17 Day New Zealand Tour – Kaka

Kaka

17 Day North & South Island Tour

Auckland → Rotorua → Tongariro National Park → Wellington → Nelson → Abel Tasman National Park → Kaikoura → Aoraki Mount Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Wanaka → Franz Josef Glacier → Punakaiki → Christchurch

Explore roads less travelled on this special small group New Zealand tour and discover country hospitality and nature in the wild.

In the North Island we discover authentic Maori culture around Rotorua and visit Tongariro National Park, in the South Island we tour the Mount Cook region and visit famous Milford Sound by land, sea and air.

Meet the locals over private lunches at Lake Tarawera, a Marlborough vineyard and a mid-Canterbury farmhouse.

FIVE MULTI NIGHT STAYS

Rotorua • Wellington • Nelson • Queenstown (3 nights) • Punakaiki

EIGHT NATIONAL PARKS

Tongariro • Abel Tasman • Aoraki Mt Cook • Mt Aspiring • Fiordland • Westland Tai Poutini • Paparoa • Arthur’s Pass

TWELVE INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Milford Sound Cruise • Milford Sound Scenic Flight • Abel Tasman Cruise & Guided Walk • Marlborough Winery Lunch • Private Charter Yacht on Lake Rotoiti • Private hosted lunches in Canterbury & Lake Tarawera • Interislander Ferry • Guided tours at Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • A working Kiwifruit orchard and more…

  • $10,390 (NZD) pp twin share
  • $12,690 (NZD) pp single
WHAT TANYA LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: With a spectacular flight out of Milford Sound and private lunches with wonderful Kiwi hosts along the way, I can’t think of a better way to see New Zealand. My favourite experiences include a catamaran cruise on a geothermal lake and lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie on a South Island farm.

Day 1

Auckland - Rotorua

Today is an exciting start to your New Zealand adventure, after meeting your guide and group in the Auckland CBD you head away South for a fun day packed with activities, history, geology, horticulture and even a bit of luxury.

  • Rich history on a short walk in the Karangahake Gorge
  • Lunch in the gold mining town of Waihi
  • Guided tour of a working Kiwifruit orchard
  • Private sailing across Lake Rotoiti for a soak in secluded hot pools
  • Lake view accommodation in Rotorua

Full Description

Today is an exciting start to your New Zealand adventure, after meeting your guide and group in the Auckland CBD you’ll head away South to Rotorua via the lush pastures of the Waikato and fruit basket of the Bay of Plenty. Our first stop is the dramatic Karangahake Gorge for a stroll alongside the Ohinemuri River through native bush to the relics and ruins of this region’s gold-mining past. 

Near Te Puke, the Kiwifruit capital of the world, we’ll visit a working Kiwifruit orchard before continuing on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Along the way, at Okawa Bay, we board a custom built, Airstream Caravan inspired, boat and enjoy a private cruise on serene Lake Rotoiti to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat – a memorable end to an awesome day.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Lake views from your room at the Novotel Lakeside Rotorua - MoaTrek Tour Accommodation

Rotorua - Novotel Lakeside

Situated on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua offering a relaxing environment with unsurpassed views of the lake. The central location, with wonderful facilities, means it is an easy walking distance to many local attractions, including cafés, bars and restaurants.

What we love about the Novotel Rotorua – Lake views from every room, a short walk to Ohinemutu Maori Village and ‘Eat Street’. The in-house thermal baths are hard to beat after a fun day out.

Day 2

Rotorua tours and activities

Time to explore and discover everything Rotorua has to offer, like a treetop canopy, the famous geothermal area and Māori culture and arts. We enjoy a lakeside lunch with our friends Karen and Tracy, local Māori guides continuing a long family tradition.

  • Choose an optional Canopy tour across the treetops
  • Explore the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua
  • Relax over a hosted lunch at Lake Tarawera

Full Description

We’ve got two nights in Rotorua, so take it easy this morning. Perhaps stroll down to the lakeside, just minutes from your hotel, or enjoy a guided tour. Don’t miss nearby Ohinemutu marae, one of only two living Maori villages. We’ll head to the famous Lake Tarawera for a hosted lunch with our friends David, Karen and Tracy, you’ll love them and their stories from their Maori and European histories.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Lake views from your room at the Novotel Lakeside Rotorua - MoaTrek Tour Accommodation

Rotorua - Novotel Lakeside

Situated on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua offering a relaxing environment with unsurpassed views of the lake. The central location, with wonderful facilities, means it is an easy walking distance to many local attractions, including cafés, bars and restaurants.

