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NZ Intro 17 day

Experience
Tour
Destination
New Zealand
Duration
17 days
Operated by
IntroTravel
Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip 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, soak in thermal hot springs 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!

Inclusions

What's Included

  • Airport pickup
  • 16 nights accommodation
  • Auckland city orientation
  • Waitomo glowworm caves boat tour
  • Hobbiton film set tour, Kerosene creek
  • Wai-O-Tapu thermal pools
  • Kuirau geothermal park
  • Maori overnight experience
  • Lake Taupo sunset sailing
  • Huka Falls hot springs
  • Queenstown city tour
  • canyon jet boating
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Lord of the Rings tour
  • hike Mount Iron
  • Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park
  • hot springs star gazing experience, plus all transport, some meals
  • experienced group leader
  • NZ bank account
  • IRD number
  • SIM card
  • NZ Jobs membership unlimited job finding assistance
  • 24/7 support in New Zealand
  • help with all onward travel after NZ Intro.

Meals

10 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner

Accommodation

Your included airport transfer will take you to your first hotel. 

Transportation

You will spend 16 nights in hostels located the heart of NZ's most vibrant cities.

Marketplace Deals

Get exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.

Global Emergency Line

Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday. 

gWorld access

Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.

Global Academy

Gain access to an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn before & whilst you travel.

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip itinerary

Day 1

Arrive and Meet your Group – Kia ora! Landing in Auckland, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to our hostel to settle in and refresh. Tonight you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and get excited for all the adventures yet to come in New Zealand.

Day 2

Auckland City Orientation – Today we’ll get oriented with the beautiful city of Auckland. This evening we see what Auckland’s all about after dark! (B)

Day 3

Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton - Leaving Auckland, we’re off to discover the best of the beautiful North Island. Our first stop is Waitomo, home to the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll explore this surreal, subterranean landscape by boat, watching in awe as glow worms light up the darkness in front of our eyes. Next we’re heading to Hobbiton, the real-life movie set featured in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. After strolling through the enchanting village on a guided tour, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua. (B)

Day 4

Explore Rotorua – Waking to the scent of sulphur, you’ll definitely know we’re in Rotorua today! First on the agenda is Kerosene Creek, a naturally heated hot spring where we can laze away the morning. Next we’re off to explore the geothermal area of Wai-O-Tapu, then the afternoon is free for you to try zorbing, race your friends on the skyline luge, or perhaps do something with a bit more of an adrenaline rush.

Day 5

Thermal Pools & Maori Overnight Experience - Today we’re off to check out Kuirau Park, an area full of natural hot springs, bubbling mud pools and thermal ‘foot spas’ for you to indulge in. Tonight we journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions and prepare to feast and witness spine-tingling performances with an overnight stay in a Maori village. It doesn’t get more authentic than this! (D)

Day 6

Taupo & Sunset Sail – Get your cameras out as we head to Taupo, a lakefront town right in the heart of the North. Tonight we’ve got something special lined up - a sunset sail across the lake. The majestic scenery will wow us, and the sunset will add a touch of magic. NZ, you’re breathtakingly beautiful. (D)

Day 7

Waterfalls & Hot Springs – This morning we’ll check out the epic Huka Falls, a spine-tingling torrent of icy water thundering down from the Waikato River. After witnessing this feat of nature, we’ll slow things back down again, soaking our bodies and souls in mineral-rich natural hot pools. (B)

Day 8

Chill Out In Auckland – 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 – 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! (B, D)

Day 10

Queenstown & Jet Boating – Today we’ll get all your local essentials set up before showing you around Queenstown, a backpacker hub that’s known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. The good news is that our first jolt of adrenaline isn’t far off, as this afternoon we’ll be zipping through Skippers Canyon on a jet boat going over 80 km/h. Tonight we’ll top off our first day of exploring by seeing what Queenstown has to offer after dark! (B)

Day 11

Milford Sound Cruise - Leaving Queenstown, today we’re heading to the majestic Milford Sound. We’ll hop on a boat to cruise around the fjord, feeling tiny amongst sheer cliff faces, ancient forests, and plunging waterfalls. We might even spot some fur seals lazing about! This evening we’ll get cosy in Te Anau, a charming town in the heart of Fiordland. (B, L)

Day 12

Travel to Wanaka – Driving through awe-inspiring landscapes that will have our jaws on the floor, we’ll stop at some notable Lord of the Rings filming locations nestled in the mountains. After soaking up the Tolkien-esque vistas and taking thousands of photos we’ll arrive in Wanaka, a dreamy resort town on sapphire lakeside shores.

Day 13

Discover Wanaka - Waking to the views of snow-capped peaks, today we’ll enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer. First up: a visit to the insta-famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, followed by a hike up Mt Iron that will reward our efforts with incredible views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Mt Aspiring National Park. This is the great outdoors at its finest. (B)

Day 14

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – Waving goodbye to Wanaka, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the southern alps towards Tekapo. Known for its milky turquoise hue, Lake Tekapo is an alpine oasis - so have your phone charged and camera ready! This afternoon we’ll strap on our comfy shoes and stretch our limbs hiking the iconic Hooker Valley track. One of the most well-known walks in the South Island, this walk winds us through the valley to grant unforgettable views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. (B)

Day 15

Lake Tekapo – Today we’ll have ample time to explore Lake Tekapo and its surrounds. Opt for another hike, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, or find a classic Kiwi meat pie to munch on. This evening we’ll have the exclusive chance to learn about the convergence of Maori mythology and modern science whilst relaxing our bodies at Tekapo Springs. Within an official dark sky reserve, this is one of the world’s best places for star-gazing, and watching the skies whilst soaking in 37.5 degree naturally-heated pools is the best way to do it, we think.

Day 16

Work & Onward Travel Planning – After travelling back to buzzing Queenstown, securing you a paid job in New Zealand is number one on the agenda for today. Our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs program. Tonight we’ll get together for our farewell dinner! (D)

Day 17

Check Out – 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)

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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. Global support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

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Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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NZ Intro 17 day