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12-Day New Zealand Northbound Tour: Christchurch, Kaikōura, Wellington, Rotorua, Paihia and Auckland

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 715686

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    Wonderful Travel: 12 days, 1 country
    Meal Inclusions: 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
    Charming Attractions:  We'll sashay our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing down on fish'n'chips and Māori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds 'til we're old and grey
    • Group Size: Average 45 people
Tour Code
715686
Duration
12 day
Departure City
Christchurch
End City
Auckland
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Outdoor Adventure

Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping adventures like diving, snorkeling, camping, hiking and so on.

Itinerary

Day 01
Christchurch

Christchurch to Kaikōura

Hotel: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Christchurch: Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! We'll board the coach, travelling through South Island to reach Kaikōura by lunch.

Kaikōura: We'll stop off at a seal colony on the seafront to get our daily fix of cuteness, before heading to Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht. She has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikōura and we have been helping with the fundraising! We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns.

After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikōura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!


Included Experience: Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
Kaikoura

Kaikōura

Hotel: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seas and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
Kaikoura

Kaikōura to Wellington

Hotel: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Kaikōura: After breakfast, we'll head back on the coach and head to our next destination. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks. Afterwards we'll continue on to Wellington, the capital of NZ since 1865, when it replaced Auckland. Almost thirty years later, Wellington parliament was the first in the world to allow women the right to vote. A pretty cool city all in all.

Wellington: By the afternoon, we'll have reached Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), just in time for a tour of the city. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.



Included Experience: See Marlborough Sounds from a Ferry


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 04
Wellington

Wellington

Hotel: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, you can opt to take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, you'll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takahē. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a 'living fossil', which can only be found in New Zealand!

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 05
Wellington

Wellington to Mount Ruapehu

Hotel: Kings Ohakune (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

Wellington: We wave goodbye to Wellington and its beautiful scenery and we prepare ourselves for our next adventure - and trust us, this one is bucket-list worthy.

Mount Ruapehu: Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with stupendous view.  Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd" or spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).



Included Experience: Check out the World's Biggest Carrot, See an Active Stratovolcano


Visiting Attractions

  • Mount Ruapehu Mount Ruapehu

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 06
Taupo

Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō

Hotel: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Mount Ruapehu: Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!

Taupō: Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa). Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching. This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our fam.


Included Experience: Check out some LOTR Filming Spots

Visiting Attractions

  • Mount Ruapehu Mount Ruapehu
  • Lake Taupo Lake Taupo

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 07
Taupo

Lake Taupō to Rotorua via Huka Falls

Hotel: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

Taupō: As we leave Lake Taupō keep an eye out for even more recognisable "The Lord of the Rings" backdrops.

Huka Falls: 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right?

Rotorua: When you catch your first whiff of that… "unusual" sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua we get to learn some fascinating info on NZ's national birds, as well as watch new lives hatch right in front of our eyes! How impressed are you right now? Soak in a hotspring, go skydiving or take a canopy tour - there's plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Māori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground. 



Included Experience: Feel the Power of Huka Falls, See Mud Pools in Rotorua, Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, Watch a Traditional Māori Cultural Performance


Visiting Attractions

  • Huka Falls Huka Falls

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 08
Rotorua

Rotorua

Hotel: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 09
Rotorua

Rotorua to Auckland

Hotel: Lylo (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Rotorua: Ta-ra, Rotorua! We're headed to Auckland, where there's an array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from.

Auckland: Welcome to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)! Adrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory ice cream experience at Giapo?


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 10
Auckland

Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei

Hotel: Eat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in Paihia or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

Auckland: We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

Whangārei: We'll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangārei to check out the quirky exterior of the weird and wonderful Hunderwassert art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to the Bay of Islands.

Paihia: We'll start off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about included admission to the Treaty museum for more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we'll feast like the locals and enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.