What we love about the Novotel Rotorua – Lake views from every room, a short walk to Ohinemutu Maori Village and ‘Eat Street’. The in-house thermal baths are hard to beat after a fun day out.

Day 3

Rotorua - Tongariro National Park

An exciting day of contrasts as we travel through the volcanic landscape of the Central North Island, from the surreal geothermal moonscape of Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland to the World Heritage landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

  • Boiling mud and unbelievable colour at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Area
  • Enjoy a lakeside walk at Lake Taupo
  • A choice of spectacular short walks in Tongariro National Park

Full Description

No Kiwi holiday would be complete without a visit to the surreal, geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu. The bubbling mud pools and incredibly colourful silica terraces are unforgettable. We stroll to view the famous Huka Falls then continue on our adventure to “Great Lake” Taupo. 

We’ll stop at viewpoints around the lake on our way to Tongariro National Park. On arrival there are stunning views of the mountains – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Here you can walk to the Taranaki Falls, a classic walking trail with gentle terrain, great views and unique native plants.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Ruapehu Accommodation

Ruapehu Accommodation

At Ruapehu we stay at either the Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune, The Park Hotel, National Park or the Aspen Court in Taihape. All three accommodations are located near the beautiful Tongariro National Park.

What we love about the Ruapehu Region – we love staying amidst the stunning volcanic landscapes of the Ruapehu Region and Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park.

Day 4

Tongariro National Park - Wellington

After breakfast we leave the volcanic plateau behind and head south through farmland and small rural towns. We continue down the coastline to our capital city Wellington, at the foot of the North Island, our home for two nights. 

Before arriving at our hotel we check out the sights and the stunning views from Mt Victoria. This evening enjoy the city’s eclectic range of cafes and restaurants.

  • The rural landscape of farms and small country towns
  • Enjoy the eclectic range of Wellington’s cafes and restaurants

Full Description

After breakfast we leave the volcanic plateau behind and head south through farmland and small rural towns. We continue down the coastline to our capital city Wellington, at the foot of the North Island, our home for two nights. 

We stay two nights in Wellington as we reckon you can’t miss “the coolest little capital in the world”. We’ll check out the city’s sights and head up Mt Victoria for the stunning views over the harbour before getting settled for the night. We’re right in the heart of Wellington’s vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes.

  • Experience the beating heart of Wellington

Accommodation

Inside the rooms at the Bolton Hotel Wellington - MoaTrek Tour Accommodation

Wellington - The Bolton Hotel

You’ve got to be in the heart of it in ‘the coolest little capital in the world’, and this is it. Walk absolutely everywhere from the 5 Star Bolton Hotel.

What we love about the Bolton – It’s easy to forget you’re in the nation’s capital with friendly staff like the team at the Bolton, a real boutique home away from home in the heart of the city.

Day 5

Wellington

The day is yours to enjoy, you are at the heart of the action at The Bolton Hotel, a short walk to the waterfront and Te Papa National Museum. Wellington is the food lovers’ capital of New Zealand and also the spiritual home of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.

  • The very best of Wellington at your door, a great city to explore on foot
  • Explore New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa

Full Description

The day is yours to enjoy, you are at the heart of the action at The Bolton Hotel a short walk to the waterfront and Te Papa National Museum. Wellington is the food lovers’ capital of New Zealand with a huge selection of cafes and boutique breweries to choose from. Ask your MoaTrek Kiwi guide his favourites. 

Wellington is also the spiritual home of “The Lord of Rings” where you can visit Weta Workshop and see how all the props are made.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Inside the rooms at the Bolton Hotel Wellington - MoaTrek Tour Accommodation

Wellington - The Bolton Hotel

You’ve got to be in the heart of it in ‘the coolest little capital in the world’, and this is it. Walk absolutely everywhere from the 5 Star Bolton Hotel.

What we love about the Bolton – It’s easy to forget you’re in the nation’s capital with friendly staff like the team at the Bolton, a real boutique home away from home in the heart of the city.

