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Haka Tours achieves finalists stage in two sets of awards!

In About Us / News, New Zealand Tourism on August 19, 2010 by El

We’ve had a good week for awards!Traveller Awards

Firstly, we reached the finalists stage in our category “Bus and Van Tour” in the awards run by review site Rankers.co.nz. With only 2 other companies who got this far, we are very proud to be recognized as one of the top operators in New Zealand – especially as it is all voted by travellers. Congrats to Active Earth New Zealand, who have an awesome set of hiking tours and were the well-deserved winner of the award. We still hope to challenge them in the future!

Perhaps more significantly, Haka director Ryan has reached the final three finalists for the PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award. Open to individuals 35 years or younger, the award is part of the 2010 Tourism Industry Awards which are managed by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ). This year’s theme for the awards was innovation.

We are very proud of him and wish him the best of luck on awards night on 14 October!

Click here to read more about the award.

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Adventure Tour Pricing for 2011

In About Us / News, New Zealand Tours on August 4, 2010 by El Tagged: , , ,

NZ Dollar CoinWell the time has come for us to review our New Zealand adventure tour pricing. We have held on to our current prices for as long as possible but unfortunately there are those nasty things like tax increases that we can no longer ignore!

We still strongly believe that our tours are worth every cent, and we challenge you to find a tour member who disagrees!

However, because we hate to charge you more, we are offering everyone one last chance to claim our 2010 prices for 2011. Book with a 5% deposit before the end of August 2010 and nothing will have changed!*

24 day EPIC NZ tour – 2010 $2,999 | 2011 $3,199

16 day AMPLIFIED NZ tour – 2010 $1,999 | 2011 $2,149

30 day EVEN MORE EPIC NZ tour – 2010 $3,599 | 2011 $3,749

7 day North and 7 day South Island tours – 2010 $1,099 | 2011 $1,149

12 day South Island ADRENALIN JUNKIE – 2010 $1,799 | 2011 $1,899

9 day SUPERCHARGED NZ tour – 2010 $1,299 | 2011 $1,399

6 day Bay of Islands and Beyond tour – 2010 $899 | 2011 $999

We still include a heap of different things in each adventure tour and this can be found detailed on each tour’s page. Also coming this year is our brand new website which we are sooo excited about!

* Full payment not required until 1 month before departure. If you have already booked a 2011 tour, don’t worry – we will honour the price at time of booking! All prices in NZD (currency converter).

Haka Tours Group Jump

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Haka Tours to run tour vehicles on Biodiesel

In About Us / News, New Zealand Tourism on June 14, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , ,

NZ adventure tour busHaka Tours has joined the first few tour operators in New Zealand that have switched to running their vehicles on biodiesel. The decision looks to reduce the company’s emissions by up to 20% and is perhaps an indication of how the NZ tourism industry will follow suit in the future.

To make the change, Haka has teamed up with state-owned Solid Energy’s Biodiesel New Zealand, who produces the fuel (branded as “Biogold”) predominantly from used cooking oil and oilseed rape.

Haka’s Head Tour Manager Steve remarked that the change to biofuel was “a win-win situation for all involved and one step closer to making the company’s environmental impact as small as possible.

“When it is tourism companies like ourselves who encourage people to travel so far across the planet, we really should be thinking of as many ways to off-set this carbon emission as we can!”

Main Advantages of Biodiesel*BioGold New Zealand Biodiesel

  • Renewable fuel source
  • Less hazardous exhaust emissions – the release of carbon dioxide is considerably reduced
  • Less noisy engines
  • Improved fuel lubricity, providing added protection to fuel-injection vehicle components
  • Safer to store and handle
  • The 100% mix is biodegradable… so any spills would not wind up going all “BP” on you
  • It brings a whole new excuse to eating fish and chips!

There is no noticeable change in power or fuel economy. Steve trialled the biodiesel in his own vehicle and reported a much smoother, quieter engine.

New Zealand Awareness

Biodiesel New Zealand estimates that there is enough suitable used cooking oil in the country to manufacture around 4 million litres of fuel per year. In addition to this, they are currently growing the equivalent of over 3 million litres of biodiesel feedstock. However, supposedly “green” New Zealand has been relatively slow to wake up to biodiesel and its major advantages.

