
Trails of New Zealand
An active adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud
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Reviews 12 Reviews5/5
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Cultural
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Walking
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Wildlife
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Activity Level Moderate / Challenging
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Group Size Small Group
From the waterfront city of Auckland to the spectacular Southern Alps, New Zealand is blessed with an array of natural wonders that are best experienced and appreciated by foot and by boat. This active trip maximises the time spent in the outdoors. Whether it’s sailing through waterways, hiking between volcanic peaks or jetboating through Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand is a country that always exceeds expectations. Make the most of this striking country with this jam-packed itinerary that includes many of the highlights en route.
* All breakfasts and 2 dinners
* 17 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges, most with ensuite facilities, 1 night cruise boat with shared facilities
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout. Group normally 6 to 14 plus local leader. Min age 18 yrs
* Airport transfers (at designated times)
- Flights
- Single Accommodation (available on request, inquire for supplement)
Highlights
- Auckland and Christchurch
- One-day Tongariro Crossing and other exciting walks
- Lake Taupo and Rotorua
- Abel Tasma National Park
- Fox Glacier and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Queenstown and Milford Sound
- Day 1 Arrive Auckland
- Day 2 Visit Rangitoto Island
- Day 3 To Rotorua
- Day 4 To Tongariro N.P
- Day 5 Hike Tongariro Crossing
- Day 6 To Wellington
- Day 7 Ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough; drive to Abel Tasman N.P
- Day 8 Half day coastal walk; boat to Motueka
- Day 9 To Buller River; sunset walk at Punakaiki
- Day 10 To Fox Glacier passing Okarito en route
- Day 11 Walk to Fox Glacier; continue to Wanaka
- Day 12 Jet boat in Matukitiki
- Day 13 Transfer to Milford Sound and board overnight boat
- Day 14 Cruise Inner Sound; drive to Queenstown
- Day 15 Free day in Queenstown
- Day 16 Transfer to Mt Cook N.P.; trek in Hooker Valley
- Day 17 Drive to Christchurch via Canterbury Plains
- Day 18 Hike to summit walkway for spectacular views
- Day 19 End Christchurch.

Hotels & Cruise Boat
You will spend 17 nights in comfortable hotels most of which have en-suite facilities. There will also be one night spent aboard a cruise boat with shared facilities. Accommodation on this trip uses a mixture of character motels and friendly hotels, some of which offer spectacular views. Single rooms are available for a supplement (on request), this covers all nights apart from 1 evening when we are aboard the Wanderer boat.
Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Below is a list of the standard hotels used on the trip. However, please be advised these are subject to change and some departures may be accommodated in different a hotels of a similar standard:
Auckland: Auckland City Hotel
Rotorua: Jet Park Rotorua
Tongariro N.P: Skotel Alpine Resort
Wellington: The Bay Plaza Hotel
Motueka- Abel Tasman N.P: Avalon Manor Motels
Punakaiki: Paparoa Park Motels
Fox: The Westhaven
Wanaka: Wanaka Heights Motel
Milford Sound: Real Journeys – Wanderer (boat)
Queenstown: Blue Peaks Lodge
Mt. Cook N.P: Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Lodge
Christchurch: Pavilions Hotel
All breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Breakfasts will be either supplied by the accommodation or by the guides for you. We will always be able to purchase lunches on the run but can also facilitate creating sandwiches at your accommodation and have these stored in our on-board fridge. Morning tea / coffee stops are available at your own cost.
This trip is an Activity Level 4- Moderate/Challenging
This is a varied trip with 1 full day walks and 5 half-day walks. There are a number of other activities included in the itinerary which require a good level of fitness. The majority of walks are on good paths however those wishing to undertake the Tongariro Crossing should be prepared for some scrambling. If you wish to undertake the climb of Mt Ruapehu you should be aware that the trek can be difficult and will require a good level of fitness.
Package Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | Price (PP) Including Flights | |
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February 13, 2021
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Available |
$8,549.00 |
N/A |
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March 6, 2021
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Available |
$8,149.00 |
N/A |
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October 29, 2021
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Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
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December 11, 2021
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Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
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January 7, 2022
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Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
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January 22, 2022
|
Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
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February 17, 2022
|
Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
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March 5, 2022
|
Available |
$8,079.00 |
N/A |
TRAILS OF NEW ZEALAND
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many great times it was difficult to pick out one. Walking the Tongariro Crossing to the Crater Lakes and climbing Mount Tongariro through amazing volcanic scenery Taking a helicopter ride to the saddle below Ben Lomand above Queenstown and after tea brewed by our guides climbing to the summit on a beautiful day with fantastic views and then a leisurely hike down to the gondolaA Maoiri evening cultural performance and feast followed by sunset walk by hot springs and a wallow in thermal pools, Walking in a landscape of bubbling mud pools, yellow sulphur lakes Seeing glow worms in a cave and native birds on Tiritiri Matangi Nature reserve and on a night nature hike at Zealandia and shooting stars in the Southern night sky Loads of water based activities: jet boating , kayaking, wild water rafting, wild swimming and boat trips in superb and varied sceneryWhat did you think of your group leader?