Day 6

Wellington - Picton - Nelson

We cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to “Te Waipounamu”, the South Island. Our first stop is for a tasting and lunch in the heart of the world famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region before travelling on to Nelson via the beautiful Pelorus River.

  • Cruising the Marlborough Sounds on the Interislander 
  • A hosted lunch and tasting at Forrest Wines
  • Settle in for two nights in Nelson

Full Description

We cruise on the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait and into beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton to plant our feet firmly on “Te Waka a Maui”, the South Island. Our first port of call is Forrest Wines for tasting and lunch with a local right in the heart of the world famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region. 

From wine country we head through the heart of Marlborough toward Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way we cross the Pelorus River bridge, scene of the Barrel Run from the Hobbit movies. In Nelson relax and unpack, this is home for two nights.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Tides Hotel

Nelson - Tides Hotel

You’ll feel the family South Island hospitality here, the team at Tides always welcome us as friends. Three minutes from the centre of town and 10 minutes from the cathedral, the best spot in sunny Nelson.

What we love about Tides – You can’t beat this location, just a stone’s throw into town and great riverside walking right out the door too.

Day 7

Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman is a highlight of the entire tour for many people. A picnic lunch is included so you can take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to explore a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, with time to relax on the beach or even jump in for a swim.

  • Cruise the crystal clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park
  • A guided walk and picnic lunch on the Abel Tasman coastal track

Full Description

Today is a highlight of the tour for many people – everyone has seen stunning photos of Abel Tasman National Park and now you’re here. Take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to walk a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. 

The coast is dotted with islands just offshore, sheltered bays, estuaries and golden sand beaches. Lie on the beach, or go for a swim, keeping your eye out for dolphins who often make an appearance. After your magical day out we’ll return to Nelson for another night.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Tides Hotel

Nelson - Tides Hotel

You’ll feel the family South Island hospitality here, the team at Tides always welcome us as friends. Three minutes from the centre of town and 10 minutes from the cathedral, the best spot in sunny Nelson.

What we love about Tides – You can’t beat this location, just a stone’s throw into town and great riverside walking right out the door too.

Day 8

Nelson - Kaikoura

Heading towards Kaikoura the road hugs the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges and the views are truly spectacular. Your afternoon is free to take a whale watching flight or simply enjoy the views from the pathway along the seafront. 

  • First views of the Southern Alps, playground for the rest of our journey
  • The stunning Kaikoura Coast and Peninsula
  • Take a scenic flight to discover Kaikoura’s marine life

Full Description

Heading towards Kaikoura the road hugs the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges and the views are truly spectacular. Your afternoon is free to explore Kaikoura’s bountiful marine wildlife – a result of the ocean canyon close offshore. One of the many highlights is viewing the seal colony with a backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains and coastline. 

You can book a whale watching flight or, for those keen on an easy walk, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway offers a chance to explore the headland and enjoy the Pacific Ocean views with interesting Maori history along the way.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Garden View room at White Morph Inn Kaikoura

Kaikoura - White Morph Inn

Here’s how someone summed it up on Tripadvisor recently: “You can sit and watch the whales from your balcony – town is a 5 min walk away and the views of Kaikoura are stunning. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, nice people all round.”

What we love about the White Morph – The great coffee next door, being right across from the beach and on a quiet street.

Day 9

Kaikoura - Aoraki / Mt Cook

Leaving the coast we head inland to the Canterbury Plains. A highlight of the tour is our special hosted lunch before we continue on to the spectacular Mackenzie Country. We’ll make plenty of scenic stops en route before arriving into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for the night.

  • A hosted country lunch with Ian & Di Mackenzie at Akaunui homestead
  • Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
  • Unreal turquoise waters and Mt Cook views from Lake Pukaki
  • Watching the sun set on Aoraki/Mt Cook “the Cloud Piercer”

Full Description

Leaving the coast we drive over the Hunderlee Hills to the Canterbury Plains. We stop for a special lunch at Akaunui, a 100-year-old homestead surrounded by large gardens and dine on wonderful fresh produce prepared by your warm hosts Di and Ian Mackenzie. Get a great insight into life on a working sheep and dairy farm. 

