Backpacker Travel - Over 10,000 Backpacker Tours and Packages online Need Help? Chat online or phone us Group of ten or more? Enquire about group discounts
Call us on Skype

Backpacker Travel is part of the Adventure Travel Group

Home
Australia
New Zealand
Fiji & Pacific
Asia
Africa & Middle East
UK & Europe
America's
Saturday, 10th January 2009
1. Select a Region
2. Select a Country
3. Search a Keyword

21 day Total New Zealand - ex Christchurch

From $2925 AUD


Trip Information
Starts In: Christchurch
Ends In: Christchurch
Duration: 21 Days.
Departs: Regular departures
Group Size: max 24
Transport: Coach
Accommodation: quad share (upgrade available)
Activity: Adventure Tour
Ages: 18+
Tour Code: TNZ21
Operator Code: ATANZ

Countries Visited
New Zealand
Trip Highlights
  • Cathedral Cove walk / Hot Water Beach / Waitomo caves
  • Maori cultural experience / Tongariro Crossing / Te Papa National Museum
  • Abel Tasman National Park / Hanmer Springs / Kaikoura (for dolphin and whale spotting)
  • Tranzalpine train journey optional upgrade / Time at Franz Josef glacier
  • Mount Aspiring National Park / Two free days in Queenstown / Exclusive overnight in Doubtful Sound
  • Central Otago historic mining area and Otago Rail Trail with all-level mountain biking.
  • Full guidance from an experienced tour guide
  • accommodation transfers
  • accommodation
  • meals as indicated including a Maori hangi meal and unique interactive cultural experience
Full Itinerary
Round trip across New Zealand! Starting and finishing in Christchurch your adventure includes a breadth of stunning scenery, culture, wildlife and activities throughout the North and South Island.

Day 1 - Christchurch to Franz Josef
We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, over Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps (with option to upgrade to the famous Tranzalpine train journey). Along the way we will stop for some walks and photo opportunities as the scenery is changing constantly. We stop in Greymouth to collect our train passengers then head south to Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade).

We stop at the local Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history before heading down to Franz Josef for its glacier. Lodge accommodation in the rainforest in Franz Josef tonight (D).

Day 2 – Full day at Franz Josef
Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you also pay to go on one of the guided trips where they give you special ice shoes (crampons) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight – there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).

Day 3 - Franz Josef to Makarora
We follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ’s most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. We will arrive mid-afternoon at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park. The locals provide arguably the most amazing activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).

Day 4 - Makarora to Queenstown
We start with a guided walk in the morning then journey on to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever you choose to do. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town’s night spots in the evening. (B).

Day 5 and 6 - Full day Queenstown.
Optional activities available!
Note: No meals.

Day 7 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound
This morning we head to Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins.. We spend the day and the night on a purpose-built boat which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the Sound. Accommodation on the boat and all meals included (L, D).

Day 8 – Doubtful Sound to Central Otago
The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. We board our own mini-coach at midday and head on through the Otago region. We explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. We stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. (B, D).

Day 9 – Central Otago to Christchurch
In the morning we grab our mountain bikes put them in our mini-coach and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Heritage Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities. We express our way along the Canterbury plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, which is our home for the night (B).

Day 10 - Christchurch to Picton/Wellington
We leave Christchurch this morning for an express trip to Picton and Wellington. Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and some great harbour shots of our capital city Wellington from the ferry (B).

Day 11 - Wellington to Auckland
Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We will stop on the way to have lunch in Taupo for a short walk and for you to see New Zealand’s largest lake (B).

Day 12 - Full day in Auckland.
Optional activities available!
Note: No meals.

Day 13 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)
We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region’ via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

Day 14 - Hahei to Rotorua
Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks then head to our unique Maori cultural stop at “Uncle Boys”. We enjoy a hangi meal and a concert with the local Maori, have a chance to learn the Haka and Poi. This is a truly different experience and a great photo opportunity. From here we make the small trip to Rotorua to our accommodation for the evening (B, D).

Day 15 - Rotorua to Waitomo
This morning we explore the Rotorua area, visiting stunning lakes, geothermal areas and hiking through Redwood forest with optional adventure activities. We then take the back road to New Zealand’s premier caving destination where you get a chance to take in the local farming culture and countryside. We do a walk where you can see the famous glowworms and give you options to do some amazing caving activities (D).

