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Discover New Zealand landscapes on this 13 day small group tour. Begin your journey in the North Island and discover the beaches and landscapes before trekking south to the snow dusted mountains where rivers and lakes will be a sight you see often. This itinerary creates the perfect hybrid of authentic New Zealand experiences, geothermal delights and hot pools to relax your mind and body.
Discover New Zealand landscapes on this 13 day small group tour. Begin your journey in the North Island and discover the beaches and landscapes before trekking south to the snow dusted mountains where rivers and lakes will be a sight you see often. This itinerary creates the perfect hybrid of authentic New Zealand experiences, geothermal delights and hot pools to relax your mind and body.
Discover New Zealand landscapes on this 13 day small group tour. Begin your journey in the North Island and discover the beaches and landscapes before trekking south to the snow dusted mountains where rivers and lakes will be a sight you see often. This itinerary creates the perfect hybrid of authentic New Zealand experiences, geothermal delights and hot pools to relax your mind and body. Highlights Explore the stunning beaches of the Coromandel Marvel at the Glowworms in Waitomo Immerse yourself in the Māori culture in Rotorua Visit the vibrant capital of Wellington Spot marine wildlife in Kaikoura Discover the vibrant city of Christchurch Walk in the shadows of Mt Cook Experience the thrills of adventure capital Queenstown
Includes
- North and South Islands
- Waitomo Ruakuri Cave Tour
- Visit Hell's Gate
- National Kiwi Hatchery
- Te Pā Tū Evening Experience
- Tawanui Farm Experience
- Tekapo Springs
- Milford Sounds
- Greenstone Carving
- Tranzalpine Train
- Hostel / Hotel Accom
- Small Group Adventure
- Experience driver guide
- Meals included
- Trip length: 13 Days
- Group size: Max 24
- Start: Auckland
- End: Queenstown
- Vehicle: Airconditoned Mini Bus
- Sleep: Hostels & Homestays
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Itinerary
See MapDay 1 – Arrive in Auckland
The Little Kiwi is the perfect small group tour of New Zealand, showcasing the best parts with an equal amount of relaxing. Let's kick off in the City of Sails, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – Nestled between two stunning harbours, Auckland offers a vibrant blend of urban buzz and natural beauty with spectacular views across the Waitemata Harbour. Stroll along the iconic Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, catch a ferry and hike to the top of Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, or sail further to Waiheke Island, for an Eco Zip adventure.
Included
- Lylo (or similar)
- Welcome Evening
Paid Options
- Auckland Skydive
- Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
- Ecozip Waiheke
- All Blacks experience
- America's Cup Sailing Experience
- Weta Unleashed
- Man O'War Ferry
- Explore Tiritiri Matangi Island
- Rotoroa Island
- Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Cruise
Day 2 – Coromandel & Cathedral Cove
Departing Auckland we head southeast to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel and the world-famous Cathedral Cove (included). The Coromandel is home to the famous Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve which is a breathtaking natural rock formation at Cathedral Cove. Go on a short walk to explore the cove by foot or embark on an ocean adventure and get the best of both worlds. Hop aboard the Hahei Explorer and explore the area by boat OR if you feel like putting some effort in, Cathedral Cove Kayaks is the perfect option too. On this unique surf beach, if you catch the tide right, you can dig a hole in the sand to create your personal hot spa pool.
Included
- Hahei Beach Resort (or similar)
- Cathedral Cove visit
- Dig a spa at Hot Water Beach
Paid Options
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking
- Hahei Explorer
Day 3 – Waitomo Glowworms
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind, we start our journey to the magical underground world of Waitomo. En route, explore the Karangahake Gorge, located at the base of the Coromandel Range. This Historic Walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi and offers an impressive glimpse into the remains of a once-booming gold mining and railway era.
Back aboard the bus, we continue south to Waitomo. In Māori, 'wai' means water, and 'tomo' means hole. Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. You'll have the opportunity to explore the incredible formations and marvel at the glowworms inside the Ruakuri cave on a 90 minute tour. Feeling adventurous? Opt to head underground with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company and UPGRADE to the Black Labyrinth tour OR Black Abyss tour; jump off underground waterfalls, and enjoy millions of glowworms lighting your way as you float down an underground river.
