New Zealand with Isabella Tabacchi

Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City and the South Island’s largest city! On arrival into Christchurch Airport, you will be met by your Haka Tours Guide and transferred to your hotel in the city
centre. Depending on your arrival time, you might like to grab a map from reception and take yourself on a walk through the city to see how it is rebuilding after the devastating 2011 earthquakes. Don’t worry if you’re tired, the city centre is pretty small and completely flat! For a stroll to take your breath away, make sure you check out the Botanic Gardens. Trust us, the city is named after them for a reason. This evening head out for a welcome meal with your group!

Accommodation: Bealey Quarter Suites or similar

Leave the city behind for a journey into the heart of the MacKenzie Country today. Driving on some of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand, you’re bound for Tekapo with plenty of jaw-dropping sights to snap photos of along the way. Lake Tekapo’s turquoise colour and mountain backdrop are breathtaking already, but add the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd standing right at the water’s edge into the mix, and you’ve got a photographer’s dream! Lake Tekapo is in the heart of the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world making this the best place for stargazing. Get up close and personal with the night sky at the Dark Sky Project. Embark on an interactive journey delivering thought-provoking insight into the world of tatai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its pivotal role to the Māori understanding of the universe. Using incredible immersive visual displays, we explore the science based narrative of how living beings came to be, and delve into the depths of the Milky Way and get up close with the impressive 125 year old recently restored Brashear telescope. If the views this morning blew you away, then this afternoon’s drive to Aoraki Mount Cook is a show-stopper! From the golden tussock lands of Tekapo, along the shores of Lake Pukaki, to the tallest peaks of the Southern
Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard.

Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel  or similar

Wake up in one of the most picturesque villages in New Zealand in the heart of Aoraki National Park with a full day of exploring ahead of you. Our guide will help you to pick one of the many incredible walking tracks and hikes, across a range of fitness levels (self guided) in and around the park, including the Hooker Valley Track. See dramatic scenery, including the Blue Lake, the Tasman Glacier and the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier! Why not try a Sea Kayaking experience on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake instead. You’ll get up close to the icebergs and fantastic insight into the history of the glacier and surrounding mountains. Be amongst some of the most stunning and famous scenery on earth.

Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel or similar

Say goodbye to Aoraki this morning, as you make your way to Wanaka. On the way enjoy views across Lake Pukaki, cross the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge, before reaching Wanaka. Visit the famous #thatwanakatree and have lunch along the shore of Lake Wanaka. This afternoon, buckle up as you make the steep climb up to Treble Cone. Keep an eye out for the Cheeky Kea (New Zealand native parrot) at the
top of the mountain.

Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel or similar

Set at the southern end of its namesake lake with views of snow capped mountains, Wanaka is picturesque and home to some of the best views in New Zealand. Choose to hike the steep, zig zagging track through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit of Roy’s Peak. On the way up, take in breathtaking views over Coromandel peak
towards Glendhu and over Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks. Or opt to take a cruise on the lake across to Mou Waho (one of only islands in Lake Wanaka) to discover the rich beauty in this unique eco-sanctuary.

Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel or similar

Continue your journey through the South Island this morning, heading to Te Anau – the gateway to the Milford Sound, and you home for the next two nights. Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island
and along with the stunning backdrop of Mount Luxmore and Murchison Mountains, this makes for a magical stop on your tour. Tonight you will visit the famous Te Anau Glow Worm caves. You will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds
of glowworms.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar

Today you spend the whole day exploring the Milford Sound by boat. Sit back and relax as your cruise makes its way out into Milford Sound past the iconic Mitre Peak. We’ll sail the length of the 16km fiord, out
past St Annes Point Lighthouse, with informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. You’ll see towering peaks, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. Feel the spray of Fairy Falls and listen to the sound of nature thriving in its habitat. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins, or rare Fiordland Crested
Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region. Whilst onboard, enjoy our Kiwi-style buffet lunch which includes a selection of delicious hot and cold dishes and salads freshly prepared on board by
our chefs using local produce.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar

This morning take a trip out to view Sutherland Falls and McKinnon Pass. Once back in Te Anau, grab lunch and relax as your guide drives you through to the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, one only needs to view the epic landscape of Queenstown to feel
refreshed, energised and inspired, but why stop at looking at it when there are so many activities to do! On arrival into Queenstown, be ready to fall in love with New Zealand’s coolest town. Your Haka Guide will get you started with an introduction before recommending the best dining and drinking spots for a great night out. Get the best views over
the town from at the top of the Skyline Gondola.

Accommodation: Mi-Pad or similar

This morning take a trip out to Glenorchy and visit Paradise. Opt to hike Earnslaw Burn track. This challenging hike takes you through bush to the tussock basin at the head of this valley for impressive views of an icefall on Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi. Or opt to have free time to enjoy one of the 200 plus activities the “Adventure Capital of the World” has to offer. You can swing and jet boat through canyons, jump off bridges and out of planes, and even conquer the white water rapids. For those
who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there are also biking and hiking trails to die for, wine and beer tasting tours, back-country 4WD and horse-back riding adventures, and even scenic lake cruises.

Accommodation: Accommodation: Mi-Pad or similar

Today is your final day on tour with us, and we are so happy to have shared this journey with you. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to fit in some last-minute activities or sightseeing. Your Haka Tours Guide will take you to the airport in time for your departure flight. Or if you are extending your trip by a couple of days, our guide can point you in the right direction. Alternatively, opt to add on a bus transfer back to Christchurch. We hope you take some lasting memories home with you. Haere rā! Ka kite anō au ia kōrua! Farewell!
We’ll see you again!