Day 16 - Waitomo to National Park
This morning we head to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as New Zealand’s best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at our exclusive lodge ‘The Park’ (B, D).

Day 17 - National Park to Wellington
We head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We have the afternoon to explore “Te Papa”, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade’ and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

Day 18 – Wellington/Picton to Abel Tasman
From Wellington we catch the inter-island ferry to the port of Picton for the trip through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tour of NZ’s premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite located adjacent to the national park. Dinner tonight includes a taste of the local seafood (B,D).

Day 19 – Full day in Abel Tasman
An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the NZ’s best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk and you can upgrade to one of the other great options to explore the area including sea kayaking or sailing. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our campsite right beside the National Park (B).

Day 20 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs
Today we set off early passing through two more national parks enroute to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with beech forest to the lake’s edge. We arrive in the afternoon with time to soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. We go for a group meal tonight (D).

Day 21 - Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Kaikoura
The day begins with a small drive to the coast to head north for Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you elect to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. Seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross are all available to see. After a five hour stop to give you time to do even the longest of options we express south to Christchurch, the largest South Island city (B).
 
Tours/Packages Related To: Christchurch
5 day Top of South Island New Zealand - ex Christchurch
Explore a coastal national park with great walks along stunning beaches; enjoy the local food and wine, hot springs and the best place to view New Zealand's plentiful marine life. Day 1: Christchurch to PictonWe leave Christchurch this morning for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton ...

From $695 NZD (Approx. $590.81 AUD)
9 day Central Discoverer - Auckland to Christchurch
Auckland is the start of this tour. Making our way south east we cross over to the beautiful Peninsula of Coromandel to Hahei. Continuing our journey down the Coromandel Peninsula we make our way to Rotorua where you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, er...

From $870 NZD (Approx. $739.58 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$230*
9 day Southern Highlights New Zealand - ex Christchurch
Highlights and more highlights - enjoy awe-inspiring scenery with plunging fiords, majestic glaciers, temperate rainforests and stunning mountain ranges on this amazing trip around the South Island! Day 1 - Christchurch to Franz Josef We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, ove...

From $1695 NZD (Approx. $1440.90 AUD)
10 Day Kiwi Explorer - Queenstown to Auckland
Queenstown to Auckland and all in between. Kick off in action packed Queenstown. How about a day trip to nearby White Island and walk on a live Volcano? DAY 1: Queenstown It's here your Connections Adventure kicks off and the day is yours to explore Queenstown. An adventure awaits us at ev...

From $1235 AUD
10 Day Pure Adrenaline- Wellington to Christchurch
Wellington to Christchurch and everything in between! Go crazy with a heap of Adrenalin pumped activites! DAYS 1-2: Wellington to Nelson This morninig check out Te Papa the National Museum of NZ before we join the ferry for our journey across Cook Strait. After arriving in Picton we will travel...

From $1375 AUD
10 DAY PURE ADRENALIN - Christchurch to Wellington
Christchurch to Wellington including Queenstown. Milford Sound overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound... DAY 1: Christchurch to Lake Ohau Our journey commences in Christchurch where you’ll find grand architecture, historic homesteads and i...

From $1375 AUD
10 DAY KIWI EXPLORER - Auckland to Queenstown
Auckland to Queenstown and all in between! Choose from a huge selection of optional activities sure to get the blood pumping, with everything from bungy, shotover jets, balloon rides and horseback riding... DAY 1: Auckland to Rotorua Today our adventure begins in a big way with a visit to the im...

From $1235 AUD
10 day Southern Highlights - Christchurch to Queenstown
If you dont have time for the full South Island trip then this is an excellent way to see and experience some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery on the planet. Our trip takes you to a huge range of natural wonders from glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. The...

From $1229 NZD (Approx. $1044.76 AUD)
13 DAY KIWI DISCOVERY - Auckland to Christchurch
Discover the wonders of the North & South! Get adventurous in Abel Tasman National Park on a kayak tour. Cruise overnight on scenic Milford Sound... DAY 1: Auckland to Rotorua Today our adventure begins in a big way with a visit to the impressive site of the Sky City Tower. At 328 metres Sky...

From $1735 AUD
13 DAY KIWI DISCOVERY - Christchurch to Auckland
Discover the spectacular North and South! drive over the Lindis Pass and along the Kawarau River, with its familiar Lord of the Rings scenery... DAY 1: Christchurch to Lake Ohau Our journey commences in Christchurch where we head across the Canterbury Plains and follow the southern lakes hydroe...

