Summer Tour 2026
Overview
The Student Tours' 15-day Adventure Tour offers an unforgettable journey through New Zealand, showcasing the best of both the North and South Islands. With experienced guides leading the way, students will explore pristine beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s rich culture.
This tour is designed to provide a blend of adventure, education, and cultural connection. Through engaging activities and shared experiences, students will not only discover the beauty of Aotearoa/New Zealand but also create lasting friendships with peers from across the globe.
Booking for this tour closes 14 days before the tour start date.
Itinerary
Kick off your New Zealand adventure with an epic road trip from Auckland to Hot Water Beach! Enjoy the stunning coastal views along the way before arriving at this one-of-a-kind beach, where you can dig your own natural hot tub in the sand. After a relaxing soak, we’ll wrap up the day with a classic Kiwi BBQ—great food, good vibes, and an awesome start to your tour!
Get ready for a day of adventure in the Coromandel! We’ll explore the natural wonders of Hot Water Beach and Hahei, before taking a scenic walk to the world-famous Cathedral Cove. This Insta-worthy spot features towering rock formations, golden sand, and crystal-clear waters—perfect for a quick dip or some great photos! Stay the night in the city of Rotorua, the heart of Māori culture.
Explore Rotorua! The highlight? An unforgettable overnight stay in a traditional Marae! Here, you’ll learn the powerful Haka, hear fascinating stories about the land, and enjoy a traditional Hangi feast cooked underground. For those keen on extra thrills, optional activities include white water rafting or rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable Zorb!
From Rotorua to Tūrangi, we take a detour to the incredible Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park, where you’ll see bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs that look straight out of another world. Next, we visit the breathtaking Huka Falls, the source of New Zealand’s longest river; the mighty Waikato! Finally, take in the stunning views around the shores of Lake Taupō.
Time to explore Wellington, New Zealand’s lively capital! We’ll visit the famous Te Papa Museum, where interactive exhibits bring the country’s rich history and culture to life. After a fun city walking tour, we’ll hop on the iconic Wellington Cable Car for unbeatable views of the city and harbour.
Our South Island adventure starts with a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait, passing through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. Arriving in Picton, we’ll hit the road along the stunning East Coast coastline to Kaikōura, a laid-back seaside town famous for its incredible marine life.
Wake up to the fresh sea breeze and get ready for an epic coastal walk! Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, and even whales in the wild. Then, we head to Mārahau via Nelson, where we’ll pass rolling vineyards and stop at the exact geographic centre of New Zealand! In Kaikōura students also have the option to get even closer to the action with a thrilling dolphin and whale watch experience form the water
Explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park—home to golden beaches and turquoise waters, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks. Whether you choose to hike through secluded beaches and bays or kayak alongside playful seals, this is a slice of paradise you won’t want to miss!
Road trip time! As we journey down the rugged West Coast, we’ll pass lush rainforests, roaring rivers, and epic mountain views. A highlight of the day? The famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks—towering limestone formations that look like stacks of pancakes! By evening, we reach Franz Josef, home to the famous glacier!
Get ready for jaw-dropping views of Franz Josef Glacier. Here, you’ll be wowed by massive ice formations and have the chance to explore the glacier up close. Whether you opt for a guided hike, a thrilling helicopter ride, or just take it all in from the valley floor, this place is pure magic! Also experience the mirror like reflections in Lake Matheson.
As we leave the glacier region on route to Queenstown, we traverse the Haast Pass, offering panoramic views of alpine peaks, before opening up to the stunning vistas of Central Otago. Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is New Zealand’s adventure tourism capital and will be our location for the next three nights.
Get ready for an epic day in Queenstown! From bungee jumping and jet boating to indoor skydiving and thrilling luge rides, this place has it all. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? Visit a wildlife park to see native kiwi up close or just soak up the jaw-dropping lake and mountain views.
A day trip to Milford Sound is an unforgettable adventure into New Zealand’s natural splendour. Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, embark on a cruise to marvel at the fjord’s towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and mirror-like waters. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins.
The final stretch, the journey from Queenstown to Christchurch passes through the enchanting landscapes of Tekapō. We stop to visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd – a tiny chapel with an incredible view. Once in Christchurch, we’ll explore the city’s mix of old and new, shaped by the resilience of its people following the devasting earthquakes in 2011. We finish our tour with a final shared dinner to cement the lifelong friendships made!
Time to say goodbye! After a morning of hugs and last-minute selfies, we’ll head to the airport for flights home. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, a camera full of amazing shots, and stories to share for years to come. Safe travels, and we hope to see you back on one of our other amazing tours!
What's Included
Included
- ✓14 Breakfasts & Dinners (the full tour)
- ✓Epic Accommodation Every Night
- ✓Milford Sound Cruise (one of the most beautiful places in NZ)
- ✓Gold Panning on the West Coast
- ✓A Marae overnight stay & Hangi (extremely special)
- ✓Natural Hot Pools
- ✓Wellington Cable Car
- ✓Pancake Rocks
- ✓Dance Party at an Ice Bar
- ✓Entrance to Te Papa Museum
- ✓Entrance to Wai O Tapu Thermal Village
- ✓Ferry Trip across the Cook Straight
- ✓Abel Tasman National Park
- ✓Dig Natural Hot Pools at Hot Water Beach
- ✓Experience a Kiwi BBQ
- ✓Pick Up and drop off at Airports at each end of the tour
- ✓Travel to locations you will remember forever!
- ✓Super experienced and fun guides!
Highlights








