New Zealand is one of the world’s most remote and fascinating travel destinations. Set in an isolated corner of the South Pacific, close to the International Date Line and the 180th meridian, it lies where yesterday gives way to tomorrow.
It is also one of the world’s leading destinations for outdoor adventure and a dream for travellers who love nature, hiking and the thrill of discovering somewhere truly extraordinary. Remote national parks, vast trail networks and routes through some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes make New Zealand a country made for adventure. Some of its trails are considered among the most beautiful in the world, and during our journey, we will have the chance to walk several of the most remarkable.
The country is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, known in Māori as Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu, along with a number of smaller islands. The South Island is largely mountainous, with the Southern Alps running across it and dominating the landscape. It is also home to the country’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook, which rises to 3,754 metres. The North Island is less mountainous but equally impressive, with intense volcanic activity, craters, hot springs and fumaroles. Lake Taupō, the largest lake in the country, lies within the caldera of a supervolcano, while Ruapehu, the island’s highest peak in Tongariro National Park, is also an active volcano with a crater lake.
New Zealand was one of the last places on Earth to be settled. The first Polynesians arrived on the islands in the 13th century and established the Māori culture. The first Europeans followed in the 17th century, gradually changing the balance between local tribes and paving the way for the colonisation of the country.
The extraordinary variety of its landscapes has also made New Zealand one of the most recognisable filming locations in the world. Mountains, lakes, volcanic terrain and remote valleys have provided the backdrop for major productions, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar and many more.
And yet, however impressive New Zealand may look in photographs and films, it is a place that truly needs to be experienced in person. To walk its trails, stand among its extraordinary landscapes and discover everything that makes it so special. Join us as we experience it together on a true once-in-a-lifetime journey!
Our journey begins at Athens International Airport, where we will meet at 15:30. At 18:00, we depart on an Emirates flight to Dubai, arriving at 00:25 after a flight of 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Upon arrival, we transfer to a nearby hotel for some rest and an overnight stay. Accommodation will be at the Premier Inn 3* or a similar hotel, in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland. Departure is scheduled for 10:05, with arrival at 11:05 the following day, after approximately 16 hours in the air — one of the longest commercial flight routes in the world.
We arrive in Auckland at 11:05 and, after collecting our luggage, continue with a domestic flight to the South Island. We depart at 14:40, arrive in Queenstown at 16:35 and then transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy a first walk around town.
We stay overnight at The Heritage Queenstown 4*in deluxe twin rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast included. The hotel is set in an idyllic location above Lake Wakatipu, offering our first glimpse of Queenstown’s impressive landscapes.
Today is all about experiencing what has made Queenstown one of the world’s top outdoor destinations. Depending on our interests, we can choose the activity that suits us best and spend the day discovering the region through adventure.
Options include rafting on the Kawarau River, along a Grade 2–3 route with a 200-metre rapid, or on the Shotover River, where Grade 3–5 rapids and a 170-metre tunnel make for a more demanding experience. Alternatively, we can go bungy jumping or ziplining, join a wine tour, or explore some of the area’s scenic hiking trails.
The morning is free to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace, whether you choose another outdoor activity or one last stroll through town.
In the afternoon, we leave Queenstown behind and make our way to Fiordland National Park and Lake Te Anau. Set along the lakefront, Te Anau is the main gateway to the park and the perfect base for our overnight stay.
We stay at the 3* Lakeside Motel & Apartments (rated 4.5), in one-bedroom studios with a private bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast is not included.
Today we head to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders. As one of the wettest inhabited places on Earth, it receives around eight metres of rainfall each year, creating dramatic waterfalls and lush, almost subtropical vegetation.
We set out on a three-hour cruise through the fiord, surrounded by sheer cliffs rising almost vertically from the water, cascading waterfalls and rich marine life, with the chance to spot seals and dolphins along the way.
After the cruise, we explore the Arthur River Valley on foot, following a section of the renowned Milford Track. A water taxi takes us to the trailhead, where we begin our hike to Giant Gate Falls along one of the area’s most scenic routes.
We return to Te Anau in the late afternoon and spend another night at the same hotel.