Hassle-Free Tours were the first company in Canterbury to switch its seven-vehicle fleet in 2007. In 2009 Explore NZ signed a $3 million deal with Environ Fuels Ltd which supplied biodiesel to its 12-boat fleet. Stray has also been using biodiesel for their Auckland City bus for several years.

In March 2010 the decision was passed for a group of Queenstown operators** to use and test the fuel on the 20% (80% normal diesel) blend for 12 months.

Thanks to government incentive grants and funding, NZ20 (20% mix) biodiesel currently costs around the same price as standard diesel, but this should be set to decrease in the future should more people choose to make the switch. It is hoped that the government will provide enough funding in the future for the NZ100 blend to become an equally affordable price!

Haka Tours operates small group adventure and snow tours all over New Zealand. Their Snow Safari Tour bus will be the first to make the switch to biodiesel later this month.

Haka Tour Group with Bus

* As provided by Biodiesel NZ.
** Companies already part of the consortium include Nomad Safaris, Kiwi Discovery and Queenstown Rafting, Dart River Jet Safaris, Shotover Jet, Ziptrek Tours and Appellation Wine Tours.

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Kaitiaki Rafting – Haka Tours’ Favourite Activity in Rotorua

In NZ Adventure Activities, New Zealand Tours on June 8, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , ,

Since we first began operating, one of our most popular adventure activities in Rotorua NZ has got to be white water rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures. El recalls her initial encounter with their crew…

NZ Travellers

My first experience of Kaitiaki was on my very first tour of New Zealand several years back. At the time I was one of those irritating British gap year travellers (see photo) – young and (unknowingly) naive, but wanting to do and see as much as humanly possible. White water rafting was our first opportunity to do something a little more daring, so my fellow traveller Kate and I didn’t waste much time in signing up!

We took the rafting option in the morning. Kaitiaki offer a free transfer from anywhere in Rotorua, which is useful as their ranch is 15 minutes out of town. Kate and I might have been bleary eyed from a night spent avoiding the locals at the dreadful Lava Bar, but we were excited!

The first thing that struck me about the Kaitiaki Team is their big family atmosphere. Like many of us in the industry, these guys are here because they love what they do, and they can’t wait to share it! Their HQ has a big open outside area including bean bags and volleyball – perfect for summer and a great place to chill out before or after your trip.

Rotorua Rafting with Kaitiaki

The rafting experience itself includes the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – the epic 7 metre Tutea Falls. This sounded way better than any theme park log flume I had been on!

We were all geared up (wetsuits, helmets, life jackets etc) and given some instruction on what we were about to do. All the crew seemed very safety conscious which is reassuring for us Brits – we are very OTT on the ol’ self-preservation! Then off it was to the river itself – the Kaituna (kai means food, tuna is eels?).

Four to six people were put in each raft along with 1 or 2 guides, which allowed us to be put with other members of our Haka Tour group. Our rafting guide was lots of fun and a great instructor who obviously cared deeply about the environment.

Rafting Tutea Falls NZ

In between each set of rapids the guides gave a Maori prayer (‘karakia’) in respect to the river… I got the feeling it was also part of the anticipation build up. The scene was incredibly eerie – five of us sitting there in an inflatable boat somewhere in the middle of New Zealand bush, listening to this blonde fella with dreadlocks saying something to the river in a language we didn’t understand.

The rapids we undertook were grade 4-5. As a complete beginner I felt at ease thanks to the guide and I would agree that it is an activity most ages can take part in.

And the 7 metre waterfall? It was terrifying but so much fun (photo, right). But listen to the guides… A fella in the raft behind us didn’t take notice and popped right out of the boat! Of course he was fine, and it was slightly amusing to watch him go!

Stunning scenery, heaps of fun, adrenalin highs and suitable for all… a great introduction to rafting by passionate guides who have great respect for their culture and surroundings.

White Water Rafting with Kaitiaki in Rotorua costs $84 per person with Haka Tours and they offer White Water Sledging as well! Wicked!

Their website: www.kaitiaki.co.nz

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New Zealand Snow Forecast for the Next 10 Years

In New Zealand Snow Tours on May 27, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , , , , ,

More reason to come on a New Zealand Snow Tour this year!!! Taken from a press release on behalf of www.predictweather.com. What do you think, crazy or true?

