| Our 26 day "Epic NZ" tour covers all bases ... and beyond! You will get up-close and personal with New Zealand's deepest and darkest secrets, as well as covering off all key tourist areas. |
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| Price from 1199 GBP /person |
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| PHOTOS (move your mouse over the thumbnails to view the image above) |
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Day 1 - Auckland
Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” and is New Zealand’s biggest and most vibrant city at just over a million people. Generally, Aucklanders live within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, you will be beginning to get a picture of Auckland.
The day will start with an orientation tour of Auckland. Over the next few days you will get to experience first hand all Auckland has to offer. The range of activities is immense and some of the more popular activities are sold at an exclusive discounted rate to Haka customers. These include climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, Auckland Bride Bungy, Abseiling down waterfalls at Piha Canyon, shark diving and sailing an America's Cup Yacht... to name just a few! Throughout your New Zealand tour, your Haka Tour guide will be on hand to inpart their expert local knowledge and to ensure your trip is a hassle free experience!
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Another free day in Auckland (see above). | Day 3 -
Auckland to Whitanga
Today we head off for Mercury Bay where you will be taken to Hot Water Beach and believe me, the name says it all... This is one of the region’s most fascinating places. For two hours either side of low tide, you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool (jacuzzi/hot tub)!
You will have the opportunity to discover the most amazing coastline and beaches. One of the Haka favourites is a chilled coastal walk to Cathedral Cove with amazing panoramic clifftop views. PURE New Zealand!
You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at bone carving and creating your own kiwi pendant known as a “Tiki”. | Day 4 -
Whitianga to Waitomo Caves
Journey underground on a subterranean adventure through limestone chambers and passages. Be suspended in awe and silence, surrounded by cave decorations and a galaxy of tiny living lights found in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. As you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms, it is only the gentle sound of dripping water that reminds you that you are deep underground and not beneath a star filled sky...
For over 100 years Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. The moment you enter this subterranean wonderland you'll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos, and marvel at amazing stalactites and stalagmites - mother nature's decorations. You’ll have the chance to experience a boat trip like no other, journeying through the starry expanse of the Glowworm Grotto, while your way is lit by a multitude of tiny lights. | Day 5 -
Waitomo Caves to Rotorua
Today we make a short two-hour journey to Rotorua, one of the original tourist destinations. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs. Silica terraces are naturally decorated with a kaleidoscope of colours. The Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley can shoot water 30 metres (100 feet).
Rotorua is also at the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori. There are about 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district. You be able to stay as a guest on a marae - an unforgettable experience. Or you could catch a Maori cultural performance, quite possibly a haka. You can also indulge in a traditional hangi feast - the food is cooked below the ground in earthen ovens and has the most amazing taste.
One of our favourites activities here is the Zorb - an activity that fully encapsulates the kiwi spirit! The Haka favourite hands down is "sledging" which involves the use of a specalised plastic device used to bodyboard down white-water! We also have a stunning white-water rafting option which will see you pass through steep, bush clad canyons, over 14 awesome drops including the 7 metre Tutea falls. Blended with a touch of culture, this trip offers it all, for both rafting enthusiasts and first timers.
You can also experience the Rotorua luge, a number of very inexpensive geothermal hot spring baths, or how about a spot of trout fishing in a volcanic crater lake? Whatever takes your fancy we say! | Day 6 -
Rotorua to Taupo
Located just 20 minutes from South Rotorua is our first stop for today: The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve.
Wai-O-Tapu lays claim to be New Zealand's most colourful and diverse volcanic area. The reserve is covered with collapsed craters, cold and boiling pools of mud, water and steaming fumeroles. You can walk at your own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the guaranteed daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am.
Next stop is the Huka Falls in the Wairakei Tourist Park: New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. The thundering Huka Falls provides a fantastic photo opportunity - more than 220,000 litres of water tumbles over the cliff face per second! For those of you that want to up the ante’ - feel the exhilaration and the power of a Huka Jet boat ride. You will get up close and personal to the Huka Falls as you enjoy the sensation as you skim past cliffs and trees at 80 km per hour. Then get ready for a 360-degree spin, as the boat turns on its own length! | Day 7 -
Free Day Taupo
A few thousand years ago Lake Taupo itself was created by the largest volcanic eruption of the past 5,000 years - it was so big records say the sun went hazy in China. Today, what remains is a lake the size of Singapore and the largest fresh water lake in Australasia.