After lunch we continue through Burke’s Pass to the spectacular Mackenzie Country for sweeping vistas of tussock lands and the Southern Alps. We’ll make plenty of stops en route, we can’t miss the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and the unreal turquoise blue of glacier fed Lake Pukaki.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Mountain views from inside your room at Aoraki Court in Mt Cook Village

Aoraki / Mt Cook Village

At Mt Cook Village we will stay in either the Hermitage Hotel or Aoraki Court. Both offer modern 4-star accommodation, are situated close to everything at Mt Cook Village and surrounded by the alpine wonderland of New Zealand’s highest peaks and glaciers.

What we love about staying in Aoraki/Mt Cook village – Walk right out your door onto the most scenic short hikes New Zealand has to offer.

Day 10

Aoraki/Mt Cook - Queenstown

Your morning is free to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with New Zealand’s best short walks right out the front door, or take an optional flight up onto the Tasman Glacier. After lunch we head south over the Lindis Pass and onto Queenstown. 

  • Take a short walk to explore the stunning alpine scenery of Aoraki Mt Cook 
  • Get up close to the Tasman Glacier on an optional helicopter flight
  • Settle in for three nights in Queenstown and enjoy the vibrant mountain scene

Full Description

Always a memorable time on tour, your day in Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and ‘home ground’ of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. Take your pick from exploring the dramatic landscape on one of the many easy walking tracks around the village. Kea Point is our favourite, a gentle undulating track with incredible close up views of the valley and the mountain itself. Alternatively, take a scenic flight or heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier! 

After lunch we head over the Lindis Pass and through the rugged Kawarau Gorge onto Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand and our home for three nights.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Queenstown, Scenic Suites

Queenstown - Scenic Suites

Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.

What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!

Day 11

Queenstown - Milford Sound

Today is all about the one and only Milford Sound, guests always tell us that experiencing the Milford Road, a scenic cruise on the sound and a magical flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown is a day they’ll never forget! 

  • From Lake Te Anau through Fiordland National Park on the Milford Road
  • Small Boat Cruise on Milford Sound, under waterfalls and out to the Tasman Sea
  • A memorable scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown

Full Description

Today is all about the one and only Milford Sound. From Queenstown we follow the shores of the great southern lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau before heading into the heart of Fiordland National Park on the spectacular Milford Road. 

On arrival at Milford cruise by launch out onto the sound dominated by iconic Mitre Peak and home to birdlife, seal colonies and pods of dolphins. A magical flight over the Southern Alps returns us to Queenstown at the end of a fantastic day of touring by land, sea and air.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Queenstown, Scenic Suites

Queenstown - Scenic Suites

Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.

What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!

Day 12

Queenstown Activities & Day Tours

Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer. From lakeside walks, galleries, bike tours, food & wine and of course the famous adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping, there’s something for everyone!

  • Take your pick from literally hundreds of activities and tours on offer in Queenstown
  • Take a leisurely walk or cycle on the excellent trails in the Wakatipu basin
  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many award winning restaurants on the lakefront

Full Description

Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer. 

What do we love in Queenstown? A jet boat ride on the remote and beautiful Dart River in The Lord of the Rings scenery, walking along the lakeshore and the Botanic Gardens or take a thrilling raft ride on the Kawarau River. Other favourites are wine tasting in the celebrated boutique vineyards of Central Otago, golf on one of New Zealand’s best courses, a day walk on the famous Routeburn Track or cruising Lake Wakatipu on the 1912 Steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.

  • Take your pick from literally hundreds of activities and tours on offer in Queenstown
  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many award winning restaurants on the lakefront

Optional activities

Accommodation

Queenstown, Scenic Suites

Queenstown - Scenic Suites

Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.

What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!

Day 13

Queenstown - Arrowtown - Wanaka

Today is a highlights reel of the Southern Lakes beauty, from Arrowtown we climb up the Crown Range for our last views of the beautiful Wakatipu basin before calling into picture perfect Cardrona Hotel and on to our lakeside accommodation in Wanaka. 

  • Gold mining history comes to life in Arrowtown
  • Relax in the garden at the Cardrona Hotel
  • Short walks or a Lake Eco Cruise in Wanaka
  • Stroll along the lake at Wanaka, we’re staying right on the lakeside tonight

Full Description

Our day starts with a short hop to leafy Arrowtown, where gold mining history comes alive beside the Arrow River. Then we head into tussock country for the climb up the Crown Range and our last views of the beautiful Wakatipu basin. We call into picture perfect Cardrona Hotel, its history dates back to the colonial era, then continue on to Wanaka. 