We set off early in the morning for Mount Cook Village, following a 421-kilometre drive through the spectacular landscapes of the South Island. Our destination lies at the foot of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
After arriving, we leave our luggage at the hotel and set out on an afternoon hike to Hooker Lake, a glacial lake formed by the Hooker Glacier. The trail offers impressive views of the surrounding alpine scenery and the towering Aoraki / Mount Cook.
After the hike, there is time to relax in our rooms or enjoy a coffee overlooking the mountain and the remarkable alpine landscape.
We stay overnight at the 4* The Hermitage Hotel, in rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
After breakfast, we make our way to Tasman Lake, at the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier, the largest in New Zealand at 23 kilometres long. Here, we set out on a short hike and take in one of the country’s most impressive glacial landscapes.
We then continue along the eastern side of the Southern Alps, travelling through a landscape of lakes, valleys and rivers. On the shores of Lake Tekapo, we stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, built in honour of the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, before continuing to Castle Hill Park.
By late afternoon, we arrive in the small coastal village of Paroa, where we spend the night. Accommodation is at the 3* Paroa Hotel, in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is not included, but is available at the hotel restaurant.
We continue north along the West Coast, following one of New Zealand’s most scenic road journeys, with stops at some of the region’s most memorable sights.
Our first stop is Paparoa National Park and the famous Pancake Rocks. Their layered limestone formations, underground caves and the power of the ocean create one of the most distinctive landscapes on the West Coast. At high tide, waves force air through the caves, sending water up through natural openings and creating blowholes.
We then make our way to Cape Foulwind, where we follow the coastal trail around the headland. Along the way, we stop at viewpoints overlooking the ocean and watch the seal colonies that come to the area to breed.
By the end of the day, we arrive at Avalon Manor Motel, where we stay overnight in one- or two-bedroom studios.
Today is dedicated to Abel Tasman National Park and one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal walks. A water taxi takes us to Torrent Bay, where we begin our hike along a section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, making our way to Bark Bay.
After completing the walk, we return by water taxi and continue by road to the port of Picton. From there, we board the evening ferry to the North Island and New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. The crossing takes approximately four hours, with arrival scheduled for 23:00.
We stay overnight at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington, in twin rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
Wellington may not be New Zealand’s largest city, but it sits at the heart of the country and is widely regarded as its political, cultural and culinary capital.
The day is free to explore and get a better feel for the city. We can visit Te Papa, with its excellent exhibitions on New Zealand’s history and culture, learn more about the city and the country at Wellington Museum, browse the local market or enjoy a meal at one of Wellington’s renowned restaurants.
We stay overnight at the same hotel.
We set off for Tongariro National Park and the village of Turangi, on the southern shores of Lake Taupo. New Zealand’s largest lake was formed in the caldera of a supervolcano and is one of the North Island’s most striking natural landmarks.
We stay at the 4* Braxmere Lodge, in studios with private bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Breakfast is not included.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the area. Those who wish can visit the nearby geothermal pools or follow one of the easy walking trails along the lakeshore.
Today is dedicated to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular hiking routes as we cross Tongariro’s remarkable triple volcanic complex along the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The trail passes Soda Springs and climbs the famous Devil’s Staircase before reaching the dramatic Red Crater. From there, it continues past Blue Lake and descends along the northern side of the volcanic complex to the Ketetahi car park.
Those who prefer not to complete the full crossing can hike as far as Red Crater and return to the starting point with one of the guides.
In the afternoon, we return to the same hotel.
We set off for the northern side of Lake Taupo, beginning with a short hike to the impressive Huka Falls. We then visit the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area, a landscape of vivid colours, rising steam and intense volcanic activity. We walk among colourful hot springs and continue to the famous Champagne Pool, one of the region’s most recognisable sights.
From there, we make our way to Lake Rotorua and the 4* JetPark Hotel Rotorua, where we stay in twin rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
In the afternoon, we visit the Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve for mud baths and a sulphur spa experience, a tradition deeply rooted in Māori culture. We end the day with a Māori cultural performance that brings their migration story and traditions to life through waka canoes, dance and haka, followed by a traditional hangi meal cooked underground using natural geothermal steam.
The day begins with a visit to Hobbiton, the film set created for The Lord of the Rings movies, which remains much as it appeared during filming. We explore it on a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, walking among the iconic Hobbit Holes.
