Kia ora! Touch down in Aotearoa and kick off your New Zealand adventure the right way! Ultimate New Zealand Work & Travel Arrival Week is your perfect start—combining a social first week with everything you need to live and work in New Zealand. Spend 7 days in Auckland settling in, exploring the city, and meeting your crew, while we set you up with bank accounts, IRD, and job support. Then head north for a 4-day surf adventure on the Tutukaka Coast—think epic beaches, coastal road trips, Cape Reinga, and sandboarding. Finish back in Auckland before starting your next chapter, with 12 months of job support to help you work and travel across New Zealand.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! Today is the recommended arrival date. Once you land in Auckland, access the shuttle service to take you to your home for the next week. Check in and rest up or explore the city area. Your activity week with the group starts tomorrow!
Kick off your day with a City Walking Tour and get to know Auckland on foot, starting at the buzzing Viaduct Harbour – packed with waterfront views, cool cafés, and plenty of spots to grab a cheap bite or coffee. From there, head into the SkyCity Auckland precinct to check out the iconic Sky Tower, with the option to head up for epic panoramic views or even take on the SkyWalk or SkyJump if you’re feeling adventurous (own cost). Wind things down with a stroll through the leafy Albert Park, perfect for a chill break or meeting fellow travellers before, wrapping up the day with a rooftop hangout over dinner, soaking in a stunning sunset over the city.
Launch your New Zealand adventure with a hands-on orientation – we’ll help you set up bank accounts, SIM cards, and give job support so you’re ready to hit the ground running. From 8:00 PM join the guided night out visiting four of the city’s best bars and clubs. Enjoy 4 free drinks, party games, DJs, and drink specials as you explore the nightlife with a great group of travellers. A fun and social night, perfect for meeting new people and experiencing the city’s party scene.
Jump on a scenic bus from Auckland to Whangārei, where you’ll meet your surf guides and crew. Head up to the Tutukaka Coast, settle in, and kick things off with your first surf session before relaxing with the group by the beach.
Wake up by the ocean and hit the waves again with another guided surf session. Spend the rest of the day exploring nearby beaches, cruising the coastline, and soaking up the laid-back Northland vibes.
Take a break from surfing for an epic day trip to the very top of New Zealand. Visit Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, check out remote beaches, and go sandboarding down the massive Te Paki dunes.
Squeeze in one last sunrise surf session before packing up and heading back to Auckland. Arrive in the evening and spend your final night relaxing with the group and sharing stories from an unforgettable few days up north.
Join us for coffee, pastries, and good vibes at our office, where the team will catch you up on any onward travel info, give extra support, and celebrate an unforgettable week of adventures, sun, and new friends!
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Can anyone book Ultimate NZ?
Designed for those planning a working holiday/gap year, mostly aged 18-30. Various visa options are available depending on your reason for travel.
What do I need to plan before I leave?
Arrange a Working Holiday Visa, book flights to New Zealand, arrange travel insurance, then pack and prepare to depart.
How far ahead should I book?
Departures book out in advance so booking sooner is recommended. A non-refundable 20% deposit secures a spot, with final payment due 6 weeks prior.
I’m travelling alone. How will I meet people?
The package is designed to help you make friends as soon as you arrive in Auckland; most travellers arrive alone and stay in touch with the group afterward.
What happens after I book?
Confirmation and booking details are emailed immediately, with additional pre-trip information provided closer to departure once flight details are shared.
How do you help me find work?
Includes 12-month access to the Travellers At Work job database, orientation on job searching, CV reviews, and one-on-one guidance from work and travel experts.
How do I book?
Select a departure date, enter details, and receive confirmation, or pay a non-refundable $300 deposit to reserve a spot without full payment.
Can you help me organise flights & insurance?
Flight booking assistance isn’t provided, though online search engines/travel agents are recommended. Travel insurance is required, and trusted providers are listed.
Can I travel with a medical condition?
Inform us in writing at booking if you have a medical condition or disability. Medical certificates may be requested, and bookings can be declined if accommodations can’t be reasonably provided.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts in Auckland on Wednesday and finishes the following Wednesday in Auckland.
Can I add extra accommodation and activities to my booking?
Yes, extra nights before or after the tour can be added during booking or by contacting the team directly.
What will happen after my tour?
Ongoing support continues through work and travel experts who assist with future planning and travel advice across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Southeast Asia.
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Group Tour, Gap Year and Adventure Travel specialists since 2015, with over 20,000 travellers.
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Group tours and gap year programs for 18 to 35s. Running since 2015, with over 20,000 travellers.
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