Description
Embark on an epic journey across New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes with the Grand Traverse tour. This unforgettable adventure takes you through the heart of Aotearoa, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diverse experiences of both the North and South Islands. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and natural wonders, the Grand Traverse offers a seamless and immersive exploration of New Zealand’s highlights.
Your journey begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where you’ll dive into its vibrant culture and stunning harbors. From there, travel to Rotorua to witness its geothermal wonders and immerse yourself in Māori traditions. Explore the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, a must-see for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Crossing to the South Island, prepare to be amazed by the dramatic scenery of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments, Queenstown has it all. Continue to Fiordland National Park, where the awe-inspiring Milford Sound awaits with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The tour also includes visits to Christchurch, Kaikoura (famous for whale watching), and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully crafted itinerary, the Grand Traverse ensures you experience the very best of New Zealand. From volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to cultural treasures and pristine coastlines, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Departures
- Departs Auckland
- Finishes Queenstown
Highlights
- Try NZ’s most spectacular great walks. We offer plenty of walks on this tour but there are a few we’d highly recommend. In particular trying the World’s best one day walk, The Tongariro Crossing.
- Adventure activities for everyone. This tour offers a huge range of adventure activities to suit all tastes. A few favourites include sea kayaking, Hobbiton, Maori village, zipline canopy tour, luge, giant swing, skydive, bungy, whale watching, dolphin swimming, deep sea fishing, surfing and all the options of NZ’s adventure capital, Queenstown.
- Stay in amazing locations: With a department of conservation license we have access to beautiful sites by beaches, lakes, mountains and forests. A spacious, shared tent is included in the tour price or upgrade and have the tent to yourself.
- Experience beaches, mountains and lakes: New Zealand it totally unique for its vast diversity of landscapes – from towering snow capped mountains and turquoise lakes to golden beaches and bubbling geysers. On this tour you’ll get to experience them all with staggering landscapes everyday.
- Cycle rides for all levels: If you decide to hire a bike on this tour you’ll find an excellent range of rides to enjoy. From forest rides in Rotorua to wonderful coastlines stretches by the Pacific. You will fill your lungs with the freshest air and escape the crowds.
- Lord of the rings landscapes: You’ve seen the films, now walk in the landscapes. From Mount Doom to Hobbiton you’ll get up close and personal to these other worldly locations.
- Dolphin swimming
- Visit Milford Sound
- Cycle sections of the New Zealand Cycle trail
- Camp out by beaches & lakes
- Hike the amazing and Tongariro Crossing
- Dig your own hot pool
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover the wild, rugged beauty of the West Coast
- Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets
- Lots of great inclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Included in the tour price is shared tent accommodation, two people per tent. You can upgrade to your own tent for a small additional cost.
- Food: Most meals are included (see the detailed itinerary which outlines exactly what is included on a day-to-day basis). We can also cater for a broad range of dietary requirements.
- Cook Strait Ferry Crossing: Connecting the North and South Islands, this 3 hour journey through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds is an experience on its own, complete with stunning views.
Your Travel Itinerary
Pickup locations: 7:45am Outside Haka House, 5 Turner Street, Auckland CBD 8:00am Outside Nesuto Stadium Hotel, 40 Beach Road, Auckland CBD
Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! We’ll leave Auckland at 8am and drive south towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is a popular holiday spot for us Kiwi’s and it’s not hard to see why. With stunning white sandy beaches, dense fern forests and a rich history of both Maori and European settlement, the Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to start your trip!
We’ll arrive at our Hot Water Beach campsite, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Go for a walk along the beach once we’ve set up camp, and this evening we’ll enjoy our very first group dinner together.
Meals included: Dinner Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
Today you have a full free day to spend relaxing or exploring. We’ll head to Hahei Beach where you can go for a walk along the shoreline or take a boat or kayak to see the iconic Cathedral Cove. Later, we’ll head back to Hot Water Beach, so-named because there is a unique geothermal reservoir of hot water under the sand. At low tide, we’ll grab our shovels and head down to dig our very own hot pools in the sand – the cheapest spa day ever!