We were blessed with two group leaders from Adventure South: Stephan and Clark. They really communicates their knowledge of the county, their enthusiasm for their country and their job to our group . They had a lovely rapport between them and they on so many occasions went the extra mile to make our holiday enjoyable for example sourcing food for my daughter's special gluten free diet, to finding excellent cafes and restaurants lunches, bathing spots, hikes with freshly brewed tea stops and it was done with humour and professionalism.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have the time take a few days at either end of the trip to see more of the Auckland area,and North Island and Christchurch.The temperature can be quite varied so take a variety of clothing.Overtrousers would be useful. Several of the hotels/motels we stayed in had laundry facilities for a small fee.Most of the hotel/motel rooms had a fridge and some had limited cooking facilities so you don't have to eat out every night. There are long drives on some days but with breaks but there are activities every day.Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would definately want to go back to New Zealand and see more of this amazing counrty. I hope Exodus will consider introducing some other NZ trips with a different intinery and to add some Australian trips with a similar variety of activities combining trecking with other activities. I was glad that so many activities were included such as caving, jet boating that I would not have got round to trying on an independent holiday. I think the trip represents good value as all the activities except on our free day and most of the meals were included. It would be good to have a holiday including the trecks around Milford Sound and to include north of Auckland such as the Bay of IslandsFabulous trip
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing into the Red Crater at the top of the Tongarairo Crossing. The photographs just do not do it justice at all. Plus, you then get to run down the scree which is a lot of fun....What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna, I know more about NZ wildlife that that in the UK.... He also took us on numerous little walks to break up the long coach trips, many weren't listed on the trip notes but he knew them any way.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Even in summer, weather is variable. Actually, you are guaranteed rain in Westland... I used my light down jacket more than I thought. You need DEET On the south island, sandflies are evilIs there anything else you would like to add?
Go on this trip. Consider doing your own add on to go to the Bay of Islands or the Coromandel Peninsula while you are there.A great trip
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Some of the more challenging walks rewarded you with great views and a real feeling of having achieved something. Jet boating and catamaran tip were both great experiences.What did you think of your group leader?
Both guides were knowledgeable and prepared you well for the next days activities.A fabulous taster trip of New Zealand...
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many good moments that it's difficult to discriminate - but I particularly enjoyed our day jet-boating; our climb up to Mt Cook; the day coastal walking and sailing near Motueka (all in S Island) - and got immense satisfaction from my completion of the 20k Tontoriro Crossing trek in N Island!What did you think of your group leader?
Ian, as our principal leader, was great...we were expertly guided and cajoled by him! He had a light touch (with our mainly 'early-retired' large party of 16) and inspired confidence... Pete - although new to Exodus - was also a very good support leader, most kind and caring.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for all and any weather conditions! Also, to get the best out of this trip, it is probably wise to arrive in a good state of fitness in order to be able to enjoy the many walks and trails on offer.Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am happy to say that this is probably the best Exodus trip that I've travelled on - and I have been on sufficient now to qualify for my 10% discount!!Highlights of New Zealand
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Definitely the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - hard work and a long day but worth it. The views round Lake Matheson. The waterfalls in Milford Sound. We clocked up a few first experiences: first time in a jet boat (great fun and something we would not have done otherwise), first helicopter flight, first time sailing a catamaran (yes, I took the helm), first time on the Luge ...What did you think of your group leader?
Hayley and Josh were calm, efficient, funny, informed, caring and very committed. They were great. They prepared us well for each day's activities.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a daysac as well as your 40 litre rucksack, if you can. Pack layers - it can be very hot and very cold. Don't forget sunhat, suncream and insect repellant. Poles can be hired for the Tongariro crossing.Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip doesn't cover Auckland and Northland up to Cape Reinga, the Coromandel peninsula, the deep south or Kaikoura so you might want to try to fit them in before and/or after the trip. After all, it is a long way to go back again!