From bubbling geysers to yawning gorges; gem-like glaciers to mirrored lakes; snow-tipped mountains to subtropical islands; it’s hard to believe that such a small country packs so much natural punch into its two islands. And then there are New Zealand’s cosmopolitan cities and towns, and celebration of Māori culture wherever you turn. Make no mistake – this journey from south to north is the ultimate New Zealand tour. Magic is an understatement.
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).
Great trip. The guide was great, the driver did a great job and the people themselves were friendly and accommodating. The first picture below is with the guide Chantzee after we walked up "the steepest street in the world" in Dunedin, Baldwin street, the second is of Milford Sound.
On this 5-day Northland tour from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, we’ll travel up to Tutukaka and explore some of the Bay of Islands before heading back to Auckland. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Tutukaka, Paihia, Waitangi and some of the 144 islands that make up the magnificent Bay of Islands.
Venture with us on our Bay of Islands tour to the region known as ‘The Winterless North’! While we can’t promise sunshine 100% of the time, we can assure you that you’ll get to explore some truly spectacular scenery and have plenty of opportunity to take part in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Lush green hills, sweeping beaches, epic marine life, giant sand dunes, idyllic islands, and settlements steeped in culture and history – the Northland and Bay of Islands region are truly special.
We’ll have plenty of included activities and stops on our Bay of Islands tour including visiting Whangarei Falls – a 26m cascading waterfall, staying in Tutukaka - renowned as one of the top coastal destinations globally by National Geographic Traveller, sailing to Poor Knights Islands - featuring spectacular drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and rich biodiversity, and taking time to explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds and its important role in NZ’s history.
Optional activities include skydiving, scuba diving (both beginner or advanced), or cruises around the bays in search of the local sea-life! Or simply enjoy the town of Paihia or take the ferry to historic Russell. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Book this New Zealand itinerary for spectacular scenery and ultimate serenity!
**Enchanting Northland Tour Tips:**
- This tour is great if you want a magical, yet quick escape to soak up the sun – but it needn't end after 5 days, as our [10-day Northern Trail](https://hakatours.com/haka-plus-tours/10-day-north/) or [24-day Ultimate NZ](https://hakatours.com/haka-plus-tours/24-day/) tour also departs Auckland and takes in a huge array of highlights.
- Optional activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.
While you could spend months exploring the North Island of New Zealand on a tour, if you’re travelling in the right company, you can immerse yourself in the highlights in a week. Discover Wellington’s coolest wine bars, drop in on Rotorua’s hot springs, find a pretty perch on a Bay of Islands tour, get your glow on during a Waitomo Caves tour, then ease into Auckland’s harbour-side lifestyle.
Marty was extremely helpful and informative throughout the entire tour. His knowledge and humour was fantastic.
The various drivers during the tour were also very friendly and helpful.
The consideration the company extended to my wife's dietary requirements was immense.
I would recommend AAT to anyone who is considering a guided tour.
Top class hotels. Only the Christchurch hotel did not have a freezer section in the fridge - which meant the ice packs for my insulin could not be frozen.
The staff in all the hotels were excellent and professional.
The meals were well presented and tasty. The rooms presented beautifully. Interesting views too.
Explore New Zealand, where snow-dusted peaks rub shoulders with glacial lakes and off-the-grid surf towns give way to cosmopolitan cities. This in-depth 20-day adventure takes you to some of the best landmarks of the country, from the North Island to the South Island. Join your local leader in Auckland, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and relax on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan. See the otherworldly landscapes at Tongariro National Park, then continue to the South Island, where the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, the fabulous wineries of Marlborough and the beautiful scenery of Franz Josef await.
We were able to see and enjoy a large range of events, sites and experiences, that made this trip one of our most memorable. There were a number of optional experiences which enabled us to access opportunities to engage in our interests.
As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this trip will have you spending 10 days discovering the best of the North Island with a local at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure will excite, educate and inspire.
Culture and nature unite in this inter-island New Zealand tour. Oh, and there’s a good dose of food and wine on the side to deliver a well-rounded taste of North and South. Whether you’re into wide, open spaces – Stewart Island, we’re looking at you – bubbling geysers, gem-like glaciers or windswept coasts. Whether you’re a history, sport, architecture or culture buff. This New Zealand guided tour is for you.
Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, exploring hidden wonders and iconic landscapes. Witness majestic glaciers, shimmering lakes and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, fresh seasonal fare, world class wines and scenic stays. Experience a journey like no other.
Discover New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. From the vibrant city of Christchurch to the serene shores of Lake Ohau. Wander through charming historic towns from Cromwell to Arrowtown. Sample world class wines and delight in gourmet cuisine amidst the beauty of native flora and fauna.