From $1735 AUD
14 day All South Island New Zealand - ex Christchurch
The biggest South Island adventure tour includes all of these highlights and more! Read the full itinerary and book it now!Day 1 - Christchurch to Picton We leave Christchurch this morning for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. In the aftern...

From $2360 NZD (Approx. $2006.21 AUD)
14 day Queenstown to Auckland - Reverse Traverse
Take in both islands from almost the bottom of the South to the tip of the North. If you're starting in the South and want to see it all from the wild West coast to the serenity of the Bay of Islands then this is the one for you. + You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the...

From $1587 NZD (Approx. $1349.09 AUD)
15 DAY GRAND KIWI - Christchurch to Auckland
Christchurch to Auckland including Bay of Islands! Go crazy with a heap of adrenalin packed activities... DAY 1: Christchurch to Lake Ohau Our journey commences in Christchurch where we head across the Canterbury Plains and follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue...

From $1930 AUD
15 DAY GRAND KIWI - Auckland to Christchurch
Auckland to Christchurch and everything in between! Go crazy , try bungy jumping, or an adrenalin pumping shotover jet ride.... DAY 1: Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands Our journey begins as we head across Auckland's scenic harbour and travel north. We will break our journey at Parry's ...

From $1930 AUD
15 day NZ Odyssey - Auckland to Queenstown
Starting in Auckland; we head south over the Bombay hills to the Coromandel Peninsula where you will have time to relax on the sandy white beaches or explore the rock formations of Cathedral Cove. Our journey then takes us to the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua where we visit a Maori...

From $1380 NZD (Approx. $1173.12 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$500*
15 day Grand Traverse Adventure - New Zealand
If you don't have enough time for the full kahuna but want to see both islands then this is the trip for you. This fantastic journey launches in the City of Sails (Auckland) and takes in the country's finest natural highs as you head south. You get to enjoy amazing natural wonders, fan...

From $1770 NZD (Approx. $1504.66 AUD)
16 Day New Zealand Explorer (FLEXI-TOURING)
Explore the highlights of New Zealand...travel underground to explore caves and the adrenaline pumping Black Water rafting and glow worm caves. This is just the start of your adventure... Day 1 & 2 Auckland: You arrive in Auckland (at own expense), the city of sails for 2 nights. Time to ch...

From $1395 AUD
16 Day New Zealand Explorer (FLEXI-TOURING)
Includes Milford Sound & Bay of Islands...Go underground and experience the caves and the adrenaline pumping Black Water Rafting...Trek onto Franz Joseph Glacier... Day 1 & 2 Auckland: You arrive in Auckland (at own expense), the city of sails for 2 nights. Time to check out the shops or...

From $1595 AUD
17 day Summer Blast - ex Christchurch
The South Island is one of the most diverse regions of natural beauty on the planet. Our trip takes you to a huge range of natural wonders from glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. There are plenty of wildlife encounters along the way as well as the adrenalin rush o...

From $1972 NZD (Approx. $1676.37 AUD)
18 day North to South Island - Auckland to Christchurch
See the best of both islands! Jump on this exciting adventure tour across both islands and see the beaches, culture and volcanoes of the North to the fjords, glaciers and wildlife of the South! Book it now!Day 1: Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)We head south through the ‘Waikato’ and some ...

From $2548 AUD
19 day Kiwi Contrasts - Auckland to Christchurch
Your tour starts in Auckland; we head south over the Bombay hills to the Coromandel Peninsula where you will have time to relax on the sandy white beaches or explore the rock formations of Cathedral Cove. Our journey then takes us to the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua where we visit...

From $1820 NZD (Approx. $1547.16 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$560*
19 day Total NZ - Auckland to Queenstown
Departing Auckland we head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you have the chance to visit CapeReinga and drive along 90 mile beach. We visit the beautiful beach town of Leigh before crossing over to the Coromandel Peninsula, stopping at Hahei, Waitomo Caves and then an overnight in R...

From $1620 NZD (Approx. $1377.14 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$620*
Rokococo Pass - New Zealand & Fiji Combo Bus Pass
Chill out on our great beaches and laze about the amazing beachside resorts!!! Loads of FREE inclusions in your Hula Loop pass including; bilibil rafting, sand boarding, tubing and loads more! Checkout the itinerary below… Siga na Leqa (no worries).Our Gumboot pass takes you through t...