Here in Taupo, you can really experience the insane to the sedate. You can sky dive over the Lake Taupo, four wheel drive on volcanic farm land, check out the constantly active geothermal landscape, taste geothermally bred prawns, learn about local authentic Maori culture and myths, play golf on internationally acclaimed golf courses (costs breadcrumbs compared with the UK), enjoy a flight over a world heritage area, ski on an active volcano or even bungy jump over New Zealand’s largest River – the Waikato.
Or if your prefer your activities to be a little more sedate today, why not soak in a thermal hot spring, take a cruise to the famous Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay, find a secluded beach, indulge in boutique shopping, enjoy delectable cuisine at one of the many restaurants, cafés or indulge in a cocktail at one of the groovy lounge bars.
We have all your options covered. As always, a large number of our suggestions and activities are free of charge and for those that are not, we have secured the best discounted rates possible, exclusive to Haka Tour participants only. | Day 8 -
Taupo to River Valley
There really is no where else like River Valley – this place epitomises tranquillity… with a streak of adrenalin running through its belly!
We will be staying at the stunning River Valley Lodge which offers a complete range of New Zealand adventure activities. This includes world class Grade 5 white water rafting, inflatable kayaking, scenic eco-rafting along some of the more peaceful stretches of the Rangitikei River, horse trekking, guided natural and cultural interpretive bush walks, fly fishing for wild trout and they even have a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course (check out the additional activities section for our hugely discounted choices).
Everything here is world-class set amongst a backdrop of mother nature’s best work. If the scenery of River Valley does not blow your mind, then we at Haka will be truly surprised! | Day 9 -
River Valley to Wellington
Today, we continue our journey south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Tonight we have pre-booked our favourite restaurant and also negotiated a few cheeky drink deals. And of course, there is an open invitation to everyone.
We have a free day in Wellington later on (day 24) to explore the city in depth. Taking stock of the last 10 days adventures over a beverage of your description has been the option of choice in the past. Sit back and ponder what awaits you in the next leg of the journey . You have just come to grips with the North Island, but the South Island is a different kettle of fish completely... Are you prepared for what is ahead?! | Day 10 -
Wellington to Nelson
Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and the South Island of New Zealand. The friendliness of this quaint waterfront village, snuggled between the hills and the sea, always endears people to its charms.
Today we board the Interislander Ferry. The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes three hours and has been described as one the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. | Day 11 -
Free Day Nelson
To visit the Nelson region is to discover azure skies and wide open spaces, beaches and lakes, spectacular national parks and unique landforms, vineyards and gourmet cafés, artists and galleries and boutique shopping experiences. This region expertly combines the finest elements of the New Zealand experience and delivers them across stunning geography, sun-ripened at the perfect latitude under New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours.
The big draw card in Nelson is the Abel Tasman National Park, which has an enormous international reputation. The golden beaches, tranquil lagoons, clear water, native bush, seals and bird life make this an amazing year-round destination. You will have the opportunity to undertake a half day boat cruise and walk of Abel Tasman National Park where all the best sights are visited. | Day 12 -
Nelson to Greymouth
Forged by the early Maori in search of precious greenstone and the 1860's gold rush, the central region of Greymouth is rich in history.
On the way to Greymouth, we spend the afternoon at Punakaiki, which is located near the centre of the "Coast Road", one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world.
Punkaikiki is world famous for the Pancake Rocks, which are huge columns of limestone resembling stacks of pancakes(!) With a heavy swell running at high tide, seawater is forced upwards through blowholes with an impressive roar.
That afternoon we head into Greymouth where you have the option of visiting the Monteiths Brewery. From humble beginnings in 1868, Monteiths has become both the West Coast's and New Zealand’s most popular brewery. Monteiths, as well as a number of archaeologists, believe that man’s adaptation from hunter-gatherer to agriculturist was a direct result of the desire to grow barley for beer. (Now, that’s what we call evolution!) | Day 13 -
Greymouth to Franz Josef
Today we take a leisurely and short trip to Franz Josef. On the way, we take a break at Ross to spend time gold panning. This place experienced a massive gold rush in the late 1860’s and today remnants can be seen everywhere: in original buildings and in the landscape, altered by excavations and vast mounds of tailings. Mining relics, tunnels and the remainder of miles of water race can be found in the regenerating rainforest, and descendants of those early diggers still make the town their home.
