Head to Rotorua, stopping at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see a spectacular showcase of geothermal color and activity shaped over thousands of years.

Accommodation: Haka House (or similar)

A jam-packed day at New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural heartland. Try luging, zorbing, or white water rafting, or take in a cultural performance and hangi meal at Mitai Māori Village in the evening.

Accommodation: Haka House (or similar)

Continue to Taupo, the North Island’s adventure capital, stopping at Hobbiton along the way to experience the world-famous film set. See the thundering Huka Falls before a sunset beer beside Lake Taupo, with an optional evening sailing cruise.

Accommodation: Finlay Jacks (or similar)

Explore Lake Taupo by jet boat, sailing, or skydive, or spend the day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day walks in the world.

Accommodation: Finlay Jacks (or similar)

Head to Waitomo, known for its underground glowworm caves, with the option to crawl, abseil, or raft through the darkness. Finish the day with a beer on the beach in Raglan.

Accommodation: Raglan Backpackers (or similar)

Spend the morning exploring Raglan’s black sand beaches and rugged coastline, with time for a surf lesson, before heading back to Auckland to catch a flight to Christchurch and begin the South Island leg.

Accommodation: Lylo Christchurch (or similar)

The South Island leg kicks off with a drive to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Explore the local bike trails, relax in the lakeside hot springs, and stargaze under the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Accommodation: Lakes Edge Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)

Head to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. On arrival, settle into your accommodation for the next three nights, with skydiving, bungy jumping, canyoning, and ziplining all on offer.

Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

Cruise through UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, taking in towering waterfalls, ancient forests, and dramatic mountainscapes. Back in Queenstown, unwind with a beer, a night out, or New Zealand’s famous Fergburger.

Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

A free day to fill with bungy jumps, canyon swings, horse riding, a scenic skydive, mountain biking, luging, or a jet boat ride up the canyon.

Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

Break up the drive with a stop in picturesque Wanaka, then travel along rugged coastline past ancient rainforests, glaciers, and waterfalls over Haast Pass to Franz Josef, the gateway to glacier country.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Explore the glacier’s stunning formations by hiking, helicopter, or both. For something at a lower altitude, try quad biking, kayaking, or relaxing in a hot tub.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

After a stop in Hokitika, travel through Arthur’s Pass beneath the Southern Alps back to Christchurch, where the trip concludes in the mid-afternoon.