Winter Wonders (Reverse)

Aotearoa New Zealand is a year-round destination. This tour is designed to showcase New Zealand's culture, flora and fauna, wildlife, museums and activities offered during the winter season.

Being run outside the main tourist summer season you will enjoy New Zealand as the locals do, with less traffic on the streets and more time and tranquility. From the winterless north with Palm trees and hibiscus to the grandeur of the Southern Alps in the south you can expect to enjoy all types of weather in this journey of a lifetime.

Wildlife is also more abundant during the winter months. You’re more likely to see humpback whales at this time of year in Kaikoura and seals are a common sight.

This stunning 20-day itinerary features some of Aotearoa New Zealand's more celebrated destinations such as the Bay of Islands, Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland, our culturally vibrant city of Wellington, the eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound, adventure-capital Queenstown, glacier country of Franz Josef and so much more!

Your days will be filled with a mixture of included and optional activities and at the end of each day you can relax in 3-4* Kiwi accommodation.

Please note that owing to the time of year, some included activities are subject to change. We will endeavor to incorporate a suitable replacement should this happen.

Be prepared to be awe-struck on this small group journey of New Zealand!

WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR 

• Small groups – max 14 guests 

• 19 nights in twin-share accommodation in 3-4* hotels 

• Daily breakfast (cooked or continental) 

• Dinners x 6 

• 2x airport transfer shuttles (non-exclusive shuttle bus) 

• Russel ferry transfers 

• Visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with guided tour and cultural performance 

• Meet Tāne Mahuta – the oldest known living kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest 

• Marvel at an original architecture project at Hundertwasser Art & Wairau Māori Art Gallery 

• Discover NZ’s fascinating glowworms in Waitomo with a cave tour 

• Visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland 

• Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage 

• Take the Wellington Cable Car for some of the best views in town. 

• Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait 

• Taste delicious wines in New Zealand’s world-renowned wine region, Marlborough 

• Check out Kaikōura’s cutest residents at a local seal colony 

• Cross the stunning Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train* 

• Gin Tasting at an artisanal distillery (also carbon-neutral) 

• Become immersed in local Māori culture at Pounamu Pathways 

• Cruise Lake Mapourika, with exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. 

• Explore the “8th Wonder of the World”, Milford Sound Cruise, where you’ll sail beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces 

• Visit Oamaru’s Steampunk Museum – where interactive art comes to life. 

*Please note that the TranzAlpine unfortunately will not be running on all departures. Where this is the case, you will instead continue to the West Coast in the vehicle with your guide.   

ALL HAKA TOURS INCLUDE   

ORIENTATION TOURS 
We give you the low-down on every location 

COMFORTABLE TRANSPORT 
With plenty of room to spread out 

CONTINENTAL OR COOKED BREAKFAST EVERY DAY 
Heaps of options for everyone  

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES 
To teach you about our unique Māori culture 

EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDE 
Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about NZ 

SMALL GROUPS  

Because you're more than just a number! 

DAY 1 – Christchurch 

Kia ora and welcome to Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Today is your orientation day, your day to ease yourself into your holiday.  

A shuttle transfer will take you to your hotel.   

From here you relax or choose to explore New Zealand's biggest city - your hotel is a great base to visit Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanical Gardens. 

This evening you’ll join your group for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner. 

Day 2 – Christchurch to Dunedin 

Leaving behind Christchurch, you’ll visit the cute town of Oamaru where you'll visit the Steampunk Museum in Oamaru's Victorian precinct. You’ll then trace the coastline to the unique Moeraki Boulders, resembling giant marbles.  

You continue onto Ōtepoti / Dunedin, known as the Scottish city of New Zealand! Tonight enjoy a unique stay at NZ’s only castle. If there’s time, why not take a walk around the grounds of Larnach Castle Estate before dinner located onsite.  

DAY 3 – Dunedin to Invercargill  

This morning enjoy some gin tasting at a local distillery and a city tour of Ōtepoti / Dunedin.  

Then head onto parts less travelled and arrive in Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand. As New Zealand’s Southernmost city, Invercargill is idyllically located on the Southern Scenic Route and is the gateway to some of the country's most popular natural attractions.  

The city itself has plenty to offer too. Wide avenues are lined with well-preserved Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings. You'll find facades with Italian and English Renaissance styles, Gothic stone tracery, and Romanesque designs. Many of these remarkable historical buildings play host to a wide range of shops and a selection of lively bars and restaurants. 

Day 4 - Invercargill to Te Anau (via Milford Sound) 

Today, you head to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, locally considered the eighth natural wonder of the world! On this 2-hour scenic cruise, you’ll admire thundering waterfalls, sky-high mountains, and lush rainforests. The trip includes insightful commentary by friendly guides, as well as amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Day 5 - Te Anau to Queenstown 

After breakfast, drive onto NZ’s adventure capital, Queenstown. 

Your Haka Tour Guide will be offering a 3-hour walking tour up Queenstown Hill. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). As you make your way along the track, you will walk by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture. From the summit (weather permitting), you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding land and some of Queenstown's main landmarks. 

For those keen to get involved in activities, let’s start ticking off that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: wine tasting and lunch, skydiving over the lake, hiking trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, drive through Lord of the Rings scenery, and jetboating are just a few of our favourites. 

Day 6 – Queenstown  

The day is yours to enjoy in our alpine-capital, Queenstown. Choose to tick off some more activities, or enjoy the various boutique shops, cafes and bars on offer. 

*Please note that if your departure does not include the TranzAlpine Train then this evening you will be boarding the TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Dinner included. 

Day 7 - Queenstown to Franz Josef 

For those keen to have more activity time you are free to enjoy the morning ticking off more iconic activities or just soak up the atmosphere at the lake edge.  

This afternoon we’ll embark on scenic drive to Franz Josef, West Coast. En route, you'll visit Arrowtown which is a charming historical town from the gold rush days. Here you go on a walk to the old Chinese gold-digging settlement. 

Day 8 - Franz Josef 

Early morning you might want to seize the opportunity for an exhilarating helicopter flight above the majestic glaciers. 

Thereafter journey across Lake Mapourika, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you’ll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest, like entering another world! 

Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds. 

Day 9 - Franz Josef to Hokitika  

After driving to Hokitika, you have the option to visit a jade carving studio where you can learn about the spiritual significance of this precious stone for the Māori and learn how to make your own pendant.  

Alternatively, discover New Zealand's iconic kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre, offering an intimate encounter with this flightless bird as well as other fascinating bird species.  

Day 10 - Hokitika to Christchurch 

This morning, you’ll journey to a land of the legends at Pounamu Pathways at their Greymouth Experience Centre. This included cultural activity will allow you to become immersed in the rich tapestry of  Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement. This captivating exhibition features monumental sculptures, audio-visual elements, and history told through audio and illustrations, allowing you to become familiar with the region’s Māori culture. 

This afternoon you board the Tranz Alpine train* for a magnificent scenic train journey to the west coast of the South Island. Sit back and enjoy A true winter wonderland! 

This will be the last night for some of your fellow travellers but don’t worry there will be some new faces joining too! You will enjoy a dinner at the hotel and your Haka Tour Guide will be available to all to answer any questions and to brief you on your upcoming itinerary. 

*Please note that the TranzAlpine unfortunately will not be running on all departures. Where this is the case, you will instead continue to the West Coast in the vehicle with your guide.   

Day 11 - Christchurch to Kaikōura 

Today we head onto Kaikōura renowned for fantastic marine life including dolphins, whales and sea lions. Just before reaching Kaikōura, your guide will take you to a great vantage point for the local fur seal population. 

This afternoon opt for one of the optional activities such as whale watching or ziplining.  

Day 12 - Kaikōura to Wellington  

This morning journey north to Picton and catch the ferry across to Wellington. 

En route, visit local NZ producers in Blenheim for a spot of wine tasting. 

Then board the ferry to travel to the North Island. Enjoy spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington from the water. 

Day 13 - Wellington 

Discover the charm of Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington on a delightful walking tour featuring the iconic National Museum Te Papa, scenic waterfront, exhilarating cable car ride, and the bustling government centre. In the afternoon, indulge your curiosity with further museum exploration or savour the vibrant atmosphere at one of Wellington's beloved cafes, making the most of this dynamic city. 

Day 14 - Wellington to Rotorua 

This morning leave behind NZ’s vibrant capital and journey along Desert Road, a state highway set amidst the magical national park to Rotorua. You’ll most likely smell Rotorua before you see since it’s known as the cultural and geothermal centre of New Zealand.   

This afternoon, you visit Wai-O-Tapu "sacred waters" New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park. Here you’ll have the opportunity to experience a geothermal wonderland up close.  Wai-O-Tapu features geysers, mud pools and so much more. There is also a wonderful gift shop and cafe to enjoy. 

Day 15 - Rotorua 

Rotorua has it all: natural beauty, unique geothermal landscapes, and Māori culture. 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. 

For a truly epic brush with nature, the National Kiwi Hatchery Experience offers a 45-minute guided experience that takes visitors into the heart of conservation efforts dedicated to protecting unique and endangered creatures. You could also jump on the Rotorua City and Lakes Tour, where visitors can experience the thrill of riding in New Zealand's only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts and travelling through Rotorua's award-winning gardens, including the geothermal Sulphur point. 

For Lord of the Rings fans, you can also choose to take a guided tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set, which is an absolute must-do when visiting NZ. On this fully guided tour of the 12 acre Middle-earth set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn! 

However, you choose to spend today we guarantee you won’t forget it. 

Day 16 - Rotorua to Whangarei 

Leaving Rotoura you head north to Whangarei. 

Stopping in Waikato en route, you'll visit an underground labyrinth of caves where you'll be able to spot New Zealand's iconic glowworms. 

From Waipoua you continue onto Whangarei.  

Day 17 - Whangarei to Russell 

This morning you’ll visit the Hundert Wasser Arts centre. A guided tour will give you a fascinating glimpse into the life and achievements of the 20th century artist and environmentalist Friedrich Hundertwasser who called Northland his home.  This gallery is a testament to Hundertwasser's vision of the world and his environmental initiatives which had international acclaim. 

On the way north, visit the realm of Tāne Mahuta, the King of the Forest and New Zealand's most famous Kauri tree. Led by local Māori guide you will learn about the significance of the kauri tree to New Zealand Māori and the role it played in pioneer New Zealand. 

You’ll head to the picturesque Bay of Islands and take a short ferry ride across to Russell.  

Day 18 – Russell 
Waking up in the pretty seaside town of Russell it is hard to imagine that Russell was once known as the hellhole of the South Pacific.  

A local guide will take you on a walk to Flagstaff Hill with magnificent views over the Bay of Islands and an interesting story. Thereafter you take the passenger ferry to Paihia where you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.  This will provide you an insight into New Zealand in colonial times and provide you with an insight into Māori/New Zealand culture.  At the Treaty grounds, you’ll will enjoy a guided tour and cultural performance before heading back to Russell. 

Day 19 - Russell to Auckland  

Leave behind the Bay of Islands and head to Tāmaki  Makaurau, Auckland, the city of sails. 

Once in Auckland, enjoy a short Auckland City Sights tour before you can explore New Zealand's biggest city on your own. A number of optional activities can be booked in advance otherwise your hotel is a great base to visit Sky Tower or the Viaduct Basin, home to the Maritime Museum and a hub for eateries and bars. 

Day 20 - Auckland 

Today your New Zealand Winter Wonder Tour sadly comes to an end. A transfer will have been organised for you to bring you to the airport. 

We wish you safe onward travels!