On Sale Until March 31st

$3514 $3339

Available: 7+ spaces

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 01/14/2024 - 01/28/2024

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 15 Days / 14 Nights

      Overview

      If you're looking for a warm winter travel destination, why not escape the winter blues and discover the wonder of New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere? Enjoy the Coromandel Peninsula's gorgeous beaches, gain insight into the Maori way of life through a visit to a traditional village, and discover the adventure capital of Queenstown. With our carefully planned 15-day itinerary, you will be able to take in the must-see attractions of both the North and South Islands, making the most of your time in this extraordinary destination. Experience the best of New Zealand with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      Our first priority is our travelers’ safety, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here for more details regarding our health and safety policies.

      What's Included:
      • Coromandel Peninsula visit
      • Cathedral Cove visit
      • Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch
      • Franz Josef Visit
      • Queenstown Visit
      • Wine tasting
      • Fiordland National Park Visit
      • Doubtful Sound Day Cruise
      • Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park Visit (hiking opportunity, weather permitting)
      • Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout, local guides
      • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners – allow $515-670 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels/motels (14 nts)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by private vehicle and plane
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Arrive in Auckland at any time. On Day 1, there are no planned activities until your Group Meeting that evening around 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., so check into the hotel – check-in time is approximately 3:00 p.m. – and enjoy the city. Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of the group meeting. After the meeting, you might like to take the option of heading out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant to further get to know your tour leader and traveling companions. Please make every effort to arrive on time for this important welcome meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up.

      Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is one of many scenic regions of New Zealand. Set off into the mountain forest in search of the elusive "Hairy Moehau" monster. Check out the beaches and cliffs, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales. Make friends with the locals, including "hippies" who arrived in the 1970s and never left. Next, pack your swimsuit and walk from the north end of Hahei Beach along a cliff-top path that leads down to Cathedral Cove. A giant arch formed into the headland separates two secluded coves. Swim, lay in the shade, and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic spot. Opt for sea kayaking, or if the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach. You can also opt for a Hahei Boat Cruise along the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Check out the caves, see an impressive blowhole, and enjoy views of stunning Cathedral Cove from the water. Keep on the lookout for marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by private vehicle

      Rotorua sits over an active volcano and is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks with bubbling mud pits and multi-colored pools. Opt to visit one of the sites, like Hell's Gate, or go whitewater rafting nearby. Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the story of Tamatekapua's migration to Aotearoa via the Te Arawa canoe and the Māori/Pasifika connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian lūʻau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara), and lamb steamed over heated rocks.

      Pack a book and download your favorite podcasts in preparation for a long travel day on the North Island to the capital, Wellington. Approximate travel time: 7-8 hrs by private vehicle

      Take a brief orientation walk in Wellington with your tour leader. After the orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to take the cable car up to the botanical gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, home to historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building to see how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes. If you opt for a guided tour of the Weta Workshop, you will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the workshop helps design some of the world’s biggest films. Get up close and personal with props from The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.

      Fly from Wellington to Christchurch on the South Island, then travel by bus to Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by plane, 3 hrs by private vehicle

      During a free morning in Kaikoura, opt to follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider," and head out to the open seas in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikora. Or search for wild dusky dolphins; depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins. Next, travel to Hanmer Springs, stopping en route for a wine tasting at a local winery. Upon arrival in Hanmer Springs, opt to take a soak in the hot springs. Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by private vehicle

      Stretch out and enjoy the stunning scenery while traveling across the Southern Alps from Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef. The Southern Alps mountain range extends along much of the length of New Zealand's South Island. Franz Josef is in the rugged and remote West Coast, where you will stay in the rainforest near the world's fastest-moving glacier. The Māori refer to the area as Waiau. Approximate travel time: 8 hrs by private vehicle (including stops)

      There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Feel free to relax, or try optional activities like heli hiking, glacier valley walking, quad biking, lake kayaking, or a hot pool visit. Your tour leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask! During a helicopter hike, you can take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier, and then hop out and trek on the white and blue ice. Or you can take a guided interpretive walk that follows ancient glacial pathways carved into the landscape by ice and water along the Franz Josef glacier's retreat. If you'd rather ride than walk or fly, a two-seater ATV quad bike is a great way to explore rainforests, riverbeds, grasslands, sand, and mud. You can also explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak; the lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago.

      Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great nightlife. Approximate travel time: 8-9 hrs by private vehicle

      During you free time in Queenstown, opt to go bungee jumping ("bungy" in New Zealand, its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking, or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak. Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity along the Shotover River ahead of time. Imagine a fast-paced whitewater ride with sharp turns and spins expertly navigated by a trained driver. Just email travel@geeo.org after booking to sign up. If you prefer a slower pace, discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103-year-old traditional steamship. This 90-minute cruise highlights the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.

      Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmont Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place! Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night. Approximate travel time: 6 hrs (Queenstown - Doubtful Sound round-trip) by private vehicle

      Head through the center of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealand's highest peak, Mt. Cook. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre. Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park, and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short hikes that offer spectacular views. Approximate travel time: 2.5 hrs by private vehicle

      Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake. Once in Christchurch, take a brief orientation walk with your tour leader, and enjoy free time with your travel companions on your last night in New Zealand. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle (includes stops throughout the day, including a couple of hours to visit Mt. Cook, weather permitting)

      Our program ends in Christchurch this morning. You may depart at any time. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator, we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation Policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Trip Notes
      1. Please note that some sites, museums, and restaurants may be closed over Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. It is recommended that you check the operating hours of any sites or establishments that you plan to visit to avoid disappointment. It is also common for prices for meals and other services to increase during peak tourist seasons or holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s. Additionally, we may need to alter the itinerary on and around these holidays to maximize your time during your trip. Hopefully, you will be able to experience some local customs and traditions and see how people in other parts of the world experience the holidays. Traveling over Christmas and New Year’s can allow you to see a destination in a different light. You may be able to attend local festivals, try traditional foods, see special decorations, and participate in cultural activities that can add an extra layer of festivity and cheer to your trip. Overall, traveling over the holidays can be a fun and rewarding way to learn about and experience another culture.
      2. Please note that the train on the south island is seasonal and does not run from May to September. Day 6 and 7 transportation will be a public bus during this time period instead of a train.
      3. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
      4. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general, our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Fitness Level
      This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go at your own pace. Getting on and off transport and walking with luggage requires some physical effort. Some optional tours may include hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
      Single Travelers
      Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet. Please note that if you have booked the My Own Room option, on Night 2 there may be shared facilities (cottage-style accommodation), but you will have your own room.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., during which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. When you arrive at the airport, you can either take a taxi or use public transportation to reach the Auckland city center: By Taxi - $70-80 USD, approximately 30 minutes. By Shuttle Bus - $33 for 1 person, $8 per additional. The “Super Shuttle” is a 24-hour service that takes approximately 1 hour. The shuttle waits outside of the terminal and provides door-to-door service. By Skybus - $18 per person. Leaves from outside the airport terminal every 10-15 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Local Office and after office hours emergency number From outside Australia: +64 27 535 0007 From within Australia: 0432 705 621 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags, please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Health & Safety
      • N95/KN95 face masks (at least three per week)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Pen (please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
      • Rapid COVIC-19 test/antigen tests (at least 5, and 3 per week of travel)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Raincoat and/or umbrella
      • Personal clothing for warm weather – we recommend packing 7-8 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Daypack
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Sun hat
      • Water bottle
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Toiletries – Important: Some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • NZD cash (optional)
      • Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are sometimes offered by the hotels.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport.  Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching here. As of October 1, 2019, U.S. citizens traveling to New Zealand need to apply for an e-Visa. Please see the US State Department entry, exit, & visa requirements for New Zealand and the New Zealand Embassy for detailed visa application instructions. GEEO travelers who are not US citizens should check with their government to determine visa requirements.
      Money Exchange
      The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency, and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Visa and MasterCard are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note that, if you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.
      Tipping
      It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers. Unless specifically asked to do so (by your tour leader), do not tip your local guides. At the end of your trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip – but it certainly isn’t expected.
      Vaccinations
      We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. We advise that you wait until this trip is confirmed before booking non-refundable and non-changeable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Your trip begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. Please double check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Auckland. You can arrive at any time of the day you choose, but we strongly urge you to arrive by 6:00 p.m. on Day 1 for our group meeting. You can depart from Christchurch any time on the final day of the trip.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. New Zealand primarily uses a type I plug. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can’t handle the different voltage, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter.
