Backpacking New Zealand
Backpacking New Zealand - 18 DAY New Zealand Tour

Day #1   
Arrive in New Zealand at Auckland International Airport. Upon arrival take the city bus or shuttle to your
accommodation in Auckland City at ‘X’ Base. Your afternoon is at leisure prior to joining your tour
group tomorrow morning.

Day #2
This morning your coach will depart Auckland and travel north along the Twin Coast Highway to the
Bay of Islands. As we travel north you will visit The Kauri Gum Museum. This houses a significant part
of New Zealand’s history and you really could stay here for hours.  After the museum we continue on to
meet the mighty Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.  Next we travel to the Bay of Islands, and
Waitangi.  Here we find the Treaty House and the symbolic home of the Treaty of Waitangi which was
officially signed here in 1840. Following your time at the Treaty House grounds, we travel to Paihia and
stay there for 2 nights at Paihia ‘X’ Base.  

Day #3
This morning options are plentiful; you may join our cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, go
Tandem parachuting, Para Sailing, Swim with the Dolphins.  Ask the driver who organizes options for
you or you may choose to take the ferry to visit the nearby township of Russell.

Day #4
This morning we travel back to Auckland, via Whangarei arriving in Auckland prior to lunch.  Following
lunch you will join your tour group and depart Auckland, traveling south to the Bay of Plenty.  On the
way you will travel through Waihi which is a mining settlement.  There you will view the Martha Mine
Museum and have a break.  Following this, we continue on to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.  You
will stay the night in Mount Maunganui and have the option of surfing, hiking, or just soaking in the
thermal swimming pools.  Rest in the cool night air whilst soaking in the warm thermal waters.   
Accommodation tonight at Harbour City Backpackers.

Day #5
This morning we will travel south to Rotorua and see the Rotorua sights. Options here include
Agrodome, Zorb, Shwebe, Jet Boating, Whitewater rafting and more.  Tonight you may even choose a
Maori Concert and Hangi.  Accommodation in Rotorua  for the next 2 nights is at ‘X’ Base Hot Rock
Backpackers

Day #6
Stay at Rotorua today.  For options today, see your driver.

Day #7
This morning we will travel south to Lake Taupo.  This is the largest town in the centre of the North
Island and is also the largest volcano in New Zealand.  Visit Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon and
the mighty Taupo Bungy Jump.  If you want some real fun, then wait till you see this bungee jump!  
Following Taupo we continue on to Wellington.  When we reach Wellington we will visit, Parliament
buildings, Te Papa National Museum and go up Mount Victoria for a view of Wellington and the South
Island.  Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at ‘X’ Base Wellington.

Day #8
Free day in Wellington.  For options today, see your driver.

Day #9
Following breakfast we will board the Inter-Islander Ferry for a crossing to Picton.  (weather
dependant).  Following lunch at Picton, we travel south again to the Christchurch via the Kaikoura
Coast which is famous for whale watching.  We will stop at Kaikoura for a break where you may take an
optional Whale Watching Scenic Flight.  Following this it is on to Christchurch for 2 nights and a well
earned rest staying at ‘X’ Base Christchurch.

Day #10
Have a talk to the driver about options available and he can help to arrange them for you.  Free day in
Christchurch.

Day #11
This morning we will travel west through the Southern Alps.  Lunch break at Greymouth.  From here we
travel south, down the rugged West Coast until we reach Franz Josef.  We will stay here for 2 nights at
Chateau Franz.  

Day #12
Free day at Franz Josef.  Enjoy the Alpine beauty, walk the Glacier, take in a scenic flight.  So many
options to do.  For options today, see your driver.

Day #13
Today it’s off to Queenstown.  This is New Zealand’s winter (and summer!) wonderland.  Spectacular
scenery from Coronet Peak.  Climb The Remarkables, cruise the lake on the TSS Earnslaw, Jet boat
rides, vineyards. 2 days here is not nearly enough. We are staying at ‘X’ Base Queenstown

Day #14
Free day at Queenstown.  Still time for a Bungee Jump!  Option day, see driver.  Late this afternoon we
transfer to Te Anau for 2 nights.  Accommodation at ‘YHA’ Te Anau.

