24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Auckland to Queenstown Youth Adventure

New Tour

17 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 to 45): Take in the highlights of New Zealand on this 17-day tour, travelling from Auckland on the North Island to Queenstown on the South Island. Explore the glowworm caves of Waitomo by boat and the Hobbiton film set, washed down with a beer in the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a Maori experience and visit the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal site in Rotorua. Sail on Lake Taupo, see Huka Falls and explore Wellington before flying south to Christchurch. Hike Mount John, cruise Milford Sound and enjoy a great mix of free time and included activities in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

17 days

Starts

Auckland

Ends

Queenstown

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 18

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

45

Departs

Year-round

Hotel Rating

Hostels

Countries

New Zealand

Physical Rating

Moderate

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
Adults (18+)
Per Person From

R 65,565.00

Deposit From
Final payment

R 10,000.00

R 121,130.00

Tour Highlights

Auckland - Begin your New Zealand adventure in New Zealand's largest city, with a welcome group dinner
Waitomo - Explore the famous glowworm caves on a boat cruise, where these tiny creatures will illuminate the way
Hobbiton - Visit the movie set from the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies and stop for a drink in the Green Dragon Inn
Rotorua - Discover the geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu, experience a Maori welcome and spend free time zorbing or joining other activities
Lake Taupo - Admire spectacular Huka Falls and enjoy a sail at dusk on the lake, home to some of New Zealand's finest scenery
Wellington - End your North Island sightseeing in New Zealand's capital, with a guided tour and free time
Christchurch - Start your South Island adventure in the largest city, with an included orientation sightseeing tour
Lake Tekapo - Relax beside this scenic lake, with free time to see the famous tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots
Mount John - Climb to the summit of the mountain on a 2-3 hour hike, with 360 degree views your reward
Wanaka - Kayak on Lake Wanaka, visit the iconic Wanaka Tree and enjoy a hike up Mount Iron
Milford Sound - Spot penguins and dolphins on an included cruise at one of New Zealand's most picturesque locations
Queenstown - Enjoy an included jet boat ride in New Zealand's adventure capital, with free time for bungee jumping, skydiving, or whatever else you fancy

Included

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
16 nights in mixed dorm accommodation in hostels
Escorted by a tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
All transportation in private vehicles, including buses & boats
1 economy class flight from Wellington - Christchurch
Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour
Hobbiton film set tour
Kerosene Creek hot springs
Visit to Wai-o-Tapu in Rotorua
Maori experience in Rotorua
Lake Taupo sailing
Huka Falls
Wellington orientation tour
Christchurch orientation tour
Visit to Lake Tekapo hot pools
Mount John hike
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 3 Dinners.
Mount Cook / Aoraki National Park
Queenstown orientation tour
Milford Sound cruise
Jet boating on Lake Wakatipu
Your carbon emissions - offset! (Our partner accurately measures the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport departure transfer
Optional activities
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Kia ora! Upon arriving in New Zealand's largest city, we'll take you directly to our hostel. You'll have ample time to unwind after your flight before gathering with the group and heading out for an exciting first night in the city together. We'll get together with the group for a welcome dinner at around 19:00, so you can get to know everyone before our adventure begins tomorrow.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Overnight: Auckland

Day 2 - Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua. Departing from Auckland, our first destination is Waitomo, renowned for its famous glowworm caves. We'll explore this extraordinary underground world by boat, taking in the glowworms that illuminate the darkness. Following this, we'll head to Hobbiton, the authentic movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After a guided tour through the magical village, we'll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to our accommodation in Rotorua.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Rotorua

First on today's itinerary is Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring perfect for a relaxing morning soak. Following that, we'll visit one of New Zealand's most spectacular geothermal sites - Wai-O-Tapu, which is renowned for its impressive geysers and bubbling mud pools. After our day of exploring, we head back to our hostel in Rotorua. Maybe we'll go for a drink or two tonight.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Dinner

Day 4 - Rotorua Free Time & Maori Village

This morning, take advantage of some free time to engage in thrilling activities such as zorbing or riding the skyline luge. In the evening, we'll visit the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture. We are spending a final night in Rotorua.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Rotorua to Taupo

Rotorua - Taupo. Prepare your cameras as we make our way to Taupo, a lakeside town located in the central part of the North Island. We have a special evening planned - a memorable sail across Lake Taupo. New Zealand is known for its spectacular scenery, and today promises some of the best. We're spending the night at a hostel back in town.

