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New Zealand wildlife & nature

Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands

From $8,620 USD
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Overview

Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands

Continent

Oceania

Days

12 days

Nights

11 nights

Group Size

12 people

Activity

Moderate

Interest

Wildlife & Nature

Highlights

  • Visit Ngati Manama’s tribal lands with a local tribe and experience a traditional Hangi dinner and Haka ceremony.
  • Enjoy an after-dark kiwi-spotting walk on Kapiti Island, where only a few dozen people are allowed each day.
  • Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a stunning ecosystem that has slowly regenerated after near-total devastation. 
  • Catch the Tranzalpine train for an epic scenic ride to Greymouth.
  • Get a first-hand view into the life of a New Zealand sheep farmer.
  • Explore a hidden bioluminescent glow worm grotto by kayak without crowds.
  • Discover the pristine wilderness of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park.
New Zealand 12 days 11 nights

Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori culture.

Day 1

Welcome to New Zealand!

Auckland
Auckland

Day 2

Māori Tribes & Geothermal Wonders

Redwood forest in Rotorua
Redwood forest in Rotorua

Day 3

Volcano, Hot Springs & Thunderous Falls

Lake Rotomanhana, River Valley
Lake Rotomanhana, River Valley

Day 4

Biking the Laughing Moa Trail

Laughing Moa Cycling Trail, River Valley
Laughing Moa Cycling Trail, River Valley

Day 5

Kapiti Island Kiwis

Kaka parrot, Kapiti Island
Kaka parrot, Kapiti Island

Day 6

Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch cable car, Christchurch
Christchurch cable car, Christchurch

Day 7

Scenic Train Ride & West Coast Discovery

Tranzalpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Tranzalpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth

Day 8

Lakes, Rivers & Rainforests

Lake Moreaki
Lake Moreaki

Day 9

The Blue Pools and Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka
  • Special note

Day 10

Sheep & Glowworms

Glow worm Caves, Te Anau
Glow worm Caves, Te Anau

Day 11

Fiordland National Park

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland National Park
Doubtful Sound, Fiordland National Park

Day 12

Haere Ra!

What is included?


What is not included?


Upcoming departures

4 available dates
  • Jan 19 - Jan 30, 2025
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  • Mar 15 - Mar 26, 2025
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  • Nov 8 - Nov 19, 2025
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  • Dec 7 - Dec 18, 2025
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Additional info

Pricing & Trip Deposit

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

 

Traveling Solo?

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. 

Activity Level

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.

Arrival & Departure

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. 

Have more questions?

Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.

Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out

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