20 Day New Zealand Uncovered Haka Plus Tour

20 Day New Zealand Uncovered Haka Plus Tour

You’re probably wondering what makes this tour a little fancier than some of our others with similar itineraries? Well, it’s pretty simple – along with a number of extra-special itinerary inclusions, the biggest difference is you'll stay in comfortable twin-share hotel accommodation.

That’s right: say au revoir to busy budget dorm rooms – you get a twin-share room to lay your head down each night.

Haka Plus Tours are great for couples or friends who are travelling together. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll match you with someone for an instant road trip pal! Or if you’d prefer a room to yourself, that’s no trouble at all. You have the option to upgrade to a private room as well.

We kick off in Auckland and 20 days later we wave goodbye in Christchurch. Along the way you’ll get to see some of the most breathtaking scenery New Zealand has to offer. This includes national parks, rainforests, hidden pools, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and probably more beaches than you have toes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Stop At: Haka Hotel Newmarket, 9 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Kia ora (hello!) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Settle into your accommodation and be ready for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. Here you will get to know your Tour Manager and be introduced to your new roadtrip friends.

Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy. We recommend a good night’s sleep to be ready for tomorrow’s early start, but you may want to experience Auckland’s exciting nightlife - the choice is yours!

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at our very own Haka Hotel Newmarket

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel

Stop At: Coromandel Forest Park, Coromandel New Zealand
After a continental breakfast it’s time to board our comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and leave the big city behind.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is truly spectacular – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Ocean Beach Road, Hot Water Beach New Zealand
The Coromandel is home to famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll grab our buckets and spades and get busy.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Whitianga i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 66 Albert Street, Whitianga 3510 New Zealand
We arrive in Whitianga with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches, take a surf lesson with the locals, or simply enjoy the vibes.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Albert No 6 . Motel

Day 3: Coromandel to Raglan

Stop At: Raglan Wharf, Wallis St North, Raglan 2051 New Zealand
Today’s road trip to the arty surf mecca of Raglan will give you a first glimpse of the North Island’s rolling tree-lined hills and valleys. Your Haka guide has some great sights to show you en route, including the 55-metre high Bridal Veil Falls.

If you have always wanted to try surfing, or if you’re dying to get back on your board, Raglan is the perfect destination both for beginners and experienced surfers. Its world famous surf breaks are unmissable and your Haka guide will take care of everything you need to get in the water – whether it’s your first or fiftieth time.

Not keen on surfing? There’s plenty to enjoy in this laid-back township. With an awesome blend of cafes, bars, surf shops and galleries, the streets here ooze character and creativity. Relax on the beach and leave any lingering jet-lag behind, or enjoy a variety of bush and coastal scenery on Raglan’s walking trails.

For dinner tonight, tuck into New Zealand’s unofficial dish – fish and chips (or fush and chups, as it tends to sound in a Kiwi accent). And what better way to enjoy a tasty meal than on a sunset cruise of Raglan Harbour?

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Dinner: Fish and Chips during the sunset cruise
Accommodation included: Overnight at Palm Beach Motel

Day 4: Ragland to Rotorua (via Waitomo)

Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
Our first stop of the day is the Waitomo Caves famous for its glow worms. There are a number of ways to enjoy these twinkling cave-dwellers up close – here are some of our favourites:

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, join an epic 4-hour caving adventure, beginning with a 100-metre abseil into the caverns.

Or how about an cave tubing trip? Also known as black water rafting, this awesome activity will see you grabbing your inflatable tube and float along an underground river as glowworms twinkle above.

Alternatively, there are fantastic and informative walking tours of the caves where you can learn more about the history, geology and Māori mythology of this unique area of New Zealand.

For those who prefer to stay above ground, we highly recommend exploring the tree-studded gorges and limestone arches of the nearby Ruakuri Forest Walk; definitely a favourite amongst the Haka guides.

This afternoon we’ll make our way to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lake Rotorua Hotel

Day 5: Rotorua

Stop At: Lake Rotorua, Hannahs Bay, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Rotorua has it all: natural beauty, unique geothermal landscapes, iconic Lord of The Rings destinations, and heaps of adventure activities. We stay here a full day to make the very most of it.

This area is world-renowned for its geothermal activity, with neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, violent geysers, and bubbling mud pools galore.

A visit to the picturesque Hobbiton movie set is a must-do activity for many. Even if you haven’t seen the films, it’s impossible not to be charmed by this gorgeous hobbit village set amongst the lush green hills of Matamata.

For a truly epic brush with nature, fly high through through the lush ancient forest canopy on a zipline tour complete with swing bridges crossings and treetop platforms. What better way to get to know the native plants and birds –many of which unique to New Zealand?

