Southern Pioneer

 

Haka Plus New Zealand South Island Itinerary 10 days

Please note that our Haka Plus tour prices have increased from September 2023 onwards. This is for a number of reasons, namely that we have made some exciting accommodation upgrades for extra comfort. We have also added in a few additional included activities that are must-do experiences in New Zealand such as Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata; Zealandia Eco-sanctuary in Wellington; and Mou Waho Nature Cruise in Wanaka.

Fall in love with the highlights of this 10 day South Island itinerary that takes you on a circuit of spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls and rainforests and gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the bucket list adventures you could wish for.

Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this New Zealand South Island itinerary you’ll visit Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Lake Tekapo (and Lake Wakatipu, Lake Mapourika, Lake Hawea, plus more lakes!), the Mackenzie Country, and Franz Josef, plus you’ll get to take one of the world’s greatest train rides! Your comfortable 3–4 star accommodation on tour includes a boutique hotel, a rainforest retreat and even a night of glamping with amazing views.

We’ll travel from the wide plains of Canterbury, through the mountains and lakes of Central Otago, to the glaciers and pristine rainforest of the West Coast via the spectacular Haast Pass. By the end of this New Zealand South Island itinerary, you will have lost count of the number of times you’ve uttered the words: “Wow!”, “So beautiful!” and “It’s breathtaking!”.

You’ll have the opportunity to swim, kayak, jet boat, skydive, hike, bike, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, eat and drink like a local, and more.

But only if you want to; this is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. Across this 10 day South Island itinerary we include some of the things that we reckon are absolute essentials, but rather than force you into activities you’re not so sure of, we leave the choice up to you. You can pre-book activities that you definitely want to do before the trip starts, and then add more while you’re on tour.

Please note: private room upgrades are not available for two nights on this tour: the glamping experience in Wanaka where accommodation is twin or triple-share only.

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

One of the world’s most scenic Rail Journeys

Take in the stunning Southern Alps and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the TranzAlpine train.

A Night of Glamping Under Southern Stars

Luxury camping experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery and enjoying high country hospitality.

Carve Your Own Greenstone/Pounamu Pendant

Learn about Māori culture as you carve your very own pounamu pendant - the perfect keepsake.

Tour itinerary

  • What’s included?

    What's included on every Haka Plus tour:

    • Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi guide
    • Comfortable and air-conditioned bus transport
    • Orientation tour of each and every location
    • Small groups of maximum 16 people
    • Experiences to teach you about our unique Māori culture
    • Stay each night in twin-share 3–4 star accommodation: a mix of hotels, motels, lodges, and rainforest retreats.

    What's also included on this tour:

    • Stay 9 nights in twin-share 3–4 star accommodation: a mix of hotels, motels, lodges, and rainforest retreats.
    • Feast on daily hearty breakfasts and 2 dinners.
    • Take in the stunning Southern Alps and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the TranzAlpine, New Zealand’s finest inland rail journey.
    • Spend one night glamping in Wanaka (available on tours starting before 1 September 2023).
    • Cruise through Wanaka on a scenic e-bike (bicycle with electric motor) experience (available on tours starting before 1 September 2023).
    • Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve (available on tours starting from 1 September 2023).
    • Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant in Franz Josef.
    • Plus, many more surprise stops along the way!

    GUEST REVIEWS

    Available dates

    Only $99 to secure your seat unless you book within 45 days of departure. Once your spot is booked, you can log in and customise your tour with any extra experiences or activities up to 45 days before departure.

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