Our hotel this evening is right on the lake edge, you’ve got plenty of time after lunch to discover this lovely lakeside town for yourself. Bike the waterfront trail, get out on the lake in a kayak or head next door to Rippon Vineyard for wine tasting with a view!

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Wanaka - Edgewater Resort

This is the only hotel in Wanaka that’s right on the lake edge, that’s why we stay here. Nestled in a friendly Kiwi neighbourhood, with everything here we need and super friendly staff it’ feels just like home. On site spa, tennis and bikes too.

What we love about Edgewater – Walk out of your room, across the lawn and down to the lake before breakfast, you’re in New Zealand now!

Day 14

Wanaka - Haast Pass - Franz Josef

Today is a quintessential kiwi day, where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest and a glacier all in the same day?  From Lakes Hawea and Wanaka over the Haast Pass and out to the West Coast before ending our day in Franz Josef Glacier, your camera will be working overtime today!

  • The stunning World Heritage Highway
  • Short walks in the subalpine zone, rainforest and on on the beach
  • Wake up by the lakeshore in Wanaka, go to sleep surrounded by rainforest in Franz Josef

Full Description

Today is a quintessential kiwi day, where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest and a glacier all in the same day? In New Zealand, no worries! We start off following the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before reaching the pristine mountain and river scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then it’s up and over the Haast Pass through beech forests, past cascading waterfalls and clear blue pools before following the Haast River out to the sea. There’s plenty of time for short walks and photo stops on the way, we’re in no hurry. 

Head north through the lush, prehistoric Gondwanaland forest of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, stopping at Ship Creek to stroll the beach, keep your eye out for dolphins feeding in the shallows. Get your camera ready for Lake Matheson’s famous reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Our home for the night is Franz Josef.

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation

Guests relaxing in the lounge at the Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier - Scenic Hotel

Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Scenic Hotel has been designed with the surroundings in mind. It’s just minutes walk from everywhere but you feel like you’re miles away from it all!

What we love about Scenic – Enjoying a coffee on your balcony, listening to the native birdsong in the forest all around you.

Day 15

Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki

Your morning is free to discover Glacier Country and Westland with a walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or a visit to Okarito, home of the revered Kotuku – White Heron. After lunch we head north via Hokitika to Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park.

  • Franz Josef Glacier walks, or the option of heli hiking or a glacier landing
  • An optional wildlife cruise on Okarito Lagoon
  • Explore Hokitika, the ‘pounamu’ or jade capital of New Zealand
  • Sunset views from our hotel right on the beach at Punakaiki

Full Description

Your morning is free to discover Glacier Country and Westland, right in the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or take a guided wildlife cruise out on Okarito lagoon in search of the Kotuku – White Heron. 

We head north through countryside dotted with little lakes and boulder strewn rivers. Hokitika is the Pounamu (greenstone) capital of the country and you’ll have the chance to visit the carvers as well as glass blowing, wood and copper artisans. We arrive at our home for two nights in Punakaiki, right on the beach in the perfect spot to enjoy your last few sunsets in New Zealand.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel

What a spot for our final night, we’re so close to the beach you can smell the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Just around the corner from the Pancake Rocks and tucked in beside our own little beach, most the world just passes on by.

What we love about Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – sharing a farewell drink on the beach right outside our rooms for our last sunset on tour.

Day 16

Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park

Paparoa National Park is very different to any other area on the trip, towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with beautiful river valleys draped in subtropical forest. 

  • Discover the Pancake Rocks and blowholes
  • Short walks at Cape Foulwind or the Pororari River
  • Exciting West Coast optional tours like the glowworm caves in Charleston
  • A few “guides favourites” like Denniston Plateau or the Brunner Mine site
  • Toast your last Kiwi sunset with your friends on the beach at Punakaiki 

Full Description

The surrounding Paparoa National Park is very different to any other area on the trip, towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with beautiful river valleys draped in subtropical forest. 

You’ll have plenty of time to discover the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. There are also some great optional activities here, our favourite is the Glowworm Caves at Charleston but there are also exceptional walking tracks including the Truman track to an isolated beach and the coastal walkway at Cape Foulwind.

