Intrepid Travel
New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound)
New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound)
Step into a captivating world of dazzling peaks, glittering glaciers, icy blue lakes and misty rainforests – it could only be New Zealand. Tucked among these awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll find contemporary cities and laidback little towns, every bit as intriguing as their epic surroundings. Spend 20 days uncovering the very best of New Zealand with a local leader at the wheel. In the South Island, the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, fabulous wineries of Marlborough, and awe-inspiring scenery of Franz Josef await. In the North Island, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, chill out on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park and get to know Wellington’s creative side.
Activities
- Lake Tekapo – Mt John Lookout
- Wanaka – Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
- Franz Josef – Greenstone Pendant Carving
- Greymouth – Tranz Alpine Train Journey
- Wellington – Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
- Taupo – Huka Falls
- Rotorua – Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
- Rotorua – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Rotorua – Pohutu Geyser
- Rotorua – Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
- Raglan – Fish & Chips Dinner
- Raglan – Sunset Boat Cruise
- Waitomo – Ruakuri Bush Walk
- Coromandel Peninsula – Cathedral Cove
- Coromandel Peninsula – Hot Water Beach
Highlights
- Live it up in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, 4WD-ing through Lord of the Rings scenery or wine tasting, there’s something here to entice everyone.
- You’re on track for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.
- Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.
- Admire the out of this world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
- Get to know New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.
| Day 1 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 2 |
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| Day 3 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 4 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 5 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 6 |
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| Day 7 |
Accessible glacier located on New Zealand's South Island. Visitors can take guided hikes of Franz Jose to view its tunnels, crevasses and caves. |
| Day 8 |
Accessible glacier located on New Zealand's South Island. Visitors can take guided hikes of Franz Jose to view its tunnels, crevasses and caves. |
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| Day 12 |
On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot. |
| Day 13 |
Lake Taupo, New Zealand offers a premier trout fishing experience. The famed sight fishing for large Brown & Rainbow trout is arguably the finest in the world. Located New Zealand's North Island, Lake Taupo is an all year round sight fishing destination. Surrounded by high country lakes, rivers and mountain streams, the spectacular New Zealand scenery is sure to amaze. |
| Day 14 |
Lake Taupo, New Zealand offers a premier trout fishing experience. The famed sight fishing for large Brown & Rainbow trout is arguably the finest in the world. Located New Zealand's North Island, Lake Taupo is an all year round sight fishing destination. Surrounded by high country lakes, rivers and mountain streams, the spectacular New Zealand scenery is sure to amaze. |
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| Day 16 |
Natural wonders await you in the steaming, geothermally active North Island city of Rotorua, New Zealand. Pohutu Geyser erupts several times per day, and blistering mud pools provide a truly unique sightseeing experience. When in Rotorua, tourists also visit its living Maori village, as well as Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute), where weaving and woodcarving is featured. Those not afraid of heights can get a bird's eye view on the Skyline Rotorua gondola, and more earthbound souls can reinvigorate themselves at the Polynesian Spa wellness center, with its hot pools and therapies. |
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| Day 19 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 20 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
09/26/25 - 10/15/25 |
Starting At $6,566 |
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|
10/03/25 - 10/22/25 |
Starting At $6,502 |
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|
11/01/25 - 11/20/25 |
Starting At $6,762 |
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|
11/15/25 - 12/04/25 |
Starting At $6,864 |
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|
11/28/25 - 12/17/25 |
Starting At $6,762 |
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|
12/27/25 - 01/15/26 |
Starting At $8,260 |
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|
01/24/26 - 01/29/26 |
Starting At $7,845 |
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|
02/06/26 - 03/06/26 |
Starting At $8,260 |
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|
03/14/26 - 04/17/26 |
Starting At $7,955 |
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|
05/02/26 - 08/29/26 |
Starting At $7,650 |
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|
09/21/26 - 10/26/26 |
Starting At $8,415 |
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|
11/09/26 - 12/28/26 |
Starting At $8,750 |
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|
01/11/27 - 03/15/27 |
Starting At $9,255 |
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|
03/22/27 - 04/12/27 |
Starting At $8,750 |
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|
04/26/27 - 08/23/27 |
Starting At $8,415 |
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