New Zealand 21 day small group tour
Highlights
Auckland | Omapere, Hokianga Harbour | Paihia, Bay of Islands | Rotorua | Tongariro National Park | Napier | Wellington | Nelson | Abel Tasman National Park | Kaikoura | Mount Cook | Queenstown | Milford Sound | Wanaka | Franz Josef Glacier | Punakaiki | Christchurch |
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com
Check dates, prices & availability
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
We are committed to operating environmentally sustainable tours. By nature small group touring using one vehicle to transport multiple clients is more environmentally friendly than usual modes of travel including rental car or campervan. We have monitoring systems in place to ensure our vehicles are serviced and driven in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines making the running of the fleet as efficient as possible.On this tour we visit the heritage listed buildings and grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House contributing to their preservation. A local guide from the small community of Omapere will also helps us explore the Hokianga harbour and sand dunes and other local guides - one from thel Department of Conservation - will help us explore the ancient geothermal wonderland at Wai-O-Tapu and Okarito Lagoon They know the area and so are the best to advise on environmental issues and how to travel responsibly through the area.
We are a Qualmark Approved Visitor Service which means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way. Wherever possible we select suppliers that are also Qualmark approved and therefore deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way.
We pay an annual licence and have official accreditation to operate on Department of Conservation land which demonstrates our commitment to the environment and sustainability. Payment of the license fee funds the protection of New Zealand’s national parks.
Office: We work from several home offices saving on travel time and fossil fuel consumption. All printer cartridges and paper is recycled. Both home offices water supply is supplied by rain water.
The Impacts of this Trip
We are a sponsor of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. From Morepork chicks to one-legged kiwi birds and talking tuis, the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre works tirelessly to provide help, treatment and rehabilitation for ill and injured native New Zealand birds. This award-winning center cares for over 1,200 birds per year and is part of the Department of Conservation's kiwi recovery program. We are proud to be a contributor to the conservation of New Zealand's native bird population, helping to ensure that our rare wildlife will be around for generations to come. Many of our favourite tours such as the Kiwi and Kakapo are named after our native birds.
Maori culture and customs are an integral part of the tour experience. All of the below experiences are inclusions on our tours. As these activities are owned and operated by indigenous Maori Iwi (Tribes)there are economic benefits for these communities.
Footprints Waipoua - we learn how Kauri trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.
Kawiti Glowworm Caves - The caves traditional Maori owners act as living links to the past and making history come alive with their rich local knowledge.
We also where possible visit local craftsmen, markets and restaurants further helping to support the local community.
We are committed to operating environmentally sustainable tours. By nature small group touring using one vehicle to transport multiple clients is more environmentally friendly than usual modes of travel including rental car or campervan. We have monitoring systems in place to ensure our vehicles are serviced and driven in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines making the running of the fleet as efficient as possible.On this tour we visit the heritage listed buildings and grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House contributing to their preservation. A local guide from the small community of Omapere will also helps us explore the Hokianga harbour and sand dunes and other local guides - one from thel Department of Conservation - will help us explore the ancient geothermal wonderland at Wai-O-Tapu and Okarito Lagoon They know the area and so are the best to advise on environmental issues and how to travel responsibly through the area.
We are a Qualmark Approved Visitor Service which means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way. Wherever possible we select suppliers that are also Qualmark approved and therefore deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way.
We pay an annual licence and have official accreditation to operate on Department of Conservation land which demonstrates our commitment to the environment and sustainability. Payment of the license fee funds the protection of New Zealand’s national parks.
Office: We work from several home offices saving on travel time and fossil fuel consumption. All printer cartridges and paper is recycled. Both home offices water supply is supplied by rain water.
The Impacts of this Trip
We are a sponsor of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. From Morepork chicks to one-legged kiwi birds and talking tuis, the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre works tirelessly to provide help, treatment and rehabilitation for ill and injured native New Zealand birds. This award-winning center cares for over 1,200 birds per year and is part of the Department of Conservation's kiwi recovery program. We are proud to be a contributor to the conservation of New Zealand's native bird population, helping to ensure that our rare wildlife will be around for generations to come. Many of our favourite tours such as the Kiwi and Kakapo are named after our native birds.
