{"id":115119,"date":"2022-12-15T08:30:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T08:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tour.store\/?page_id=115119"},"modified":"2023-02-14T17:20:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T07:20:00","slug":"haka-plus-southern-explorer-tour","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tour.store\/nz\/haka-plus-southern-explorer-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Haka Plus Southern Explorer Tour (12 Day)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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12 Days, Christchurch – Wellington<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Code:<\/strong><\/td>\nPZP6NC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Priced Per:<\/strong><\/td>\nPerson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ages:<\/strong><\/td>\n18-80 Years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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Over the course of your week and a half in Aotearoa New Zealand, you\u2019ll travel through some of the most magical scenery you could hope to see in your lifetime. National Parks, rainforests, mountain ranges, UNESCO World Heritage Areas.<\/p>\n

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Welcome to the 12 Day Southern Explorer Haka Plus Tour!<\/p>\n

You\u2019re never far from either the sea or the mountains on this journey as you venture into the heart of the majestic Southern Alps to the adventure playground of Queenstown. From here you travel\u00a0 to the quaint town of Picton in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait to Wellington, the nation\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n

Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, over the course of your week and a half tour you\u2019ll travel through some of the most magical scenery you could hope to see. National Parks, rainforests, mountain ranges, UNESCO World Heritage Areas\u2026 everywhere you turn, there\u2019s something different to behold.<\/p>\n

This South Island tour includes special activities such as one of the world\u2019s most scenic train as well as one of the world\u2019s most scenic ferry journeys, a guided e-bike tour along Wanaka\u2019s lakeside, a night of glamping and the opportunity to carve your own greenstone pendant.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have the opportunity to swim, kayak, skydive, hike, horse ride, see kiwis (and whales and dolphins), relax in hot pools, eat and drink like a local, and more!<\/p>\n

But only if you want to; this is your trip. It\u2019s designed to be flexible \u2013 we include some high-end essentials, but let you make the call on what kind of activities appeal to you. You can pre-book the things you are certain you want to do before the trip starts \u2013 and then add more on while you\u2019re on tour.<\/p>\n

We’ll fill your days with the best things to see in do in 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\u20134 star accommodation to ensure you have a great night\u2019s sleep ready for the following day\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n

WHAT\u2019S INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Stay 11 nights in twin-share 3\u20134 star accommodation: a mix of hotels, motels, lodges, and rainforest retreats.<\/li>\n
  • Feast on 6 continental breakfasts, and 2 dinners.<\/li>\n
  • Take in the stunning Southern Alps and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the TranzAlpine, New Zealand\u2019s finest inland rail journey.<\/li>\n
  • Ride one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world, over the Cook Strait.<\/li>\n
  • Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant in Franz Josef.<\/li>\n
  • Cruise along Wanaka\u2019s lakeside on a guided e-bike (bicycle with electric motor) tour.<\/li>\n
  • Spend one night glamping (luxury camping) on Criffel Station – a working deer farm.<\/li>\n
  • Taste some of the world\u2019s best sauvignon blanc at a Marlborough wine tasting.<\/li>\n
  • Plus, many more surprise stops along the way!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    ALL HAKA TOURS INCLUDE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi guide<\/li>\n
    • Comfortable and air-conditioned bus transport<\/li>\n
    • Orientation tour of each and every location<\/li>\n
    • Small groups of maximum 16 people<\/li>\n
    • Experiences to teach you about our unique M\u0101ori culture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Settle into your accommodation and be ready for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. Here you will get to know your Tour Manager and be introduced to your new roadtrip friends. Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy. We recommend a good night\u2019s sleep to be ready for tomorrow\u2019s early start, but you may want to experience Christchurch\u2019s exciting nightlife – the choice is yours!<\/p>\n

      DAY 2: CHRISTCHURCH TO OHAU (VIA LAKE TEKAPO)<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Kia ora (hello!) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). After a continental breakfast we\u2019ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch \u2013 the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is totally inspirational. Mid-morning we head for Lake Tekapo. Ready your camera \u2013 the lake\u2019s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer\u2019s dream come true. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water\u2019s edge, proving that small is bold and definitely beautiful. Grab some confetti and congratulate any passing brides \u2013 couples travel from all over the world for wedding shots in front of the chapel!<\/p>\n

      DAY 3: OHAU TO QUEENSTOWN<\/strong><\/p>\n

      From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country \u2013 where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed \u2013 to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it\u2019s like you\u2019re driving into a postcard. We\u2019ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. This also happens to be the world home of bungy! Give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way into the gorge. Whether you\u2019re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With 2 nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready \u2013 this town certainly knows how to live life to the max.<\/p>\n

      DAY 4: QUEENSTOWN<\/strong><\/p>\n

      With a full day in Queenstown, let\u2019s work on that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: extreme jet boat rides, river kayaking, horseback riding through Lord of the Rings scenery, and the skyline gondola are just a few of our favourites. For scenery lovers, Milford Sound is a must-see. Whether you fly or drive, the scenery en route is as awesome as the destination. Once on the Sound, as you sail beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces you\u2019ll understand why we call it the \u201c8th Wonder of the World\u201d.<\/p>\n