We also make a quick stop at the Bushman’s centre where you can taste a Possum pie or sink a drink in the Puke Pub? Us kiwis are classy folks(!) | Day 14 -
Free Day Franz Josef
From high in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, The Franz Josef Glacier descends deep into the lush rainforest of Westlands National Park, giving you the opportunity to experience the most dramatic glacial environment available to the public anywhere in the world!
While many glaciers world-wide have been retreating, the Franz Josef Glacier still flows almost to sea level, through a temperate rainforest of ancient podocarp trees and other evergreen species. This combination of ice and temperate rainforest is a unique feature of New Zealand's glacier country and is an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.
The glacier slides forward at rates up to 10 times faster than most valley glaciers, presenting the visitor with a spectacular and unique icefall of crevasses, pinnacles, ice caves and canyons.
We have negotiated a discounted half-day glacier trek, which is by far the most popular way to experience Fox Glacier. Please believe us when we say that this is no where near as strenuous as it sounds! If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, no problem. There is a load to see and do in Franz Josef. The scenery in this region is so spectacular you can not help to just be in awe of this natural phenomenon. | Day 15 -
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Today we cruise along the western reaches of the South Island, ambling towards Wanaka. Initially we pass through the rainforests in the Westland World Heritage Park, then across the divide at the Haast Pass. The highlight of this journey is being greeted by the shores of picturesque Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Over 1,300 feet deep and an incredible blue, both lakes are fringed by breathtaking mountain ranges. | Day 16 -
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wanaka is situated on Lake Wanaka, facing north and blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama. During summer, wake-boarding and water-skiing, stunning lake cruises and swimming are always high on the agenda!
Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails, has its headquarters in Wanaka. Wanaka is a complete snow sports destination. Four alpine resorts, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park NZ & Snow Farm together cater for everyone in winter. You’ll find all you could want, from well-groomed beginner slopes to thrilling off piste chutes & powder bowls; from adrenaline-pumping pipes culture to tranquil cross country skiing trails. For those of you that want to up the ante' during the winter and spring months, we have a selection of discounted heli-skiing options in Wanaka take your Haka experience to a whole new level! | Day 17 -
Free Day Queenstown
Queenstown, so named in honour of Queen Victoria, is well-established as the "jewel in NZ's tourism crown", with more adventure options per square metre than any other similarly-sized town across the globe hands down.
Nestled beside Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes district, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful settings on earth as well as the adventure tourism capital of the world. This place offers every adrenalin based activity you could imagine from skiing, jet boating, white-water rafting, and of course, bungy jumping. As per usual, we have negotiated exclusive discounts for all Haka tour participants.
For a gentler pace there many scenic walks and the Gondola ride to the spectacular views from the top of Queenstown Hill is a must.
The truth of the matter is, it really does not matter what you do here - this place is breathtaking. The nightlife is second to none and those 'Lord of the Rings' lads (who were honorary locals here whilst filming), state that this place is their favourite world destination. Now there is no better seal of approval than that! | Day 18 -
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Upon leaving Queenstown, our first stop is the Moeraki Boulders which are HUGE spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches. They were formed in ancient sea floor sediments 15 million years ago by a process similar to the formation of oyster pearls, where layers of material cover a central nucleus or core.
We then travel through the Waitaki Valley to the Mackenzie Basin passing Lakes Aviemore, Benmore, Pukaki and Tekapo. Our overnight accommodation is located right on the shores of Lake Tekapo...
The jewel of the Mackenzie Country, Lake Tekapo, is a delightful alpine village in the heart of the South Island high country. A ski resort in winter and aquatic playground in summer, Lake Tekapo sits at the edge of its 20 kilometre glacial lake namesake, completely surrounded by the impressive Southern Alps.
