19-day Worldschooling

New Zealand Roadtrip

Explore both the North & South Islands

Visit glaciers, lakes & national parks

Experience Māori culture & heritage

Travel with a community of families

WORLDSCHOOLING GROUP ADVENTURE

Experience the best of New Zealand without the stress of planning.

Discover the natural beauty of New Zealand on this unforgettable 19-day journey from Christchurch to Auckland. Designed for travellers who love nature, water, and meaningful cultural experiences, this itinerary showcases the country’s dramatic landscapes, sparkling lakes, scenic coastlines, and outdoor adventures. Along the way, guests will enjoy a mix of water-based activities, peaceful nature escapes, and a handful of museum visits that add insight into New Zealand’s history and heritage.

The trip also includes a guided village tour, offering a deeper connection to local culture and traditions. From the South Island’s breathtaking scenery to the vibrant finish in Auckland, this journey is a well-rounded introduction to New Zealand’s most inspiring highlights.

Destination

Christchurch -> Auckland, New Zealand

Highlights

Road Trip Adventure Through Mountains, Glaciers & Beaches

Dates

Oct 16- Nov 3, 2026

Price

$4,717 per person

Worldschooling adventures are a perfect opportunity to spend time with like-minded families, make deep connections and learn from each other

Ready to join?


Itinerary at a glance


Day 1

Arrival in Christchurch

Accomodation: Christchurch

Welcome to New Zealand. Meet your trip leader and fellow travelers during the evening welcome meeting. Explore Christchurch's beautiful gardens, riverside walks, and cultural attractions before beginning your adventure.

Day 2

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Accommodation: Lake Tekapo

Travel through the Canterbury Plains to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Admire the turquoise waters, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, and enjoy optional stargazing experiences.

Day 3

Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

Accommodation: Queenstown

Journey through spectacular alpine scenery to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Enjoy free time to explore the lakeside town.

Day 4

Queenstown Free Day

Accommodation: Queenstown

Choose from exciting activities including Milford Sound, jet boating, kayaking, bungy jumping, hiking, or simply relaxing beside Lake Wakatipu.

Day 5

Queenstown & Arrowtown

Accommodation: Queenstown

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Queenstown or visit historic Arrowtown, a charming former gold mining settlement nestled in the hills.

Day 6

Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Accommodation: Franz Josef

Travel through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, stopping at the famous Blue Pools before continuing to Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 7

Franz Josef Glacier

Accommodation: Franz Josef

Spend the day exploring glacier country. Optional adventures include heli-hiking, glacier kayaking, rainforest walks, and hot tubs.

Day 8

Franz Josef to Westport

Accommodation: Westport

Travel along the rugged West Coast and visit Punakaiki's famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before continuing to Westport.

Day 9

Westport to Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation: Abel Tasman National Park

Explore the coast before continuing to one of New Zealand's most beautiful national parks, famous for golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Day 10

Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation: Abel Tasman National Park

A full day to enjoy hiking, sailing, kayaking, canyoning, or simply relaxing in this coastal paradise.

Day 11

Abel Tasman to Wellington

Accommodation: Wellington

Travel to Picton and board the scenic ferry through the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in New Zealand's capital city.

Day 12

Wellington

Accommodation: Wellington

Discover Wellington's vibrant food scene, museums, cable car, waterfront, and optional Weta Workshop tour.

Day 13

Wellington to Taihape

Accommodation: Taihape

Journey inland to Taihape and enjoy an included farm-to-table dinner featuring local produce and regional specialties.

Day 14

Taihape to Rotorua

Accommodation: Rotorua

Visit the impressive Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before arriving in Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal and cultural heart.

Day 15

Rotorua

Accommodation: Rotorua

Explore geothermal wonders, Māori culture, glowworm experiences, hot springs, and adventure activities.

Day 16

Rotorua to Mount Maunganui

Accommodation: Mount Maunganui

Travel to New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Plenty region and enjoy free time on stunning beaches.