      Expectations
      Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
      • We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      • You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      • Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Weather
      January is essentially the warmest month in New Zealand and the peak of the summer season. Average daytime temperatures are in the upper 70s, and overnight lows are in the 50s. See more here.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. Meals included are 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners, giving you the opportunity to eat out according to your own resources. The prices below are in U.S. Dollars and are rough estimates so you can budget your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See price in top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $100-600 USD, depending on how many optional activities you choose to do
      International Airfare from the United States
      Roughly $1,000-1,700 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      Insurance
      $67-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as well.
      Tipping
      Tipping is optional and not expected, but we recommend $40-$50 USD per person per week for your G Adventures tour leader.
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $300-600 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      Airport Transfers
      $50-100
      Vaccines
      Variable. Please consult your doctor.
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (Suggested donation). This is only for non-educator participants. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency. You do not have to decide in advance for which activities you would like to sign up. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please feel free to use them as a guide for budgeting your trip. The prices below are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
      Auckland
      Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour): $230 USD per person As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours. Maritime Museum: 20 NZD per person Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.
      Waiheke Island
      Waiheke Island Excursion: 45-130 NZD per person Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds).
      Hahei
      Hahei Boat Cruise: 105 NZD per person Hop on board and cruise the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Check out caves, and an impressive blowhole, and enjoy views of stunning Cathedral Cove from the water. Keep on the lookout for marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Sea Kayaking: 135 NZD per person Head out by kayak to experience the Coromandel from sea level.
      Rotorua
      Whitewater Rafting: 109 NZD per person Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle! Hot Springs: 30-50 NZD per person Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to several amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters. Mountain Biking: 35-130 NZD per person Head out on an exhilarating cycling adventure. Explore the stunning Redwood Forest on two wheels on what some call the world's best mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner or an expert mountain bike enthusiast there's sure to be a trail perfect for you. Zorbing: 35-50 NZD per person Hop into a giant inflatable ball and take a thrilling ride down Mt Ngongotaha. This outrageously fun and bizarre ride is a must-do when in Rotorua, so don't miss out!
      Wellington
      Te Papa Museum: Free Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes – find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building. Wellington Cable Car: 4-7.50 NZD per person Zealandia: 9-95 NZD per person Martinborough Wine Tour: 199 NZD per person Weta Workshop Tour: 50-90 NZD per person This 2 to 3-hour guided tour will give you a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the Weta workshop helps craft and create the imaginary realities of some of the world’s biggest films. Get to see creativity in action as the workshop crew members practice their trade and get up close and personal with props from The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and so much more!
      Kaikoura
      Scenic Flight: 190 NZD per person Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town, and New Zealand's southern fur seals. Hiking: Free Set off along one of many hiking trails to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway. Whale Watching: 145 NZD per person Follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider", and set out in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikoura. Swimming With Dolphins: 220 NZD per person Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. Depending on the conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.
      Franz Josef
      Helicopter Hike: 589 NZD per person Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out and trek on the white and blue ice. Cool! Ice Explorer Guided Hike (Heli Transfer): 670 NZD per person The sheer size and power of Franz Josef is something you need to see to believe. Board a chopper for a leisurely flight over the glacier before landing directly on the ice. From there, get up close and personal on a three-hour guided hike past towering peaks and stunning blue ice. The constantly shifting ice flows and crevices ensure your visit will be one-of-a-kind! Kayaking: 99-129 NZD per person Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views. Hiking: Free) Take your pick of many scenic and memorable treks in Franz Josef – a true hiker’s haven. Get prepared before heading out, and be mindful of signs along the track. See majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and amazing views that you’ll definitely want your camera on hand for.
      Queenstown
      Gondola Ride: 35-56 NZD per person Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. Bungee Jumping: 165-205 NZD per person Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss. Vineyard Tour: 185-230 NZD per person Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest-growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savor back home. Ziptrek: 120-170 NZD per person Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: 55-95 NZD per person Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103-year-old traditional steamship. This 90-minute cruise highlights the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck. Shotover Canyon Swing/Shotover Canyon Fox: 169-299 NZD per person Scenic Horse Riding Tour: 165-325 NZD per person Head out on a scenic horse ride and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southwest of New Zealand. Take in the breathtaking views on your journey of discovery through the magnificent Dart Valley - the backdrop for many famous film locations. Queenstown Jet Boating: Varies It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown — need we say more? Okay, how about this, imagine a fast-paced whitewater ride with sharp turns and spins expertly navigated by a trained driver. So strap in and get ready to get wet. Skydiving: 329 NZD per person Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed, and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath, and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like! Queenstown Shotover Jet: $120 USD per person Take a thrilling jet boat along the Shotover River of Queenstown – strap in and get ready to get wet.