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Auckland to Christchurch: Tui Tour

The 20 Day Tui Adventure tour shows you the best of New Zealand in under 3 weeks. Travel from Auckland through to Christchurch on our small group tour, meeting the friendly locals and ticking off those bucket list highlights as you go. Our fully guided Adventure tours include some meals and activities but we leave plenty of room for optional extras so you can make the adventure your own!

Confirm your place now with only a $200 deposit and pay the rest in flexi instalments. Find out more here.


Book with confidence

✔️ Money-back guarantee: full refund if the tour doesn't go ahead.

✔️ Flexibility: no fee to make changes.

Tour Highlights:



What's included:

23 24 Accommodation AAccommodation

19 nights dorm share accommodation is all included. You'll stay in quality comfy hostels and unique locations from scenic lodges close to waterfront to alpine chalets next to a national park!


23 24 Activity AActivities

During the tour, you will experience the fantastic NZ by joining activities in both islands.

    • Rangitoto Island visit and return ferries
    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
    • Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
    • Whitewater rafting in the Tongariro River
    • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
    • Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
    • Trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • Day trip and Cruise to the Milford Sound
    • Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

23 24 Meal AMeals

19 breakfasts are included on your tour. We've also included other meals here and there, be sure to check your itinerary for details. 


23 24 Transport APrivate Coach Transport

Take the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. You'll travel by private, air-conditioned bus.


23 24 Group ASmall Group Tour

We are fun and multi-cultural small group tours with a maximum of 24 passengers plus a driver guide per bus. Most travellers on our Adventure Tour are aged between 18-40 although we have no maximum age because we believe age doesn't matter - it's all about attitude!


23 24 Guide ATour Guide

Expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide. They know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search!


Next Available Tour Dates: 

2025

  • 14 January 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 28 January 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 4, 11 & 25 February 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 11 & 25 March 2025 - GUARANTEED
  • 8 April 2025
  • 13 May 2025
  • 10 June 2025
  • 8 July 2025
  • 12 August 2025
  • 9 & 23 September 2025

What’s Included:

  • Experienced tour guide
  • Private coach transport
  • 20 days of once in a lifetime experience
  • 19 nights’ accommodation (dorm-style)
  • 19 x Breakfasts, 2 x Lunches, 2 x Dinners
  • Inter-island ferry
  • Rangitoto Island visit and return ferries
  • Karangahake Gorge visit
  • Hot Water Beach
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Geysers and boiling mud pools
  • Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
  • Huka Falls
  • Tongariro River Rafting
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Visit Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum of New Zealand
  • Abel Tasman National Park tracks and water taxi
  • Trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Day trip and Cruise to the Milford Sound
  • Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

Auckland to Christchurch: Tui Tour

$5,935

Book Your Travel

Itinerary

Auckland Arrival Information

Check in at Haka House Auckland City (5 Turner Street, Auckland CBD) between 2pm & 6pm (recommended) on the arrival day.

Then, meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour and a welcome drink.

Arrival Auckland

Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city, we recommend starting at the waterfront which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour and a complimentary welcome drink before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).

Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City

Free activities: Walk the waterfront

Included activities: Welcome drink

Auckland has one of the best harbours in the world and it’s known locally as the “City of Sails”. Today you’ll get to experience Auckland from the water as we head out to Rangitoto Island for the day. This dormant volcano which is 1 of 44 in the region sits just out from the city in the Waitemata harbour, the views are simply stunning from the city scape and out to the gulf and surrounding islands. It’s the perfect way to get you in the groove with this amazing country and clear your head to get you ready for the amazing experience over the next 23 days of non-stop adventure!

Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activity: Water taxi to Rangitoto Island, hike a volcano

Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury?

Accommodation: Hahei Holiday Resort

Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies en-route - Self-cater or join the optional group BBQ dinner

Optional paid activities: Kayaking or Hahei Explorer

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach

Rise and shine for an early start this morning as you walk to Hahei Beach to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Before we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options!

Accommodation: Haka House Rotorua

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Included activity: Hobbiton

Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk

This morning, we’ll head to Kuirau Park where we’ll see some geothermal activity, boiling mud pools and steaming lakes!

After hanging out in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably feel ready to experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. Today we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about their Maori tribal heritage and their local community. You'll see sacred Maori rock carvings, play traditional stick games and watch the preparation of a ground cooked 'hangi', before tasting it for yourself! Prepare your tastebuds - this will probably be the best meal you eat in New Zealand, or maybe even in your lifetime!