Maori culture and customs are an integral part of the tour experience. All of the below experiences are inclusions on our tours. As these activities are owned and operated by indigenous Maori Iwi (Tribes)there are economic benefits for these communities.
Footprints Waipoua - we learn how Kauri trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.
Kawiti Glowworm Caves - The caves traditional Maori owners act as living links to the past and making history come alive with their rich local knowledge.
We also where possible visit local craftsmen, markets and restaurants further helping to support the local community.
5 Reviews of New Zealand 21 day small group tour
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2019 by Abby Abebe
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too hard to pick. The diversity of landscapes and activities were boundless. From mountain to volcanic lake, coastline to glacier and charismatic towns to national parks and historical legacies in the Northland. If I have to pick one, day 16, traveling between Queenstown and Milford Sound by land, sea, and air was incredible.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I was there from early December to early January. I should have packed my down jacket for the South Island. As stated in their website, you will have plenty of opportunities to do laundry so no need to over pack.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Northland itinerary has a strong focus on the history and customs of the Maori. Our tour leader, Andrew was knowledgeable and respectful to local
traditions, customs and heritage. Most of the places we stayed in were locally owned so benefited local people. We had several local guides and opportunities to meet and interact with the locals. New Zealand is devoted to the protection and restoration of its indigenous animal and plant life. The optional activities I took - recommended by the tour company - work in the conservation and protection of the bio-diverse ecosystems.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great itinerary, beautiful country, knowledgeable and professional tour leader, and like-minded travelers.
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2018 by Barbara Garringer
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We travelled to the South Island of New Zealand with our tour operator during the Christmas to New Year's vacation time period 2017. Landscapes, climate, clean air, outstanding scenery, relaxed lifestyle, the smiling faces of everyone in our little group, kindness, simplicity and authenticity were all highlights of our trip.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our trip went so smoothly, with everything planned and documented in advance. We appreciated the travel tips on the itinerary. The accommodations were very good and well located, all bookings and appointments were scheduled perfectly. Tanya, who booked our trip, was great; Caroline sent us perfect trip details and Matt, our guide, did an outstanding job. Everything with Moa Trek was wonderful and highly recommend a trip with them.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2018 by Luis A. Rojas
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every part of the trip was memorable. But if we have to pick, then it would be: Mount Cook view from the hotel - it was simply possibly the most extraordinary
view you could have from a confortable hotel room of a alpine peak in the world. And the second memory, would be traveling by small plane from Milford Sounds to Queenstown in a sunny day! - simply unforgettable!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan your side trips carefully. Take your time. Ask questions. Have a plan B prepared in case weather does not help. If you are planning to take a helicopter ride to either Mount Cook or Frank Josef, suggest to take a ride in the morning before the weather gets worse in the afternoon. You may need to choose between the planned itinerary and the helicopter ride. The key is flexibility. Be ready to make changes. Tell your tour operator that you really want to take that ride.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definetely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a most memorable special once in a lifetime vacation for us. The itinerary is pretty good.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad we could make it a 'trip of a lifetime' for you, and that you now have lots of wonderful New Zealand memories to treasure.
We hope to see you again.
Reviewed on 02 Jan 2017 by Maria Ermelinda Camilo
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
New Zealand carried high expectations for many years; I often felt frustrated during this trip; it covered many kilometers and in theory mostly scenery, but it
rained or was foggy most of the time, 15 out of the 13 days?? So it did not live to my expectations. December was suggested to me as a great period, locally I
was told that lately November and December are rainy and cold
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
May be go later in the season, March...and do expect long bus days and no time to meet locals, if you care for that.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No, may be in some places our meals expenses might be relevant, otherwise hotels were of very high standard or belonged to big chains.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fair.
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2016 by Eugenia Fangsrud
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful views from my room.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for nonstop travel. As our guide, Paul, reminded us, "You are not on vacation, you are on tour."
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable.
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