      DAY 5: QUEENSTOWN TO WANAKA<\/strong><\/p>\n

      With the morning in Queenstown, you have another chance to tick off your bucket list today. What will it be? A trip to the top of the Skyline Gondola, or perhaps an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon? You decide! This afternoon we jump back on the road and head off to Wanaka, a quick one hour drive away. The drive is a scenic highlight itself, so make sure your camera is fully charged and ready to go. En route we\u2019ll stop in charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character. This afternoon is your chance to relax in stunning Wanaka, known as Queenstown\u2019s slightly quieter little sister. Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you\u2019ll soon see why Wanaka\u2019s considered to be one of New Zealand\u2019s most beautiful mountain towns. There are breathtaking hikes and easy bike rides for a welcome chance to relax.<\/p>\n

      DAY 6: WANAKA<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Today is your chance to explore one of the most beautiful towns in the southern lakes region with plenty of activities to tempt every lover of the outdoors. Included this morning is a guided e-bike tour along Wanaka\u2019s lakeside. An e-bike, for those wondering, is an electronic bicycle. It\u2019s like a normal bike but has a small motor so you don\u2019t need to pedal as hard. One optional activity today – you can visit Mou Waho Island. Accessible only by boat from Wanaka and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific!). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! In Wanaka there are many walks, hikes and biking trails to choose from\u00a0\u2013 check out the famous \u201cWanaka Tree\u201d while making your way around the lake! Or, if you feel like relaxing, ask your guide to recommend their favourite secret spots to enjoy the surrounding scenery. One of the best ways to admire Wanaka is from the air. Treat yourself to a skydive or a scenic flight in a vintage plane \u2013 you can even take a flying lesson. As always, it\u2019s your trip and your choice: you do you! We mix things up tonight by heading to the stunning Criffel Station for a night of glamping (AKA glamorous camping)! Think fancy canvas tents with decadently comfortable beds and the great outdoors right on your doorstep. The views from Criffel are sublime\u2026 to get the real experience, you\u2019ll have to see it for yourself!<\/p>\n

      DAY 7: WANAKA TO FRANZ JOSEF<\/strong><\/p>\n

      After a relaxing morning in Wanaka, the journey to Franz is another stunner \u2013 many of our Haka Guides rate it as their most favourite drive in New Zealand. As we hit the road, we\u2019ll stop at one of our most popular lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option. From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won\u2019t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way. Between September and December it\u2019s whitebait season (a small fish that\u2019s a delicacy in New Zealand). Fried up with eggs and served on toast, it\u2019s a local treat and shouldn\u2019t be missed. We\u2019ll stop at one of the local spots for a taste during the season. We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon\/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5km from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.<\/p>\n

      DAY 8: FRANZ JOSEF<\/strong><\/p>\n

      With Aoraki\/Mount Cook (New Zealand\u2019s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand. Te Wahi Pounamu (which means \u2018the place of greenstone\u2019 in M\u0101ori) is the name given to this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone\/jade) to be found here. Included in your tour today is a special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery. There are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier; weather permitting, to get up onto the bluest ice you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers. Maybe you\u2019d prefer to kayak on a glacial lake; or just relax in the steamy hot springs down below. As well as the awesome glacier activities, you could also try out quad biking, horseback riding and even a bit of group karaoke tonight in Franz Josef!<\/p>\n

      DAY 9: FRANZ JOSEF TO CHRISTCHURCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

      After breakfast we head further along the beautiful west coast on another of the most spectacular drives in the country (and, some would say, the world): a rugged, primeval landscape of luxuriant rainforest juxtaposed against breathtaking beach and ocean waves. We stop at Hokitika and visit a greenstone factory, a great place to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, we may also visit the National Kiwi Centre, where there is guaranteed viewing of rare kiwi birds in their nocturnal house. On the way back to Christchurch, you’ll traverse the South Island on the stunning TranzAlpine train crossing. Travelling across the Southern Alps through Arthur\u2019s Pass, this is considered as one of the world\u2019s most scenic train journeys. Along the way you\u2019ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and see miles of native beech forest. You’ll arrive in Christchurch around 6.30pm before transferring to your accommodation.<\/p>\n

      DAY 10: CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIK\u014cURA<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Rise and shine! Our destination is Kaik\u014dura which literally means \u201cto eat crayfish\u201d \u2013 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 \u2013 the whales and dolphins. The chance to swim with dolphins in the wild is a massive New Zealand highlight for many travellers, and Kaik\u014dura is one of the best places to find them, with pods of up to 300 of these playful creatures hanging out here at any one time. If you want to get up close to the giants of the ocean, a whale watching tour here is the way to do it. Humpbacks, sperm whales and orca all stop by at various times of year, so this is a great chance to meet some of them.<\/p>\n

      DAY 11: KAIK\u014cURA TO WELLINGTON<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The first part of the day is the stunning drive up the coast to Marlborough, the region at the top of the South Island. One of the best ways to explore Marlborough is with your tastebuds. So before heading on to Picton, there\u2019s a crucial stop for a wine tasting, to sample some of the best vineyards in the country. Today we say goodbye to the South Island and take one of the world\u2019s most scenic ferry journeys as we cross the Cook Strait. It\u2019s a stunning farewell\u00a0\u2013 gliding through the Marlborough Sounds as we depart Picton Harbour, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re in another world. And then\u2026 Wellington! Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation\u2019s capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness and personality of a much smaller town. This evening, the city lights are yours to enjoy. Discover why Wellington is celebrated for its foodie culture \u2013 you are truly spoilt for dining choices tonight. Wellington is also widely regarded as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. Want to test this for yourself? Talk to your Haka guide to find the hidden gems.<\/p>\n

      DAY 12: WELLINGTON POST TOUR DEBRIEF<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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