Included
- Waitomo Chalets (or similar)
- Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk
- Ruakuri Cave Tour
Paid Options
- Legendary Black Water Rafting – Black Labyrinth
- Legendary Black Water Rafting – Black Abyss
Day 4 – Hobbiton & Rotorua Culture
There is no better way to start the day than by walking in nature, and Ruakuri Reserve offers the perfect morning walk. This spectacular loop highlights the sculpted cliffs and low limestone arches unique to the Waitomo area. We then leave the enchanting Waitomo district and head to an equally enchanting land, Hobbiton. Here you will have the option to join other Hobbiton movie enthusiasts on a guided tour of the famous movie set. After your have geeked out over this neck of the woods, we head to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. This evening we will head over to Mitai Maori Village to learn about the culture of Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Be immersed in culture and traditions through authentic experiences and then enjoy a traditional hangi dinner.
Included
- Haka House (or similar)
- Ruakuri Scenic Walk
- Mitai Māori Village
Paid Options
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Glowworm Kayak Tour
- White Water Rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour
- Rotorua Canopy Tours
Day 5 – Rotorua Free Day & Hot Springs
Rotorua offers plenty of experiences to keep you busy on your free day here. For the adventurous, explore the treetops on a network of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy Tours or roll downhill on a giant inflatable ball with Zorb. For those who prefer a more cultural experience, take park in a local Jade Carving workshop. The option to Check-out Kuirau Park, a geothermal wonderland located just a short walk from our accommodation is also a great way to spend the morning. Included today is entry to a relaxing thermal spa, Wai Ariki Hot Springs. Nestled perfectly by the shores of Lake Rotorua, this is the place to unwind and relax in culture and tradition.
Included
- Haka House (or similar)
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs
Free Activities
- Kuirau Park
Paid Options
- Glowworm Kayak Tour
- Mt Tarawera Volcanic Crater Experience
- Redwoods Treetop Walk
- Te Puia - Geothermal Wonderland
- Zorb
- White Water Rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour
- Rotorua Canopy Tours
Day 6 – Rotorua to Wellington
This morning we leave the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and head to New Zealands capital city, Wellington. The locals say you cannot beat Welly on a good day so lets hope it is a beautiful day when we arrive. Along the way, we will stop off at the famous Huka Falls and stretch our legs on a brief walk around the falls before hopping back aboard and continuing our journey south to Wellington.
Included
- Haka House Wellington (or similar)
- Waiotapu Thermal Park (photo stop)
- Huka Falls (photo stop)
- Taihape Gumboot Throwing
Paid Options
- Capital Bar Crawl
- Switched on Bikes
- Zealandia Te Mara A Tane
- Te Papa Museum
- Wanderlust Tours
Day 7 – Wellington Your Way
Today in Wellington the decisions are all yours! Head along to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum and learn about history and maybe leave with some new facts you can wow your friends and family with!
Fuel your afternoon with excitement! Rent an e-bike (optional paid activity) and cruise along Wellington's stunning waterfront with Switched on Bikes, or immerse yourself in nature at Zealandia, a haven for native wildlife (optional paid activity). Discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city and let your adventurous spirit soar.
This evening, discover the hidden bars of Wellington.
Included
- Haka House Wellington (or similar)
Paid Options
- Capital Bar Crawl
- Switched on Bikes
- Zealandia Te Mara A Tane
- Te Papa Museum
- Wanderlust Tours
Day 8 – Cook Strait & Marlborough Tastes
We bid farewell to the North Island and depart Wellington to board the interisland ferry for an awe-inspiring sailing across the Cook Strait. Regarded as one of the most beautiful inter-island crossings in the world, enjoy the deck and marvel at the stunning Marlborough Sounds as we dock at the top of the South Island. Our drive to Kaikoura will take us through the gorgeous Marlborough District, home to countless internationally renowned vineyards and distilleries. Stopping for a tasting (or two) along the way (included). Our day concludes with a drive along with a breathtaking coastline as we make our way to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura is known for abundant marine life; this is your chance to encounter magnificent whales (seasonal), playful dolphins and graceful seals. Join an optional tour to take in the breathtaking wildlife on offer.
