23 Day Epic New Zealand Tour - Haka Tours

Day 1: Auckland to Paihia

After kicking things off in NZ’s largest city, we’ll make our way north to the Bay of Islands, exploring Northland and Paihia. The most tropical and hottest part of New Zealand, Northland is home to some of the North Island’s best beaches and scenery. Kick back, relax and leave the planning and surprises to our guides. Enjoy bonding with the group and getting to know each other whilst taking in your first glimpses of the lush New Zealand landscape including volcanic islands, turquoise waters and perfect beaches; this is where the locals go on holiday.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 2: Paihia

Paihia is the perfect base to explore the Northland region and Bay of Islands. Home to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock,’ there are plenty of boat trips here as well as other activities to choose from in the area. You can swim with dolphins, skydive, go sailing or just chill out with new friends and take it all in. This is also one of the most historically important areas of New Zealand. Rich in Maori heritage and culture, we’ll have the chance to visit some spectacular waterfalls, take scenic walks or ferry over to one of the islands. If you would like to visit the very top of New Zealand, you can choose to do a day tour to Cape Reinga, situated where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. You may drive on 90 Mile Beach and try sand boarding while on this optional day tour. If you would prefer to have a relaxing day, you can do one of the scenic walks from the town centre. Russell is also easily accessed by from Paihia and has awesome views.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 3: Paihia to Auckland

Today, we'll visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The grounds are significant to all New Zealanders as this was where the founding document of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori. The Hundertwasser Toilets are also on our agenda for the day, in the small town of Kawakawa. This is the only building in the Southern Hemisphere designed by the Austrian born artist Hundertwasser and although these are toilets, you'll never see any others like these anywhere in the world. We’ve got a few more secret spots and options to visit during the day before heading back to Auckland where your tour finishes around 5pm. If you would like to spend the evening in New Zealand’s biggest city, we can easily book an extra night of accommodation so you can party the night away!

Meals :Breakfast

Day 4: Auckland to Coromandel

Beautiful remote beaches, dense wooded forest and clear blue waters make the Coromandel one of New Zealand’s favorite getaways. Together, at low tide, we’ll make our way to the world-famous Hot Water Beach. When the tide’s out, you can dig a hole in the sand where natural hot springs bubble up to create your own personal hot tub! You’ll also carve your own tiki pendant from bone here, a very special and unique Kiwi experience. What a better souvenir to take home than one you made yourself in a traditional activity?

Meals :Breakfast

Day 5: Coromandel to Waitomo

We’ll walk together out along the cliffs down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognize from the Chronicles of Narnia). Beautiful in its own right, with perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel and for a good reason: It doesn’t look real. From the Coromandel, we’ll head west through some beautiful lush green hills dotted with New Zealand’s iconic sheep before making our way to Waitomo, home of the one of a kind glowworm caves.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 6: Waitomo to Rotorua

Waitomo has become famous around the world thanks to its magnificent glowworm caves. How many chances do you get to go caving in a place with blue glowworms twinkling on the ceiling? There are many different ways to explore the caves, but if you are open to adventure and getting your feet wet, the best way to experience Waitomo is by black water rafting. (Optional Add-on) After lunch we’ll hop on over to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Nicknamed the Vegas of New Zealand, Rotorua has heaps of activities and things to do for everyone. A favourite activity for many is the Zorb – a Kiwi invention that involves rolling down a hill whilst inside a giant air cushioned ball! Taking in one of the Maori cultural evenings, getting to experience the traditional Maori heritage and welcome, is another tour highlight.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 7: Rotorua to Murupara

While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world. There’s heaps of time to get amongst Rotorua’s diverse attractions while you're here. We’ll get you started with an orientation tour, including a stroll through the flower- filled Government Gardens by the lakefront. If adrenalin’s your thing, the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world, on the Kaituna River, is begging to be conquered on an exhilarating rafting trip. Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara - a living Māori village - where you will be taken on a tribal tour by a village elder. Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant). Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up! The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge. The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community. Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation in the area. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact info@hakatours.com for more information.

Meals :Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Murupara to Taupo

This morning you will visit Te Puia - a well-known Maori culture centre. At Te Puia you can explore Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, visit New Zealand’s native kiwi birds, and learn about Maori history & culture. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka Guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing. Taupō is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 9: Taupo

A full day in Taupō... are you in the mood for peaceful lakeside tranquility or unlimited adrenaline and adventure? For many, the ultimate adventure on offer here is the hiking (or tramping, as we Kiwis know it). The Tongariro Crossing is among the top 10 full-day walks in the world. This 19.4-kilometre mountain trek boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters. If you’d prefer to relax, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Māori rock carvings. Or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 10: Taupo to Wellington

It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat! Our journey takes us through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert. Some of your favourite Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed right here. The Desert Road boasts incredible views of three active volcanic peaks – Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You may know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom, so be sure to snap a Mordor selfie! We pull into Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film buffs make a trip to Weta Workshop.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura

One of the most iconic and classic New Zealand activities is sailing the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands. From the decks of the ferry, the city lights of Wellington fade but before long we’ll be greeted with views of the vast ocean. Keep a look out for the occasional dolphin leaping alongside the boat; as if the views couldn’t be more perfect! After taking in a vineyard or two, soon the sweeping mountains around the Marlborough Sounds rise up, welcoming us to the South Island. Road tripping along the rugged coast to Kaikoura offers views of tremendous mountains that crash down to the turquoise ocean, with seal colonies and waterfalls dotted here and there. Be sure to have your camera ready for a visit to the fur seal colonies (there may even be even baby seals!) and for all of the great sea life you’re going to spot. If it’s warm enough, we’ll even have a bonfire on the beach together and cook up a Haka family BBQ.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Rugged snowcapped mountains drop right down to the beach in Kaikoura, making it an incredible backdrop to experience the famous sea life in the area. There’s something for every traveler in Kaikoura: go giant whale watching, go fishing, kayak, play mini-golf or swim with hundreds of friendly and curious wild dolphins in the bright blue water; how often do you get to swim with dolphins in the wild? Eventually we’ll make our way down to Christchurch, a beautiful garden-filled city with lazy rivers and heritage buildings. We finish the day by coming home to our very own Haka Lodge. Having a family BBQ together, while hanging out with new friends as the sun goes down, makes for a perfect way to end an epic day on the South Island.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 13: Christchurch to MacKenzie Country

We’ll explore the iconic downtown area and check out the cool ways the city has reunited and is being rebuilt. With lots of quirky shops, specialized cafes and spots to dine, along with a young fun Kiwi culture, Christchurch shouldn’t be missed. After exploring Christchurch, we’ll make our way to Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most famous lakes. Surrounded by the jagged Southern Alps, the bright turquoise Lake Tekapo will leave you questioning if someone dropped blue food coloring in it. Minerals left by ancient glaciers give the lake its iconic turquoise colour. Combine this with the towering mountains and purple and pink Lupin flowers along its banks, and you’ll understand why Lake Tekapo couldn’t be prettier. Once the sun goes down, it gets even better. Thanks to the super clear skies, the area around Tekapo has been declared a “Star Reserve” and it’s the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies above. Watch the stars appear over the lake from the hostel that’s just a few feet from the shore. Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation in the area. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact info@hakatours.com for more information.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 14: MacKenzie Country to Queenstown

The road to Queenstown (scattered with dozens of glacial blue lakes, soaring mountains and lush valleys) is almost as beautiful as the town itself. Between wine tasting in the famous Otago region, to exploring some of the local salmon farms, we’ll have the chance to see a more diverse side of the South Island. The undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is always at the top of the list of any trip around the South Island. Surrounded by the stunning Remarkables, some of the most beautiful mountains in NZ, and sprawling along the banks of the dazzling Lake Wakatipu, its location is straight from a postcard. Together we’ll hop on up the gondola and see Queenstown from above. There is nothing like watching the sunset over New Zealand’s prettiest town with new friends before experiencing the famous nightlife in town. We’ll crash for the night at the Haka Lodge in Queenstown, cook some meals together, and chill out in this luxury hostel-lodge. Tomorrow is going to be action packed, so be sure to get at least a few hours sleep!

Meals :Breakfast

Day 15: Queenstown

With a full day in Queenstown, you can pack in as many bucket list activities as you wish. There are many different options to choose from: paragliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, horse riding through some stunning Lord of the Rings locations in Glenorchy and swinging through a canyon Tarzan-style with a new friend. Queenstown is definitely a highlight of any trip to New Zealand. If you’re into hiking, you might even be able to hop on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and tackle part of the Routeburn track. One of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, Milford Sound, is not to be missed. Driving into the park is stunning in and of itself, but just wait ‘til you get on the water! Sailing around the fjords beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular spots in New Zealand. Beautiful in rain or shine, Milford is universally loved by all. Whether experiencing it from the decks of a boat to kayaking around the steep cliffs, Milford takes the biscuit as one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful areas of the South Island. With the occasional sea lion or dolphin popping up to say hello, it makes the journey there and around even more special.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 16: Queenstown to Wanaka

The drive to Wanaka from Queenstown is spectacular, filled with great views, beautiful stops and plenty of surprises. We’ll stop in the stunning and historic Arrowtown for a bit of exploring. En route to Wanaka, we stop in at New Zealand’s oldest pub for a drink or two in Cardrona before arriving at the lakeside holiday town of Wanaka. A year round destination, Wanaka is surrounded by towering mountains and a glacial blue lake with plenty of things to do and with a thriving young vibe in town. In the warmer months, there are tons of lake activities to choose from, such as swimming, water-skiing, kayaking and wake-boarding. There are beautiful hikes and bike rides all around the lake and plenty of adventure activities to choose from too. In the winter, Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most popular snow sports destinations, with several great ski fields close by. Hit the cafes on the lakefront for a drink at the end of the day with the group to unwind.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 17: Wanaka to Franz Josef

