cross back over the International Date Line, you'll gain back the day you lost on your way to New Zealand—arriving home the same calendar day you departed, despite the long hours in transit.
Bay of Islands extension
You’ve traversed stunning stretches of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, braved whitewater rapids and kayaked and cruised through Milford Sound. Now it’s time to spend a few extra days in Bay of Islands, back on the North Island. Home to what are considered some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coves, you’ll be treated to incredible kayaking in the waters around the Bay of Islands. Not only is the nature here unparalleled, so is the history. You’ll be close to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and historic Treaty House, where New Zealand got its start as a nation. You’ve made it this far—why not stay awhile and continue savoring the unreal natural beauty New Zealand has to offer?
Bay of Islands3 nights
Day 14: Fly to Auckland and travel to the Bay of Islands via the Whangarei Falls
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hop on a flight to Auckland and make your way north to the Bay of Islands, where you’ll spend the next few days exploring the cliff-lined coasts and historical towns and landmarks this part of the North Island has to offer. Your first stop: Whangarei Falls, which cascades down 86 feet over basalt cliffs into pools below. Stroll around the loop track that circles the classic curtain waterfalls, taking photos at one of the many scenic viewing platforms hovering over the top and bottom parts of the falls.
- Fly from Queenstown to Auckland, and then make your way to the Bay of Islands.
- Marvel at views of Whangarei Falls from all angles before swimming in the waters at its base.
- Continue on towards your hotel for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Kayaking in the Bay of Islands and Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Museum
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, take a ferry to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you'll climb into a double kayak and slip into calm, crystal-clear water with almost no current. Keep an eye out for eagle rays and snapper, then enjoy free time on the island. Shift gears to focus on New Zealand’s past at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum, where you’ll spend a few hours touring what’s considered the “Birthplace of the Nation.” This is where the Treaty of Waitangi (a Declaration of Independence) was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and various Maori chiefs—the single most important thing that has happened in New Zealand’s history and a place of pride for those who call the country home.
Kayaking in the Bay of Islands
- Duration: 3 hours
- Paddle past the coves and bays of Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, marveling at the wildlife along the way.
- Wander at your own pace through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum, which features a permanent exhibition telling the story of the Treaty of Waitangi through multimedia displays and artifacts.
- Witness an authentic Maori cultural performance in the Te Whare Runanga meeting house, located on the Treaty Grounds.
Day 16: Optional Hole in the Rock boat cruise & mini tour of Russell excursion or free day in the Bay of Islands
Included meal: Breakfast
The day is yours for the choosing in the Bay of Islands—join an optional excursion to the Hole in the Rock, Motukokako, for a marine safari and visit to the historic town of Russell, or spend time exploring the region's dive sites and picture-perfect beaches at your own pace.
- Get out on the water on an optional cruise to the Hole in the Rock, pausing along the way at Otehei Bay to explore the island, swim, or enjoy water activities—followed by time to enjoy the town of Russell.
- Spend a free day visiting the historic sites or water activities around the Bay of Islands.
- Close out the trip with a Farewell Drink in Paihia.
Flight home
Day 17: Travel to Auckland and fly home
Included meal: Breakfast
You’ve spent a few extra days discovering the coves and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands, chasing waterfalls and digging deeper into Maori legends and local history. It’s hard to part ways with such a beautiful part of the world, but the time has finally come to say goodbye. Make sure you have everything packed and hop on the 4-hour bus transfer to Auckland Airport for your international flight home.
Reviews
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Auckland - Ohtel Auckland
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Taupo - Millennium Taupo
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Rotorua - Pullman Rotorua
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Te Anau - Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
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Queenstown - voco Queenstown by IHG
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Bay of Islands - Paihia Beach Resort & Spa (Extension)
See detailsCustomize with excursions
Enhance your experience with hand-picked optional excursions—designed to add adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments to your journey.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights
Weather
Waitomo, New Zealand
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Queenstown, New Zealand
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Auckland, New Zealand
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Taupō, New Zealand
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Te Anau, New Zealand
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Rotorua, New Zealand
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Know before you go
- In order to enter New Zealand, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy on the New Zealand government’s Electronic Travel Authority website (https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/) prior to departure. You can view our walkthrough guide here.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF Adventures arrive in Auckland and depart from Queenstown or Auckland on the extension.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Auckland, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Challenging, which means you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast who lives for the thrill of pushing your boundaries. You have a solid fitness base and crave physically demanding activities. You’ll tackle some tough terrains and exhilarating challenges that test your skills and endurance, fueling your passion for adventure.