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Bike rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
This morning after breakfast, we’ll make our way down to the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula where we’ll stop at the historic Karangahake Gorge which offers great biking and hiking options through old mining relics. This stunning region combines the natural beauty of the area with some NZ history and is a must-see on the North Island. Afterwards we’ll continue on to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, adventure activities and cultural experiences. This evening we’ll set up camp and enjoy a group meal together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua Bike rides: Karangahake Gorge Optional Activities: Polynesian Spa, Te Puia
Today you have a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. There are heaps of optional activities in Rotorua and something for everyone. If you’re interested in adventure, we recommend the award winning Canopy Tours eco zipline tour, or go white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’d prefer to relax, opt for a healing soak at the Polynesian spa, or if you’d like to explore the natural geothermal features of the area, there’s plenty of walks where you can see the activity for free. This evening, we recommend heading to the incredible Te Puia where you’ll learn about Maori culture, experience the breathtaking Haka and feast on a traditional Hangi meal.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods Bike rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km) Optional Activities: Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting
We begin the day with a drive to visit Wai-o-Tapu bubbling mud, a unique experience not to be missed. Next we’ll stop at the mighty Huka Falls, an impressive waterfall found along the Waikato river. This is also our drop off point for those wanting to go skydiving! If you’re not going skydiving there’s a great bike ride to Spa Park along the river’s edge – be sure to stop off at the natural hot spring along the way or get an adrenaline buzz from the Taupo bungy which is conveniently located on your way into town. You’ll have some time in Taupo to grab some lunch and check out New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, before we make our way to Tongariro National Park, where we’ll be spending the night.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo
Bike rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park Optional Activities: Skydiving, bungy, giant swing
Voted one of the best day hikes in the world, today’s 19.4km walk takes in some of New Zealand’s most impressive and diverse landscapes. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike covers a small section of the country’s oldest national park and dual UNESCO world heritage area, the Tongariro National Park. On a fine day you’ll be able to see Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak which stands at a towering 2797 metres. You’ll also be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured in the Lord of the Rings movies as Mount Doom. If you’d prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we’ll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Bike rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing) Included Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (transfers only)
This morning we’ll drive down to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! We’ll arrive early, giving you most of the morning to explore. We recommend checking out the exhibits at the famous Te Papa Museum, getting to some Lord of the Rings locations on Mt Victoria or taking the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. The capital also boasts a thriving café culture, as Wellington is renowned for serving NZ’s best cup of coffee. Later on we’ll be travelling across the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and travels through the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds. The rolling green hills coupled with the deep blue waters make for a magical sight, especially on a clear day. If you can, make your way outside and try to spot dolphins playing in the sounds. Tonight, we’ll stay at a great campground in Picton.
Meals included: Breakfast Included Activities: Inter-Island ferry across the Cook Strait Optional Activities: Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car
This morning we’ll depart Picton and travel through the Marlborough region towards the coast where we’ll see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains in the distance. We’ll make a stop for lunch along this stretch of coastline and try to spot the native Fur Seals that often relax on the rocks in front of the ocean. When we arrive in Kaikoura, there are some great optional activities that all involve the ocean! Go whale watching, sea kayaking or fishing, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a great walk around the peninsula or you can hop on your bike and take in the views on two wheels. Our camp tonight is down at the beach and we’ll be preparing a fresh seafood meal, perfect for Kaikoura (unless of course you don’t eat seafood, in which case we’ll prepare something equally delicious for you).
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Kaikoura peninsula walk
Optional Activities: Whale watching by boat or by plane, deep sea fishing
This morning you’ll have the opportunity to take part in one of the most popular activities in New Zealand: swimming with dusky dolphins! It’s an early start but it’s a great way to begin your day and is the kind of once in a lifetime experience you won’t soon forget. For those of us who aren’t swimming, we’ll have a leisurely breakfast and the chance to explore Kaikoura before heading south to Christchurch. Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Still on the mend after two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, you can see evidence of rebuilding happening all over the city. With the chance to rebuild, comes new opportunities and Christchurch has seized the opportunity to become NZ’s coolest city, rivalling Wellington in terms of laneway bars and amazing eateries. We won’t overnight here, as campers we’re averse to big cities, so after we’ve welcomed some new travellers, we’ll continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Take an early walk around our coastal camp Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front Optional Activities: Dolphin swimming, dolphin viewing
Today you have a full free day to explore Lake Tekapo. Hike the Mt John Walkway for 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Basin flats and the surrounding lakes and mountains, go and see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, play some frisbee golf or just relax at the campsite. This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory – you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Mt John walkway, walk along the lakefront, Cowans Hill Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.
We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker Valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier – trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This afternoon we’ll travel back towards the Pacific coast. We’ll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley, explore the historic precinct Oamaru Bike rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride Optional Activities: Scenic flights, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Oamaru Penguin Colony Cabin upgrades: Yes – subject to availability
If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities. Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island’s second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island’s largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+) Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you’ll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+) Optional Activities: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)
Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries – a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).
Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km) Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers!
Meals included: Breakfast
Important info before travel
- Camera
- Hiking Clothes
- Smile
- Hostels: There are two nights where camping isn’t feasible and we stay in a hostel dorm room in Queenstown.
- End of Trip Transport Options: The Grand Traverse tour has you finishing in Queenstown where there are regular daily flights to Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland. There are also bus and shuttle services travelling daily from Queenstown to Christchurch.
Flying Kiwi Standard Terms and Conditions
Over the years we have carefully refined our tour processes to ensure a safe, stress-free New Zealand tour. Please take time to read our Standard Terms and Conditions to ensure you understand how our trips work. You will find information on our Future Tour Credit and Re-Scheduling tour details further down the page.
- Disruptions or variations to your tour while travelling: In respect of the flexible style of our product we cannot guarantee that any activity or amenity, especially those we have no direct control over and including those marked optional in our brochure will be available. Failure to participate in, or disputes over any such activity or amenity can in no way be held the responsibility of Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions Ltd. (Flying Kiwi). Inability to visit a location, partake in an event or continue the trip as outlined in our brochure because of an unforeseeable event, including but not exclusive to; natural disasters, terrorism, weather, road conditions or other inhibiting factors can in no way be held to be the responsibility of Flying Kiwi. We reserve the right to make changes to our itineraries, without notice if necessary.