You’ll have the chance to mountain bike along the lake, climb up the iconic Mt. Iron in town for some sweet views or hit up the iconic Puzzling World for a bit of fun and games. We’ll then make our way towards the wild west coast of the South Island, traversing the beautiful mountains in Haast and getting a good look towards the sea. Get excited, this is one of the most scenic and iconic road trips around New Zealand. Apart from the sick west coast views, there are plenty of surprises and secret spots in store today. Between September and December it’s whitebait season (a small fish that’s a delicacy in New Zealand). Fried up with eggs and served on toast, it’s a local treat and shouldn’t be missed. We’ll stop at a one of the local spots to try it out.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 18: Franz Josef

Another New Zealand favorite: Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll marvel at the sight of bright blue ice fields, surrounded by luscious green mountains, dropping down into a temperate rainforest (the only kind in the world). Relatively easy to access, hiking on or around the glaciers is a must-do. There are plenty of different ways to enjoy Franz Josef; you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike on the glaciers, try ice-climbing for the first time, or relax in the hot springs down below. You can even carve your own Greenstone necklace in town. Apart from the beautiful glaciers, there are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking, quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke in Franz Josef! With Mt. Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 19: Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Driving along the coastal road and exploring the lush forests around Punakaiki, it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time before people even arrived in New Zealand. Get excited; the knowledgeable guides have some surprises up their sleeves for this part of the trip, including a spot or two to get your feet wet. Te Waipounamu (which means ‘the water Greenstone’ in Maori) is the name given to the South Island because of the abundance of Greenstone (jade) to be found there. We’ll get to visit one of the famous artisan Greenstone factories in Hokitika as we make our way north, as well as passing through many old gold mining towns before arriving in Punakaiki. If this is your last stop, then you’ll get the chance to travel on the Tranz Alpine train back to Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and stunning train journeys through the Southern Alps.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 20: Punakaiki

North of Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks, we’ll get to sleep in the rainforest next to the beach at the unique Te Nikau Retreat, one of the best places to sleep in the area. Watching the sunset over the ocean with the Haka family, while building a bonfire on the beach, is the perfect way to enjoy this wild part of New Zealand. The Pancake Rocks are one of the South Island’s many natural wonders; formed by huge basalt columns along the coast, at high tide seawater shoots up through the many blowholes creating a roaring performance. Around Punakaiki you’ll find surfing, kayaking, caving and even the chance to make your own knife (the perfect souvenir to take home). There are also opportunities for horseback riding and walks along the Paparoa National Park.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 21: Punakaiki to Abel Tasman

Making our way north from Punakaiki, the scenery and weather gets better and better. From exploring some caves to visiting fur seal colonies to various adventure activities there’s plenty to keep you busy. From visiting secret water holes, flying a stunt plane yourself or going for a bit of a skydive or hang gliding, there are plenty of activities in the area to choose from. Eventually we’ll arrive in Motueka, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, one of the gems of the South Island. Golden beaches meet up with tranquil lagoons and crystal clear water make the Abel Tasman the perfect getaway from the mountains.

Meals :Breakfast

Day 22: Abel Tasman

Enough of the big mountains, it’s time for some sandy beaches. Abel Tasman can be explored many different ways, by walking, kayaking, water taxi or a combination of all three. There are also opportunities for getting out on the water for a bit of a sail or getting adventurous and canyoning. One of New Zealand’s great walks, the Abel Tasman trail is easy and meanders along the coastline. Anyone can do it. There are great viewpoints, secluded beaches and even waterfalls hidden about this part of the South Island. And the best part: it’s one of the sunniest regions of New Zealand! In the park we’ll get to overnight on a boat-turned-hostel, have a BBQ together on the deck, swim off the boat and hang out together under the stars. This is one of the most unique experiences you can have in New Zealand. How often do you get to sleep on a boat under the stars in a national park?

Meals :Breakfast

Day 23: Abel Tasman to Wellington

Today is the last day of your tour! You’ll start things off by learning to paddle a traditional waka (Māori war canoe). Experience a karakia (blessing for protection), and learn tikanga (Māori knowledge and etiquette) all while getting out on the water to enjoy this unique included activity. Our road trip continues along the northern edge of the South Island this afternoon. We’ll make a quick stop at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve (a film location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) and make our way through Havelock as we wind our way towards Picton to catch the afternoon ferry to Wellington. As the lights of Picton Harbour fade into the night, relax on board together for a chilled evening. The tour officially finishes at 8pm today in Wellington, but your accommodation tonight is included.

OPTIONAL TRANSFER TO AUCKLAND Need to get back to Auckland? Tomorrow we offer an optional transfer day where you can catch a ride on the Haka bus with your tour guide back to Auckland, arriving around 7pm. There is a small cost to this additional service. If your plan is to stay in Wellington there is still plenty to see and do. Perhaps a self-guided tour of Te Papa Museum, or visit the famous Weta Workshop where a lot of Lord of the Rings props were designed.

Meals :Breakfast