Exclusive experience includes:

  • 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
  • Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
  • Continental breakfast
  • Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
  • Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges

Accommodation: Kohutapu Lodge

Included activity: Learn the Haka, Maori flax weaving

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, traditional hangi dinner and dessert included

Free activities: Maori rock carvings, volleyball, Maori cultural games

Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Haka House Taupo

Optional paid activities: Skydiving or bungy in Taupo

Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo

This morning we’ll head to the iconic Tongariro National Park for an adventurous couple of days. On arrival at the park, we’ll receive a safety briefing for our whitewater rafting trip along the Tongariro River - the perfect way to kick off our Tongariro experience! Along the 13-km stretch of river, we’ll navigate grade-3 rapids (perfect for first time rafters) which will get the adrenaline pumping, but we’ll also have time to admire the incredible native bush, pine forests and volcanic cliffs along the way, as well as some native NZ wildlife such as the elusive Whio, our endangered blue ducks, who love to nest along the river. Afterwards, we’ll head back to base to dry off and check out some of the amazing photos of us all on the rapids before making our way to our accommodation for some well-earned rest!

Accommodation: Alpine Chalets

Included activity: Whitewater rafting in the Tongariro River 

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch

Limber up! Today you get the chance to tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered one of the world’s top one-day walks, this 19 km hike takes you across a rocky plateau with dramatic volcanic peaks, craters and turquoise lakes that you (and your Instagram feed) will remember for a lifetime. The Crossing is open to walk year-round (alpine gear and guide are required in winter), but it is subject to the weather conditions. If the weather prevents you from doing the Crossing, there are other awesome short-walks in the area. Tonight, unwind after a big day in your chalet.

Accommodation: Alpine Chalets

Meal options: Pack a lunch & plenty of snacks and water.

Included activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing transfers

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool)

Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.

Accommodation: Haka House Wellington

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum, Gumboot (welly) throwing

Today we’ll catch an early Ferry across the Cook Strait and through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck to witness some incredible scenes and spot some wildlife. From there we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region to Marahau, our accommodation is situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park - perfect for exploring arguably the best National Park in NZ.

Accommodation: The Barn Marahau

Optional paid activities: Wine tasting ($15pp)

Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Stargazing

Included activity: Ferry Crossing to the South Island

Count yourself lucky because you have a full day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park today. From our accommodation we’ll be picked up and taken by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra’s Pools, moss lined fresh water pools with a natural water slide and then, we’ll walk approximately 4 hours back to our accommodation, stopping along the way to take amazing photos and swim in the secluded bays.

Accommodation: The Barn Marahau

Optional paid activities: Kayaking, skydiving, canyoning - (PM)

Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs

Included activity: Water taxi into Anchorage Bay

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools

Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much phone reception but you are NOT going to need it – we dare you to peel your eyes away from the window for even just a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner together at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Free activities: Buller Gorge, Pancake Rocks and blowholes, Hokitika

Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat

Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Glacier hike, bush tracks, soak in the spa

It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops. First up is the amazing Lake Matheson, known as the mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea and into Queenstown. Once settled, put on your dancing shoes and head out to explore this lakeside resort, there are over 100 clubs and bars to choose from in Queenstown!

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 2 full days in the adventure capital. With an awesome night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…)

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak

Today you’ll hop aboard the Coach and we’ll take you to the stunning and world famous Milford Sound. After a super scenic drive, you’ll board the boat and cruise across the Sound. Look out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and (if it’s been raining) thundering waterfalls. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot lots of amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown where you can check out some one of the many restaurants Queenstown has to offer - or try the famous Fergburger!

Accommodation: Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Included activity: Day trip to Milford Sound

It’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo this morning where we’ll see an electric blue lake framed by the Southern alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church right on the edge of the lake for some awesome photo opportunities. In the afternoon, take a hike up to the Mount John Observatory to see the incredible views, or if you'd rather just have a ‘self-care’ afternoon, then the Tekapo Hot Springs are the perfect place to relax. 

Tonight, we’ll head to the team at Dark Sky for their Crater Experience where you’ll have the chance to stargaze at one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

Accommodation: Haka House Lake Tekapo

Optional paid activities: Tekapo Hot Springs, Ice Skating (winter only), Snow tubing (winter only)

Meal options: Self catering in the hostel kitchen or local bars and restaurants

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Included activity: Dark Sky Crater Experience

Free activities: Mount John Observatory Hike, Church of the Good Shepherd, stargazing

Our next stop is Christchurch, a super cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and cool laneway bars! Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets to discover creative street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram and see the sights!

Accommodation: Bealey Quarter

Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Free activities: Explore Christchurch by foot, check out the new Riverside Market, Botanic Gardens

Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future!

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Auckland to Christchurch: Tui Tour

$5,935

Book Your Travel

Accommodation

You'll stay in quality comfy hostel or backpacker standard accommodation including high country farm, scenic lodges close to waterfront or national park in our unique destinations.

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