The landscape is outstanding, sculpted by successive Ice Age glaciers, the remnants of which continue to discharge fine ‘rock flour’ giving the lake its intense turquoise hue. The sky is huge and of extraordinary clarity, making Lake Tekapo one of the world’s best locations to probe the heavens from its observatories atop Mt. John.
This striking landform of solid rock, overlooking the town, has stood firm against the onslaught of glacial action over thousands of years and now shelters a camping ground, ice-skating rink and a launching bay for boaties to enjoy family fun, fishing and waterskiing as well as providing 360° views of the uplands, lakes and mountains from its summit. | Day 19 -
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Today we are travelling for a few hours over the Burkes Pass and through the towns of Fairlie and Geraldine to arrive in Christchurch in the early afternoon.
Christchurch is the home town of the Haka Tours' directors so we have been well assured that this has to be one of the most memorable days on tour. | Day 20 -
Free day Christchurch
The internationally famed 'Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens are guaranteed to impress. Wide tree-lined avenues, beautifully maintained gardens, ambling inner-city rivers and restored heritage buildings make Christchurch a picture-perfect city. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this reputation.
Centre-piece of the central city, the Christchurch Cathedral is a Canterbury icon. Built in the neo-Gothic period, the Cathedral is a testament to the city’s early English settlers. Climb the steeple for a great 360 degree view of Cathedral Square and the surrounding city.
The bars, cafés and nightclubs here are some of the best in New Zealand and are hugely popular with the locals. Located along Oxford Terrace against the Avon River, there is a huge selection of clubs and bars for all tastes, aligned against a serene backdrop.
Out of the city lies Sumner and Taylor’s Mistakes, Christchurch’s surfing capitals. Both have small town feels and are ideal for a break from the relative hustle and bustle of Christchurch and are easily reached via public transport. | Day 21 -
Christchurch to Kaikoura
The seaside settlement of Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountains, which are snow-capped for many months of the year as well as being one of the only places in the world located next to a deep-sea trench. This unique combination of ocean and mountains offers stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism oriented activities.
The speciality here is whale watching and dolphin swimming. Here you will have the opportunity to view or swim with the Dusky Dolphins, one of the world’s most playful and acrobatic dolphin species. A significant number of our groups have also witnessed other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals and Hector Dolphins.
The town of Kaikoura is strongly aware of the importance of the natural environment and is very proactive in its protection. One of its methods is to become Green Globe Accredited, which is an environmental certification system recognised across the globe. To this end, one way to help the environment whilst you are in Kaikoura is by taking part in "trees for travellers", where you can choose, and then sponsor, a native tree that will be planted in your name. Now, that is way to leave your mark in New Zealand and is a popular choice with Haka Tour participants, and an activity we support 100%. | Day 22 -
Kaikoura to Wellington
Today we travel back up to Picton where we will board the Inter Island ferry. We leave through Queen Charlotte sound and cross the Cook Strait before pulling into Wellington’s impressive harbour.
Today we will have a relaxing day ahead of us as we have a full day to explore Wellington tomorrow. Wellingtonians are renowned for their café and pub culture so the best bet would be to explore the 300 available to you each night. The Courtney District is our favourite haunt so we have made sure we have negotiated discounts for eating and drinking in this trendy district (see your Haka Tour Bible). | Day 23 -
Free Day Wellington
Wellington - New Zealand’s capital city and home of the Government since 1865.
Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation’s capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. Extending just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is a truly 'walking city’.
The city is known as the windy city due to the high winds flowing across Cook Strait. Needless to say, the wakeboarding and windsurfing here thrives and our one day starter packs will provide you with all the equipment, coaching and neccessary skills to have a good grasp of any one of the sports after the end of day one. Furthermore, scores of walking and mountain-biking tracks around the city give a 360-degree perspective on this sparkling waterway and a view of the original colonial villas that fringe the city’s edge. For those wanting a more rugged perspective, there are four-wheel drive or horseback tours at the head of the Harbour, overlooking Cook Strait.
Wellington has a feast of cultural attractions and its crowning glory is Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. Situated on Wellington’s magnificent waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum combines leading edge technology with traditional exhibits to tell the stories of New Zealand’s land and people.
