Budget NZ Encompassed From Auckland - 21 days

21 days
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Small Group Tour
BUDGET TOUR: This 21-day tour of New Zealand begins in Auckland for a week spent exploring the stunning landscapes of the North Island, from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to Lake Taupo and the beaches of Raglan. Then spend a fortnight taking in the wonders of the South Island from Christchurch. Spend three nights in the adventure capital of Queenstown, t...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Rotorua - Spend two nights in this land of geological and volcanic formations, with optional activities and the chance to visit Hobbiton
    • Lake Taupo - See the Huka Falls and enjoy scenic hiking around Lake Taupo, with plenty of possibilities for optional sailing
    • Waitomo - Explore the cavernous networks of caves and tunnels with optional excursions
    • Raglan - Unwind on the beach or catch some waves at one of New Zealand's top surfing destinations
    • Punakaiki - Admire the famous Pancake Rocks and enjoy free time to explore or embark on optional excursions
    • Abel Tasman National Park - Take an included day trip to Golden Bay and enjoy a free day for skydiving, canyoning or kayaking
    • Kaikoura - Spot whales and dolphins at the shoreline or on a boat trip and enjoy scenic cliff walks along the coast
    • Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and indulge in cycling, hiking and other optional activities
    • Queenstown - Stay for three nights in New Zealand's adventure capital, with endless possibilities and a day trip to Milford Sound
    • Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or a scenic helicopter flight

What's this trip about?

    BUDGET TOUR: This 21-day tour of New Zealand begins in Auckland for a week spent exploring the stunning landscapes of the North Island, from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to Lake Taupo and the beaches of Raglan. Then spend a fortnight taking in the wonders of the South Island from Christchurch. Spend three nights in the adventure capital of Queenstown, take a day trip to majestic Milford Sound, see the Franz Josef Glacier and explore Abel Tasman National Park, plus so much more. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 18

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • 20 breakfasts & 3 dinners
    • 20 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)
    • Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
    • Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
    • Domestic flight between Auckland and Christchurch
    • Hot Water Beach (tide dependent)
    • Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland entry in Rotorua
    • The Huka Falls Walking Loop
    • Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colonies
    • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole Walk
    • Abel Tasman National Park
    • Milford Sound day trip (cruise optional)
    • Wine tasting in Marlborough
    • Golden Bay day trip
    • Church Of The Good Shepherd
    • The Castle Rock walk
    • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Auckland

Auckland - Hahei. Today, we begin our journey from Auckland, with pick up at approximately 9:00 (See detailed information in the Trip Notes). After making several scenic stops on the picturesque drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, we arrive at the coastal town of Hahei...

Day : 2 Hahei

Coromandel - Rotorua. This morning, after breakfast, we say goodbye to the Coromandel and make our way to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand. On our journey, we'll stop at Hobbiton, where you can opt to explore the world-famous Lord of the Rings movie set. ...

Day : 3 Rotorua

Today is completely free for you to enjoy a day full of activities in and around Rotorua. Take a zip line tour, relax with a Polynesian spa, head out on a kayaking adventure or hike the stunning Mount Tarawera volcanic crater.

Day : 4 Rotorua

Rotorua - Taupo. After breakfast, we set off on the next leg of our journey, with our destination being Taupo, the adventure capital of the North Island. We’ll visit the impressive Huka Falls and explore trout-filled rivers before relaxing with a sunset beer by the st...

Day : 5 Taupo

You'll have the entire day to explore Lake Taupo and its surroundings, whether from the water's edge or from 15,000 feet above! The choice is yours. You can spend the day tackling the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating, sailing, exploring, or bungy jumping, Taupo offers e...

Day : 6 Taupo

Taupo - Waitomo - Raglan. We have an early start today and our journey leads to Waitomo, a town famous for its underground wonders. Explore the depths as you crawl, abseil, raft, and navigate tight passages through the dark caverns, illuminated by the soft glow of the...

Day : 7 Auckland

Raglan - Auckland - Christchurch. Rise early this morning if you are interested in a surf lesson at this renowned surf beach. After breakfast, we will begin our final journey back to our starting point, Auckland, departing at around 1 pm. Along the way, we’ll have ...

