New Zealand. The most naturally beautiful country on this earth (sorry Wales!). The air is so clear here, it literally slaps you in your smog-filled lungs as soon as you step off the plane. From Alpine-encrusted roads to crushingly powerful rivers, it’s awe is unmatched.

I consider myself the luckiest backpacker to call New Zealand home for now. Since moving here in June 2017, I have lived like a local, found countless hidden gems (there’s a lot, trust me!) and learned so much about Kiwi-customs. Not forgetting, either, how friendly and welcoming New Zealanders are.  Or, as they call it Manaakitanga (which sums up the welcoming and looking after of guests here in New Zealand).

Since starting Where’s Holly? I’ve received so many lovely messages from people saying how I’ve helped with planning their trip. Or, even just provided that little bit of inspiration needed to book their flight for the trip of a lifetime. “I love reading about your travels!” Or “I am living vicariously through you!”, are comments I often get.

Fast forward to now, and I want to give you the chance to travel with me! I’m so lucky to be partnering up with Traverse Journeys, and their eco-friendly approach to travel. Sustainable tourism is so important to me, and Traverse Journeys respect nature and culture more than any travel company I’ve come across.

About Traverse Journeys: 

What really sets Traverse Journeys apart from the crowds of travel operators in New Zealand, is their commitment to travel as a cultural exchange.

Travelling is a great way to see the world, but many people forget about the footprint they’re leaving (and not the good kind). Traverse Journeys’ work with local partners who provide an eco-friendly experience, such as saving water, and using renewable energy. Even the things we usually forget about are accounted for. Like shopping for local, organic food, or encouraging travellers to bring reusable water bottles. Traverse Journeys also create job opportunities by employing local guides with heaps of insider knowledge.

New Zealand Trip Itinerary

The exact dates of this trip are 19th – 26th November 2018. The trip starts in Auckland (great if you’re flying in internationally) and ends in Queenstown, with the option to extend after that.

Day 1: Discover Auckland

The trip will kick off in Auckland, my home for now! Auckland is a small city, with big ideas. You’ll be met at the airport and transported to the city, ready for a welcome meal and drinks. Around midday, we’ll be headed out to sea with Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari, and the community partner Project Jonah. Whales (all kinds!) are my favorite animals, and seeing them up close will definitely be a bucket list moment.

Day 2: Ferry to Coromandel Peninsular

Departing Auckland via ferry, we’ll see all of the Coromandel hotspots. Including the famous Cathedral Cove in the morning (hello Narnia!). We’ll be having a dinner in Whitianga, before heading out to Hot Water Beach for a once in a lifetime hot-springs experience under the stars.

Day 3: Learning About Maori Culture In Rotorua

After a morning swim at Hot Water Beach, we will be hitting the road for Tarawera Buried Village. New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site, with an explosive history of volcanic eruptions. In the evening, we’ll be welcomed into Rotorua with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. You think the Haka is intimidating on the rugby field, just wait until it’s right in front of your face!

Day 4: Adventures in Waitomo

Time to find out what kind of adventurer you are. After an early breakfast, you’ll get to take your pick of guided walks, waterfalls, or rafting through glow-worm caves. Upon return we’ll also stop to explore Hell’s Gate – a Maori owned geothermal area. Think exploding geysers and bubbling pools. The minerals in the mud turn Hells Gate into natures very own spa-day.

Day 5: Discovering Christchurch

An early one to catch a flight from Rotorua to Christchurch. An afternoon of seeing first-hand the devastation and unpredictability of building a major city on a major fault line. We’ll enjoy the hospitality of Canterbury when we visit the port of Lyttelton. The Shoreditch of Christchurch, think art, and creative types. In the afternoon we’ll head out to New Zealand’s only French settlement, Akoroa.

Day 6: Hot Springs and Star-Gazing in Tekapo

After spending the morning in Akoroa, shopping and basking in the atmosphere, we’ll be hitting the road once again for a drive through the Rakaia Gorge and Peel Forest. Here, you’ll see some of New Zealand oldest trees.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders. Lake Tekapo. This awesome turquoise lake is the best place for star-gazing in New Zealand. With good reason too! You will see the unpolluted skies of the world-class Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 7: Mt Cook Madness

This morning we’ll head straight to Mt Cook Village/Aoraki of New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time for the most beautiful outdoor pursuits, so pack your walking boots because the views will most definitely be worth it. For those not wanting to hike, there are options of 4 wheel driving through the Tasman Valley, to learning about early New Zealand mountaineers.

That evening we’ll head to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, and have plenty of time to explore the city (maybe even grab a Fergburger!). That night we’ll meet for our final dinner.

Day 8: Departure

You can depart any time on Monday, or you can stay in Queenstown and do some more exploring for an extra couple of days!

Here’s What’s Included

  • The trip is a small group experience, designed for max. 12 people. It includes:
  • 7-nights accommodation in 3-4 star, eco-friendly hotels.
  • Daily breakfasts and multiple group dinners
  • Airport transfers from Auckland/to Queenstown airport.
  • Domestic flights (Roturua to Christchurch)
  • All ground transport, including scenic drives.
  • Local guides, and a 24/7 Traverse Journey Representative
  • Co-guide Maxy, offering photography mentoring workshops!
  • National Park entrances and all tours on the itinerary.

The total cost of the trip is $3245 per person, based on a shared room.

However, I am offering $250 off to my readers to come and join me on the New Zealand trip of a lifetime!

Just use the discount code HB250 when booking to secure your spot with me! Hopefully, I will be seeing some of your beautiful faces along for the ride. If you have questions regarding the trip please email [email protected] or drop me a message.

Follow Traverse Journeys:

  • www.traversejourneys.com
  • @traversejourneys
  • facebook.com/traversejourneys

Follow Project Jonah:

Follow Maxy:

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