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Huka Falls & Taupo Free Time

This morning, we'll visit the spectacular Huka Falls, where you'll see icy, crystal clear water powerfully cascading down from the Waikato River. After experiencing this awe-inspiring natural wonder, you'll have some free time to choose an activity like skydiving or taking on the world's highest bungee jump!

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Taupo to Wellington

Taupo - Wellington. Today, we're heading to Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand! On arrival at our hostel, the rest of today is free for you to dive into the city's energetic atmosphere, taking in the sights, relaxing in its charming cafes or tucking into dinner at one of the top notch restaurants in town.

Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wellington Sightseeing

Start today with a guided city orientation tour to discover the highlights of New Zealand's capital. Enjoy a ride on the iconic cable car for breathtaking panoramic views, and then explore the intriguing history and vibrant culture at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, renowned as one of the world's leading museums. In the evening, we'll gather for a night out on the town to toast the end of our adventure.

Overnight: Wellington

Day 9 - Fly to Christchurch

Wellington - Christchurch. Say goodbye to the North Island today as we head to the airport for our included flights south to Christchurch. We'll transfer you to tonight's hostel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Please note: Some members of the group may be ending their tour in Wellington, and not continuing with us to the South Island. New travellers may join the tour on arrival in Christchurch.

Overnight: Christchurch

Day 10 - Christchurch Sightseeing & Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - Lake Tekapo. This morning we embark on a morning orientation tour of Christchurch, taking in the best of this quintessentially English city and the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. Later, we journey to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Tekapo and check in to our lakeside hostel.

Overnight: Tekapo

Day 11 - Mount John Hike

Today, we'll embark on a hike up Mt John, where we'll enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the Southern Alps. The hike should takes us around 2 - 3 hours. Later, we'll relax our tired muscles in some hot pools.

Overnight: Tekapo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook & Wanaka

Lake Tekapo - Wanaka. We'll embark on a picturesque drive through the Southern Alps on our way to Wanaka. In the afternoon, we'll hike the renowned Hooker Valley Track, winding through the valley to offer breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand. We're spending the night in a cozy hostel in Wanaka, and tonight is free to head out for a drink or two.

Overnight: Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Exploring Wanaka

Today, we will explore the highlights of Wanaka. Our activities include kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka and visiting the iconic Wanaka Tree. Later, we'll hike up Mount Iron to enjoy breathtaking views of the local area, including the Pisa Range, Upper Clutha Basin, and the captivating Southern Alps.

Overnight: Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Wanaka to Queenstown

Wanaka - Queenstown. Today we’re heading to the beautiful city of Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. We'll have a quick orientation walk and then you're free to start checking some activities off your bucket list. Skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, and zip-lining are just some of the options at your fingertips.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Milford Sound

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Today, we're heading to one of the most scenic destinations in all of New Zealand - Milford Sound. On arrival, we embark on a boat cruise through the fjord, where we'll be dwarfed by towering cliffs, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, or, more rarely, whales. After our cruise, we head back to Queenstown for the evening.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16 - Queenstown Jet Boating

We're spending another day in Queenstown, and it begins with an included jet boat ride, speeding through canyons at speeds of over 80 km/h. Our skilled driver will perform 360-degree spins and other tricks to keep us entertained and on our toes. Back on dry land, we gather this evening for a farewell dinner. We can enjoy a last night out on the town, to see what this backpacker hub is all about after dark!

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17 - Queenstown

Our tour comes to an end today. You can depart this morning, making your own way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Auckland

Shared

R 745per passenger

Double

R 2,045per passenger

Twin

R 2,045per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Queenstown

Shared

R 745per passenger

Double

R 2,045per passenger

Twin

R 2,045per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Haka House Auckland City
Auckland

Haka House Auckland City is a stylish and modern hostel offering a comfortable stay in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city. Designed for social and budget-conscious travellers, it features a mix of private rooms and dormitories, all with secure storage, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary decor. Guests can relax in the communal lounge, cook in the fully equipped kitchen, or explore the vibrant city right outside their door. Conveniently located near Sky Tower, bustling Karangahape Road, and the waterfront, Haka House Auckland City is the perfect base for discovering Auckland’s culture, nightlife, and iconic attractions.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Rotorua
Rotorua

Haka House Rotorua offers affordable dormitory accommodation, ideal for budget group tours. The mixed dorms are modern and comfortable, with shared bathrooms and individual storage lockers for convenience. Guests can unwind in the spacious communal areas, including a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy lounge with Netflix and gaming consoles. Located in the heart of Rotorua, the hostel is within walking distance of major attractions like the Polynesian Spa, Government Gardens, and Rotorua Lake. Haka House also offers private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, and laundry facilities, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The central location makes it easy to explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Finlay Jack's Backpackers
Taupo

Finlay Jack's Backpackers in Taupo offers mixed dorm accommodation in a relaxed and social setting. The dorms are clean and comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities, individual power outlets, and storage lockers for each guest. The hostel features a fully equipped kitchen, a communal lounge with Netflix, and an outdoor area, perfect for mingling with fellow travelers. Located just a short walk from Taupo town centre, the hostel is close to shops, cafes, and the stunning Lake Taupo waterfront. Free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and a tour desk are available to help guests make the most of their stay, whether exploring local geothermal parks, taking a dip in nearby hot springs, or venturing out on the Tongariro Crossing.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Wellington
Wellington

Haka House Wellington is a stylish and social hostel located in the heart of New Zealand’s capital. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, it offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories, all featuring comfortable beds, secure storage, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the cozy lounge, prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, or explore the city’s vibrant cafes, bars, and cultural landmarks just steps away. Situated near Courtenay Place and Te Papa Museum, Haka House Wellington provides a welcoming and convenient base for experiencing the best of the city’s arts, history, and nightlife.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Christchurch
Christchurch

Haka House Christchurch is a stylish and social hostel offering modern comforts in the heart of the city. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, it features dormitories & private rooms equipped with comfortable beds, secure storage, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the communal kitchen, cozy lounge areas, and an inviting outdoor space with BBQ area, perfect for relaxing and connecting with fellow travellers. Conveniently located near Christchurch’s top attractions, including the Botanic Gardens and Riverside Market, Haka House provides a welcoming base for exploring the city while enjoying a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Lake Tekapo
Tekapo

Haka House Lake Tekapo is a modern and cozy hostel offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, it features a mix of private rooms and shared dormitories, all designed for comfort with secure storage and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the stylish communal lounge, prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, or unwind on the outdoor terrace while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Located close to the lakefront, hiking trails, and the famous Tekapo hot pools, Haka House provides a warm and social base for exploring this beautiful region of New Zealand.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Wanaka
Wanaka

Haka House Wanaka is a modern and welcoming hostel, perfect for travellers looking to explore the stunning landscapes of Wanaka. Offering a range of private rooms and shared dormitories, the hostel provides comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, secure storage, and stylish communal spaces. Guests can relax in the cozy lounge, prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, or enjoy the outdoor area with scenic mountain views. Located just a short walk from Lake Wanaka, local cafés, and hiking trails, Haka House Wanaka is an excellent base for adventure seekers and nature lovers wanting to experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Nomads Hostel
Queenstown

Nomads Queenstown is a vibrant and social hostel located in the heart of the adventure capital of New Zealand. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, it offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories, many with en-suite bathrooms and balconies. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi in communal areas, a spacious lounge with a fireplace, a shared kitchen, a cinema, and a sauna for relaxation. The hostel’s prime location places it just steps from Lake Wakatipu, lively bars, restaurants, and top activities like bungee jumping and skiing. With its friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities, Nomads Queenstown is a great base for exploring the city. The central location means it can get noisy at weekends, ear plugs are available from reception if required.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with other travellers. Please note that if paying the 'Shared' price, your accommodation will be in a multi-person dorm rooms.

2025
Single
Shared
28 Feb - 16 Mar
R 94,385
R 65,565
5 Mar - 21 Mar
R 94,385
R 65,565
9 Mar - 25 Mar
R 94,385
R 65,565
24 Mar - 9 Apr
R 94,385
R 65,565
30 Mar - 15 Apr
R 94,385
R 65,565
3 Apr - 19 Apr
R 94,385
R 65,565
14 Apr - 30 Apr
R 94,385
R 65,565
18 Apr - 4 May
R 94,385
R 65,565
2026
Single
Shared
5 Jan - 21 Jan
R 94,385
R 65,565
8 Jan - 24 Jan
R 94,385
R 65,565
11 Jan - 27 Jan
R 94,385
R 65,565
14 Jan - 30 Jan
R 94,385
R 65,565
17 Jan - 2 Feb
R 94,385
R 65,565
23 Jan - 8 Feb
R 94,385
R 65,565
26 Jan - 11 Feb
R 94,385
R 65,565
4 Feb - 20 Feb
R 94,385
R 65,565

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in New Zealand to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 286 reviews