

Oceania
12 days
11 nights
12 people
Moderate
Wildlife & Nature
J. R. R. Tolkien once wrote “home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread.” Discover some of these paths on an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's iconic landscapes and natural wonders. From bioluminescent grottos and bubbling mud pools, to ancient Māori traditions and thrilling boat cruises, this 13-day tour has it all. Wander the streets of Auckland before diving into the Māori homelands and geothermal wonders in Rotorua. Discover volcanic valleys, hot springs, and thunderous falls. Encounter kiwis on Kapiti Island, and embark on scenic train rides through the Southern Alps, with your very own Gandalf-esque guide leading the way. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Special Access: Visit and spend the night at Kapiti Island Nature Reserve, a birder's paradise where only a few dozen people are allowed to set foot each day.
Travel with Purpose: Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a protected area of native forest that's regenerating after near-total devastation.
Kia ora! Welcome to North Island! After landing in Auckland, you’ll be picked up from the airport and brought to your hotel where you have the day to explore the city solo. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your co-adventurers.
Kia ora! Welcome to North Island! After landing in Auckland, you’ll be picked up from the airport and brought to your hotel where you have the day to explore the city solo. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your co-adventurers.
M Social, or similar, Auckland
Welcome Dinner
M Social, or similar, Auckland
Welcome Dinner
Take a deep dive into Māori culture and traditions today as you visit Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. First settled by the Māori in 1325 CE, the area boasts 500 pools and seven active geysers. Meet locals from the lwi (tribe) and explore the Ngati Manawa's tribal lands, admiring Māori rock carvings. Dinner will be a traditional feast known as a Hāngi, where delicious local meat, fish and vegetables are cooked in a firepit. If that were not celebration enough, brace yourself for a thrilling Haka demonstration followed by a lesson in Māori weaponry.
Take a deep dive into Māori culture and traditions today as you visit Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. First settled by the Māori in 1325 CE, the area boasts 500 pools and seven active geysers. Meet locals from the lwi (tribe) and explore the Ngati Manawa's tribal lands, admiring Māori rock carvings. Dinner will be a traditional feast known as a Hāngi, where delicious local meat, fish and vegetables are cooked in a firepit. If that were not celebration enough, brace yourself for a thrilling Haka demonstration followed by a lesson in Māori weaponry.
Kohutapu Lodge, or similar, Rotorua
Breakfast, Dinner
Kohutapu Lodge, or similar, Rotorua
Breakfast, Dinner
Say farewell to your newfound whanau (family) and venture into the awe-inspiring Waimangu Volcanic Valley today. Marvel at its volcanic craters, hot springs, and unique flora. Glide across Lake Rotomahana, formed by Mount Tarawera's historic eruption. Then, journey to Taupo, home to the majestic Huka Falls. Conclude your day at a tranquil lodge in Taihape, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine sourced from regenerative gardens.
Say farewell to your newfound whanau (family) and venture into the awe-inspiring Waimangu Volcanic Valley today. Marvel at its volcanic craters, hot springs, and unique flora. Glide across Lake Rotomahana, formed by Mount Tarawera's historic eruption. Then, journey to Taupo, home to the majestic Huka Falls. Conclude your day at a tranquil lodge in Taihape, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine sourced from regenerative gardens.
River Valley Lodge, or similar, River Valley
Breakfast, Lunch
River Valley Lodge, or similar, River Valley
Breakfast, Lunch
Your morning will be dedicated to exploring the Laughing Moa trail via e-bike, winding through serene rural landscapes with stunning vistas at every turn. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch out on the trail, and take the rest of the afternoon to relax beside the river. This afternoon you can continue your gentle exploration of these bucolic landscapes by joining a walking trail or you could opt for a high-octane river rafting experience, the choice is yours.
Your morning will be dedicated to exploring the Laughing Moa trail via e-bike, winding through serene rural landscapes with stunning vistas at every turn. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch out on the trail, and take the rest of the afternoon to relax beside the river. This afternoon you can continue your gentle exploration of these bucolic landscapes by joining a walking trail or you could opt for a high-octane river rafting experience, the choice is yours.