Day #15
Following breakfast we travel to Milford Sounds for a morning cruise up the Fiord.  Following the cruise
we return to Te Anau.  This afternoon enjoy an optional tour through the Glow Worm Caves.  Tonight we
stay at Te Anau.

Day #16
This morning we travel to Dunedin.  Dunedin options include a visit to the Penguin Colony, the
Albatross Colony and Larnach Castle.  We’ll make time for the Speight’s brewery if you want.  
Accommodation at Dunedin Central Backpackers.
Day #17
Following breakfast it’s north to Christchurch via Moeraki Boulders.  Arrive in Christchurch and get
dropped of at ‘X’ Base Christchurch for your final night with us.
Tonight let your hair down and go for it.
Day #18
Morning free until you either continue on your own to another part of New Zealand or to catch your
transfer to Airport for your assigned flight.

TOUR ENDS
■ Free Airport transfers / ■ 17 nights / ■ Accommodation as shown / ■ Auckland City
■ The Kauri Museum / ■ Waipoua Kauri Forest / ■ Hokianga / ■ Beautiful Bay of Islands
■ Whangarei / ■ Mount Maunganui / ■ Rotorua / ■ Taupo / ■ Turangi / ■ Wellington
Interislander Ferry Crossing / ■ Christchurch / ■ Milford Sounds Cruise / ■ Dunedin
Daily Option
Packages available
from
Coach Driver  
 
Tour Includes
Coach Transport
Accommodation as shown
Milford Sounds Day Cruise
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

EXPERIENCE
NEW ZEALAND
BACKPACKERS

RETAIL
COACH TOUR PRICES
Dormitory accommodation;
per person

5 DAY    Bay of Islands Tour

Low Season          NZD$599

Shoulder Season NZD$649

High Season         NZD$699

8 DAY    North & South Tour

Low Season          NZD$999

Shoulder Season NZD$1049

High Season         NZD$1099

10 DAY   South Island Tour

Low Season         NZD$1299

Shoulder Season NZD$1349

High Season         NZD$1399

18 DAY  New Zealand Tour

Low Season          NZD$2199

Shoulder Season NZD$2249

High Season         NZD$2299
TOUR COMMENCEMENT DATES

All tour commencement dates
as shown are referring to the
departure date from Auckland,
travelling to the Bay of Islands.  
To confirm dates for tours
commencing from other
locations please enquire with
us.

ALL DEPARTURE DATES
 GUARANTEED

2008
OCTOBER       
SHOULDER SEASON
      13th

NOVEMBER
HIGH SEASON
      10th

2009
JANUARY   
HIGH SEASON
      19th

FEBRUARY
HIGH SEASON     
      16th

  MARCH
HIGH SEASON
     16th

    APRIL
SHOULDER SEASON        
     13th
ENTER ACCOMMODATION LOCATION
ITINERARY DOWNLOADS
Choose from our regular Coach Tours operating around New Zealand. We have
available three separate itineraries which can be purchased on their own or in
combination.  Alternatively, there is an 18 day tour which encompasses the best of New
Zealand. All tours are priced individually as well as the complete 18 day package.  All
prices as shown include Airport transfer upon arrival and for departure, Coach tour
transport with an experienced driver/guide, Accommodation as shown and activities as
specified, Special dinners as specified, Maori Concert as specified.  Activities and
options are available enroute.
Backpacking tours of New Zealand are available either as a 5 day Bay of Islands tour, 8
Day North to South tour, 10 Day South Island tour or a complete 18 Day New Zealand
tour.  Due to size restraints we have elected to display the 18 Day complete New
Zealand tour which encompasses all of the tours.  To view any of the separate tours
please download from the selection of itineraries on the left side.