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.
Included
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.
Included
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.
Included
Haka Tours
Travel Styles
Regions
Cities