Long range forecaster (the “Moonman”) Ken Ring, author of the Predict Weather Almanacs, says this year’s ski season is likely to be cold and long, extending into spring, with some of the heaviest falls late in the season. His recent YouTube blog report describes the trend of winter seasons between now and 2020. Basically the factors that bring winter cold are going to happen incrementally later in the year in successive years, due to the rotary precession of the moon’s orbits. A lean 2 – 3 year hiatus is approaching after 2011 and 2012, after which good snow seasons will gradually return, and 2017 will probably see the return of bumper snow.

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Press Release – Win a free 7 day New Zealand Snow Tour

In New Zealand Snow Tours on May 4, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Haka Tours’ 7 day South Island Snow Safari is the BEST rated guided ski tour in the Southern Hemisphere! Six different ski fields, lift passes, breakfast, accommodation in Lake Tekapo, Wanaka and Queenstown, expert tour guide and all transport included. And for 1 month only they are offering snow enthusiasts a chance to win this great ski holiday (normally worth $1,699) for absolutely free!

You can win a FREE Snow Safari tour* through 3 easy steps!

Haka Snow Tours

Haka Snow Tours

1. Join Haka Tours’ Fan Page on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/hakatours

2. Upload your favourite skiing or snowboarding photograph onto the Fan Page’s wall. Write a sentence or two underneath stating why you should win, starting with “I deserve to win an epic 7 day New Zealand Snow Safari Tour with Haka Tours because…”

3. The person with the most “likes” on their photo wins! So leave it on your wall for all to see and get your friends and family to vote for you!

* Any tour running in June/July.

People who have already booked or who are thinking of booking can enter too! Haka will simply refund the $1,699 tour cost back to you!

Competition closes 31 May 2010.

T&Cs
Competition not open to Haka Tours’ staff or family.
One entry per person permitted.
Doesn’t include flights/transport before or after the tour.
Available on tours departing 28 June, 6 July, 14 July, 22 July or 30 July.
Lift Pass Pack only. Option to upgrade to Beginners Pack or Lift Pass and Hire Pack for $100.

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Why June is a great time to tour New Zealand!

In New Zealand Tours on April 22, 2010 by El

June is a great time of year to come to New Zealand and JUMP onto an adventure tour!

We're excited!

We're excited!

1. There are gorgeous views courtesy of the first snowfall on the mountains
2. Less crowds compared with peak travel periods
3. Snow season kicks off!
4. Our adventure tours have slightly smaller groups (more like 8 than 16) so we can show you MORE MORE MORE!

And lastly – we’re offering MEGA BUCKS OFF!

24 day EPIC NZ tour – normally $2,999, now $2,699

Departs 2 June from Auckland

16 day AMPLIFIED NZ tour – normally $1,999 now $1,799
Departs 2 June and 30 June from Auckland, 7 June from Christchurch

7 day North Island ADVENTURE tour – normally $1,099 now $999
Departs 2 June and 30 June from Auckland, 16 June from Wellington

7 day South Island LICK tour – normally $1,099 now $999
Departs 7 June and 11 June from Christchurch

12 day South Island ADRENALIN JUNKIE – normally $1,799 now $1,599
Departs 11 June from Christchurch

All tours can be found at hakatours.com by clicking on NZ Adventure Tours!

T&Cs
Not available alongside any other promotion. Only available to NEW customers who book direct with us online in Apr/May.

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Why Haka’s 7 day South Island Snow Safari is the “coolest” Ski Holiday in New Zealand

In New Zealand Snow Tours, New Zealand Tours on March 23, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1. TOP SKI FIELDS

Who else can take you to 6 of the best ski fields boasted by the Southern Alps in just 7 days? Your New Zealand snow holiday includes Mt Hutt, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak and The Remarks. On day 2 we mix it up with a visit to Ohau for a true NZ club field experience!

“Amazing trip… we smashed up some of the biggest mountains in the South Island!” – Rabear, New Zealand

new zealand ski holiday


2. MAXIMUM SNOW TIME, MINIMUM STRESS

Cassia

Cassia

We do all the organising so all you need to do is hit the slopes! Your NZ snow tour guide will show you the best runs so you don’t have to waste time finding them yourselves. Major advantage over self-drive ski holidays!