Day : 8 Christchurch

Christchurch - Punakaiki. Today after breakfast, we begin our South Island adventure. We'll traverse one of three stunning passes across the Southern Alps, heading toward the West Coast. Our route via the Lewis Pass will take us through untouched beech forests, alpine...

Day : 9 Punakaiki

This charming coastal village is the ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration. It's renowned for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from rock formations that resemble stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon visiting these geolo...

Day : 10 Punakaiki

Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Today after breakfast we travel along the untamed west coast, making stops for breathtaking lighthouse views and to observe seal colonies. Heading inland, journey through the picturesque Nelson Lakes on our way to Abel Tasman Nat...

Day : 11 Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Bay - Abel Tasman National Park. Today, we journey to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit, along with breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife. Prepare for an adventure as we explore the Ngarua Caves, followed by a wa...

Day : 12 Abel Tasman National Park

Today you have the flexibility to explore Abel Tasman in various ways: kayaking, sailing, hiking, canyoning, or even skydiving! For a more relaxing experience, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach and find out why we believe this National Park boasts some o...

Day : 13 Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park - Marlborough - Kaikoura. As we leave town, we head to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region. Driving through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, we'll make a quick stop in Picton before arriving at one of our favorite wineries. Here, you can ...

Day : 14 Kaikoura

Kaikoura - Christchurch. Spend the morning completing the rest of your bucket list, whether it's spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. Following a morning of adventure, we'll hit the road for our drive back to Christchurch. The rest of today...

Day : 15 Christchurch

Christchurch - Tekapo. We set off from Christchurch once more, this time heading south, to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. This is one of New Zealand's most picturesque destinations. You can start by exploring the local bike trails, then unwind in the lakeside hot springs and enjoy stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Day : 16 Tekapo

Tekapo - Queenstown. Today, we’re off to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure hub! Before we depart, you'll have some free time to squeeze in a few more activities or finish up any walks you may have missed yesterday. Once we arrive, we'll settle you into your accommod...

Day : 17 Queenstown

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown. We'll be starting early today, with a 7:00 departure for Milford Sound, often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Don't worry; breakfast will be provided on the vehicle. This journey features one of the most stunning driv...

Day : 18 Queenstown

Today is free for you to explore Queenstown and tick off some more thrilling activities. Your guide will leave breakfast in your kitchen, so feel free to help yourself, as everyone will start their day at different times. Known as the adrenaline capital of the worl...

Day : 19 Queenstown

Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque town of Wanaka for a brief stop. Next, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along a rugged coastline bordered by ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. We’ll traverse the scenic Haast Pass before arriving at Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.

Day : 20 Franz Josef

Prepare your crampons as you have a full free day to explore Franz Josef, one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see. You can discover the stunning ice formations shaped over thousands of years, with the option to hike, take a helicopter tour or do both! I...

Day : 21 Christchurch

Franz Josef - Christchurch. We depart from Franz Josef and make our way to Christchurch. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a quick stop in the beautiful town of Hokitika before experiencing a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped S...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,415
Price per day$163
Last Updated: 3/25/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
29 Mar 2025
18 Apr 2025
$5,415
05 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$5,415
12 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
$5,415
19 Apr 2025
09 May 2025
$5,415
10 May 2025
30 May 2025
$5,415
17 May 2025
06 Jun 2025
$5,415
07 Jun 2025
27 Jun 2025
$5,415
14 Jun 2025
04 Jul 2025
$5,415
05 Jul 2025
25 Jul 2025
$5,415
12 Jul 2025
01 Aug 2025
$5,415

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms. There is also a 'Twin' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
    • Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
    • Airport transfers

Accommodation

Hostel & Dorm rooms
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
No official maximum age but these tours are aimed at the 18-30s market. Accommodation is in mixed-sex dorm rooms of up to 8 in hostels. This is a budget, backpacker-type product. Older pax should be steered towards Pure Discoveries product or Wild Kiwi's premium tours.
Additional Information
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Trip ID
onthegotours-BONZBU

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