Days:
17
Starts:
Auckland
Finishes:
QUEENSTOWN
Meals:
10B 2L 2D
From:
$2899USD
NZ INTRO 17 DAY
Highlights
From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the snow-capped mountains of the South, New Zealand is a magical land of wilderness and wonder. Planning on spending a gap year or working holiday in New Zealand? Our 17 day NZ Intro group tour and work & travel package is for you. As well as sorting all your life essentials and helping you find work in NZ, over 17 days we’ll show you the best of both islands, along with some off-the-beaten-path adventures. Explore the city of Auckland, wander the real Hobbiton film set, experience traditional Maori culture, bike around lakes and discover underground caves, then fly south to cruise misty fjords, go on incredible hikes, jet boat through breathtaking landscapes, and so much more. Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with an awesome group leader and a new crew of friends? There’s no better way to kick off your adventure in New Zealand!
What's Included
WORK IN NZ
NZ Intro is our comprehensive work and travel package and the ultimate way to get started, including exclusive access to our own ‘NZ Jobs’ Program.
Check it out here
17 DAYS OF EPIC ACTIVITIES
Immerse yourself in Maori culture, sail into the sunset across lake Taupo, explore real life Hobbiton & more.
See the full list
AIRPORT TRANSFER & ACCOM
Your included airport transfer will take you to our hostel where you'll start 16 nights in the heart of NZ's most vibrant cities.
AWESOME GROUP LEADER
You'll get an awesome group leader to provide 24/7 support during & after your trip, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
14 MEALS
10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners
10 TREES PLANTED
We’ll plant 10 trees on your behalf when you make a booking.
Itinerary
AUCKLAND
Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand’s largest city, We'll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.
AUCKLAND
Today we'll get oriented with the beautiful city of Auckland and help get your NZ bank account and SIM card. We'll then catch a ferry and travel to the beautiful Waiheke Island. Don't forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if it lives up to its title as the 'Worlds Sexiest.'
ROTORUA
Wave goodbye to the city as we set off to explore the North Island. First up we’re stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
ROTORUA
Waking up to the whiff of sulphur, today you’ll definitely know you’re in Rotorua! We’ll head to the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you'll get to take a dip, as well as one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands - Te Puia, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.
ROTORUA
The morning you'll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. This evening we will go to the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture! It doesn't get more authentic than this!
TAUPO
Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we’ll treat you to something special - a sunset sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery as the sky changes colour and the stars set in above the volcanic landscape. NZ, you’ve stolen our hearts.
TAUPO
This morning we’re off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you'll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!
AUCKLAND
Today we'll head back to where it all started in Auckland! Spend the afternoon relaxing, checking out the sights, and getting ready for the trip down south tomorrow.
QUEENSTOWN
Catch a short flight to Queenstown and we'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel in the city. We'll head out for dinner tonight and get excited for our new adventure in the South Island!
QUEENSTOWN
Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!), getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as the highly skilled driver keeps things pumping with 360 degree spins and speeds in excess of 80km/h. Tonight it's time to see what this backpacker hub is all about after dark! Don't forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if It lives up to its title as the 'Worlds Sexiest'.
TE ANAU
This morning we make tracks to New Zealand’s most majestic attraction - Milford Sound. Jumping on a fjord cruise, we’ll experience the spellbinding combination of towering peaks, forested cliffs, resident seals, and plummeting waterfalls up close and personal. Pick your jaw up off the floor, this is nature at her finest. Tonight we’ll cosy up in Te Anau, a picturesque town in the heart of Fiordland.
WANAKA
After soaking up Middle Earth’s awe-inspiring vistas and filling our camera rolls we’ll continue on to Wanaka, a quaint resort town on a lake dwarfed by snow-capped peaks.
WANAKA
Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going Kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka, discovering the famous Wanaka Tree and later hiking up Mount Iron for stunning 360 degree views of the local area. We'll see sites like The Pisa range, Upper Clutha Basin and the mesmerising Southern Alps.
LAKE TEKAPO
Saying goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo is alpine in the purest sense - boasting sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins - so have your camera at the ready! On the way we'll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, this track will wind us through the valley to give us awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
LAKE TEKAPO
Today we will hike up Mount John where we'll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps, plus enjoy a bike ride around Lake Tekapo. After this we'll soak our tired muscles in some hot pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
QUEENSTOWN
After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, we’ll help sort out your onward travel for your trip in New Zealand. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Eager to book a skydive, bunny jump, or ski pass? We've got you covered. Tonight we’ll get the gang together one more time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and night out on the town. Sweet as, bro.
QUEENSTOWN
This morning your unforgettable 17 day adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels with the new friends you've made! Whatever your plans, we'll be there to help every step of the way.
#SmallChange
Making a positive difference to the amazing destinations we travel is at the core of what we do. Small Change is our own socially conscious initiative aimed at making the world that little bit better place to explore!
Check out the #SmallChange you'll be part of while doing this tour. Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
The country’s rugged beauty and varied landscapes means it’s always a good time to go backpacking in New Zealand! The summer months (December to March) bring long, sunny days perfect for spending outdoors, the winter months (June to September) bring snow to the South Island and parts of the North, and the shoulder seasons bring milder weather and fewer visitors.
When should I arrive for my tour?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins. Once you have booked your flights you can log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early we can still arrange your airport pick up for you (excluding Japan) and can book in your extra nights accommodation. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked.
Where can I update my arrival information for my tour?
Once you have booked your flights log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early we can still arrange your airport transfer for you (excluding Japan) and can book in your extra nights accommodation. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked. Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about arriving into the country, your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You can find information on which airport to fly into and out of in the 'Arrival Info’ and ‘After Your Trip’ sections of our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?
If you are arriving before the start date you can book extra nights at the tour accommodation. To do this, simply log into the Manage My Booking area of our website, add the extra nights and pay for them.
Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?
Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just need to let them know when you arrive.
How do I organise my airport transfer?
All of our tours in NZ include an airport transfer for when you arrive. Once you have booked your flights simply log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early and staying at the tour accommodation we will still arrange your airport transfer. Please let us know if you do not require an airport transfer.
A return transfer (after the tour) is not included, however your group leader can help arrange this for you, along with any other onward travel you need.
Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Are flights included in the price?
Flights to and from NZ are not included in the price of the tour and will need to be booked separately. However if your tour has an internal flight as part of the itinerary, then this is included!
You can get a quote on a flight to your destination here.
When should I book my flight to arrive?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Do I need a visa and can you arrange it for me?
Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality. It’s your responsibility to check the visa and entry requirements for the country/s you will be travelling to. There is some information about visas in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
IMPORTANT: We cannot apply for your visa for you and strongly recommend that you check on the relevant embassy or consulate website for the country/s you’ll be travelling to well in advance of your departure, as requirements can change and some countries require you to apply for a visa before you travel.
How much spending money will I need?
All your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are included in the tour, so you will mainly just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel.
The amount of money you’ll need depends on the tour you are doing. There’s information about how much money you’ll need for each tour in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
What’s the best way to access my money?
We recommend getting a Wise travel card, which will allow you to pay for things in local currency and avoid getting charged high foreign exchange fees by your bank.
Getting a Wise travel card is easy! You can get a Wise travel card here.
If you’re going to be working in Australia or New Zealand you will need to apply for a Wise travel card. When you are applying for the card simply choose to open an Australian or NZ bank account, that way you'll be able to get paid when you're working in Oz or NZ.
What should I pack for my tour?
Whether you have a backpack or a suitcase the main thing to keep in mind is not to bring too much stuff! We strongly recommend that you bring less than 20 kgs of stuff with you.
If you haven’t got a backpack yet, try and get one that zips open along the side. There will be places on the tour where you can do laundry, so you don’t need to bring 16 pairs of shorts with you.
You can view a packing checklist on our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
How many people will be in my group?
Our groups usually have around 12-16 people on them, usually aged between 18 to early 40's. We get people from all over the world on our tours, so you’ll get to bond with a wide range of travellers who all share that same passion for adventure! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy bonding with people of all backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly!
How can I get in touch with my group?
Your group leader will make a WhatsApp group chat at the start of your tour. But you are welcome to make one earlier! You can reach out to your fellow travellers in our designated Facebook groups. We have a Facebook group for all our destinations, if you go to our INTRO Travel Community Facebook page you will be able to find the relevant group for your destination.
How can I get in touch with my group leader?
You will receive a ‘welcome email’ from your group leader approx. 2 weeks before your tour begins.
What if I'm travelling solo?
If you're struggling to convince your friends to join you on an adventure, you're not alone!
Travelling solo on a group tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience a new destination, and you won't have to wait around for your mates to be ready. You leave yourself open to meeting amazing people, making new friends, and can keep yourself and your onward travel plans flexible.
The majority of our group members are solo travellers, so joining one of our group tours is a great way to meet people and make friends. Before your trip starts we'll put you in touch with the rest of your group so you can start chatting and get to know each other. And after the trip a lot of people continue travelling with the new friends they've made!
What if I'm travelling with a friend/s or partner?
Once you’ve made a booking just let us know who you’re travelling with and we can make a note that you are travelling together, and can put you in the same room.
A big part of the INTRO Travel difference is our after-trip support. Your group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want. We'll also provide 24/7 support and advice after your trip, and will always be there to help when you need it.
17 DAYS
FROM
$2899
USD
secure your place now and pay later!
from
$400
USD
