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
Christchurch
Settle into your boutique Christchurch city accommodation and be ready for your pre-tour meeting where you’ll meet your guide and new tour mates!
Christchurch to Ohau (via Lake Tekapo)
Explore Christchurch before we visit Lake Tekapo. We’ll spend the night on the outskirts of a Dark Sky Reserve where you can feast your eyes on the visible universe!
Ohau to Queenstown
Soak up the dramatic Southern Alps scenery as we make our way to Queenstown. We’ll pause at Kawarau Gorge – the world home of bungy – will you take the leap?
Queenstown
Spend the whole day working on that bucket list, choosing anything from bungy jumping to Lord of the Rings location 4WD to visiting Milford Sound.
Queenstown to Wanaka
More bucket list activities in the morning, set off to Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, Wanaka, in the afternoon.
Wanaka
Choose to walk, hike, boat or bike through this tranquil lake region before dinner and a night of glamping under the stars.
Wanaka to Franz Josef
Today’s drive is packed with mountains, lakes, rainforests and then we’ll arrive into the UNESCO World Heritage area famous for its spectacular glaciers.
Franz Josef
Choose from many ways to discover Franz Josef: skydive, heli-hike, take an ice climb, or kayak glacial lakes. Today you’ll also carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant.
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Yet another spectacular drive, a quick stop to a jade factory for souvenirs – then all aboard the TranzAlpine that will take us through Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch.
Christchurch
Swap highlights, photos, email addresses and memories with your new friends before parting ways.
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!
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.
WHY CHOOSE HAKA PLUS?
Learn about the differences between this tour and our classic Adventure tours. Click here >
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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