Included activities & exploring

Optional activities

Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel

What a spot for our final night, we’re so close to the beach you can smell the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Just around the corner from the Pancake Rocks and tucked in beside our own little beach, most the world just passes on by.

What we love about Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – sharing a farewell drink on the beach right outside our rooms for our last sunset on tour.

Day 17

Punakaiki - Christchurch

Wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach, traverse the Southern Alps and the stunning Canterbury High Country before crossing the plains into the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. 

  • The engineering marvel of the Otira Viaduct
  • Short walks at Arthur’s Pass & Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill
  • Say goodbye to your guide and group in the Garden City

Full Description

Wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach, cross New Zealand’s main divide, traverse the stunning Canterbury High Country and cross the plains into the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. 

Highlights include the Otira Viaduct, a spectacular cantilevered road through towering mountains to Arthur’s Pass National Park one of the best places in the country to see the hilarious antics of our alpine parrot, the Kea. Stretch your legs in the beech forests at Arthur’s Pass National Park and again at the massive limestone rocks at Castle Hill before we reach Christchurch in the late afternoon. We’ll say our goodbyes with drop offs at Christchurch Airport or your city accommodation.

Included activities & exploring

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General Tour Inclusions

  • All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach
  • Small group tour, maximum 18 guests
  • Services of your knowledgeable MoaTrek Kiwi guide
  • Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”

Included Meals

  • Breakfasts every morning
  • A hosted lunch with the Walmsley family at Lake Tarawera
  • Lunch and tasting at a Marlborough winery
  • Included picnic lunch on your Abel Tasman day trip
  • A hosted Canterbury garden lunch with our old friends Di and Ian at Akaunui Homestead

Included Activities & Entrance Fees

The following activities and attractions are all included in the price of your tour

Included Sightseeing & Exploring

You’ll visit and discover all these iconic New Zealand places on your tour

Next departures

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19 Mar 2024 - 04 Apr 2024
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07 Oct 2024 - 23 Oct 2024
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19 Oct 2024 - 04 Nov 2024
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04 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024
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11 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024
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18 Nov 2024 - 04 Dec 2024
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02 Dec 2024 - 18 Dec 2024
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30 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025
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13 Jan 2025 - 29 Jan 2025
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03 Mar 2025 - 19 Mar 2025
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09 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025
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06 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
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10 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025
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06 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025
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05 Jan 2026 - 21 Jan 2026
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09 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026
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Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.

Tour DatePrice (from)Availability
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19 Mar 2024 - 04 Apr 2024
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07 Oct 2024 - 23 Oct 2024
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19 Oct 2024 - 04 Nov 2024
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04 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024
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11 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024
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18 Nov 2024 - 04 Dec 2024
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02 Dec 2024 - 18 Dec 2024
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30 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025
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13 Jan 2025 - 29 Jan 2025
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17 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025
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10 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025
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12 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025
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17 Feb 2025 - 05 Mar 2025
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03 Mar 2025 - 19 Mar 2025
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starDeparture Guaranteedstar
09 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025
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starDeparture Guaranteedstar
06 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
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starDeparture Guaranteedstar
10 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025
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starDeparture Guaranteedstar
06 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025
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starDeparture Guaranteedstar
05 Jan 2026 - 21 Jan 2026
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09 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026
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Optional activities

Over the course of the tour, you’ll have many chances for some wonderful optional tour add-ons. These excursions are booked by your Kiwi Guide to fit with the tour itinerary timings.

Auckland Pre Tour Day

If you’re arriving in Auckland early, and have at least one full day in the city free before your tour departs, there are some great sightseeing options to choose from. These pre tour activities can be booked directly with our office, contact us for details.

Rotorua

In Rotorua you can choose adventure sightseeing and cultural experiences. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Wellington

Our capital city is a great one to explore. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Kaikoura

You can choose to take a cruise or fly out in search of whales. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Cruise on the glacier lake or touch down in a snowy landscape. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Queenstown

One of our scenic tourism hot spots, you’re spoiled for choice in Queenstown. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Wanaka

Cruise out on Lake Wanaka with a nature guide. Book this activity on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Franz Josef Glacier

Either fly or hike on the glacier or join a nature cruise in search of birdlife. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Punakaiki

Charleston has great glowworms! Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

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The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price.