- If for any reason it is necessary for us to cancel your booking prior to departure, of which a payment has been made, you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. If an alternative trip is chosen and is of lesser value you will be refunded the price difference, if alternative trip is of a higher value then payment of the price difference will be required prior to travel. Flying Kiwi is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the cancellation such flights or visa costs.
- Bookings through a third party: Please be aware that if you have booked through a third party like a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ to our own. Be sure to check their particular terms and conditions, including cancellation policy, as they will apply should your circumstances change.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Your insurance should provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability as well as any adventure activities not covered under a standard insurance policy. Flying Kiwi are not liable for any lack of insurance on your behalf. We recommend getting a travel insurance quote from World Nomads.
- Mental/physical condition: Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication. Flying Kiwi must be advised of any prior medical conditions at time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour whilst their mental/physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of Flying Kiwi, may render them incapable of safe conduct, or they become objectionable to other passengers, or a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Flying Kiwi will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour.
- Behaviour: Our staff are entitled to a safe working environment, and our passengers to a great experience. Any threats to safety, being physical or verbal, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the trip. If a Guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refunds will be given and the passenger in question will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point. Flying Kiwi can refuse to carry a person whose behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group. Any loss or damage to our equipment through your neglect must be covered by you. By travelling with Flying Kiwi, you agree to accept the authority of the Guides.
- Third party operator services: All optional activities offered during the tour are operated by independent companies and are an additional cost to the tour price (unless stated otherwise in itinerary). We carefully select well established, professional companies who assume all responsibility for their safety and satisfactory delivery. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to their own terms and conditions. For any excursion or activity that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator, however we will endeavour to seek a fair outcome for all parties on your behalf.
- Images and video: On occasion, Flying Kiwi conducts photo and video projects for the purposes of promoting its products and services. Passengers on these trips will be given the option to opt out of any such activities. Passengers are to advise their Guide should they wish to be excluded. If you do not opt out you are consenting to Flying Kiwi using the images taken whilst on your Flying Kiwi trip for advertising and promotional purposes worldwide, royalty-free in any medium.
- Personal Risk: Passengers accept that there are degrees of risk involved on tour activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling and ball games. There are options to be involved in swimming or water-based activities during your trip. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to determine if he or she is qualified and capable of participating in any water activity, and he or she chooses to participate at their own discretion.
- Activity or Accommodation Cancellations: If you choose to cancel a pre-booked activity or accommodation booking, along with any relevant cancellation fees payable there will be a credit card fee charge of 2.38%.
- Bus Rules & Campsite Etiquette: Smoking or the drinking of alcohol is not allowed on board the bus. Keep strong smelling fragrances until you are outside of the bus as these may have an adverse effect on other travellers. When at camp please be considerate to those around you and smoke away from the campsite. Please wear your seatbelts at all times when travelling.
Booking & Payment Options
Pay in full at the time of booking OR Confirm your seat with a $200 NZD deposit.
Full payment is required 31 days prior to departure. If the full payment is not received in the designated time frame, Flying Kiwi reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. When you pay by deposit, you have committed to paying the price advertised at the time of booking, regardless of any price changes or alternative promotions that become available.
*All tours are subject to minimum numbers.
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, or you do not show for your tour departure the following will apply:
a) If you cancel your tour booking 31 days or more before your confirmed departure date:
- If you’ve booked direct with us and made full payment, the cancellation is free of charge and you will be refunded in full (less any applicable credit card fees).
- If you’ve booked direct with us and paid the $200 deposit, you will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable $200 deposit.
- If you’ve booked with an agent, you will need to go back to your agent to find out their cancellation terms.
b) If you cancel your tour booking 30 days or less before your confirmed departure date:
- If you cancel or do not show up, 100% of the tour price (full payment) is non-refundable or transferable.
Cancellations should be made with your original booking agent who may charge an additional fee and/or have their own refund/credit policies.
Disputes
Should you wish to raise any issues regarding your trip, it is your responsibility to notify Flying Kiwi as soon as possible so that we have every reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue.
- If you are currently travelling: Advise your Driver or Guide of your concern immediately so that steps can be taken to address the matter. If you would prefer to contact Flying Kiwi directly.
- If you have finished travelling: You must email us within 28 days of the dispute in question. We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.
Accident Compensation Commission (ACC)
If you are injured whilst in New Zealand ACC may be able to help with the cost of treatment whilst you’re in New Zealand. However, it is important to note that you cannot sue for personal injury – ACC replaces that right. In addition, ACC only covers treatment/rehabilitation costs whilst in NZ and is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Website, brochures, and advertising
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the advertising, brochure and website information and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check the price and all other details of your chosen arrangements with us at the time of booking. The information and prices shown on our website and in our brochures may have changed by the time you come to book your arrangements.