And for all of you 'Lord of the Rings' buffs, how about a half day tour to the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Anduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the site of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman? Go to the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race to the ferry and get off the road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from the Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the Road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep, the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith. The list goes on...! | Day 24 -
Wellington to Tongariro
Tongariro National Park – the heart of the Ruapehu District – is not only a special park for the people of New Zealand, it is also unique in the world. It is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under two categories. It is listed because of its unique, active volcanic attributes and also its special cultural significance.
When Horonuku Te Heu Heu Tukino gave Tongariro to the people of New Zealand, he was also giving it to the people of the world. The volcanoes of the Park and their glaciers, plants and animals represent a set of landforms and natural communities which have been recognised as outstanding heritage of international significance.
The volcanoes are unique because of the frequency of eruptions, their highly explosive nature, and the high density of active vents. Ruapehu and Tongariro/Ngauruhoe (technically the same volcano) are two of the world’s most continuously active composite volcanoes.
Our accommodation is located in the heart of the National Park and on our door step are a huge number of options available to you. One of the best one day treks in the country is the traverse of Mount Tongariro (known as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing). It can be done as part of the longer Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. | Day 25 -
Tongariro to Raglan
Today we continue our journey north to Raglan, the surfing capital of New Zealand.
Raglan's world famous breaks are found at 3 points: Manu Bay, Whale Bay and The Indicators. This is the hottest surfing mecca in NZ, if not just in this part of the planet. Manu Bay (Waireke) is 8 kms from Raglan. This famous surf break, also known as The Point, as it is said to have the longest left hand ride in the world. Our adventure lodge accommodation also offers a number of surfing packages for the absolute beginner to those of you just require the rental of performance boards (check out our additional activities section).
If surfing is not high on your agenda, not a problem. Raglan has some stunning geography, and after a short trek down to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls you will witness a spectacular view of a natural waterfall. Furthermore, artwork is abundant in the cafes of Raglan and a must see is the Aqua Velvet. The only artist's work displayed this year has been of Maori carver Aaron Kereopa. He carves surfboard blanks into traditional Maori designs. These carvings stand out not only for their size, but also for their intricate Polynesian designs and three-dimensional shapes.
Raglan is definitely New Zealand's peice of bohemia and we are sure that it will leave you (just like it leaves us), spellbound and reluctant to once again penetrate the big city feel of Auckland! | Day 26 -
We reach Auckland and have a few hours to spare before we must depart. Hopefully our heads are not too sore today from the previous night! We usually find that a number of us have already our plans made for our next set of travels. What we know at Haka is that chasing another paradise is impossible. You have just had it. |
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| Season |
Adults |
Children |
Infants |
| 26/01/2008 to 05/01/2009 |
1199 GBP |
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| Duration:
26 days - Starts at:
10.00 am - Finishes at: 05.00 pm |
| Finishing point: Auckland |
| Payment Types:
Cash, Credit Cards, Cheque, Traveller Cheques |
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| Inclusions: |
- Accommodation. We use Qualmark endorsed accomodation which means it has the stamp of approval of the New Zealand tourism board. We stay at adventure lodges, motels and hostels and use multi-share accommodation which usually sleeps 4-6. You are able to upgrade your accommodation to twin / double with en-suite facilities.
- Transport. We have a selection of specific adventure touring vehicles ranging from late model Toyota Coasters, Nissan Civilians and all terrain 4 wheel drives! All are modern, roomy with all the mod-cons!
- Services of an experienced, professional and passionate tour manager who will ensure that your New Zealand tour is a stress free but adrenalin fuelled experience!
- Haka Tour Bible packed to the rafters with further activity discounts and special offers at local cafés and restaurants.
- Breakfast every morning.
- Discounted activities exclusive to Haka! Check out our website hakatours . com!
- Carve your own kiwi pendant known as a "tiki", visit to a "marae" which is a Maori fortified village, taste a "hangi" and witness a haka performance.
- Entrance to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve.
- Ferry ride between the North and South Islands.
- All site-seeing as per our dossier.
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| Exclusions: |
- Lunch and dinners (although we have negotiated discounts in every city!), flights and personal insurance.
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We can assist you with finding flights since we have established relationships with major flight operators. |
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