This evening we are welcomed to a Māori village for an unmissable cultural experience featuring combat demonstrations and – of course – the breathtaking haka. This experience extends beyond the performance – you’ll have the chance to see magnificent geothermal activity and get to spot kiwi birds.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lake Rotorua Hotel

Day 6: Rotorua to National Park (via Taupō)

Stop At: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina New Zealand
Rotorua is a spectacular whitewater rafting destination, and with expert guidance it can be experienced by first timers and pro-paddlers alike. For the ultimate thrill this morning you can raft the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world – the 7-metre Tutea Falls, on the Kaituna River.

If that’s not your cup of tea, spend the morning exploring Rotorua’s many attractions such as the ultra-relaxing Polynesian Spa, or perhaps the naturally-impressive Kuirau Park full of steaming, hissing and boiling geothermal pools.

There are also some fantastic cafes and bakeries in the area. Why not grab a sweet treat for the road – a ginger slice is as Kiwi as it gets!

From Rotorua it’s a quick drive to Taupō; a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s a short drive but we’ll take our time, checking out bubbling mud pools and thundering waterfalls en route.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Off State Highway 48 Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
We finish our day nestled in the Tongariro National Park, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights, home to one of the 10 best one-day walks in the world – the Tongariro Crossing.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Park Hotel

Day 7: National Park

Stop At: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Off State Highway 48 Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
Decision time – is today the day you brave the Tongariro Crossing?

Considered one of the world’s top 10 best one-day walks, this 19.4km mountain trek boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows, craters and rich green bush.

Not for the faint-hearted – it’s a challenging day! But every step of the way the views are spectacular. Our Haka guides highly recommend this activity, it’s definitely a highlight.

If 19.4km is a little too far for you, there are plenty of shorter walks and hikes to enjoy. However you choose to spend today in this UNESCO World Heritage Area, we guarantee you won’t forget it.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Park Hotel

Day 8: National Park to Wellington

Stop At: Hotel Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, 169 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Today we head to the coolest little capital city in the world, the hip and happening Wellington.

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 and personality of a much smaller town.

After a quick afternoon orientation from your guide, head up Mount Victoria for some of the best views in town.

This evening, the city lights are yours to enjoy. Discover why Wellington is celebrated for its foodie culture – you are truly spoilt for dining choices tonight.

Wellington is also widely regarded as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. Want to test this for yourself? Talk to your Haka guide to find the hidden gems.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

Day 9: Wellington

Stop At: Hotel Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, 169 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Soak up the atmosphere of vibrant Wellington. Famous for being a bit on the windy side, be prepared to ditch the hairspray and go with the flow.

As always, your guide will introduce you to the city with an orientation tour – including a drive around the bays through central Wellington to the Botanic Gardens and Parliament Buildings.

You will also stop by Weta Studios, most famous for its creative contribution to all things Lord of the Rings. Take an optional tour to see prop-makers in action and learn about the immersive world of filmmaking.

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. The museum is free for all.

If being outdoors is more your thing, head off to Kapiti Island for an optional nature tour. Here you can see endangered birds up close and learn more about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

Day 10: Wellinton to Kaikōura

Stop At: Interislander, Picton 7281 New Zealand
This morning we say farewell to the North Island and take one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys as we cross the Cook Strait.

The South Island has a stunning welcome in store for us – gliding through the Marlborough Sounds as we approach Picton Harbour, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Marlborough Sounds, Picton New Zealand
One of the best ways to explore Marlborough, the region at the top of the South Island, is with your tastebuds. That’s why we jump straight on a wine tasting, to sample some of the best vineyards in the country.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Lobster Inn Motor Lodge, 115 Beach Road, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
After lunch, our next destination is Kaikōura which literally means “to eat crayfish” – and the area is teeming with them. The nutrient-rich waters of this area attract a wide variety of marine wildlife including the stars of the show – the whales and dolphins.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lobster Inn

Day 11: Kaikōura to Christchurch

Stop At: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
The chance to swim with dolphins in the wild is a massive New Zealand highlight for many travellers, and Kaikōura is one of the best places to find them, with pods of up to 300 of these playful creatures hanging out here at any one time.

If you want to get up close to the giants of the ocean, a whale watching tour here is the way to do it. Humpbacks, sperm whales and orca all stop by at various times of year, so this is a great chance to meet some of them.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand
After visiting the local seals on our way out of town, our road trip continues to our home for the night – Christchurch, known as the “Garden City” for its peaceful parklands and lazy rivers.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique Hotel 115

Day 12: Christchurch to Ohau (via Lake Tekapo)

Stop At: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand
This morning we’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is totally inspirational.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
Mid-morning we head for Lake Tekapo. Ready your camera – the lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true.

