NZ Intro 17 Day
NZ Intro 17 Day
NZ Intro 17 Day
17 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NN:INS
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the snow-capped mountains of the South, New Zealand is a magical land of wilderness and wonder. Planning on spending a gap year or working holiday in New Zealand? Our 17 day NZ Intro group tour and work & travel package is for you. As well as sorting all your life essentials and helping you find work in NZ, Over 17 days we’ll show you the best of both islands, along with some off-the-beaten-path adventures. Explore the city of Auckland, wander the real Hobbiton film set, experience traditional Maori culture and discover underground caves, then fly south to cruise misty fjords, go on incredible hikes, jet boat through breathtaking landscapes, and so much more. Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with an awesome group leader and a new crew of friends? There’s no better way to kick off your adventure in New Zealand!
+ Our tours are all 100% carbon neutral!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive & Meet Your Group
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hostel
Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand’s largest city, We'll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.
Day 2 : Auckland Orientation & Work Essentials Set Up
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll get oriented with the beautiful city of Auckland and help get your NZ bank account and SIM card. We'll then catch a ferry and travel to the beautiful Waiheke Island. Don't forget to listen out for the local Kiwi accent to see if it lives up to its title as the 'Worlds Sexiest.'
Day 3 : Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Wave goodbye to the city as we set off to explore the North Island. First up we’re stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
Day 4 : Explore Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Waking up to the whiff of sulphur, today you’ll definitely know you’re in Rotorua! We’ll head to the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you'll get to take a dip, as well as one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands - Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud. (B)
Day 5 : Maori Culture
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
The morning you'll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. This evening we will go to the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture! It doesn't get more authentic than this!
Day 6 : Taupo Sail
Location: Taupō
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we’ll treat you to something special - a sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery as the stars set in above the volcanic landscape. NZ, you’ve stolen our hearts.
Day 7 : Waterfalls & Adrenaline
Location: Taupō
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’re off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you'll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump! (B)
Day 8 : Chill Out In Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hostel
Today we'll head back to where it all started in Auckland! Spend the afternoon relaxing, checking out the sights, and getting ready for the trip down south tomorrow. (B)
Day 9 : Fly To Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Catch a short flight to Queenstown and we'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel in the city. We'll head out for dinner tonight and get excited for our new adventure in the South Island!
Day 10 : Queenstown Orientation & Jet Boating
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we get oriented with beautiful Queenstown, the high-octane adventure capital of NZ (and dare we say, the world!), getting our first splash of adrenaline with a jet-boat ride. Feel the thrill as the highly skilled driver keeps things pumping with 360 degree spins and speeds in excess of 80km/h.
Day 11 : Milford Sound Cruise
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we make tracks to New Zealand’s most majestic attraction - Milford Sound. Jumping on a fjord cruise, we’ll experience the spellbinding combination of towering peaks, forested cliffs, resident seals, and plummeting waterfalls up close and personal. Pick your jaw up off the floor, this is nature at her finest. Tonight we’ll cosy up in Te Anau, a picturesque town in the heart of Fiordland. (B, L)
Day 12 : Travel To Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After soaking up Middle Earth’s awe-inspiring vistas and filling our camera rolls we’ll continue on to Wanaka, a quaint resort town on a lake dwarfed by snow-capped peaks. For Lord of the Rings fans - we'll be checking out some iconic filming spots!
Day 13 : Discover Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Hostel
Today we check out all Wanaka has to offer, including going kayaking on the beautiful Lake Wanaka. We'll then head off hiking up Mt Iron, taking in the beautiful 360 degree landscape.
Day 14 : Aoraki/Mt.Cook
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Famed for its milky turquoise lake, Lake Tekapo is alpine in the purest sense - boasting sky scraping peaks, enormous glaciers and purple lupins - so have your camera at the ready! On the way we'll stretch our legs on the iconic Hooker Valley Hike, this track will wind us through the valley to give us awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, aka the tallest mountain in New Zealand. (B)
Day 15 : Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will hike up Mount John where we'll get 360-degree views of the Southern Alps. After the walk we'll soak our tired muscles in some hot pools, nourishing both body and soul! New Zealand truly is the gift that keeps on giving. (B)
Day 16 : Work & Onward Travel Planning
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, we’ll help sort out your onward travel for your trip in New Zealand. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Eager to book a skydive, bungee jump, or ski pass? We've got you covered. Tonight we’ll get the gang together one more time, dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and night out on the town. Sweet as, bro. (D)
Day 17 : Check Out
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel
This morning your unforgettable 17 day adventure comes to an end. Check out and journey home, stay in Queenstown, or continue the next leg of your travels with the new friends you've made! Whatever your plans, we'll be there to help every step of the way. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Entrance Fees
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Local Taxes
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Half Board
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners.
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes. Our groups have a mix of nationalities.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. A personal airport pick up from Auckland Airport is included.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
No. However we recommend packing relatively light as we do move around a bit. We suggest anywhere from 10-20 kgs as a good amount.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Any entry visa costs are to be paid yourself.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. We will provide a detailed accommodation list and guide.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low to medium fitness level.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
You will have a dedicated group leader with you throughout the entire tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. 18+ year olds only.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Private rooms can be provided subject to availability at certain locations. Please contact us for more info.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Nice quality budget hostels.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. All activities, fees and experiences are included in the price.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown is included on the tour.
International flights are not included. -
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
We will contact you with reasonable notice and offer alternative groups or dates. Or potentially operate the tour if no other good option is available for you.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. Just let us know at time of booking, and we will pre-book any pre or post nights accommodation at our properties. You can pay for these extras nights on arrival.
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Company Instant Book
Yes.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. You will have both a western group leader alongside local guides, who all speak English.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this tour. However, a Covid vaccine may be needed to travel freely enough to participate in the tour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
If you intend to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for your Working Holiday Visa. For tourism purposes, you may still need a visa depending on your nationality Please contact us for more information.
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What is the maximum age limit for this tour?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. All activities are included, however you will have some free time to explore other places.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
New Zealand Dollar
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What is the tipping policy?
No tipping is required, it's all included in the tour price.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We operate our own socially conscious initiative called Small Change that aims to protect the environment, promote cultural exchange, support local communities and protect animal welfare. We use money a portion of the money you pay for the tour to achieve or goals. We also plant 10 trees for every booking we receive.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
An emailed 'Before you Go' Info pack along with access to the INTRO Travel App, which contains all the destination and tour information you'll need.
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What is the maximum age limit on Intro Travel tours?
Our trips are aimed at those aged 18 to 40’s. The majority of people that do our trips are aged 18 to 39, but we regularly have people in their 40's and occasionally 50’s travel with us who have an incredible time! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy to share your experience with people of different ages and backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly on any trip.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
A variety of like-minded travellers from all over the world aged 18 - 40's
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. We pride ourselves on our high standard of accommodation.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
At INTRO we want all group members to feel safe and comfortable whilst travelling with us. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facial coverings, hand sanitisers, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes, as well as social distancing measures will be practised where appropriate or deemed necessary on our tours.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer free date changes up to 30 days before your start date. Within 30 days there may be some small fees incurred.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. Some tours we offer a private room option upon request.
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Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intro Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intro Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intro travel, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intro Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intro travel charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.