Day 17

Mount Maunganui

Accommodation: Mount Maunganui

Relax by the ocean, take surf lessons, cycle coastal paths, or visit nearby adventure parks.

Day 18

Mount Maunganui to Auckland

Accommodation: Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Spend your final evening exploring the harbour city and celebrating your adventure.

Day 19

Departure Day

Your New Zealand road trip comes to an end after breakfast.

What's Included?

Accommodation: Local guesthouses and homestay experiences are featured on many itineraries and you may even camp from time to time. Expect 3 star accommodation on average.

Transport: Local guesthouses and homestay experiences are featured on many itineraries and you may even camp from time to time. Expect 3 star accommodation on average.

Inclusions: With a balance between free time and included activities, your experienced local leader or guide will help you discover things you won’t find on your own.

Group Communications: Private WhatsApp chats for connection, coordination, and bonding — for both adults and kids

Worldschooling Community: You’ll be exploring New Zealand with a like-minded group of worldschooling families.

Itinerary: Scheduled group activities and experiences.

Tour Guide: Local naturalist guide

What's Not Included?

International Flights: To and from New Zealand

Visas: Any visas required.

Additional Services: Services not mentioned in

the itinerary

Extra Cost of Activities: If any optional experiences come with additional fees outside of our main group activities, those costs are not included (unless stated otherwise).

Food/Drinks: Meals and drinks not

mentioned in the itinerary

Stay Fees & Extras: Any hotel purchases (e.g., alcoholic beverages, extra meals, taxes, fees, late check outs) will be your responsibility,

Tips: For leaders, guides and

driver

Personal Expenses: Expenditure of personal

nature

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included, however it is recommended.

Ready to join?


Optional Activities


These experiences are optional and not included in your tour package. They are designed to enhance your journey and can be added at an additional cost. Below you’ll find a selection of popular activities, please contact our team for more options.

Adventure & Adrenaline

Day 4 | Queenstown

Shotover River Jet Boat Ride – NZD 179

Day 4 | Queenstown

Nevis Bungy – NZD 395

Day 4 | Queenstown

Canyon Swing – From NZD 295

Day 10 | Abel Tasman National Park

Skydiving – From NZD 280

Scenic & Nature

Day 2 | Lake Tekapo

The Summit Experience – NZD 219

Day 4 | Queenstown

Milford Sound Coach–Cruise–Coach Day Trip – From NZD 274

Day 7 | Franz Josef Glacier

Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise – NZD 125

Day 10 | Abel Tasman National Park

Cruise & Anchorage Walk – NZD 138

Culture & History

Day 4 | Queenstown

Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour – NZD 299

Day 12 | Wellington

Te Papa Museum – NZD 35

Day 15 | Rotorua

Whakarewarewa Māori Village Guided Tour – NZD 58

Day 18 | Auckland

All Blacks Experience – NZD 69

Relaxation & Wellness

Day 2 | Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Springs Hot Pool – NZD 50

Day 7 | Franz Josef

Waiho Hot Tubs – From NZD 89

Day 15 | Rotorua

Secret Spot Hot Tubs – NZD 43

Day 5 | Gibbston Valle

Wine Tasting (no fixed price listed)

Water & Coastal

Day 7 | Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier Lake Kayaking – NZD 165

Day 8 | Charleston

Glowworm Cave Adventure – NZD 165

Day 8 | Westport

Surfboard Hire – NZD 45

Day 15 | Rotorua

Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner – NZD 350

Discovery & Leisure

Day 2 | Christchurch

City Tour

Day 5 | Queenstown

Arrowtown Village Visit

Day 7 | Franz Josef Glacier

Forest Walk

Day 9 | Westport

Kawatiri Experience – NZD 25


Trip Highlights


Experience Both Islands of New Zealand

Travel from the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the South Island to the geothermal landscapes and golden beaches of the North Island, experiencing the incredible diversity that makes New Zealand so unique.

Adventure at Your Own Pace

Whether you're into hiking, kayaking, wildlife encounters, surfing, sailing, stargazing, jet boating, or simply soaking in the scenery, this itinerary gives families the freedom to choose their own level of adventure.