We then continue to central Auckland, where we stay at the 4* Radisson RED Auckland in twin rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
The afternoon is free to explore the city and take a walk through the centre.
Our final day in New Zealand is free to spend exploring Auckland and taking in some of the city’s highlights.
We can visit the Town Hall, known for its neo-Renaissance architecture, browse the shops along Queen Street, stop by Aotea Square to see its public art and sculptures, or head to the Waitematā waterfront for restaurants and harbour views.
For one last look across the city, the Sky Tower is well worth a visit. At 328 metres high, it is Auckland’s most recognisable landmark and offers sweeping views over the city.
In the evening, we transfer to the airport for our return flight, departing at 21:05.
We arrive in Dubai at 05:15 and, a few hours later, continue our journey to Athens. Our flight departs at 11:30 and arrives in Greece at 15:05.
Our return to Greece marks the end of an extraordinary journey through New Zealand, filled with memorable experiences, incredible scenery and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes!
📢 Early Bird Offer
Valid for bookings made by 31 August.
After the Early Bird offer ends, the following participation fee will apply:
Extra:
22 January - 7 February 2027
To reserve your spot, please first read the booking terms and conditions. Once you have reviewed and accepted them, you can proceed with the online booking process by clicking “Book Now”. The deposit can be paid during the booking process by card or via IRIS.
An additional payment of €2,000 is due by 10 November, while the remaining balance must be paid in full by 10 December.
The deposit and final balance may be paid by bank transfer to the following ALPHA BANK account:
IBAN: GR1001407960796002002013550
Account holder: OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE
Alternatively, payments may be made via IRIS using the company’s tax identification number: 800697728.
When making a bank transfer or deposit, please include your full name and the reference “NEW ZEALAND” in the payment description.
The booking deadline is 10 November
In the event of a cancellation, the following cancellation policy applies:
Please note that airline tickets must be issued by 10 November. For this reason, all bookings and the corresponding payments must be finalised by that date.
Accommodation will be provided in 3* or 4* hotels, in twin rooms or studios, all with private bathrooms, as detailed in the itinerary.
The properties were selected based on their good ratings, availability for the required dates and, most importantly, their location, so they support the smooth running of the itinerary rather than determine it.
Please note that the number of rooms available for single occupancy is limited and will depend on the final number of participants.
Meals are not included in the trip price, with the exception of the 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner listed in the itinerary. At properties where breakfast is not included, it will usually be available either at the accommodation for an additional charge or from nearby cafés and other local options.
Lunches will generally consist of light snacks, allowing us to make the most of the day and spend more time on activities and hikes.
For the remaining dinners, we will have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine in each region and try some of its distinctive flavours, rather than relying on standard hotel meals. The tour leaders will be happy to suggest suitable places and options, so that food becomes another part of discovering the country.
A typical main course in a restaurant usually costs between NZD 30 and 50, or approximately €15–25.
Our tour leaders reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if required by weather conditions or other local circumstances, such as strikes, political unrest or similar events.
Any changes will be made with the smooth running of the trip and, above all, the safety of all participants in mind.
Any additional costs resulting from such changes will be covered by the participants.
During our trip, New Zealand will be in the heart of summer, in a season comparable to August in the Northern Hemisphere. February is usually the warmest month and generally offers some of the best weather conditions of the year.
The South Island has a cooler climate due to its closer proximity to Antarctica, while its mountain glaciers extend down to relatively low altitudes. In Fiordland National Park, rainfall is particularly high and can reach up to 8 metres in some years.
Temperatures on the South Island are expected to range from around 10°C to 20°C, while the average temperature in Auckland in February is approximately 23°C.
A car charger will be available in the vehicle for participants to use, with priority given to the tour leaders’ navigation devices. We also recommend bringing a power bank to keep your devices charged throughout the day.
Please note that power banks must be carried in your hand luggage during flights and must not be packed in checked baggage.
Tipping is entirely optional and is a personal way of showing appreciation to a tour leader who has consistently supported the group and made every effort to provide participants with the best possible experience.
Such a gesture of recognition is always greatly appreciated and encourages our tour leaders to continue their work with the same care, energy and enthusiasm.
