_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
_original.jpg?w=75&fit=crop&auto=format)
Ultimate New Zealand Guided Tour
Welcome to the 24-Day Ultimate New Zealand Haka Plus Tour!
Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this tour you will discover New Zealand’s unmissable highlights in just over three weeks: geothermal wonders, other-worldly glaciers, sublime beaches, lush forests, lofty mountains, secluded swimming spots, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, flora, fauna, heritage and culture.
This New Zealand tour includes special activities such as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve, a fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, a traditional Māori meal, tour of Zealandia Nature Reserve in Wellington and a full-day sailing trip to Poor Knights Islands. You can also choose to select some tour add-ons such as hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, kayaking to a natural hot pool, climbing a glacier, visiting an off-shore eco-sanctuary, or flying over snow-capped mountains!
You’ll have the chance to swim, kayak, hike a glacier, skydive, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, roll down a hill in a giant ball, eat and drink like a local, and more! This is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. The choice is yours – pick the activities that appeal to you.
We'll fill your days with the best things to see and do in the North Island and the South Island and also give you a great insight into New Zealand life and culture. At the end of the day, you can relax in comfortable 3–4 star accommodation to ensure you have a great night’s sleep ready for the following day’s activities.
On this tour you’ll encounter an array of landscapes: lush, green rolling hills; beautiful golden sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls, geothermal valleys filled with bubbling mud and sulphuric lakes, magnificent mountains, icy glaciers, jurassic rainforests, cosy laid-back surf towns and vibrant cities. Prepare your camera and get ready to make some magical memories!
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
Explore rare bird species at Zealandia
Zealandia is a groundbreaking conservation project and the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary. It has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.
An Unmissable Māori Cultural Experience and Hāngi
You’ll visit a living Māori village within a geothermal area for an evening of performances featuring the breathtaking haka.
Full-day sailing trip to Poor Knights Islands
Discover this stunning marine reserve featuring spectacular drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and rich biodiversity.
Tour itinerary
Auckland
Settle into your accommodation and start exploring our wonderful city. At 6pm you will meet your guide and tour group before heading out for a welcome dinner!
Auckland to Tutukaka
We begin our scenic drive to Tutukaka, world-renowned coastal destination. En route, we'll stop at a thundering waterfall and a golden sand beach before reaching our final destination.
Tutukaka to Paihia
We set sail on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. Prepare for a day filled with sightseeing, kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling and wildlife spotting.
Paihia
With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, how will you spend your day in the Bay? Skydive? Scuba Dive? Cruise on a catamaran? Visit the hole in the rock?
Paihia to Auckland
Today, discover the Bay of Islands’ important role in New Zealand’s history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds before heading back to Auckland and saying goodbye to your tour group.
Auckland to Coromandel
As we drive to the picture-perfect Coromandel, you’ll get a great introduction to New Zealand’s famed natural beauty. You can explore by kayak or enjoy a hot pool soak.
Coromandel to Raglan
We head west to relaxed Raglan where beginners and experienced surfers can sample the surf breaks before we enjoy a meal of fish & chips on a sunset harbour cruise.
Raglan to Rotorua (via Waitomo and Matamata)
Explore the fascinating Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton – the former world famous for its glowworms and the latter for its Hobbits. We’ll take an evening stroll through a magically lit forest.
Rotorua
Opt to hike a volcanic crater, brave white water rapids or explore Rotorua. Tonight we visit a Māori village for an unforgettable cultural performance and hāngi meal.
Rotorua to Taupō
Today’s your chance to skydiving! We’ll leave the sulphur smells behind as we head south, visiting bubbling mud pools. We’ll stop at Taupō, a giant lake, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights.
Taupō
Spend today relaxing around the lake, try adrenaline pumping activities or you have the option to hike the Tongariro Crossing – considered one of the world’s top 10 best one-day walks.
Taupō to Wellington
We’ll leave the lake and mountains through landscapes familiar to Lord of the Rings fans and head south towards vibrant Wellington where craft beer lovers will be very happy.
Wellington
Explore Wellington’s picturesque waterfront and, visit a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary. You can also choose from several optional activities to fill your day.
Wellington to Kaikōura
We travel to the South Island via one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world and we’ll toast our arrival in Marlborough by sampling some world-class wines – Cheers!
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Dolphins! Seals! Whales! They all like to play around Kaikōura’s waters. There are many ways to have a marine wildlife encounter: swim, kayak or keep your camera dry and fly!
Christchurch to Ohau (via Lake Tekapo)
We’ll visit some Christchurch city highlights before heading inland for panoramic views of Lake Tekapo. Tonight we stay on the outskirts of an International Dark Sky Reserve.
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
This is your chance to cross off some NZ must-do items: 4-wheel driving through Lord of the Rings film locations or visit iconically beautiful 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
Breathe in the alpine air, admire the surrounding beauty and take a boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve before a group dinner, which is included.
Wanaka to Franz Josef
Today’s drive is packed with mountains, lakes, and rainforests before we arrive into the World Heritage area famous for its glaciers. A rainforest retreat is our home for the next two nights.
Franz Josef
There are so 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
Enjoy our last spectacular road trip that will end at the start of one the world’s top rail journeys: the TranzAlpine Express will take us through Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch.
Christchurch
You’ve seen and experienced so much of New Zealand! Share highlights, photos, email addresses and memories with your new friends over breakfast 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:
- 23 nights in twin-share 3–4 star accommodation: a mix of hotels, motels, lodges and rainforest retreats.
- Feast on hearty breakfasts provided for you each morning.
- Enjoy 5 dinners, including a traditional Māori hāngī cooked in an underground oven.
- Discover the stunning Whangarei Falls – a 26m cascading waterfall
- Enjoy a full-day sailing trip to Poor Knights Islands and spot marine wildlife
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand
- Walk a stunning coastal track to Cathedral Cove (as seen in the Chronicles of Narnia movies).
- A fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set.
- Ride one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world, over the Cook Strait.
- Take in the stunning Southern Alps and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the TranzAlpine, New Zealand’s finest inland rail journey.
- Watch a Māori cultural performance and check out a geothermal valley of bubbling mud pools including the famous Pōhutu Geyser in Rotorua.
- See endangered kiwi birds up close and personal.
- Soak up a sunset boat cruise in the West Coast surf town of Raglan – the fish and chips are on us!
- Brave the Redwoods Treewalk, crossing 23 raised suspension bridges.
- Hike through the forested gorge of Ruakuri (45 minutes) – bring your camera for this one.
- Taste some of the world’s best sauvignon blanc at a Marlborough wine tasting.
- Discover rare animal species tour of Zealandia Nature Reserve in Wellington.
- Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve.
- 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.
Ultimate New Zealand
- Days
- 24
- Price from (NZD)
- Deposit only
- $99
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.
Loading...
FAQ - Ultimate New Zealand
Similar Tours
New Zealand Uncovered
Uncover all the beauty, adventure, culture and fun activities of New Zealand and tick practically everything off your bucket list.
View tourEnchanting Northland
Travel north of Auckland to the winterless Northland. Discover highlights & hidden gems, and relax in beautiful coastal towns that are rich in Māori history & natural wonders.
View tourNorthern Trail
An unrushed exploration of the North Island’s top attractions including the Coromandel, Tongariro National Park, Rotorua & Wellington.
View tour