The New Zealand Trip
Nature • Adventure • Cultural
For the love of epic landscapes, Aotearoa's rich traditions, geothermal wonders, and golden beaches. Add scenic road trips, wine tastings, fjord cruises, and a fun-loving crew. That's our New Zealand trip.
Welcome to New Zealand!
11 Days / 10 Nights
Starting At $7,499
Up To 16
New Zealand (Aotearoa) is big, bold, and wildly diverse. Over 11 days, we’ll explore both the North and South Islands, from geothermal landscapes and Māori cultural experiences to rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and some of the most dramatic scenery on earth.
We’ll begin in Rotorua with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, natural hot springs, an immersive Māori experience, and a visit to the iconic Hobbiton movie set. You’ll also drift through glowworm caves beneath thousands of tiny lights. Then it’s south to Abel Tasman National Park for kayaking along golden beaches and turquoise water.
Next comes the South Island’s alpine heart, glacier-carved valleys, and cinematic Otago landscapes, before the grand finale: a cruise through the towering cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound.
Expect active days, extraordinary scenery, and a seamless way to experience New Zealand at its best.
Physical Activity
Nightlife
Foodie Trip
Cultural
Adventurous
Trip Pace
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
10 nights of accommodations in shared rooms (private upgrades available for an additional cost)
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Opportunity to explore both the North and the South islands of New Zealand
Welcome dinner in Auckland to meet your group and settle in
Orientation walk along Viaduct Harbour, Auckland’s lively waterfront and marina district
Māori cultural experience, including a haka performance and traditional hāngi dinner
Guided geothermal experience at Te Puia with geysers, mud pools, and kiwi conservation
Private tour of Hobbiton - one of the world’s most famous movie sets
Sea kayaking in calm, crystal blue waters and through hidden coves in Abel Tasman National Park
Picnic lunch on the beach in Abel Tasman
Scenic coastal drive through Kaikōura with a stop to see wild seals on the coast
Informal walking tour of Christchurch and its historic landmarks
Private Glowworm caves excursion, drifting by boat beneath thousands of lights
Winery lunch and tasting set against Otago’s dramatic landscapes
Overnight cruise through Milford Sound past towering cliffs and waterfalls
Free time in Queenstown for optional adventure activities
Farewell dinner overlooking Lake Wakatipu with mountain views
All on-trip transportation, including drives and internal flights between destinations
Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout to manage logistics and guide the experience
What's Not Included
Flights to and from New Zealand
Trip arrival and departure airport transfers
Visa* if applicable for your Passport
Meals not mentioned (budget around $400, depending on consumption habits)
Travel insurance
Incidental expenses
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
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10% off Today with Code: NZL2026LAUNCH
Limited private room upgrades are available at checkout for $1699. If no longer available, you can inquire after booking, and we may be able to secure one.
Standard payments include a $975 deposit + 3 installments. Extended payment plans are available upon request.
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Day by Day
Read through an outline of what’s in store for our New Zealand trip. This itinerary may be updated as needed.
Day 1 – Auckland
Kia Ora, New Zealand
Check into your hotel nestled in Old Havana and grab a drink with your travel crew.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a walking tour where you’ll get your first taste of architecture so significant it earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Continue on and give a mojito a go—the local favorite and Cuban national drink has been a staple on these lively shores for centuries.
That night, we’ll all head out together to grab some dinner and check out local live music in one of the neighborhood's trendiest spots.
Trip Notes
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our New Zealand Trip.
Arrive
Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL)
Auckland Airport is located about 21 km (13 miles) south of the city center. International travelers go through immigration and customs, which can take 30–60 minutes.
Taxis and ride-shares like Uber are available outside the terminal; they take roughly 30–40 minutes and cost about NZ$60–70. For budget-conscious travelers, public buses connect to Onehunga Station, where you can catch a train to the city center, though this option takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Depart
Fly out of Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Queenstown Airport is about 8 km (5 miles) from the town center. The airport has a single terminal for both domestic and international departures. Travelers should plan to arrive at least 1–1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2–3 hours before international flights.
From the hotel, the easiest way to reach the airport is via the hotel's private shuttle. Taxis and ride-shares are also widely available, taking about 15–20 minutes and costing roughly NZ$30–40.
Accessibility
This trip involves extended walking, uneven terrain, and activities like kayaking. Some locations, including the Milford Sound cruise and geothermal areas, may not be fully accessible. If you have mobility concerns or specific accessibility needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this itinerary is a good fit for you.
Dietary
New Zealand cuisine includes seafood, meat, and dairy. The country is very accommodating of dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are widely available. Let us know your preferences early, and consider packing a few reliable snacks.
Extreme Sports
Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, canyoning, and more. Popular activities book up quickly, especially during peak season, so we recommend researching options and booking in advance if there's something specific you want to try. Your trip leader can also help with recommendations and last-minute bookings once you arrive.
Hotels
You’ll stay in well-located hotels chosen for comfort and ease, with modern city stays balanced by scenic bases that immerse you in the landscape, plus an unforgettable overnight cruise. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped, with welcoming service and that warm Kiwi hospitality. It’s the perfect way to reset and recharge after big days exploring.
