Days:
17
Starts:
Auckland
Finishes:
QUEENSTOWN
Meals:
10B, 1L ,4D
From:
$2599USD
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, soak in thermal hot springs 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 PICKUP & ACCOM
We'll be there to greet you at Auckland airport after your long flight and take you to your first 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 from the moment you step off the plane to provide 24/7 support during & after your trip, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
15 MEALS
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 4 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 Auckland airport and take you to 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 work and local life essentials organised. This evening we see what Auckland’s 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 ‘World’s 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 jump on a boat to explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident wormies 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 Lord Of The Rings and 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 to laze away the morning, then check out the active geothermal area known as Wai-O-Tapu. The afternoon is yours to roam, opt to try zorbing (think rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball), race your mates on the skyline luge, or if you’re a daredevil, maybe try something a little more adrenaline-jolting.
ROTORUA
Today we’re off to check out Kuirau Park, an area full of natural hot springs, bubbling mud pools and thermal ‘foot spas’ for you to indulge in. Tonight we journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions and prepare to feast and witness spine-tingling performances with an overnight stay in a Maori village. 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 evening 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, we’ll slow things right back down, soaking away our aches and pains in mineral-rich thermal hot springs.
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
It's time to check out from Auckland and jet down South. Your group leader will meet you at the airport and take you to the accommodation. Welcome to Queenstown!
QUEENSTOWN
Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as highly skilled drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from sheer canyon walls, keeping 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!
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
Sojourning through Tolkien-esque landscapes, we’ll explore some iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations nestled in New Zealand’s striking mountain ranges. 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 the Instagram-famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, before strapping on our sneakers and venturing up Mount Iron. This moderate walk will take us up to witness breath-taking 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Mt Aspiring National Park. Just us, Mother N, and a whole lot of mountain goodness.
LAKE TEKAPO
Today we’ll embark on a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo boasts sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins. Later we’ll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, that winds through the valley to give us spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
LAKE TEKAPO
Today we have time to explore Lake Tekapo and snap ‘grams that’ll have us the envy of everyone back home. This evening at Tekapo Springs is our chance to learn about Maori mythology and modern science at Tekapo’s dark sky reserve. Officially accredited as one of the world’s best places for star-gazing, we’ll eye the skies whilst soaking in 37.5 degree natural thermal pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
QUEENSTOWN
After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, securing you a paid job in NZ is number one on the agenda for today. Our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs program. Tonight we’ll get the gang together one last time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and final night out on the town!
QUEENSTOWN
This morning your Kiwi adventure comes to an end. Prepped and ready for the next leg of your travels along with the new friends you’ve made, we’ll be there for support 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
Yes. Lots of people on our trips are travelling solo. But by doing our trip you’ll instantly be part of a group, so it’s a great way to meet others and make friends!
You can start chatting to people in your group and other travellers before you leave. Just go to our Facebook page and join the New Zealand group.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. Click here to organise a quote and policy for yourself.
Just let us know who you’re travelling with after you’ve booked and your relationship to them, and we’ll organise appropriate room shares for you. Our booking system takes one booking at a time, so if you’re booking for multiple people just complete a separate booking for each person. It’s super quick and easy!
No worries. Unless you tell us otherwise we’ll automatically book you into our accommodation from the day you arrive, and then you can just pay for your extra nights on arrival. If you’re staying at our accommodation we will provide a personal airport pick up even if you arrive early.
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.
It’s best to take a Visa or Master Card debit, credit or travel money card. There are ATM’s available throughout New Zealand so it’s easy to get access to cash. Some places accept credit card but not all.
All accommodations we stay at have free Wi-Fi available.
We always recommend travelling with a backpack and packing light! 10-20kgs of stuff should be plenty!
Your destination or airline may have COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements to enter. It is your responsibility to adhere to these requirements to ensure your arrival is not impacted and you can join your tour without issue.
17 DAYS
FROM
$2599
USD
secure your place now and pay later!
from
$400
USD