“What a fantastic tour to sample some of the best skiing in the Southern hemisphere. The snow holiday was very well organized and completely hassle free. Our tour manager showed his vast experience in getting us to the slopes on time, reading the weather correctly and giving us an interesting and fun tour.” – Bazza, South Africa

“AMAZING TRIP. Great admin staff, easy to book, so affordable. Absolutely everything organised for me (I almost did not need to pack!).We had brilliant sunny days with beautiful snow.” – Cassia, Australia


3. FLEXIBLE AND DEDICATED TEAM

We can’t control the weather, but we can drive the tour bus! Even when your scheduled mountain is closed, your guide will do every under his power to get you to the nearest open ski field!

“Our guide even extended the tour by a day for free and gave up his day off so that we could go heli-boarding after it had been cancelled 3 days in a row due to the strong winds. That day made up for all the bad weather we had for sure!” – Colin, South Africa

Steve and Ryan - Haka Snow Guides

Steve and Ryan - Haka Snow Guides


4. PASSIONATE GUIDES

Our NZ Ski Tour guides are fully experienced and 110% dedicated to their job! We cannot say more than that!

“Stevo was a legend and his willingness to go out of his way to make sure we were making the most of the experience was tremendous.” – Edward, Australia


5. SEE MORE THAN JUST THE SNOW

Unlike New Zealand Ski Packages that are merely based in Queenstown/Wanaka, our departure from Christchurch means you get to see a lot more of the visually stunning South Island! We also allow a break on day 5 so you can explore Queenstown, take a day trip to the infamous Milford Sound, or take part in some wicked adventure activities!

“I thought that as kiwi I knew all of the local spots and best places to head…but Steve the tour guide blew me away with his knowledge of little gems. The itinerary was perfect to maximise the time on the mountain, but minimise the travel time too.” – Budgie, New Zealand

NZ snow tour group

Tour Group Early Aug 2009

6. TRAVEL WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

The best way of making a group of brand new friends, all with an interest in skiing or snowboarding! Our snow tour groups are made up of 5-16 people of ages 18-50, from all over the globe.

7. DEPARTS CHRISTCHURCH

Let’s face it, flying to Queenstown is expensive! Our snow tour starts in Christchurch so you can save your pennies for more important things! You can choose to either finish your tour in Christchurch, or keep on skiing in Queenstown on day 8!

8. FANTASTIC NIGHT LIFE

With 2 nights in Wanaka and 3 nights in Queenstown, the party capital of NZ, you won’t be disappointed by the selection of restaurants, bars and clubs whilst on your NZ Snow Holiday!

“Haka rocked! Great guide, great accomodation, great fun!!!!! Mother haka awesome!” – Vanessa, Australia

Twin Room in Queenstown

Twin Room in Queenstown


9. COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION

We stay at Adventure Lodges and Backpacker Hostels that offer a high level of quality and comfort for your money! All have full kitchen, lounge, TV, internet and bathroom facilities. If you want to travel in style, you can even upgrade your New Zealand ski holiday to 4 star standard!

“Went to small unknown ski fields which were awesome. The trip was so relaxed but did and saw so much. We were all ways stopping to do and see little thing along the way which make it an awesome trip instead of a good one. The whole trip was just like a mad road trip with the mates.” – Jonny, Australia


10. GREAT FOR ALL ABILITIES

Whether you are a snow virgin or a seasoned veteran, our New Zealand ski and snowboard tour is suitable for everyone! Beginners can choose a pack giving them lessons and hire, and the more experienced can just opt for life passes (hire optional). Whatever your level, you will be amazed at how much you will progress in a week!

“As an absolute beginner I loved every minute of the snowboarding. The tour catered well for beginners and lessons were provided and encouraged. I must warn you in advance: you must be prepared for some scrapes and bruises, however this will not restrain you from leaping out of bed each morning, in the freezing cold, eager to get back on the slopes and keep going. Once you get the bug, you are completely hooked!” – Phillip, England

The lads - mid August 2009

The lads - mid August 2009

Our wicked 7 day New Zealand snow holiday can be found here.

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How our customers have molded us

In About Us / News, New Zealand Tours on February 24, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , , , , ,

About 2-3 months ago I set out to structure the initial ideas behind our latest New Zealand Adventure Tours brochure (click here), which is finally off to the printers this week. As a team, we felt it important to focus the attention not on ourselves, but on all the great people that have come along for the adventure since we first began operating in 2007. These are the people that have ultimately made our tours what they are today. So our brochure is full of tour member comments and only contains photos taken by them or our tour guides.

