17 Day Kaka New Zealand Small Group Tour

Your New Zealand adventure begins with an exciting journey south from Auckland CBD to Rotorua, travelling through the lush pastures of the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty’s fertile farmlands. The first stop is Karangahake Gorge, where a scenic walk alongside the Ohinemuri River leads through native bush to the fascinating relics of the region’s gold-mining history.

Near Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world, visit a working orchard to learn about this iconic fruit before continuing to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. At Ōkawa Bay, step aboard a stylish, Airstream Caravan-inspired boat for a private Lake Rotoiti cruise, exploring secluded coves and soaking in natural hot pools only accessible by water—a truly unforgettable way to end the day.

With two nights in Rotorua, the morning is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Take a leisurely stroll down to the lakefront, just minutes from your hotel, or join an optional guided tour. A visit to Ohinemutu, one of only two living Māori villages, offers a unique insight into traditional culture and geothermal heritage.

Later, travel to the stunning Lake Tarawera for a hosted lunch with our friends David, Karen, and Tracy. Their warm hospitality and captivating stories of Māori and European history make for a truly special experience in this spectacular lakeside setting.

No New Zealand adventure is complete without a visit to the geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. This otherworldly reserve is home to bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and vibrant silica terraces in unforgettable colours. After exploring the geysers and hot springs, take a short stroll to witness the power of Huka Falls, where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow gorge.

Continue to Lake Taupō, stopping at scenic viewpoints before heading into Tongariro National Park. On arrival, take in breathtaking views of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, three majestic volcanic peaks. A walk to Taranaki Falls offers a chance to experience diverse alpine landscapes, native flora, and panoramic mountain vistas along an easy, well-formed trail.

After breakfast, we leave the volcanic plateau behind and travel south through farmland and charming rural towns. Following the coastline, we make our way to Wellington, the capital city at the southern tip of the North Island, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.

Before checking into our hotel, we take in the city’s key sights and soak up the breathtaking views from Mount Victoria. In the evening, explore Wellington’s vibrant food scene, with its diverse selection of cafés and restaurants.

Enjoy your day at the heart of the action at The Bolton Hotel, conveniently located a short stroll away from the waterfront and Te Papa National Museum. Wellington, known as the food lovers' capital of New Zealand, offers a plethora of cafes and boutique breweries for you to indulge in. Feel free to seek recommendations from your knowledgeable MoaTrek Kiwi guide.

Additionally, Wellington holds a special place in the world of "The Lord of the Rings." Explore the renowned Weta Workshop and witness firsthand the craftsmanship behind the creation of props and sets.

We sail across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry, passing through the stunning waters of Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in Picton, where we set foot on Te Waka a Māui—the South Island.

Our first stop is FROMM Winery, nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s world-famous sauvignon blanc region. Here, we enjoy a wine tasting and lunch with a local, soaking up the flavours of New Zealand’s premier wine country.

From Marlborough, we journey towards Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way, we cross the Pelorus River bridge, a filming location for the Barrel Run scene in The Hobbit.

Once in Nelson, it’s time to relax and settle in—this will be home for the next two nights.

For many, today is a highlight of the tour—Abel Tasman National Park is every bit as stunning as the photos suggest, and now you’re here to experience it for yourself.

Choose between a full scenic cruise or a cruise and walk combination, where you can explore a section of the iconic Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

The coastline is dotted with offshore islands, sheltered bays, estuaries, and golden-sand beaches. Relax on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or keep an eye out for dolphins, which often make an appearance in these waters.

After an unforgettable day, we return to Nelson for another relaxing evening.

Travelling towards Kaikōura, the road winds along the dramatic coastline, where the Pacific Ocean meets the towering Kaikōura Ranges, creating truly breathtaking views.

The afternoon is yours to explore Kaikōura’s rich marine wildlife, thriving thanks to the deep ocean canyon just offshore. A must-see is the seal colony, where fur seals bask on the rocks against a stunning backdrop of mountains and coastline.

For an unforgettable experience, consider booking a whale-watching flight for a bird’s-eye view of these incredible creatures. If you prefer to stay on land, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway offers an easy scenic walk along the headland, with panoramic ocean views and fascinating Māori history along the way.

Leaving the coast behind, we travel over the Hunderlee Hills and onto the vast Canterbury Plains. A highlight of the day is a special lunch at Akaunui, a beautifully preserved 100-year-old homestead surrounded by lush gardens. Here, our warm hosts, Di and Ian Mackenzie, serve up delicious fresh produce while offering a fascinating glimpse into life on a working sheep and dairy farm.

After lunch, we journey through Burke’s Pass into the breathtaking landscapes of Mackenzie Country, where golden tussock plains stretch towards the Southern Alps. Along the way, we’ll make plenty of stops to take in the region’s iconic sights, including the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and the striking turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, fed by ancient glaciers.

