Backyard Beauties Tour
Join us on this New Zealand adventure tour for thirteen unforgettable days exploring Wellington, Christchurch, Wanaka, Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef Glacier, Punakaiki and Queenstown – with the option to visit Milford Sound along the way.
We have some amazing included sights and activities over your 13 day action-packed adventure holiday in New Zealand. You’ll be strolling secluded beaches, traversing jaw-dropping mountain ranges, paddling a Māori waka, staying in a lush rainforest, being wowed by the stars at an International Dark Sky Reserve, admiring turquoise lakes, intriguing rock formations, blue glaciers, picturesque cities, quaint gold-rush towns and carving your own greenstone pendant – phew! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this adventure started!
Plus feel free to add on your choice of activities along the way to maximise your New Zealand holiday. Perhaps you yearn to take on New Zealand’s highest bungy? Step right up! Want to experience a high-speed jet-boat ride through a canyon close to where jetboating was invented? You got it! Want to hike the blue ice of a glacier after a breathtaking helicopter ride? We know the place to go! Fancy a scenic flight over two World Heritage Parks? We’ve got it covered. If paragliding has been your dream, we know where to get the best air – and dream views!
Backyard Beauties Tour Tips:
Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.
As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Wellington with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on the day the tour starts makes for a stress-free morning!
The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space you have the option to upgrade to a private room. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
Tour highlights
Visit the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki (Included)
This rock formation - fondly known as the 'pancake rocks' - was formed over 30 million years ago.
Spend 2 nights in Queenstown (Included)
Enjoy plenty of playtime in the Adventure Capital of the World.
Paddle a waka (Māori canoe) with your Haka group (Included)
Discover the waters in the same way our ancestors did for thousands of years.
Tour itinerary
Wellington to Kaikōura
Fames for its coffee and infamous for its wind, we'll explore Wellington before taking a ferry journey across the Cook Strait, through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island.
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Oh the sea critters you'll meet! Swim with playful dolphins, do a spot of whale watching and say g'day to the seals before we head to Christchurch.
Christchurch to Mackenzie Country
We’ll explore some creative ways Christchurch has rebuilt itself before heading to the striking lakes and mountains of Tekapo. If you’re a budding astro-photographer, tonight is your night!
Mackenzie Country to Queenstown
You could start your day with a hike up Mt John, before we take a road trip to the place where you can seriously shred your bucket list – or at least shorten it.
Queenstown
The Quintessential Queenstown Question: what’re you going to do? Skydive! Bungy! Canyon Swing! Milford Sound! Get into whatever adventure floats your jet-boat, then ask your guide the best place to ea
Queenstown to Wanaka
Crossing the mountains into Wanaka is a short but superb drive. Our Haka Tours Founder can personally recommend skydiving in Wanaka – it’s how he arrived at his own wedding!
Wanaka to Franz Josef
Take in more of Wanaka before we see more epic scenery on the way on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage area famous for its spectacular glacier.
Franz Josef
Explore blue-tinged icy crevasses on a guided heli-hike adventure, or perhaps kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in steamy hot springs. Today you’ll carve your own pendant.
Franz Josef to Punakaiki
We get off the beaten track and head up the West Coast where a rainforest retreat is home for the next two nights. Unplug and rest before tomorrow’s adventure.
Punakaiki
A giant stack of stone pancakes is a must-do today! Geology rocks. Seriously. Go kayaking, explore Paparoa National Park, or simply enjoy the beach near your rainforest home.
Punakaiki to Abel Tasman
Golden beaches, tranquil lagoons and crystal clear waters await exploration! We’ll arrive in time for an opportunity to get the lay of the land from above with a skydive.
Abel Tasman
A full day to enjoy and explore this pristine area. Take a hike, go for a kayak, or go canyoning: jump, slide, abseil and zipline your way down a river.
Abel Tasman to Wellington
You’ll enjoy some essential NZ experiences on our last day in the South Island: learn to paddle a Māori canoe, visit a winery and sample mussels before catching the ferry.
What’s included?
What's included on every adventure tour:
- Small groups, up to 16 people
- Passionate Kiwi guides
- Comfortable bus transport
- High-end hostel accommodation
- Tasty continental breakfasts every day
- Experiences to teach you about our unique Māori culture
What's also included on this tour:
- 13 nights in high-end hostel accommodation (dorm share as standard)
- Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait
- Fall in love with Wellington’s cafe and craft beer culture
- Explore downtown Christchurch and see its inspiring regeneration since the 2011 quake
- Visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, nestled by the shores of Lake Tekapo
- Unparalleled stargazing opportunities in Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve
- Visit the charming, historic gold rush village of Arrowtown
- Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant in Franz Josef
- Visit the Mountain Jade Factory in Hokitika
- Visit the famous Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki
- Two nights and a full day to play in the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park
- Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline
ENHANCE YOUR TRIP WITH ADD-ON ACTIVITIES AND UPGRADES
Your tour includes all the essentials but you can add extra wow-factor to your tour by adding on the activities and accommodation upgrades that suit you best.
CHANCE TO WIN A HAKA TOUR!
Take our quiz to see which tour suits you best and be in to win!* *T&Cs apply
GUEST REVIEWS
Available dates
Only $99 to secure your seat unless you book within 60 days of departure. Once your spot is booked, you can log in and customise your tour with any extra experiences or activities up to 60 days before departure.
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