Today your New Zealand Highlights Tour starts in Auckland with a City Orientation Tour, followed by a welcome lunch together. You will discover the most important sights and hotspots of New Zealand's largest and liveliest city. You will also meet your new travel partners today and get a taste of what awaits you over the next three weeks!

You go on a guided day trip to the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches and hot springs. You'll visit Cathedral Cove - one of New Zealand's most iconic photo spots, famous for its perfect rock arch over the sea. In the evening, you'll reach Hot Water Beach, a natural geothermal hotspot where you can dig your own spa right in the sand. Simply dig a hole that fills up with hot water - and enjoy the sunset.

From Auckland, head to the Shire for your guided Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. This award-winning attraction was made world famous by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. You'll see all the highlights - from charming Hobbit caves to exciting backstories - and get a drink at the legendary Green Dragon Inn. Lunch is included! In the evening, you continue your journey towards Rotorua.

Rotorua is the centre of the Māori culture and is known for its geothermal activities. Here you can experience both up close. During a traditional Māori village visit with a feast, you will learn about culture and cuisine - Te Pā Tū combines both in an impressive way. You will also receive a day ticket for the famous Hell's Gate Geothermal Mud Spa, where „the earth meets the sky“. In your free time, you can embark on an adventure - such as white water rafting over the highest commercially navigable waterfall in the world (optional, surcharge).

Your next stop is Taupo - home to the largest river in Australasia! Lake Taupo is almost as big as Singapore and leads to Huka Falls, the most powerful waterfall in New Zealand. You board a private catamaran in the afternoon and experience the lake up close. You can swim, watch the sunset and sail past the famous Māori rock carvings.

After a few eventful days, you will get a first impression of the lively capital of New Zealand, Wellington, before continuing your journey to the South Island. On your free evening, you can enjoy the city's diverse art and night scene before making the early morning crossing to the South Island. Together with your group, you will board the Interislander ferry. You will then travel on to Kaikōura - New Zealand's whale watching capital. There you will experience this absolute bucket list highlight on an included whale watching tour. Afterwards, you can end the day relaxing with classic fish ’n’ chips in this small, beautiful coastal town.

After a night enjoying the relaxed and cultural atmosphere of Christchurch, you will travel on to beautiful Lake Tekapo, where a two-day stay awaits you. The lake is considered THE best place in the southern hemisphere for stargazing. If the weather is favourable, you and your group can look forward to a night you'll never forget. During the day, you can visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd or relax in the Tekapo Hot Springs. Your hostel is located right on the lakeshore, giving you a box seat overlooking the icy blue waters of Lake Tekapo.

Today you leave Lake Tekapo behind you and continue travelling south to Queenstown. On the way, you will make a stop at the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook. On a guided half-day excursion, you will enjoy the impressive landscape of the Southern Alps and explore the surroundings at the foot of the mountain together with your group. If you wish, you can upgrade your experience with an optional Alpine Scenic Flight. You will then continue your journey to New Zealand's adventure capital: Queenstown!

Spend four epic days in the backpacker and adrenaline capital of New Zealand - Queenstown! After checking into your cosy ski lodge-style hostel, you can jump straight into Queenstown's legendary nightlife and join in the party at a local bar crawl. Over the next few days, you can repeat the whole thing and add some unique experiences to your bucket list. For example, take the plunge on a 15,000 ft skydive or challenge yourself on the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy - the highest bungee jump in the southern hemisphere. A day trip to Milford Sound also awaits you: an unforgettable boat trip through the „eighth wonder of the world“, past impressive landscapes, huge waterfalls and spectacular mountains.

Today your New Zealand Highlights Adventure comes to an end and it's time to say goodbye - to your new friends and to this incredible country.