Day 1
Welcome to Auckland!
Welcome to New Zealand gals! It's been a long journey to get here, so drop your bags off at the hostel and relax! We're starting in Auckland, a city famous for its stunning natural beauty. You'll meet the other amazing girls that you’ll be travelling with later in the afternoon. Before then, start to explore the local area and get ready for the most magical 13 days to begin!
Day 2
We're going on an adventure...
This morning we are up bright and early, ready to head over to Waitomo, a small village famous for its underground cave system which are home to hundreds of thousands of glowworms. Honestly, gals, it’s like something out of a Disney film! The worms light up and make the cave shine. After this, we’ll head towards Hobbiton. Whether you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings or not, seeing this iconic movie set is a must-do when in New Zealand. Later on in the afternoon, we’ll move towards our next stop, Rotorua.
Day 3
Geothermal Park and Maori Culture
We're in for a treat with even more nature today! We can take things a little bit more chilled this morning and relax before heading out to today's first activity: The Redwoods. It's a beautiful Forest which is dedicated to fallen soldiers, and it is an amazing reflective place to wander around. After finding some inner peace, we're off to the geothermal wonder that is Kuirau Park. We'll explore this steaming and bubbling park crater lake and maybe even have a foot bath too. This evening, we're heading over to Mitai Maori Village for a cultural evening. We'll be immersed in Maori culture, watch a haka and even share a traditional hangi feast too!
Redwood Memorial Grove Track, Visit Kuirau Geothermal Park, Maori Cultural Evening
Day 4
Heading to Lake Taupo
This morning we have some free time to explore a bit more of Rotorua. Whether you fancy exploring more of Rotorua's geothermal sites or you want to hit up some of the local shops, this is your chance to do so! Our next location is Lake Taupō (the largest freshwater Lake in New Zealand.) We'll arrive at our accommodation mid-afternoon, and we're staying just one minute away from the lake. So grab your towels, girls, because this is our chance for a quick dip!
Bus from Rotorua to Taupo
Day 5
Otumuheke Stream and kayaking on Lake Taupo
This morning, we’re starting with the famous Huka waterfalls! Then we're heading over to the Otumuheke Stream to explore the Spa Thermal Park. Dip your toes in, have a swim, relax and soak in the amazing views! After a very zen day, we'll end it with a sunset kayak on Lake Taupo - what a dreamy, dreamy day!
Huka Falls, Spa Thermal Walk, Swim in Otumeheke Stream & Kayaking on Lake Taupo
Day 6
Auckland here we come
Today is a travel day, and we’re heading towards Auckland, ready to fly over to Christchurch in the morning! It's quite a long journey, so get your TimTams ready, and some Netflix downloaded! This is also your chance to go through all the photos you’ve taken so far - the perfect roadtrip admin!
Bus from Taupo to Auckland
Day 7
Touchdown in Christchurch!
Today we’re flying over to Christchurch! We'll arrive in Christchurch in the early afternoon. This "Garden City" is famous for its views, amazing green spaces, culture and its cute cafes too! We’ll have a wander around the botanical gardens before heading to a bar to catch the sunset over this amazing skyline!
Christchurch walking tour & Botanical Gardens visit
Day 8
Lake Tekapo magic
This morning we are travelling over to Lake Tekapo which is known for having one of the clearest night skies in the world and for, you guess it, its huge lake which is a huge 27 km long! Once we arrive in the early afternoon, we'll drop our bags off and start exploring. Whether you want to explore the township (which is only a 10-minute walk away) or you want to head straight into nature, the hostel has PLENTY of options. This evening, we will take a short walk up to the Church of Good Shepherd. This small stone church sits on the shores of Lake Tekapo and it's the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Get ready to pinch yourself - yes, this really is real life!
Bus from Christchurch to Tekapo
Day 9
Hooker Valley's 10/10 views
If you are anything like us and you love a walk with stunning views, then you'll LOVE today! Hooker Valley is an unmissable (and mostly flat) track through some of the most beautiful views in New Zealand. We'll be here for a few hours, so take your time and enjoy this peaceful walk. Then, after stretching our legs, we'll travel a couple of hours towards our cosy accommodation in Wanaka.
Minivan from Tekapo to Wanaka via Hooker Valley
Day 10
Lake Wanaka exploring
Girls, this morning we can have a chilled one. Wake up slowly and enjoy a free morning. We are perfectly located here in Wanaka. We are only a 2-minute walk away from Lake Wanaka beach, so if a morning swim is calling your name, then this is your chance. The backdrop to this beach is something out of a movie. Then we'll hop on two wheels, ready to explore as much of this epic lake as we can! Get your cameras ready cause we'll also be stopping by the famous Wanaka Tree. This curvy tree grows out of the crystal waters of Lake Wānaka, and it's seen locally as a symbol of hope. It's a beautiful sight!
See the famous Wanaka tree, bike ride around Wanaka
Day 11
Queenstown is calling
Today we'll meet mid-day to travel to Queenstown. Sat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this is one of the most famous spots in New Zealand! We'll arrive at our hostel in the early evening and luckily for us, we are located right by the heart of Queenstown, Searle Lane. Drop off your bags, freshen up and head out to try Queenstown’s famous food scene - we’d recommend Fergburger!
Bus from Wanaka to Queenstown
Day 12
Milford Sound Cruise
We’ve saved the best until last! Today, we are up early to head over towards Milford Sound. This is an incredible fjord that is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The perfect way to see as much as possible is on a day cruise, so we're jumping on board! We'll see epic cliffs, alpine peaks and misty waterfalls. Tonight, we will head back to Queenstown and get ready for our final night as a group. Get ready for a celebration of our adventures and the amazing friendships that have been made over the last 13 days.
Day 13
Chilled Checkout
Girls, it’s checkout day! Whether you are headed home or are off to explore more of Oceania, your amazing Gals Who Leader will be able to help you with transport and inspiration for your next steps. It's not goodbye, it's see you later!