This tour is great for:
- Avid adventurers
- Those craving intense and rewarding outdoor experiences.
What to expect:
- Up to 13-mile hikes with a maximum elevation gain of 3,000 ft on varied terrain
- Up to 19-mile bike rides with a maximum elevation gain of 1,700 ft on a mix of paved roads, smooth paths, and gravel
- Other activities like Class II-III whitewater rafting and extended kayaking in diverse water conditions
Tour pacing
This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay, two 2-night stays, and two 3-night stays
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Transportation by bus and internal flights
- Daily transportation time varies and can be lengthy
Climate considerations
- New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round.
- Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite to North America—their summer is during North American winter, and their winter is during North American summer.
- Summer temperatures (December to February) typically range from 68°F to 77°F
- Winter temperatures (June to August) typically range from 45°F to 60°F
- Rainfall can occur year-round, with winter being slightly wetter. The west coast of the South Island receives significantly more rainfall than the east.
- Weather can change rapidly, leading to the local saying “four seasons in one day” - layers are recommended year-round.
- Summer days are long with daylight lasting until around 9pm in December, while winter days are shorter with darkness falling around 5pm.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,200 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
This tour includes various modes of transportation, including private buses, internal flights, and boats.
- Internal flight between Rotorua and Queenstown is included on tour.
- Internal flight between Queenstown and Auckland on the extension is included on tour.
This tour includes one or more internal flights where the cost of the flight and standard baggage allowance are included. Baggage policies vary by airline, and additional fees may apply if bags exceed the airline’s size, weight, or quantity limits. Any excess baggage charges are your responsibility and are paid directly to the airline.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
Equipment for all adventure activities will be included
- Blackwater Rafting: Inner tubes, life jackets, helmets and headlamps
- Ziplining (optional): All necessary safety gear, including harnesses, gloves and helmets
- Mountain biking: High-quality mountain bikes suitable for Rotorua’s terrain and helmets
- Kayaking: Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, thermals, dry bags, spray skirts, fleeces, paddle jackets and neoprene gloves
- Whitewater rafting: Rafts, paddles, life jackets, and helmets
- E-Biking: E-bikes, helmets, panniers and rain capes
We recommend packing lightweight, quick-dry, and warm clothing that can be easily layered. New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared for various conditions is essential. Don’t forget to pack:
- Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction
- Athletic shoes for walking around and a mountain bike or e-bike
- Water shoes or sandals with straps for water activities
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- Sunscreen
- A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks (wool or synthetic)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm layers (fleece, wool sweaters, thermal underwear)
- Warm, waterproof gloves and a warm hat
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
- A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- A collapsible walking stick for hikes (some travelers find them useful)
- A swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim on tour
- Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for boat and bus rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated in remote locations where you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the air conditioning in New Zealand hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- New Zealand operates on the standard 220-240 volts and use Type I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities including blackwater rafting, biking and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 6,200 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
- Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
- This tour includes three lunches and seven dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, juice, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of seafood, excellent lamb and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
- Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), sightseeing guides, and local guides for adventure activities are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the New Zealand dollar on this tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be an experienced guide who will be with you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the country's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will coordinate all included activities, assist with logistics, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the group.
- The Tour Director will work closely with local guides who specialize in each adventure activity, providing an additional layer of expertise and support. As an active individual themselves, your Tour Director will participate in many of the same adventure activities as you and is trained in safety procedures to ensure the well-being of the group.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- New Zealand is in the New Zealand Time Zone, which is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+12) during standard time, and 13 hours ahead (GMT+13) during their summer daylight saving time.
- When it's noon in New York:
- During US winter (Nov-Mar): 6am next day in NZ
- During US summer (Mar-Nov): 4am next day in NZ
Note: Exact dates for daylight saving changes may vary year to year.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
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