This is a quick summary of how our clients have molded us into one of New Zealand’s top tour operators – proof that we really do take notice of those good ol’ Feedback Forms at the end of each trip.

Kaikoura - secluded paradise

Kaikoura - secluded paradise

1. Location, location, location

Three years ago we began our New Zealand adventure tour path ignorantly – we assumed that the bigger the town, the longer you wanted to stay there. Obviously not the case! It didn’t take long for our tour members to help us realise that if they had wanted to see cities, they wouldn’t have come to New Zealand. Instead, they love the smaller, more exclusive, out of the way places that show them pure kiwi living.

Result: less time in busy places like Auckland, Christchurch and Nelson, more time in beautiful locations like Punakaiki, Wanaka and Abel Tasman National Park

2. Inclusions

Our first few adventure tours included a selection of activities that we picked out for everyone, but we soon learnt people would rather choose their own – makes sense! At the same, t0ur members still appreciated the smaller, “must-do” activities and sightseeing we took them to (e.g. Maori cultural evening, Queenstown gondola, entrance to Orakei Korako thermal park).

Result: greater flexibility – tour members choose their own extra activities and can do as many or as few as they want! Smaller activities still included, plus some added surprises along the way!

Tour Guide Verve Cooking at Te Nikau Retreat

Tour Guide Verve Cooking at Te Nikau Retreat

3. Grub

We initially worked with local cafes and restaurants to secure discounts for tour groups in every location we visited, and included this in a booklet we gave out at the start of each tour. But gradually our groups and guides have evolved to saving money their own way and making dinner a more social occasion by cooking together. Our guides also like to make the effort to allow you to try local foods, whether it be fresh salmon from the farms near lake Pukaki, roast lamb, crayfish (lobster) from the Kaikoura coastline, or the local delicacy of whitebait on the West Coast. Yum!

Result: less spending money in restaurants, wider range of food experiences(!) and more money to spend on sightseeing, additional activities and souvenirs!

Haka Tours - Second Tour we ever ran!

Haka Tours - Second Tour we ever ran!

4. Vehicles

Our Head Tour Guide Steve started out on day 1 with his own 4 wheel drive car and a trailor (see photo). We weren’t kidding when we said we would give you a personal experience! However, we now have 3 tour buses/vans and are in the process of acquiring another! After hearing how much our tour members appreciated a comfortable drive, we have taken the direction of buying bigger buses (22 seats) but only half filling them (16 people max).

Result: bigger tour vehicles + same amount of people = more room to spread out!

5. Off the beaten track…

As we have evolved we have realised that whilst the extreme adventure is an important feature of who we are, people don’t want it constantly thrown in their face (although there are exceptions and we welcome them with open arms)! Ultimately you are here travelling a new and foreign land and it is important to us that you see and experience as much as possible in the time you have. So we’re always searching out new additions and secret spots to take you to – great new locations are being discovered on every New Zealand tour we do.

Result: whilst you can take your breath away doing extreme activities, we will take your breath away showing you how amazing New Zealand really is

Looking forward to seeing how we evolve in 2010! Start your own NZ Adventure trip with us here.

El :)

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Suggestions for Before or After your New Zealand Adventure Tour

In New Zealand on January 23, 2010 by El Tagged: , , , , , , ,

You can be guaranteed that you are going to see and experience the most you possibly can of the country whilst on one of our New Zealand Adventure Tours, but I often get asked for advice on what clients can do before or after they embark on their time with us. Here’s some bright ideas for the 3 major cities that we depart and finish our tours in.

AUCKLAND

Time scale: 1 day
Our New Zealand Tours include an orientation of both the city and surrounding area whilst we’re in Auckland, so there probably isn’t much point hanging about the centre by yourself. Go down to the harbour side and jump on one of the regular ferries that depart for Waiheke Island, courtesy of Fullers. A return ticket is $32. According to its tourism site, Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves and we wouldn’t disagree – check out the website for more details here. Above everything else, the island is known for its vineyards, so do try to get to one or two for some tastings!
Alternatively, if you haven’t booked it for whilst on your NZ Tour, we do recommend the canyoning day trip that takes you to Piha. For just $155 this is a great adventure that takes you out of the city.

Time scale: more than 1 day
Please, get out of the city! We cannot stress this enough. We happily sell 1/2/3 nights trips up to Paihia, aka the Bay of Islands which include your coach and accommodation. You won’t need a guide just for this town – there are plenty of activities of all costs (booked through your accommodation) and it is not difficult to fill a couple of days! This trip is exclusive to our Adventure Tour customers.