From $1229 NZD (Approx. $1044.76 AUD)
20 day New Zealand Highlights - ex Auckland
Round trip across New Zealand! Starting and finishing in Auckland your adventure includes stunning scenery, culture, wildlife and activities throughout the North and South Island. Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region’ via views of Wai...

From $2995 NZD (Approx. $2546.01 AUD)
21 day NZ Wanderer - Auckland to Wellington
Departing Auckland our first stop is at the beach town of Hahei where you can visit the famous Cathedral Cove. We then spend time in Rotorua, learning about the history and culture of the Maori people and also visiting some of the many mud pools and geysers in the region. From here we ...

From $1680 NZD (Approx. $1428.15 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$620*
21 day Total New Zealand - ex Christchurch
Round trip across New Zealand! Starting and finishing in Christchurch your adventure includes a breadth of stunning scenery, culture, wildlife and activities throughout the North and South Island. Day 1 - Christchurch to Franz JosefWe start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, over Arthur&...

From $2925 AUD
Kava Haka Pass - New Zealand & Fiji Combo Bus Pass
Chill out on our great beaches and laze about the amazing beachside resorts!!! Loads of FREE inclusions in your Hula Loop pass including; bilibil rafting, sand boarding, tubing and loads more! Checkout the itinerary below… Siga na Leqa (no worries).Our Zephyr pass travels you to the w...

From $1209 NZD (Approx. $1027.76 AUD)
23 day All of New Zealand Adventure - ex Auckland
The largest adventure tour in New Zealand! Start and finish in Auckland for a trip that you'll never forget. Visit both the North and South Islands and experience everything New Zealand has to offer. Day 1 - Auckland to PaihiaWe head north from Auckland to Paihia with some stops on the way inclu...

From $3025 AUD
25 day Danmar Spectacular - Auckland to Wellington
We leave Auckland and head up the west coast to the Bay of Islands where you can either travel to 90 mile beach or spend the days cruising the many islands off the coast. Next stop on our itinerary before heading to Rotorua is Hahei and Coromandel Peninsular. In Rotorua you will get to...

From $1900 NZD (Approx. $1615.17 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$740*
26 day Scenic Trail - ex Auckland
We explore New Zealand extensively on this tour and start by heading south from Auckland to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsular and Hahei for some relaxing beach time. Then we’re off to Rotorua, the Maori Cultural and Geothermal Centre of New Zealand. Continuing south we stop at Hawkes B...

From $1945 NZD (Approx. $1653.42 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$750
26 days Ultimate Explorer - New Zealand
Our most popular trip and quite possibly the best thing you can do in New Zealand. Grab life with both hands on this in depth, all-points covered action and adventure wilderness experience. This trip guarantees to show you the best of the North and South Island and the experience of a lifetime...

From $2863 NZD (Approx. $2433.80 AUD)
Bula Bro Pass - New Zealand & Fiji Combo Bus Pass
Chill out on our great beaches and laze about the amazing beachside resorts!!! Loads of FREE inclusions in your Hula Loop pass including; bilibil rafting, sand boarding, tubing and loads more! Checkout the itinerary below… Siga na Leqa (no worries).After your tropical holiday in Fiji,...

From $1409 NZD (Approx. $1197.77 AUD)
30 day Absolute Enzed - ex Auckland
We pack in as much of New Zealand as possible on this tour around both the North and SouthIslands. Departing Auckland we head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you have the chance to visit CapeReinga and drive along 90 mile beach. We visit the beautiful beach town of Leigh before cro...

From $1995 NZD (Approx. $1695.93 AUD)*
*Local Payment NZ$880*
Two Tribes Pass - New Zealand & Fiji Combo Bus Pass
Chill out on our great beaches and laze about the amazing beachside resorts!!! Loads of FREE inclusions in your Hula Loop pass including; bilibil rafting, sand boarding, tubing and loads more! Checkout the itinerary below… Siga na Leqa (no worries). After your tropical holiday in Fij...

From $1899 NZD (Approx. $1614.32 AUD)
Newsletter
 
Promotion Code
 

ABOUT US | BOOKING CONDITIONS | CONTACT US | LINKS | | AFFILIATE | TRADE | SITE MAP