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), with an indicative exchange rate in May of approximately €1 = NZD 1.99.
Most transactions can be made by card, so it is not necessary to purchase foreign currency before the trip.
According to the relevant health guidelines for travel to New Zealand, no specific vaccinations or additional medical preparation are required beyond the vaccinations included in Greece’s National Immunisation Programme.
The trip price includes the required BASIC travel insurance. Through the link above, you can review the policy benefits and coverage in detail and contact our insurance advisor with any questions. You may also choose to upgrade your coverage to the STANDARD or LUXURY plan.
Please note that the included travel insurance covers participants up to the age of 65. Participants aged between 65 and 80 will need to contact our insurance advisor to arrange the necessary extension of coverage.
We also recommend that anyone who regularly travels in nature or participates in outdoor activities attend a first-aid course. In a remote area, you may be called upon to assist in an emergency where external help is limited or not immediately available.
Each participant should also carry their own personal first-aid kit.
Note: Laundry facilities will be available at some of the places where we stay, such as Wellington, where we will spend two nights. It is therefore not necessary to bring a separate change of clothes for every day of the trip.
Personal First-Aid Kit
A passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand is required. A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is also necessary, and our office will arrange this on behalf of the participants. Travellers should carry either a digital or printed copy of the authorisation. Our office will also complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), with the cooperation of participants in providing the required information.
The group will consist of 12 to 15 participants, accompanied by two tour leaders from our office.
As the airline tickets must be issued by 10 November, we recommend booking as early as possible and subject to availability.
Yes. The trip price includes the BASIC travel insurance plan. Participants can review the policy benefits and coverage in detail and may choose to upgrade to the STANDARD or LUXURY plan. The included insurance covers participants up to the age of 65. Travellers aged between 65 and 80 should contact our insurance advisor to arrange the necessary extension of coverage.
During our trip, New Zealand will be in the heart of summer, in a season comparable to August in the Northern Hemisphere. February is usually the warmest month and generally offers some of the best weather conditions of the year. Temperatures on the South Island are expected to range from around 10°C to 20°C, while the average temperature in Auckland in February is approximately 23°C. Rainfall is frequent and can be heavy in the Fiordland region, so suitable waterproof clothing and equipment are essential.
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Most transactions can be made by card, so it is not necessary to purchase foreign currency before the trip. Exchange rates fluctuate and should be checked again before departure.
Specific information regarding mobile coverage, local SIM cards and Wi-Fi availability at the accommodation has not yet been confirmed. These details should be checked before departure. Please note that mobile phone coverage may be limited in remote areas and during hikes.
The trip includes 14 nights in 3* or 4* hotels, in twin rooms or studios, all with private bathrooms, as detailed in the itinerary. The properties have been selected based on their ratings, availability and location, so that they support the smooth running of the programme. The number of rooms available for single occupancy is limited and will depend on the final number of participants.
The trip price includes 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner, as listed in the itinerary. At properties where breakfast is not included, it will usually be available either at the accommodation for an additional charge or from nearby cafés and other local options. Lunches will generally consist of light snacks, allowing us to make the most of the day and spend more time on activities and hikes. The remaining dinners are not included and will provide an opportunity to explore the local cuisine in each region, with suggestions and guidance from the tour leaders. A typical main course in a restaurant usually costs between NZD 30 and 50.
Local transportation will be provided by a 21-seat minibus. Luggage space is limited and not suitable for large hard-shell suitcases, so we recommend using a soft duffel bag and keeping both the size and weight of your luggage to a minimum. In most cases, each participant will need to handle their own luggage. The total driving distance during the trip will be approximately 3,000 km, including around 1,900 km on the South Island and 1,100 km on the North Island. The itinerary has been planned to avoid long daily drives wherever possible.
Tipping is entirely optional and is a personal way of showing appreciation to the tour leaders for their care, consistency and efforts to provide the group with the best possible experience.
Our tour leaders reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if required by weather conditions or other local circumstances, such as strikes, political unrest or similar events. Any changes will be made with the smooth running of the trip and, above all, the safety of all participants in mind. Any additional costs resulting from such changes will be covered by the participants.
Price from €7440
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