Time scale: 6 days or more
We won’t question your sanity as to why you have committed so much of your time to staying in the city! However, if you have done so, we urge you to jump onboard one of our weekly 6 day Bay of Islands Tours! For just $899 NZD you will see and experience a whole new part of the country you wouldn’t even know existed if it wasn’t for us! The Northland region is one of the most stunning areas of New Zealand and is full to the brim with culture, history, activities, big lush forests and gorgeous sandy bays. Click here for more details on this NZ Adventure Tour if you need more convincing! Departs every Tuesday in summer.

WELLINGTON

Time scale: 1-2 days
This depends on what we have shown you on your NZ Adventure Tour, but chances are that if you have booked on our 7 day North Island Adventure, the trip doesn’t spend any time here – and so you must allow a day or so before/after to get acquainted with what is, in our opinion, NZ’s trendiest city. The great news is that Wellington is a walking city of only 2km in diametre! Take some part of your day to explore our national museum, Te Papa, where it’s not only full of innovative knowledge and information, but quite fun as well! Entrance is free for all and well worth a look. Any keen shoppers will be happy to browse the kooky boutiques – try Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Cuba and Courtenay are the places to be for good food and drink – the nightlife is also centred around here. In particular, check out Matterhorn Bar on Cuba Mall, which continuously wins best bar of the year in the NZ Bartender of the Year awards.
If you are around for a second day, Wellington Rover Tours offer a selection of tours of the city and surroundings which may fit your budget – here is their website. They also offer Lord of the Rings tours for you film fanatics, including a stop at Weta Cave Studios (we go here on our longer New Zealand adventure tours!). If this doesn’t float your boat, there is Wellington Zoo which isn’t the biggest zoo in the world, but it’s only $18 and easy to reach via bus.

Time scale – more than 2 days
Why are you stopping here this long? If you have just finished the 7 day North Island Tour then keep going! We usually have seats free for another 2 days which allows you to travel to the South Island, stay one night in the absolutely stunning coastal town of Kaikoura, and then finish your tour in Christchurch, where flights are just as cheap (if not cheaper) to fly onwards! We charge these extra 2 days as $359 NZD and they include your ferry ticket as well as all the normal things.

CHRISTHCURCH

Staying within the city centre
Normally a single day would be relatively easy to fill in the ‘Garden City’ but alas, be prepared that we will take you to most places whilst you are on your New Zealand adventure tour with us! The main attractions in the city centre are the iconic Cathedral, from where you can walk what they call the “cultural precinct”, which extends along past the Art Gallery, Museums and Avon River until it reaches the Botanical Gardens at the far end. Take a ride on the trams if you can bear the $15 price tag or try “punting” along the Avon!
For food and drink, the “strip” aka Oxford Terrace presents some nice bars and restaurants, and for nightlife there is Sol Square (Thurs – Sat are best). We don’t overly recommend the shopping as it is limited and if honest, as someone who lives here, there are better places in New Zealand!

Out of the city centre
If you are able to afford to get out of the city, look at catching the Tranz Scenic train up to Kaikoura for the day – http://tranzscenic.co.nz/which can vary in price depending on time of year / how far in advance you book!
Another place you can check out is Hanmer Springs, which is an alpine village just an hour and half north of Christchurch – very popular with tourists who are attracted to its natural hot pools, majestic mountains and surrounding forests. There are a couple of tour companies that can take you out here, including Discovery Travel.
Or if you can’t bear to go that far, Akaroa (bottom photo) is a picture perfect sweet little French settlement just an hour away and these guys run tours – http://www.akaroashuttle.co.nz/. Personally I’d take Kaikoura over Akaroa any day but don’t bother if the weather is dire!

Finally, in Winter make full use of the snow season and go skiing/snowboarding at CHCH’s closest commerical field, Mt Hutt. You don’t need gear and you don’t need experience – you can book a day trip including transport, equipment hire, lessons and passes through us! If you have more than a day, consider staying at Methven (Mt Hutt’s local ski resort village) and catching the daily shuttle from there. Talk to your Haka Tour Advisor for more details.

If you are looking for further information on what you can do before/after your New Zealand Adventure Tour, email one of the crew at info@hakatours.com and we’ll be more than happy to assist!

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