Included Experience: Cross Auckland's Harbor Bridge, See the Iconic 'City of Sails' Harbor, View the Hundertwasser Art Center, Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Local Guide, Eat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in Paihia



 



 


Visiting Attractions

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge Auckland Harbour Bridge

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 11
Paihia

Paihia

Hotel: Bounty Motel (or similar) or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Whether it's parasailing or a catamaran cruise - today's (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who's who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the Free Time Add-On experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 12
Paihia

Paihia to Auckland

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Paihia: Feeling salty and sun-kissed we'll wave goodbye to beautiful Paihia and sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland.

Auckland: Our adventure comes to an end in Auckland today. Make sure you swap contact deets and start planning the next adventure. Anyone for 'Straya?



 


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D2 See or Swim with Wild Dolphins in Kaikōura Adults: NZ$ 240.00
D2 Go Whale Watching in Kaikōura Adults: NZ$ 175.00
D2 View Whales from the Air Adults: NZ$ 225.00
D2 Take the Drive of your Life Adults: NZ$ 179.00
D4 Meet NZ’s Amazing Wildlife Adults: NZ$ 64.00
D5 Explore Old Coach Road by Bike Adults: NZ$ 129.00
D6 Take a Cruise on Lake Taupō Adults: NZ$ 110.00
D7 Go Zorbing Adults: NZ$ 40.00
D8 Take the Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tour Adults: NZ$ 259.00
D8 Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set Adults: NZ$ 189.00
D9 Sky Walk (and Jump) from the Sky Tower Adults: NZ$ 445.00
D9 Try New Zealand’s Highest Jump Adults: NZ$ 330.00
D9 Bungy Jump off Harbor Bridge Adults: NZ$ 260.00
D11 Discover NZ’s Northernmost Point Adults: NZ$ 175.00
D11 Set Sail in Carino Adults: NZ$ 198.00
D11 Discover the Bay of Islands Adults: NZ$ 180.00
D11 Parasail Over the Bay of Islands Adults: NZ$ 115.00
D11 Skydive over the Bay of Islands Adults: NZ$ 329.00
D11 Tour the Breathtaking Cape Reinga Adults: NZ$ 495.00
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
    • 7 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Featured Accommodation, 1 night in Special Stay, 1 night in Hostel
    • Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
    • Included Experiences

Package Excludes

    • Flights to and from your starting and ending points
    • Travel insurance and visas 
    • Any personal expenses
    • Choice Experiences
    • Gratuities  

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 02 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 03 - 09 Days Prior to Departure Date - 25% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 10 - 23 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 24 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - only $200 charge handling fee by person
Please Note:
Air ticket (either before/after trip or included within trip): $75.00/person plus airline charges.
Extra hotel accommodation: non-refundable.
Transfers: non-refundable.
• Special events and activities may incur additional penalty.

Special Notes

    * Please note accommodation is multi-share rooms with a maximum of 6 people of the same gender.
    * USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
    * Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
    * Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.
    * Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
    * Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
    * To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.

    * Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.
    * Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel.
    * In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 - 53 awesome travellers.
    * In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.
    * Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.
    * It's a requirement of traveling that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It's also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you'll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies).
    * Our typical luggage allowances: For our European, North American, Australian and New Zealand trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, suitcase, approximately 29" × 20" × 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the transport with you. Metal frame backpacks are not advised as their bulky shape makes packing vehicles tricky, plus they are more likely to damage other luggage.
    * For our train trips please note you must be able to carry your own bags on this trip.  As we will be taking public transport in cities & getting to the heart of the destinations we visit, pack wisely.
    * On European ski trips and New Zealand trips with a ski option you have the option to bring one pair of skis and ski boots or snowboard.
    * We have a whole mix of accommodations styles on our trips, depending on the destination and the travel style you have chosen. With us, you can stay in hotels, hostels, boats, camping sites, jungle lodges, eco camps, beach resorts, and even our very own 16th century French Chateau. 

  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 02 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 03 - 09 Days Prior to Departure Date - 25% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 10 - 23 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 24 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - only $200 charge handling fee by person
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