River Valley Lodge, or similar, River Valley
Breakfast, Dinner
River Valley Lodge, or similar, River Valley
Breakfast, Dinner
Continue the journey south to Kapiti Island, a nature reserve located off the west coast of New Zealand, celebrated for its pristine beauty, rich biodiversity, and epic views of the surrounding ocean. Access to Kapiti Island is restricted to guided tours only to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Enjoy a home-cooked meal washed down with some local wine before heading out on an after-dark Kiwi spotting walk with a local guide who knows the best places to spot them. Tonight as you bunk down in a cozy cabin located in an ecolodge, you’ll fall asleep to the various bird calls of Kiwi, Weka, Kaka, and Ruru.
Continue the journey south to Kapiti Island, a nature reserve located off the west coast of New Zealand, celebrated for its pristine beauty, rich biodiversity, and epic views of the surrounding ocean. Access to Kapiti Island is restricted to guided tours only to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Enjoy a home-cooked meal washed down with some local wine before heading out on an after-dark Kiwi spotting walk with a local guide who knows the best places to spot them. Tonight as you bunk down in a cozy cabin located in an ecolodge, you’ll fall asleep to the various bird calls of Kiwi, Weka, Kaka, and Ruru.
Kapiti Island Huts & Cabins, or similar, Kapiti Island
Breakfast, Lunch
Kapiti Island Huts & Cabins, or similar, Kapiti Island
Breakfast, Lunch
Jet off to Christchurch today, New Zealand’s third-largest city, renowned for its English heritage and the picturesque Avon River winding through its heart. Enjoy a tour with a local guide taking in the city’s most popular sites, including the famous Cardboard Cathedral, and the River Markets. Head to one of our favorite restaurants this evening for a taste of local flavor during a group dinner.
Jet off to Christchurch today, New Zealand’s third-largest city, renowned for its English heritage and the picturesque Avon River winding through its heart. Enjoy a tour with a local guide taking in the city’s most popular sites, including the famous Cardboard Cathedral, and the River Markets. Head to one of our favorite restaurants this evening for a taste of local flavor during a group dinner.
Distinction Christchurch, or similar, Christchurch
Breakfast, Dinner
Distinction Christchurch, or similar, Christchurch
Breakfast, Dinner
Catch one of the most scenic train rides in the world today, that’ll take you through the heart of New Zealand to Greymouth. Ascend through breathtaking gorges and spectacular river valleys to Arthurs Pass, then descend to the lush West Coast via lush alpine rainforests. Drive south along the wild West Coast to Lake Moeraki, known for its mysteriously spherical beach boulders and top-notch seafood. Tonight you’ll dine at your lodge before settling in for the night.
Catch one of the most scenic train rides in the world today, that’ll take you through the heart of New Zealand to Greymouth. Ascend through breathtaking gorges and spectacular river valleys to Arthurs Pass, then descend to the lush West Coast via lush alpine rainforests. Drive south along the wild West Coast to Lake Moeraki, known for its mysteriously spherical beach boulders and top-notch seafood. Tonight you’ll dine at your lodge before settling in for the night.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, or similar, Lake Moeraki
Breakfast, Dinner
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, or similar, Lake Moeraki
Breakfast, Dinner
Indulge in a day of solo exploration from your 5* wilderness lodge located in Te Waipounamu (South Island), which is nestled amidst lakes, rivers, rainforests, and stunning coastline. Nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will relish the array of optional extra activities available, from heli-hiking and glacier kayaking to scenic helicopter flights. Or if you fancy an afternoon of self care and relaxation, book a treatment at the retreat’s luxury spa.
Indulge in a day of solo exploration from your 5* wilderness lodge located in Te Waipounamu (South Island), which is nestled amidst lakes, rivers, rainforests, and stunning coastline. Nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will relish the array of optional extra activities available, from heli-hiking and glacier kayaking to scenic helicopter flights. Or if you fancy an afternoon of self care and relaxation, book a treatment at the retreat’s luxury spa.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, or similar, Lake Moeraki
Breakfast, Dinner
Te Waonui Forest Retreat, or similar, Lake Moeraki
Breakfast, Dinner
Head inland today where you’ll meet conservationists from the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, who are dedicated to protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity and connecting people with nature. Take a guided walk of the Blue Pools, natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the surrounding mountains. Learn about the native bush and wildlife, and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. Your afternoon will be yours to spend exploring the serene alpine waters of Lake Wanaka at your own pace. You can even add on a scenic helicopter flight* for panoramic vistas of the lake and beyond.
