Winter Wonders

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 – AUCKLAND 

Kia ora and welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. 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 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. 

This evening you’ll join your group for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner at 6pm. 

DAY 2 – AUCKLAND TO RUSSELL 

After enjoying breakfast, you have a short Auckland City Sights tour before travelling over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the start of your New Zealand Winter Wonders Tour.  

Driving up to the winterless north you travel to the Bay of Islands. After a short ferry trip you arrive in Russell. 

DAY 3 – 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 4 – RUSSELL TO WHANGAREI 

Leaving Russell you head to the west coast and the Waipoua Forest.  

Here you will enter 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.  

From Waipoua you continue onto Whangārei. On arrival you 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. 

DAY 5 – WHANGAREI TO ROTORUA 

Today, you’ll travel southwards towards Rotorua, the cultural and geothermal centre of New Zealand.  

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. 

Your next stop is Rotorua, which you will most likely smell before you see!  

In the evening you might like to soak in the Polynesian Spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua. 

DAY 6 – 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 7 – ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON 

 
This morning 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. 

Following this geothermal education, you’ll hop back on the bus and navigate your way to Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington, NZ’s vibrant capital. Along the way you’ll journey along Desert Road, a state highway set amidst the magical national park. 

DAY 8 – 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 9 – WELLINGTON TO KAIKOURA 

In the morning, board the ferry to travel to the South Island. Enjoy spectacular views of Wellington from the water and the Marlborough Sounds. Upon arriving in Picton, board your bus and travel to Kaikōura, renowned for fantastic marine life including dolphins, whales and sea lions. En route, visit local NZ producers in Blenheim for a spot of wine tasting! Just before reaching Kaikōura, your guide will take you to a great vantage point for the local fur seal population. 

DAY 10 – KAIKOURA TO CHRISTCHURCH 

In the morning you have a choice of optional activities. You might like to go on a ziplining adventure on the ranges overlooking Kaikōura and enjoy magnificent views over this dramatic coastline!   

Alternatively, you might like to do a Whale Watching tour, travelling out on a purpose-built vessel to catch a glimpse of the whales off Kaikōura's coast.  

Or, you can join a Wings over Whales flight where you will have bird's eye views of the Kaikōura coastline and with luck spot some whales from the air, so you can truly appreciate the size of the whales below. 

If none of these activities sound like the adventure for you, there is also a great local museum to visit in the town centre and some great walking opportunities. 

Thereafter you head on down to Christchurch. 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 all about the next days early departure. 

DAY 11 – CHRISTCHURCH TO HOKITIKA 

In the morning, you board the TranzAlpine train* for a magnificent scenic train journey to the west coast of the South Island. Sit back and enjoy a true winter wonderland! 

This afternoon 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. 

*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 12 – HOKITIKA TO FRANZ JOSEF 

This morning you have the morning free 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.  

Later travel to Franz Josef, the heart of glacier country, where nature's wonders await exploration. 

DAY 13 – 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 14 – FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN 

Today you head to Queenstown. Sometimes referred to as the St Moritz of the South seas, Queenstown is a resort adventure town surrounded by mountains and nestled on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. 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. 

This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel and relax after the day. 

DAY 15 – QUEENSTOWN 

With a full day in Queenstown, let’s work on 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.  

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

DAY 16 – QUEENSTOWN TO TE ANAU 

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.  

Your Haka Tour Guide will be offering a 3hour-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. 

This afternoon you’ll drive onto Te Anau, known as the ‘Gateway to Fiordland’. 

DAY 17 – TE ANAU TO INVERCARGILL (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. 

Return to Te Anau and then 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 18 – INVERCARGILL TO DUNEDIN 

You travel to Ōtepoti / Dunedin, known as the Scottish city of New Zealand!  

Dunedin was settled primarily by the Scottish and its name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Dunedin is also well known for its abundant marine wildlife which includes penguins, albatross and seals. 

Here you'll visit a local gin distillery before heading to NZ's only castle. Larnach Castle offers superb views of the harbour, ocean and peninsula views. Make sure you take time to wander through the beautiful gardens at Larnach Castle. 

DAY 19 – DUNEDIN TO CHRISTCHURCH 

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

You continue on to Christchurch, where you will you enjoy a final dinner together. Your guide will confirm all transfer arrangements for the next day with you bid you farewell.  

DAY 20 – CHRISTCHURCH 

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!