Included
- Dusky Lodge (or similar)
- Interislander ferry
- Wine Tasting - Whitehaven Cellar Door
- Wine Tasting - Cheese & Cheers
Paid Options
- Dolphin Watch
- Kaikōura Kayaks Wildlife Tour
- The Sauna Project Kaikōura
- Dolphin Swimming
- Wings Over Whales
- Whale Watching
- Ziplining & Native Forest Trail
Day 9 – Kaikōura Wildlife & Christchurch
Start your day with a sleep-in, or for the more adventurous, head out to sea to witness the spectacular marine life of Kaikoura up close, dolphins, whales, seals, and albatross, to name a few. Jump in the water and spend your morning swimming with dolphins or if you would rather keep your distance, a dolphin OR whale watching experience is perfect for you. Today also calls for a visit to the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway to meet the local seal colony before hitting the road to Christchurch. This afternoon in Christchurch would be for you to get out and explore, it is a city with so much to do so you would not be left bored.
Included
- Hotel Give (or similar)
- Kaikōura Peninsula Walk
Paid Options
- Christchurch Street Art Tour
- Waka on Avon
Day 10 – Lake Tekapo & Hot Pools
Let’s hit the road and cruise into the magnificent Mackenzie Country, home to stunning scenery, wide open spaces, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands, and dazzlingly starry skies. We will visit one of the region’s most famous and photographed icons, the Church of The Good Shepherd, located on the stunning lakefront of Lake Tekapo. The church is built in memory of the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Stretch your legs on a walk up Mt John and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and Mackenzie Basin Flats. Tonight calls for relaxation at the serene Tekapo Hot Springs.
Included
- Lakes Edge (or similar)
- Tekapo Hot Springs
Free Activities
- Church of the Good Shepherd
Paid Options
- Dark Sky Project
- Tekapo Springs Stargazing
Day 11 – Mount Cook & Into Queenstown
Get excited as we head towards the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. But first we will spend some of today discovering the beautiful Mt Cook area along the way. Kea point track is among one of the best walks within the national park. The track passes through a landscape that was formed from a stream and ends on a viewing platform with stunning views of Hooker Valley & Mount cook, to name a few. This evening in Queenstown enjoy a dinner with the rest of the crew.
Included
- Nomads Queenstown (or similar)
- Queenstown Dinner
- Lake Pukaki Visit
- Mount Cook National Park - Tasman Glacier Lookout
- Mount Cook National Park - Kea Point Track
Paid Options
- Kiwi Crawl
Day 12 – Queenstown Adventure Day
Queenstown has something for everyone; here, you can seek adrenaline-fueled adventures or enjoy a more leisurely exploration of the natural playground. Each season offers its own unique vibe, and most activities can be accessed all year round. If you’re looking for adrenaline, bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting and sky diving are all available. If a more relaxed pace is calling, hire a bike, take a stroll, enjoy a boat cruise, relax at a spa, or enjoy one of the many vineyards in the area.
Included
- Nomads Queenstown (or similar)
Paid Options
- NZONE Skydive
- Altitude Day Tours
- Dart River Adventures
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride
- Kawarau White Water Rafting
- Shotover Canyon Swing
- Spirit of Queenstown
- TSS and Walter Peak dining
- Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise
- Canyon Explorer
- Milford Sound Day Trip & Boat Cruise
- AJ Hackett (various)
- Cardrona Resort (Winter)
Day 13 – Milford Sound Day Trip
Today is yours to explore Queenstown but our best suggestion on how to spend your last day on the Little Kiwi small group tour is an optional experience but one that is sure to impress and one you will not regret and a great way to wrap up your time with Kiwi Experience. A trip to the South Island would only be complete with a trip to Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Our first stop of the day is in the quaint town of Te Anau where there is options to fuel up before continuing the breathtaking drive towards Milford Sound with scheduled photo stops along the way. Milford Sound is nestled within Fiordland National Park, known for its pristine wildlife, which marvels at any time of year and in any weather; Milford Sound is rich in geological formations, captivating waterfalls and, unsurprisingly, one of the most amazing scenic day trips to do in New Zealand. Enjoy a two-hour scenic boat cruise through the inky blackwater; keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, fur seals, and an abundance of birdlife; if you’re really lucky, you’ll spot the endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin. After your cruise, we return to Queenstown for the evening.
Paid Options
- Milford Sound Day Trip & Boat Cruise
- NZONE Skydive
- Altitude Day Tours
- Dart River Adventures
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride
