Grand Traverse
Travel north to south on a grand New Zealand adventure and see both islands in just over two weeks! Discover National Parks, UNESCO world heritage sites and the best views New Zealand has to offer.
The 16 Day Grand Traverse is the best way to experience both islands if you have limited time.
Launching from Auckland, this adventure tour travels through the best bits of Aotearoa/New Zealand, finishing in Queenstown.
What's Included:
- 15 Nights Accommodation: At our carefully selected campsites staying in a shared tent, two people per tent. Solo travelers will be paired with someone of the same gender. You can upgrade to your own tent if you prefer.
- 27 Meals Included: Tasty and healthy meals are part of the package. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know. We can cater to most but we need to know in advance.
- Use of sports equipment on board: Bodyboards, frisbees and more are supplied free of charge, for your enjoyment.
- Transport: In our purpose-built camping coach with bike racks, camping and cooking equipment so we can get off the beaten track.
- Hikes: There are heaps of free hikes included along the way, so you can see the best of NZ's natural beauty
- National Parks: Kiwis are a generous bunch - there are no costs to access our national parks!
- Wine Tasting in Marlborough: The Sauvignon Blanc wines of Marlborough are internationally recognized - tastings are on us in our specially arranged wine tasting experience.
- Cook Strait Ferry Crossing: Sit back and relax on the 3 hour scenic crossing between the North and South islands through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Keep your eyes peeled for whales & dolphins!
- Camp out by beaches & lakes
- Dig your own hot pool
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing
- Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast
- Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets
- Cycle NZ Cycle trails
- Hike the Hooker Valley
- Go Dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
- Cruise through the Milford Sound
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site
Pickup location: Mayoral Drive, at the Bus Stop opposite the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, 08:00am
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: Dinner
Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
Walks and Hikes: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking, Hahei Explorer
Available Upgrades: Yes
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: Breakfast
Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
Walks and Hikes: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking, Hahei Explorer
Available Upgrades: Yes
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: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Bike Rides: Karangahake Gorge
Walks and Hikes: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua
Optional Activities: Polynesian Spa
Available Upgrades: Yes
Departures from Auckland:
October 2025
16th & 30th
November 2025
13th & 27th
January 2026
15th & 29th
February 2026
12th & 26th
March 2026
12th & 26th
Tour Price: $5395
Bike Hire: $480 - Includes bicycle, helmet, repair kit and high visibility vest for the length of the tour.
Single Tent Upgrade: $320 - Travelling solo? Upgrade to your own private tent.
Sleeping Bag Hire: $85 - You can bring your own if you prefer.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars
