New Zealand Amplified Tour - North and South Island 16 Day

• Explore New Zealand's North and South Island over two weeks 
• Discover hidden gems with surprise stops along the way
• Travel from Auckland to Christchurch or in reverse
• Maori Cultural experience in the Coromandel and Rotorua
• Try traditional Maori ‘Hangi’ (food cooked using heated rocks in an underground oven)
• Ferry between the North and South islands across the iconic Cook Strait
• Learn to carve your own ‘Tiki’ pendant from bone
• Enjoy a gondola ride in Queenstown to witness awesome panoramic views of the 'Adventure Capital of the World'
• Ride the TranzAlpine Express Train – one of the world’s top-rated train journeys
• Enjoy a personalised tour with small groups - max 16 people 
• Passionate Kiwi guide who will show you everything New Zeland has to offer
• Learn about each location with a guided tour at each stop
• Transport, breakfast and accommodation (all nights) included
  
   

  WHERE WE VISIT

• Cathedral Cove
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Queenstown
• Mangawhau/Mount Eden
• Huka Falls
• Maitarangi/ Mount Victoria
• Kaikoura
• Christchurch
• Church of the Good Shepard
• Arrowtown
• Franz Josef
• Mountain Jade factory, Hokitika

• Optional activities and upgrades

We think the chance to spend 2 weeks exploring New Zealand is pretty cool in itself, but we love that Haka makes it extra special with heaps of cool activity options to choose from. Want to carve a Tiki pendant, go black water rafting or maybe experience a crazy bungee jump? These guys have you set. 

Explore all New Zealand has to offer over two amazing weeks. Golden beaches, Maori culture, surreal landscapes and a big dose of adventure is all yours! Head from North to South and discover why New Zealand is so unique.  

Day 1: Auckland 
Breakfast included
After enjoying a welcome breakfast hit the road on your way to the North Island’s best-kept secret: the Coromandel Peninsula. A paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests, just a couple of hours from Auckland, this spot will take your breath away. It's one of the most stunning drives in the North Island, with a road that twists and turns dramatically around the coastline.

This route gives you a taste of the more unique areas of the Coromandel, and you'll delve into territory that most other tours don't cover. Watch as the ocean gets more vivid and the landscape gradually changes all around you. Get your cameras at the ready - you'll want a reminder of this view forever. 

The Coromandel is also home to the famous Hot Water Beach and thousands visit each year to dig their own personal “hot tub” here. If tide times allow, you'll be able to do the same! 

Today you'll also carve your own tiki pendant from bone, a very special and unique Kiwi experience. What a better souvenir to take home than the one you made yourself in a traditional activity?


Day 2: Coromandel - Waitomo
Breakfast included.
This morning walk with your fellow travellers out along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove. You might recognize this spot from the Chronicles of Narnia. It’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel and for a good reason: It doesn’t look real! You won't believe your eyes as you take in the perfect beaches, giant rock arches and natural beauty. 

There's also the option to take a guided kayak trip to Cathedral Cove to check out the stunning coastline from a different angle. Please note this is an optional activity and is not included in the tour price. 

Later in the day, say goodbye to the East Coast and hello to the West as you head for Waitomo... the glow worms await!


Day 3: Waitomo - Murupara
Breakfast and dinner included.
Ever been caving? What about in a place with twinkling glowworms on the ceiling? Now’s your chance!

If you're feeling daring, abseil 100 metres into the caverns on an epic 4-hour adventure ($405), or float along an underground river on a Black Water Rafting trip ($139) as the glowworm's light your way. If heights or wet feet aren't your things, a guided walking tours of the caves ($59) is a good alternative. Please note these tours are optional extras and are not included in the tour price. 

Once you're back out in the daylight, jump aboard the bus and make your way to Rotorua. Famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture, this is a great place to learn some more about New Zealand history.

Along the way, enjoy some thrills and spills with a roll in OGO ball ($35-$80) or a hair-raising spin on one of New Zealand’s fastest jet boats.

Tonight is one of the main highlights of the tours, as you are welcomed to a Maori village for an unmissable cultural performance. Featuring combat demonstrations, beautiful poi dance, and - of course - the haka, this performance will immerse you in the fascinating culture of New Zealand's native people. Enjoy a traditional hangi meal, cooked in an earth oven for dinner. Yum! 


Day 4: Murupara - Rotorua
Breakfast included.
Welcome to Rotorua - the New Zealand town famous for its geothermal activity. Neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, Rotorua is full of natural wonders. 
 
Start your day here with white water rafting or sledging on the Kaituna River and catch some action on a 7-metre waterfall! If you want something more relaxing, opt to explore the town and even check out some local hot springs for a soak.

There'll also be the option to tour the Hobbiton film set from The Lord of the Rings. Reenact scenes from the movies with your travel buddies or pretend to be a Hobbit while sipping some of the pub’s famous ginger beer. Yum!

After a tasty lunch hit the road to Taupo. You'll stop along the way to check out the Orakei Korako or Waiotapu. This is what gives Rotorua its unique smell, and these extraordinary geyserlands and thermal parks are a great place to stretch your legs and explore. Wander around and check out all the unique geothermal activity in the area.


Day 5: Rotorua - Taupo
Breakfast included.
A stunning lakeside town with a dramatic mountain backdrop, Taupo will take your breath away. This is New Zealand’s largest lake and believe it or not; it’s roughly the same size as Singapore!

Today is all about thrills and spills, and Taupo is full of them. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungee jump, or take an unforgettable skydive for amazing lake and mountain views.

However you choose to spend your day, with Taupo's natural beauty and fun range of activities, you won’t forget it.


Day 6: Taupo
Breakfast included.
A full day in Taupo! What are you in the mood for? Choose between peaceful lakeside relaxation or an action-packed day of adventure. 

Go hiking (tramping as the locals know it) and choose one of the many awesome hikes around. For those after the ultimate adventure, there are great hikes on offer here. Embark on the Tongariro Crossing, which among the top full-day walks in the world. A 19.4 km mountain track that boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters, you won't forget this trip in a hurry. 

If you’d prefer to relax, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Maori rock carvings or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly!


Day 7: Taupo - Wellington
Breakfast included.
Get ready for a long drive today... it’s a big trip from Taupo to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer along the way.

If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, make sure your camera is charged because you're in for a treat! Today's drive will take you through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert, the spot some of the Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed. 

You'll also drive along The Desert Road (as State Highway 1 is known in these parts) and will catch some incredible views of three active volcanic peaks - Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. Mount Ngauruhoe is also known as Mt Doom in the Toilken world, so be sure to snap that all-important Mordor selfie.

Later, pass through some of the North Island’s quirkier towns. Get ready for an adventure, these areas are full of fun, and your guide will no doubt have a trick or two up his sleeve.

You'll pull into Wellington in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to explore this incredible city. For movie buffs, check out Weta Workshop, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced. 

New Zealand’s capital is famous for its bars and eateries and is a paradise for lovers of craft beer so if you're a beer lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice.


Day 8: Wellington - Kaikoura
Breakfast included.
You've got the morning to explore New Zealand's incredible capital, so make the most of it! It's a fun city with tons of green spaces and beaches that make it feel more like a small town than an urban capital. The streets are packed with quirky bars, quaint cafes, beautiful street art and heaps of things to do. It’s impossible not to love Wellington, so get exploring!

In the afternoon you'll wave goodbye to the North Island and head off on a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait. 

Later, join your group on a trip up Mount Victoria, one of Wellington’s most iconic spots. With the best views in town and plenty of walks and tracks to tackle, Mount Victoria is a Wellington icon and a highlight of the trip.

Gliding through the sounds as you approach Picton Harbour will feel like you're in another world. It's a beautiful entry into the South,  and the start of a magical journey you'll never forget.

Your destination, Kaikoura, 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.


Day 9: Wellington - Christchurch
Breakfast included.
Want to swim with dolphins? You're in luck, Kaikoura is one of the best places to find them. The chance to swim with dolphins in the wild is a massive New Zealand highlight for many travellers, so dive in for an adventure! 

If you want to get up close to the giants of the ocean, Kaikoura is great for that also. There's plenty of whale watching tours here, with humpbacks, sperm whales and killer whales all stop by the area at various times of the year.  

After your underwater adventure hit the road again to Christchurch, your home for the night. A beautiful garden-filled city with lazy rivers and heritage buildings, you'll feel right at home in this South Island city.


Day 10 -  Christchurch - Lake Tekapo 
Breakfast included.
This morning, explore iconic downtown Christchurch and enjoy as your Haka Guide shows you all the cool ways the city has reunited and is being repaired after the 2011 quake. With lots of quirky shops, cool cafes and spots to dine, along with a young fun Kiwi culture, Christchurch shouldn’t be missed. 

After lunch, leave the city behind and head for MacKenzie Country, named for James MacKenzie, one of New Zealand’s most enduring folk heroes. There’s even a statue of his faithful dog at today’s destination - Lake Tekapo.

The lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true. The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge and it's a popular spot for weddings - couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel. Snap some shots of your own and capture the natural beauty of this incredible place. 

If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the summit of Mt John. With awesome views of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! There's also the option to take a scenic flight over the mountains to take in all the glaciers and lakes of this beautiful part of the world.

Once darkness falls, take in the stunning stars and galaxies above. The area around Tekapo has been declared a “Dark Sky Reserve” and it’s the best place in New Zealand to see the stars on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy!


Day 11: Lake Tekapo - Queenstown 
Breakfast included.
Get ready for a day packed with some serious scenery!

The road to Queenstown (scattered with dozens of glacial blue lakes, soaring mountains and lush valleys) is almost as beautiful as the town itself. On your way, enjoy some wine tasting in the famous Otago region, or a stop at a local salmon farm, to see a more diverse side of the South Island.

The ultimate adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is always on an NZ bucket list. Surrounded by the stunning Remarkables, some of the most beautiful mountains in NZ, and sprawling along the banks of the dazzling Lake Wakatipu, its location is straight from a postcard.

Tomorrow you'll be checking out all the action here, so today, take in the scenery, ride a gondola to see Queenstown from above and be sure to get an early night. You'll need it!


Day 12: Queenstown
Breakfast included.
It's adventure time! With a full day in Queenstown, pack in as many bucket list activities as you can.

There are tons of options to choose from, from paragliding and mountain biking to bungy jumping, horse riding or swinging through a canyon Tarzan-style! 

Once you've worked up an appetite with all your adrenaline activities, check out New Zealand's famous Fergburger. This legendary burger joint in right in Queenstown centre so grab one as you wander the town with your fellow travellers.  

If you're after more nature, it might be time to check out one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, Milford Sound. You can't miss this spot, with its towering cliffs and cascading falls. Beautiful in rain or shine, Milford is universally loved by all. Choose from some optional add-on cruises to delve into this magical spot. Don't forget to keep your eyes out for the occasional sea lion or dolphin popping up to say hello!

Whether experiencing it from the decks of a boat or kayaking around the steep cliffs, Milford really is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful areas of the South Island.


Day 13: Queenstown - Wanaka
Breakfast included.
Today, it's time to cool off after all your Queenstown excitement. Only an hour’s drive away, Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister.

A year-round destination, Wanaka is blessed with towering mountains and a glacial blue lake. It’s one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns and there are stunning hikes and bike rides all around the area for a change of pace. 

To really see the best of Wanaka, think about admiring it from the air. Treat yourself to a skydive or a scenic flight in a vintage plane or even take a flying lesson. Cool!

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there's still plenty to do. Stroll around the lake and check out the famous Wanaka Tree, standing all alone in the water or just make your own way and explore the lakeside houses and quirky town! 


Day 14: Wanaka - Franz Josef
Breakfast included.
Enjoy a free morning in Wanaka, and then strap yourself in for an incredible journey to Franz Josef. From mountain passes to cascading waterfalls to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t even dare to take a nap on the bus in case you miss anything. 

Between September and December it’s whitebait season (a small fish that’s a delicacy in New Zealand) and fried up with eggs and served on toast, it’s a local treat and shouldn’t be missed. Stop at one of the local spots to try it out along the way. 

You'll arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon/early evening, ready for a meal and cosy nights sleep before you explore the famous glacier tomorrow.


Day 15: Franz Josef
Breakfast included.
No visit to the South Island is complete without witnessing Franz Josefs stunning glaciers. Both the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are world-renowned due to their relative accessibility and the low level to which they descend. 

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier whether you take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers, kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below.

As well as the awesome glacier activities, you'll also have the chance to try out quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke tonight!


Day 16: Franz Josef - Christchurch
Breakfast included.
And it's goodbye time! Enjoy a breakfast in Franz Josef and then head along the beautiful west coast on another of the most spectacular drives in the country. A rugged landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking ocean waves, this spot is absolutely stunning. 

Make a stop at Hokitika to visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home and then, if time permits, call into the National Kiwi Centre where there is guaranteed viewing of rare Kiwi birds in their nocturnal house!

On the way back to Christchurch, its time for a different mode of travel. Take the stunning TranzAlpine Train Crossing and travel across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, skirting the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and taking in the majestic Canterbury Plains.

You'll arrive in Christchurch by 6:30 pm. Accommodation is included tonight.