Itinerary Changes
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather conditions and traveler feedback. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a specific activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Long Drives
On this trip, you’ll cover a lot of ground, with several long drives. While the journeys can be lengthy, they’re incredibly scenic, and the destinations are absolutely worth it.
Packing Tips
New Zealand's weather changes quickly, especially between islands and mountains. Bring layers, a waterproof rain jacket (essential for Milford Sound and Rotorua), comfortable walking shoes, and a swimsuit for kayaking and thermal pools. If you're prone to motion sickness on boats or winding roads, pack tablets just in case.
Passport Requirements
American travelers will need a passport with at least one blank page and a validity date at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from New Zealand. We recommend having nine months of validity beyond your trip dates, just to be safe.
Private Room Upgrades
Private room upgrades are available for $1,699 and can be added at checkout. Availability is limited, so book early if you’d like your own space.
International Dateline
Most long-haul flights from the U.S. cross the International Date Line, meaning you'll usually arrive in New Zealand two days later than you departed.
Double-check your arrival date when booking to ensure you land on Day 1 of the trip. We recommend arriving at least one day early to adjust to the time difference and avoid jet lag during the first day of activities.
Weather
New Zealand's seasons are opposite the Northern Hemisphere.
The North Island averages 68–86°F (20–30°C) with generally warm, sunny days. The South Island is slightly cooler at 64–77°F (18–25°C), especially in alpine areas and at Milford Sound. Weather changes quickly in mountain and fjord regions, so pack layers and a waterproof rain jacket.
Let's Get Social
#ftlonewzealand in the wild
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
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Plan for approximately $300–$400 USD for 11 days. This covers additional meals, coffee, and occasional snacks.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
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New Zealand is very accommodating of dietary requirements, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options widely available. If you have strict dietary needs, we recommend bringing a few snacks just in case and letting us know in advance so we can help you navigate meals along the way.
What are the accommodations like?
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You'll stay in well-located hotels chosen for comfort and ease, with modern city stays balanced by scenic bases that immerse you in the landscape, plus an unforgettable overnight cruise. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped. It’s the perfect way to reset and recharge after big days exploring.
What should I pack for New Zealand?
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New Zealand's weather can change rapidly, especially when moving between islands and mountains. Bring layers, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho (especially for Milford Sound and Rotorua's geothermal areas), comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit (for kayaking or thermal pools), and motion sickness tablets if needed.
Any recommendations if I'd like to extend my time abroad?
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If you have other spots on your list within New Zealand, this is a great time to explore them before or after the trip. And if you want to make the most of being across the dateline, consider combining this trip with one FTLO Thailand, or FTLO Bali to keep the adventure going.
When’s the best time to go to New Zealand?
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New Zealand is best enjoyed from November through April, when warm, pleasant weather blankets both islands. The days are long, giving you plenty of sunlight to explore beaches, lush forests, mountains, and fjords. Outdoor activities are at their best, and the natural beauty is vibrant with spring blooms and summer greenery.
When should I arrive and depart, and how do I get to the hotel?
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Plan to arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) by 1:00 PM local time on Day 1. We recommend arriving at least one day early to combat jet lag.
Auckland Airport is about 21 km (13 miles) south of the city center. Taxis and ride-shares like Uber take roughly 30-40 minutes and cost about NZ$60-70. For budget-conscious travelers, public buses serve Onehunga Station, where you can catch a train to the city center (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
The trip concludes on Day 11 in Queenstown, and you're free to depart Queenstown Airport (ZQN) any time that day. The airport is about 8 km (5 miles) from town. The easiest way to get there is by using our hotel's private shuttle.
Taxis and ride-shares are also widely available. They take about 15–20 minutes and cost roughly NZ$30-40.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
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This is a fast-paced, action-packed journey through New Zealand that hits both the North and South Islands. With scenic drives, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities packed back-to-back, this trip is designed for those who want to see as much of New Zealand's natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and vibrant culture as possible in one epic trip.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
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You'll travel with a friendly group exploring New Zealand's best. From local cultural experiences and Hobbiton to kayaking Abel Tasman and cruising Milford Sound, expect dramatic landscapes, wine-country stops, and the kind of adventures that create lasting stories. It's fast-paced, nature-packed, and built for travelers ready to dive in together.
Do I need a visa?
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USA travelers must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before departure. Applications are submitted online or via the official mobile app and are usually approved within 72 hours. We recommend applying at least a week before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
Find Visa and Travel Requirements for every destination linked here.
What’s The Weather like in New Zealand?
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New Zealand's weather from November to April (late spring through summer and early autumn) is generally warm and sunny:
North Island: Summer temperatures range from 68–86°F (20–30°C). It can be humid in peak summer (January–February).
South Island: Slightly cooler, especially in alpine areas. Expect 64–77°F (18–25°C) in summer.
Milford Sound: Known for dramatic and changeable weather. Even in summer, temperatures can feel cool, especially on the water.
Common Questions about this trip
Trip Reviews
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our New Zealand Trip.
Interested in learning more about our New Zealand trip?
We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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