New Zealand Rugby & Eco Tour

Your adventure is off and away as you global travel to Auckland. As your plane descends, look out your window to see New Zealand’s breathtaking mountains and valleys. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a lodge. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a nature walk, stroll into town, or check out the lodge gift shop. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for dinner, where you can take some time to get to know the people with whom you will be spending the next week of adventures.

You’ve made the long journey to New Zealand, so it’s about time you tour its capital city! Board your private coach to drive over the Harbour Bridge, take in the breathtaking city skyline before entering the main center. Learn about the architecture of Queen Street and the famous Viaduct Harbour before arriving at Auckland Domain. This park thrives off of the soil of an ancient volcano! Stop at the picturesque village of Parnell for a cup of coffee and lunch. Explore its markets before ending the tour at Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Soak up incredible views of Waitemata Harbour!

The day has come to learn about the sport of rugby! Make your way to the Murray Halberg Rugby Field to meet expert coaches. They will teach you this high-contact team sport by showing how to run with the ball and tackle team members. New Zealand won the world cup for rugby in 2019, so these professionals know what they’re doing. Engage in a friendly competition game before stopping for lunch. Next, prepare yourself for an unforgettable afternoon as you make your way to the Waitomo Caves, famous for its glowworm caverns. Grab a flashlight and enter the cave to discover icicle-shaped stalactites. A boat will pick you up and take you through the Glowworm Grotto. Stare in awe as millions of glowworms illuminate the cave’s walls and ceilings in a spectacular display.

Calling all movie lovers, today was planned just for you! Individuals from all walks of life travel across the globe to tour the “Lord of the Rings” movie set, which is what you will be doing today. Take your way to the Bombay Hills to disembark for morning tea. Following this, you will arrive in Hobbiton. A professional guide will talk you through the working sheep farm, which is the world’s largest outdoor movie set. Explore the Shire, including Bilbo Baggins’s hobbit hole. Take photographs in front of the Mill, also known as the party tree, and double-arch bridge. Finally, arrive at Green Dragon Inn for ale, cider, or ginger beer. In the evening you will take a short domestic flight to the smaller city of Christchurch.

Wake up bright and early for an adventure-filled day. Make your way to Christchurch Adventure Park to be greeted by your zip guides. Next, harness up before heading up the mountain on New Zealand’s longest chairlift. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern Alps before launching your first zip-line at incredible speeds. When you finally reach the bottom of the mountain, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, get excited to watch New Zealand’s national rugby team, the Crusaders, play a game. Watch how these professional athletes use their force and bodies to score points. Feel the thrill of being a part of a wild and passionate crowd, and cheer on your team!

Your final day in New Zealand will be one for the books as you travel to Akaroa Harbour, a waterway teeming with marine life. Embark on your cruise to spot penguins, seals, and of course, dolphins! When your captain has found a pod, jump in your wetsuit before jumping into the water. Duck beneath the waves to see and swim with these wild and playful creatures in their natural habitat. After much time in the water, you return to land for lunch and explorations of the town’s craft shops and colonial buildings. What a spectacular way to end your trip!

It has been an educational and adventurous week in New Zealand, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.