The adventure of a lifetime...

So you want to explore both islands of New Zealand but don't have a full 24 days?

Our 16 day adventure tour takes you from the international cities of Auckland or Christchurch and squeezes in as much as humanly possible. Because we listen to our tour members, this tour has evolved from previous feedback - so you can be sure that we include our favourite locations!

The Route

This tour can go from either Auckland (forward) and Christchurch (reverse). This is because it would be a waste of our time and resources to continuously relocate our tour bus back and forth - not to mention bad for the environment. Doing the reverse route isn't any different other than the order of locations, and all the inclusions are the same.

NB. "Reverse" is not exactly the reverse! Check out the different itineraries by clicking on the Tour Dates drop down menu above and selecting a tour departing in that direction.

If you have longer than 16 days, we do suggest you check out the "Before / After Your Tour" section on our itinerary where you can add on extra trips, or consider the 24 day EPIC NZ tour instead.

Why is this tour for you?

1. This NZ experience is not so much of a tour as a journey, and one that we would like to think opens your eyes to our culture whilst ensuring every day is a fresh adventure to challenge and inspire you.
2. We challenge the expectations of small group travel - the tour is customisable with numerous add-ons and nothing is compulsory other than stepping on the tour bus.
3. There is no typical tour member and everyone is welcome. Most other companies cater for a set age or nationality group - we only care about attitude.
4. Our passionate, local guides will take you to places that your guide book doesn't even know about!
5. You cannot do this much for this price anywhere else! We are all experienced travellers - trust us, we know.

What do others say about this tour?

Haka Tours has been independently ranked the #1 tours operator in New Zealand! Make sure you read independent feedback online about Haka Tours and visit our Facebook fan page to see what others are saying about us.

Do you have any questions? Then contact us us now. We are happy to help.

For generalised FAQs, please see our "About Us" section. Alternatively, feel free to contact us with your questions, we are happy to help!

Where does this tour start?

Tours that begin in Auckland - at YHA International, 5 Turner St. Tours that begin in Christchurch - at Haka Lodge, 518 Linwood Ave. You can book accommodation at these locations before your tour through us which means you wake on Day 1 where the tour starts.

Where does this tour end?

Tours that start in Auckland end in Christchurch CBD or Haka Lodge, depending on preference. Tours that start in Christchurch end in Auckland - at YHA International, 5 Turner St - but you can ask your guide to drop you elsewhere in the city.

Are there any age limits?

Our minimum age is 18+. Most people that book on tour with us are 18-45, but we have been known to have people 60+ on our tours! Our tours are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. If you want to go on hikes and nature walks in the stops we visit, that is great. Alternatively if you want to sit back, relax and do a bit of shopping and swimming that is great too!

What is included in the prices?

Unlike a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, Haka Tours includes everything you need to have a fantastic holiday. Our tours include accommodation, key experiences/activites, customer service representatives that will help you book extras (such as internal flights) plus a local kiwi guide who will give you a unique tour of each location. To find out more about what is included in our prices, click here.

How many additional activities would you recommend booking for this tour?

There is no rule to this – some people will choose lots, others will be content with the tour itself and the free or low cost activities that your tour guide will find for you along the road. For the 16 day tour we would suggest no more than one activity per location, with the exception of Rotorua, Taupo, Queenstown and Franz Josef - all places where two activities can be fitted in. Sometimes you can even fit three into Queenstown!

What are the best activities for this tour?

Everyone has their own favourites, but in general we find that these are the most popular:

• Skydiving - Taupo
• Nevis - Queenstown
• Canyoning - Auckland
• Black Water Rafting - Waitomo
• Rafting - Rotorua
• Dolphin Swim - Kaikoura
• Glacier Hike - Franz Josef

Does it make a difference whether I go from Auckland or Christchurch?

No. The tour inclusions are exactly the same and you get to see all the same places. We offer both options so that we do not have to relocate our vehicle after every tour.

I have spare time before / after my tour. What would you recommend for me to do?

We have heaps of suggestions! These are all documented under "Before / After Your Tour" in the Itinerary section. The "Before / After Your Tour" link is located after Day 16.