Extraordinary Natural Landscapes

Witness turquoise alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, geothermal wonders, volcanic landscapes, and some of the most breathtaking road-trip scenery in the world.

Meaningful Māori Cultural Connections

Learn about New Zealand's indigenous heritage through visits to Māori communities, cultural sites, and places that hold deep historical and spiritual significance.

Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, penguins, native birds, and marine life as you explore national parks, coastal regions, and protected wilderness areas.

Iconic New Zealand Experiences

Explore geothermal landscapes, visit world-famous filming locations, and discover why New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful destinations.

Build Lifelong Friendships

Travel alongside like-minded worldschooling families, creating opportunities for children and parents alike to form meaningful friendships and shared memories.

An Epic Road Trip Without the Planning

Enjoy the freedom and excitement of an unforgettable road trip while we take care of the logistics, accommodations, and route planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we book?

Please click the "Book Now" button right below this section. Here you will be taken to our checkout page to pay the deposit. The deposit reserves your spot.

You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page if you need help.

Is there an educational component to this trip?

Every single travel experience is educational. On this trip we will not be sitting in classrooms, or looking at textbooks. We will be exploring, immersing, learning from doing. We will be sharing all the knowledge about the area that we have collected over the years. We will be encouraging kids and adults to break out of their shell and step a little out of their comfort zone and remember what it's like to be a wild child. This might not be in your local school's curicullum but it will be transformational in another way.

We hope that you will leave inspired, full of wonder and with your soul well rested.

Do you facilitate group communication?

Yes, all the families will be added to a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before the trip and discuss the itinerary. We will also use WhatsApp to communicate during the trip.

How do I know if we get along with the other families?

Most families get along really well if they actually participate in the group and are open to new friends.

During our past trips, introverts have enjoyed sporadic company of other introverts, while their kids were able to be social and extroverts had fun with the whole group. No matter what you will have the perfect experience for you. The more you put into it the more you will get out of it. Be yourself, be authentic, and make time to connect with others. You'll be so happy you did!

Find out what others said about our groups: POST

Are food options accommodating of allergies and intolerances?

Meals are not included in the trip package, which gives families the flexibility to choose food options that best fit their needs, preferences, allergies, or dietary restrictions.

Since you will be able to purchase your own meals throughout the trip, you can choose restaurants, cafés, grocery items, or other food options that work for your family. This can be especially helpful for families with allergies, intolerances, vegetarian/vegan preferences, gluten-free needs, or picky eaters.

We always recommend that families with serious allergies or specific dietary needs plan ahead, bring any essential snacks or allergy-safe items, and communicate directly with restaurants when ordering.

How will we get from place to place during the trip?

Transportation throughout the trip is included in the package.

We will travel together as a group using a private charter bus. This allows families to move comfortably from one location to another without having to arrange separate transportation, rental cars, or transfers.

The group bus will be used for planned travel between destinations and included activities, making the trip easier and more convenient for everyone.

Where will we be staying?

During the trip, we will be staying in several different locations across New Zealand so families can experience more than one area of the country.

Accommodations will be arranged in comfortable hotels, with a minimum standard of 3-star properties. This means families can expect clean, suitable, and comfortable lodging throughout the trip.

Exact hotel names and room details may be shared closer to the trip dates once arrangements are finalized.

What happens before and after the trip?

The New Zealand trip will end in Auckland.

For families who would like to continue the adventure, there is a Transpacific cruise from Auckland to Los Angeles taking place right after the trip. This is be a wonderful option for families who want to extend their travels and make the journey back toward the U.S. in a more relaxed and memorable way. You can also add additional stays in Auckland if you request.

The cruise is not part of the New Zealand trip package, but it may be a great add-on option for families interested in continuing the experience after the land trip ends.

Can you tell me more about your mission and vision?

Read this post about our mission and vision: POST

Ready to book?

Please click the button below. You will be taken to our checkout page to pay the deposit. The deposit reserves your spot.

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