Head inland today where you’ll meet conservationists from the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, who are dedicated to protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity and connecting people with nature. Take a guided walk of the Blue Pools, natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the surrounding mountains. Learn about the native bush and wildlife, and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. Your afternoon will be yours to spend exploring the serene alpine waters of Lake Wanaka at your own pace. You can even add on a scenic helicopter flight* for panoramic vistas of the lake and beyond.
Edgewater Wanaka, or similar, Wanaka
Breakfast, Lunch
*Optional Helicopter Ride overlooking Wanaka: 270USD per person
Edgewater Wanaka, or similar, Wanaka
Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, venture to a local sheep station for an authentic glimpse into New Zealand farm life, complemented by a delicious locally sourced lunch. Later, journey to Te Anau on the shores of Lake Te Anau, renowned for its mesmerizing glowworm caves. Embark on a scenic cruise across the lake to reach the caves, where you'll explore on foot and by boat, marveling at the unique sight of luminescent glow worms.
This morning, venture to a local sheep station for an authentic glimpse into New Zealand farm life, complemented by a delicious locally sourced lunch. Later, journey to Te Anau on the shores of Lake Te Anau, renowned for its mesmerizing glowworm caves. Embark on a scenic cruise across the lake to reach the caves, where you'll explore on foot and by boat, marveling at the unique sight of luminescent glow worms.
Distinction Hotel & Villas, or similar, Te Anau
Breakfast, Lunch
Distinction Hotel & Villas, or similar, Te Anau
Breakfast, Lunch
Set out early to explore the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound, a remote gem in Fiordland National Park. The fiord is often shrouded in mist, adding to the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere. Doubtful Sound is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and various bird species. Traverse Lake Manapouri by boat and navigate the picturesque Wilmot Pass, known for its panoramas across New Zealand’s rugged landscape, before embarking on a wildlife-filled cruise. Return to Queenstown for a memorable farewell dinner.
Set out early to explore the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound, a remote gem in Fiordland National Park. The fiord is often shrouded in mist, adding to the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere. Doubtful Sound is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and various bird species. Traverse Lake Manapouri by boat and navigate the picturesque Wilmot Pass, known for its panoramas across New Zealand’s rugged landscape, before embarking on a wildlife-filled cruise. Return to Queenstown for a memorable farewell dinner.
Ramada Queenstown, or similar, Queenstown
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Ramada Queenstown, or similar, Queenstown
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Your journey through Middle Earth comes to a close today. Whether you're returning to the Shire or embarking on further quests in this wondrous land (check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to New Zealand for inspiration), may your travels be as epic as those of Frodo and the Fellowship. Haere rā, until next time.
Your journey through Middle Earth comes to a close today. Whether you're returning to the Shire or embarking on further quests in this wondrous land (check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to New Zealand for inspiration), may your travels be as epic as those of Frodo and the Fellowship. Haere rā, until next time.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Optional Helicopter Ride (Day 9): $270 USD per person
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Optional Helicopter Ride (Day 9): $270 USD per person
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $1390 USD per person
2025 departures: $1650 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Single supplement accommodations are not guaranteed on Day 2 and Day 5 of the trip and you may be paired with another guest of the same gender.
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $1390 USD per person
2025 departures: $1650 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Single supplement accommodations are not guaranteed on Day 2 and Day 5 of the trip and you may be paired with another guest of the same gender.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to six miles over the course of each day, spending time in nature, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to six miles over the course of each day, spending time in nature, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
You should plan to arrive by 6 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 12. Auckland Airport (AKL) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections to Auckland are offered by Air New Zealand, American Airlines & Emirates.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
You should plan to arrive by 6 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 12. Auckland Airport (AKL) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections to Auckland are offered by Air New Zealand, American Airlines & Emirates.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Send us a
Have a question for us about Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 646-961-4857
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Have a question for us about Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Sign up for our emails.
Have a question for us? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.