📝 Fact Sheet – New Zealand Highlights Group Tour
📍 Project Summary
A 3-week guided group adventure from Auckland to Queenstown, travelling through both the North and South Islands. Explore volcanoes, lakes, fjords and mountain landscapes with a group of like-minded young travellers.
📌 Project Location
Starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown, visiting New Zealand’s most iconic destinations — including Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook and Milford Sound.
🕒 Length of Tour
21 days / 20 nights (no overnight coaches – all comfortable overland travel by modern coach and ferry)
🧍 Group or Individual Travel
Travel solo or with a friend — you’ll join a group of 8 to 24 people from around the world. Most participants are aged 18–35 and travelling independently.
🤝 Support
You’ll be supported throughout by a dedicated group leader who travels the full route with you. Oyster’s trusted local partners in New Zealand and our UK team are available 24/7 for emergencies.
📚 Pre-Departure Info
Before you go, you’ll receive access to your My Oyster account with itinerary details, packing tips, visa guidance and safety advice at least four weeks before departure.
✅ Includes
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20 nights’ accommodation in hostels, lodges & unique stays
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All coach and ferry travel (Auckland → Queenstown)
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Professional Group Leader throughout
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Auckland city tour + welcome dinner
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Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach day trip
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Hobbiton Movie Set tour with lunch
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Te Pā Tū Māori Village experience + banquet dinner
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Hell’s Gate Geothermal Spa entry
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Huka Falls visit + Lake Taupō catamaran cruise
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Interislander Ferry to the South Island
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Kaikōura whale-watching cruise
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2-night Lake Tekapo stargazing retreat
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Mount Cook day trip
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Milford Sound boat cruise
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Queenstown bar crawl + summit walk
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Select meals included throughout
❌ Not Included
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Flights to / from New Zealand
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NZeTA (visa waiver) and International Visitor Levy (IVL)
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Travel and medical insurance
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Most daily meals and snacks
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Optional activities (e.g. skydiving, bungee, rafting, scenic flights)
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Post-tour accommodation or onward travel after Queenstown
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Accommodation upgrades or private rooms (extra cost)
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Personal spending money (allow ≈ NZD 100 per day)
🛏 Accommodation
Stay in shared dorms (4–10 beds), lakeside lodges and mountain retreats — all clean, social and centrally located. Private room upgrades are available on request.
🚍 Travel Arrangements
All overland and ferry transport is included in your package, travelling on modern Wi-Fi-equipped coaches with reclining seats and air conditioning.
🩺 Medical
Travel insurance is mandatory. Hospitals and urgent-care clinics are available throughout the route; your group leader will assist if medical help is needed.
☀️ Risk Awareness
New Zealand is a safe destination, but be aware of:
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Strong UV rays — use high SPF sunscreen daily
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Slippery trails and uneven terrain on walks and hikes
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Hot springs and geothermal areas — follow posted guidelines
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Petty theft in busy tourist spots — keep valuables secure
⏰ Time Zone
New Zealand Standard Time (GMT +12) / New Zealand Daylight Time (GMT +13, late Sept – early Apr). Both islands share the same time zone.
🔌 Electricity
230 V / 50 Hz using Type I plugs (two flat angled pins + ground). Bring a New Zealand / Australia adapter or universal Type I adapter.
🌍 Accessibility
The tour includes moderate walking and outdoor activities. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and you should be able to carry your own luggage short distances.
💷 Budgeting
Plan for approx. NZD 100 (£48–£50) per day to cover food, drinks and optional activities — around NZD 2,000–2,300 (£950–£1,100) for the full tour, depending on your choices.
