Say goodbye to the Coromandel and head to Rotorua. Along the way, stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s most colorful and distinctive geothermal features, shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity.

Included Accommodation: Haka House (or similar)

A full day in Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural heartland. Try luging, zorbing, white-water rafting, or a cultural performance, or simply take in the geothermal landscape at your own pace. In the evening, there’s the option to visit Mitai Māori Village for a hāngī dinner and a closer look at Māori culture and tradition.

Included Accommodation: Haka House (or similar)

Head to Taupō, the adventure capital of the North Island. Stop at Hobbiton on the way to explore the real-life Lord of the Rings movie set. Continue on to see the thundering Huka Falls and its trout-filled rivers.

Included Accommodation: Finlay Jacks (or similar)

A free day to explore Lake Taupō however you like. Jet boating, sailing, or a skydive from 15,000 feet are all on offer. For those keen to hike, this is also the day to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day walks in the world.

Included Accommodation: Finlay Jacks (or similar)

Continue to Waitomo, a town better known for what lies beneath it. Explore the area’s glowworm caves by boat, or add on an abseiling and rafting adventure through the underground caverns. Afterward, continue to the laid-back surf town of Raglan for a well-earned beer on the beach.

Included Accommodation: Raglan Backpackers (or similar)

Raglan is New Zealand’s classic laid-back surf town, home to one of the world’s longest left-hand breaks. Spend the morning exploring the rugged coastline and black sand beach. Try your hand at surfing if the swell is right. In the afternoon, head back to Auckland to catch your included domestic flight to Christchurch, where the South Island half of your journey begins.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Christchurch (or similar)

Drive one of three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to the West Coast. The Lewis Pass takes you through unmodified beech forest and alpine wetlands, with stops along the way to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

Included Accommodation: Punakaiki Beachcamp (or similar)

Punakaiki is best known for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from stacked limestone formations. Spend the day exploring lush coastal forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, and a dramatic stretch of coastline.

Included Accommodation: Punakaiki Beachcamp (or similar)

Drive the wild West Coast, with stops at lighthouse viewpoints and seal colonies. Head inland through the scenic Nelson Lakes toward Abel Tasman, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

Golden Bay is home to New Zealand’s longest sandspit, along with striking beaches and wildlife. Explore the Ngārua Caves, then walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the clearest water in the world. From there, follow the track to Wharariki Beach at the South Island’s northernmost point.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

A free day to relax on the beach or explore the raw natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Hike a section of the coastal track, or grab a kayak and spend the day paddling the coastline. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like tui and tuatara.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

Head to the famed Marlborough wine region for a taste of world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc among the vines. Continue on to Kaikōura, known for its dramatic, rugged cliffs and marine wildlife, including whale watching and dolphin swimming.

Included Accommodation: Dusky Lodge (or similar)

Spend the morning ticking off the last of your West Coast bucket list. Spot seals, search for whales, or swim with dolphins. Then head back to Christchurch, where the afternoon is free to explore the city’s funky neighborhoods.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Christchurch (or similar)

Head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Explore the local bike trails, then relax in the lakeside hot springs. In the evening, stargaze at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Included Accommodation: Lakes Edge Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)

Head to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. Before departing, there’s time for any activities or walks left over from the day before. On arrival, settle into your accommodation for the next three nights, then get exploring. Queenstown offers everything from skydiving and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, and leaping dolphins welcome you to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After a scenic cruise through the fiord, unwind back in Queenstown with a beer or New Zealand’s famous Fergburger.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

A full day to choose your own adventure threshold, from bungy jumps and canyon swings to horse riding. Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, or hit the trails on a bike. Go luging, or jet boat up the canyon.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

After a break in picturesque Wānaka, travel along rugged coastline beside ancient rainforest, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. This scenic route crosses Haast Pass, arriving at the gateway to glacier country, Franz Josef.

Included Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most striking natural formations in the country. Hike, helicopter, or both, to explore formations built up over thousands of years. For something at a lower altitude, try quad biking, kayaking, or relaxing in glacier-fed hot pools.

Included Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

After a stop in beautiful Hokitika, travel through Arthur’s Pass amongst the snow-capped Southern Alps. Back in Christchurch, your 21-day New Zealand small group tour comes to an end.

Included Accommodation: N/A (tour concludes today)