The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, proving that small is bold and definitely beautiful. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides – couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lake Ohau Lodge and count the stars

Day 13: Ohau to Queenstown

Stop At: Omarama-Lindis Pass Rd, Cromwell New Zealand
From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard.

We’ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. This also happens to be the world home of bungy! Give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way into the gorge.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With 2 nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this town certainly knows how to live life to the max.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Pinewood Lodge

Day 14: Queenstown

Stop At: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
With a full day in Queenstown, let’s work on that bucket list!

There are heaps of options to choose from: paragliding over the lake, mountain bike parks and trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, horse riding through Lord of the Rings scenery, and swinging through a canyon are just a few of our favourites.

Hikers: the Ben Lomond day walk (not for the faint-hearted) will be right up your alley. This is a firm tour guide favourite, and they can recommend great shorter walks too.

For scenery lovers, Milford Sound is a must-see. Whether you fly or drive, the scenery en route is as awesome as the destination. Once on the Sound, as you sail beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces you’ll understand why we call it the “8th Wonder of the World”.

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Pinewood Lodge

Day 15: Queenstown to Wanaka

Stop At: Walter Peak Farm, 1 Mount Nicholas-Beach Bay Road, Walter Peak 9793, New Zealand
Today starts with a cruise to Mt Nicholas on board the Spirit of Queenstown. Disembark the vessel and jump on your bicycle for an easy 1h 30m ride to Walter Peak Station.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air, watch the landscape unfold and take in the panoramic alpine views while cycling 14 kilometres along a remote but public shingle road to Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak. There’s an option to add on a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak before boarding the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Wanaka New Zealand
This afternoon is your chance to relax in stunning Wanaka. Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, a mere one hour drive away. En route we’ll stop in charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character.

Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns. There are breathtaking hikes and easy bike rides for a welcome chance to relax.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Mercure Hotel Oakridge

Day 16: Wanaka

Stop At: Wanaka New Zealand
Today is your chance to explore one of the most beautiful towns in the southern lakes region with plenty of activities to tempt every lover of the outdoors.

You can visit Mou Waho Island – accessible only by boat from Wanaka and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific!). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense!

In Wanaka there are many walks, hikes and biking trails to choose from – check out the famous “Wanaka Tree” while making your way around the lake! Or, if you feel like relaxing, ask your guide to recommend their favourite secret spots to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

One of the best ways to admire Wanaka is from the air. Treat yourself to a skydive or a scenic flight in a vintage plane – you can even take a flying lesson. As always, it’s your trip and your choice: you do you!

We mix things up tonight by heading to the stunning Criffel Station for a night of glamping (aka glamorous camping)! Think fancy canvas tents with decadently comfortable beds and the great outdoors right on your doorstep. The views from Criffel are sublime… to get the real experience, you’ll have to see it for yourself!

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Glamping at Criffel Station

Day 17: Wanaka to Franz Josef

Stop At: Haast Pass, New Zealand
After a relaxing morning in Wanaka, the journey to Franz is an another stunner – many of our Haka Guides rate it as their most favourite drive in New Zealand.

As we hit the road, we’ll stop at one of our most popular lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option.

From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way.

Between September and December it’s whitebait season (a small fish that’s a delicacy in New Zealand). Fried up with eggs and served on toast, it’s a local treat and shouldn’t be missed. We’ll stop at one of the local spots for a taste during the season.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5km from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay at Tai Poutini/Westland National Park - Rainforest Retreat

Day 18: Franz Josef

Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand.

Te Wahi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to the this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Included in your tour today is a special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery.

There are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier; weather permitting, to get up onto the bluest ice you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers. Maybe you’d prefer to kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below.

As well as the awesome glacier activities, you could also try out quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke tonight in Franz Josef!

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay in Tai Poutini/Westland National Park - Rainforest Retreat

Day 19: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Stop At: Hokitika Beach, Beach Street, Hokitika New Zealand
Before you know it, it’s your last full day!

After breakfast we head further along the beautiful west coast on another of the most spectacular drives in the country (and, some would say, the world): a rugged, primeval landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking beach and ocean waves.

We stop at Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

Time permitting, we may also visit the National Kiwi Centre, where there is guaranteed viewing of rare kiwi birds in their nocturnal house.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: TranzAlpine, Greymouth New Zealand
On the way back to Christchurch, you'll traverse the South Island on the stunning TranzAlpine train crossing. Travelling across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, you'll arrive in Christchurch around 6.30pm before transferring to your accommodation.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel 115 in Christchurch

Day 20: Christchurch Post Tour Debrief

Stop At: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand
Today is the final day of tour, where we exchange photos and stories over breakfast before saying our goodbyes and parting ways.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Extend your stay with a post tour night at Hotel 115