A day in Mount Cook National Park is always a highlight, with Aoraki/Mount Cook standing proudly as New Zealand’s highest peak. This spectacular region was also the ‘home ground’ of Sir Edmund Hillary, the country’s most famous mountaineer.

Spend the morning exploring the dramatic alpine landscape, choosing from several easy walking tracks around the village. A favourite is the Kea Point Track, a gentle, undulating walk offering incredible close-up views of the valley and Mount Cook itself. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a scenic flight or heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier.

After lunch, we continue our journey over the Lindis Pass, through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, and into Queenstown—New Zealand’s adventure capital—where we’ll settle in for the next three nights.

Today is all about the world-famous Milford Sound. Leaving Queenstown, we travel alongside the stunning Lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau before venturing into the heart of Fiordland National Park via the breathtaking Milford Road.

On arrival, we board a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically from the water, dominated by the iconic Mitre Peak. Keep an eye out for native birdlife, fur seals, and even pods of dolphins that often play in the fiord.

To cap off an unforgettable day exploring by land and sea, we take a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps, returning to Queenstown with panoramic views of this untouched wilderness.

Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer.

What do we love in Queenstown? A jet boat ride on the remote and beautiful Dart River, set against breathtaking Lord of the Rings scenery, walking along the lakeshore and through the Botanic Gardens, or taking a thrilling rafting trip on the Kawarau River. Other favourites include wine tasting in the celebrated boutique vineyards of Central Otago, golfing on one of New Zealand’s best courses, a day walk on the famous Routeburn Track, or cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic 1912 steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.

Take your pick from literally hundreds of activities and tours on offer in Queenstown.

Enjoy dinner at one of the many award-winning restaurants on the lakefront.

Our day begins with a short journey to Arrowtown, a charming historic village where gold mining history comes to life along the banks of the Arrow River. From here, we travel through tussock-covered hills, ascending the Crown Range for a final breathtaking look at the Wakatipu Basin.

Along the way, we stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings, with a rich history dating back to the colonial era. We then continue to Wanaka, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of its stunning alpine lake.

Tonight’s hotel sits right on the lake’s edge, and with plenty of free time after lunch, you can explore at your own pace. Bike the waterfront trail, paddle across the lake in a kayak, or visit Rippon Vineyard next door for a wine tasting experience with spectacular views.

Where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest, and a glacier all in one day? In New Zealand, it’s all possible!

We begin by following the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before entering the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park, where towering mountains and crystal-clear rivers create breathtaking scenery. From here, we travel over the Haast Pass, winding through beech forests, cascading waterfalls, and striking blue pools, before following the Haast River out to the wild West Coast. With plenty of time for short walks and photo stops, we take it all in at a relaxed pace.

Heading north, we journey through the lush, prehistoric rainforest of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, a landscape shaped by ancient Gondwanaland forests. At Ship Creek, we take a stroll along the beach—keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins, often seen feeding in the shallows.

Tonight, we settle into Franz Josef, our gateway to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.

This morning is yours to explore Glacier Country and Westland, set in the heart of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Take a walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout for breathtaking views, or join a guided wildlife cruise on Ōkārito Lagoon in search of the rare kōtuku (white heron).

From here, we travel north through countryside dotted with lakes and boulder-strewn rivers, arriving in Hokitika, the pounamu (greenstone) capital of New Zealand. There’s time to visit local carvers, as well as talented artisans working with glass, wood, and copper.

By late afternoon, we reach Punakaiki, where our accommodation sits right on the beach—the perfect place to unwind and soak up your final West Coast sunsets in New Zealand. We’ll call this spectacular spot home for the next two nights.

The surrounding Paparoa National Park offers a landscape unlike anywhere else on the journey—towering limestone cliffs, dramatic karst rock formations, and lush river valleys draped in subtropical forest.

There’s plenty of time to explore the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a spectacular coastal wonder where the sea surges through eroded limestone stacks.

For those looking for more adventure, there are some fantastic optional activities. A favourite is the Charleston Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights create an unforgettable underground experience. There are also some exceptional walks, including the Truman Track, leading to a secluded beach, and the Cape Foulwind Coastal Walkway, offering stunning ocean views.

Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach before crossing New Zealand’s main divide, travelling through the breathtaking Canterbury High Country, and onto the vast Canterbury Plains as we make our way to Christchurch, the Garden City.

Along the way, we take in some incredible highlights, including the Otira Viaduct, an engineering marvel that winds through towering mountain landscapes into Arthur’s Pass National Park—one of the best places in New Zealand to witness the cheeky antics of the Kea, our mischievous alpine parrot.

We’ll stop to stretch our legs in the beech forests of Arthur’s Pass and again at the massive limestone formations of Castle Hill, a striking landscape steeped in Māori history.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Christchurch, where we’ll say our goodbyes with drop-offs at Christchurch Airport or your city accommodation.