21 Day Kakapo New Zealand Small Group Tour

After meeting the group in Auckland, the journey heads north towards Northland, often referred to as the “birthplace of the nation.” The first stop is the award-winning Kauri Museum in Matakohe, where visitors can explore the history and cultural significance of the ancient kauri tree.

The next destination is the Whangārei Town Basin, a vibrant waterfront area perfect for a lunch break. Here, the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery, which opened in early 2022, showcases the visionary work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This striking landmark combines artistic creativity with sustainable design, reflecting harmony between architecture and nature.

A visit to the Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre provides a rare opportunity to meet founders Robert and Robyn Webb, whose dedication to rehabilitating injured birds is truly inspiring. Highlights include meeting talking tūīs and seeing Sparky, the famous daylight kiwi, up close.

A visit to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves offers a chance to explore an underground wonder named after the renowned Māori chief, Kawiti. These caves have remained in his family for generations, with his great-grandson, Te Tawai Kawiti, guiding the first visitors through in the 1950s.

While glowworms are a familiar sight for many Kiwis, they are surprisingly rare in other parts of the world. Inside these ancient limestone caves, millions of tiny glowworms create a magical display, including the famous Milky Way cavern, which your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to.

The journey continues to Waitangi, the Birthplace of the Nation, where a local guide leads an insightful tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A warm welcome awaits inside Te Whare Rūnanga, the beautifully carved meeting house, where a powerful Māori cultural performance brings history to life.

Exploring the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands is an unmissable experience. With its sheltered bays, golden beaches, and rich marine life, it’s easy to see why this region holds such special memories for many Kiwis.

The adventure on the water ends in Russell (Kororāreka), New Zealand’s first capital. Once a wild 19th-century port known for its lawless past as a hub for whalers and sealers, Russell has transformed into a charming seaside town. Stroll along the waterfront, explore well-preserved colonial buildings, or take a short walk up Flagstaff Hill for breathtaking panoramic views. A scenic ferry ride back to Paihia completes the experience.

The day begins with a harbour cruise alongside Pete, one of our Ngāpuhi friends—known for his great sense of humour. He’ll share the story of Opononi, a place every Kiwi has heard of, before taking us off the beaten track. Crossing the harbour, we arrive at a secluded beach, where there’s time for a relaxing walk or, for the adventurous, the chance to experience sandboarding down the dunes.

Next, in the Waipoua Kauri Forest, we meet more friends from Ngāpuhi, the northernmost Māori iwi (tribe). As the traditional guardians of Hokianga Harbour, they share the legend of Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator who first set foot in Aotearoa. A special karakia (blessing) from our hosts marks the start of our walk to Tāne Mahuta, the largest and most revered kauri tree in New Zealand.

The journey concludes back in Auckland, the City of Sails, where the energy of the city contrasts with the tranquillity of Northland’s ancient forests and coastal landscapes.

Leaving Auckland, the journey continues south towards Rotorua, passing through the lush Waikato countryside and the fertile Bay of Plenty, known as New Zealand’s fruit basket.

The first stop is the stunning Karangahake Gorge, where a scenic walk alongside the Ohinemuri River reveals remnants of the region’s rich gold-mining history.

Near Te Puke, the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, there’s a chance to visit a working kiwifruit orchard, gaining insight into one of New Zealand’s most famous exports. The journey then continues to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, but not before a special stop at Lake Rotoiti. Here, a custom-built, Airstream-inspired boat awaits for a private cruise across the tranquil waters. The experience includes visiting secluded coves and soaking in natural hot pools, accessible only by boat—an unforgettable way to end the day.

With two nights in Rotorua, there’s time to relax and explore at your own pace. Start the morning with a leisurely stroll to the lakeside, just minutes from your hotel, or join a guided tour to uncover the region’s rich history. A visit to Ohinemutu, one of only two living Māori villages in New Zealand, is highly recommended. This historic lakeside settlement offers a glimpse into traditional Māori culture, with beautifully carved meeting houses and natural geothermal steam rising from the earth.

Later, the journey continues to the breathtaking Lake Tarawera for a hosted lunch with local friends David, Karen, and Tracy. Their warm hospitality and fascinating stories, blending Māori and European heritage, make for a truly memorable experience in this stunning lakeside setting.

No New Zealand holiday is complete without visiting the geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. This surreal landscape features bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and vibrant silica terraces in shades of orange, yellow, and green—an unforgettable sight.

Next, a short stroll leads to the iconic Huka Falls, where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. From here, the journey continues to Great Lake Taupō, with stops at scenic viewpoints showcasing the vast, crystal-clear waters of New Zealand’s largest lake.

The adventure then leads to Tongariro National Park, home to the towering peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu. On arrival, take in the stunning mountain views before heading out on the Taranaki Falls Walk, a classic trail featuring gentle terrain, panoramic vistas, and unique native plants—a perfect way to experience the beauty of this UNESCO-listed park.

After breakfast, the journey continues south, leaving the volcanic plateau behind and travelling through rolling farmland and charming rural towns. Following the coastline, we arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, nestled at the southern tip of the North Island. This will be home for the next two nights.

Spending two nights here is a must—after all, Wellington is known as “the coolest little capital in the world”. A scenic drive up Mt Victoria offers breathtaking panoramic views over the harbour and city skyline. From there, there’s time to explore Wellington’s top attractions, before settling in for the night in the heart of the city. With museums, theatres, galleries, boutique shops, and world-class cafés all within walking distance, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Today is yours to explore Wellington at your own pace. Staying at The Bolton Hotel, you’re right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the scenic waterfront and the world-class Te Papa Museum.

As New Zealand’s foodie capital, Wellington is packed with cosy cafés, award-winning restaurants, and boutique breweries. If you’re looking for recommendations, your MoaTrek Kiwi guide will be happy to share their favourite local spots.

Film lovers can experience Wellington’s cinematic magic at Wētā Workshop, the creative hub behind The Lord of the Rings. A visit here offers a behind-the-scenes look at movie props, costumes, and special effects, bringing Middle-earth to life.

The journey continues with a scenic Interislander ferry crossing, sailing across Cook Strait and into the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in Picton—our gateway to Te Waka a Māui, the South Island.

The first stop is FROMM Winery, nestled in the heart of the world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc region. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch with a local expert, sampling some of New Zealand’s finest wines.

From wine country, the journey continues towards Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine capital 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.

On arrival in Nelson, settle in and unwind—this will be home for the next two nights.

For many, today is a standout highlight of the tour—after all, everyone has seen breathtaking photos of Abel Tasman National Park, and now you get to experience it firsthand.

Choose between a scenic cruise along the stunning coastline or a cruise-and-walk combo, giving you the chance to explore a section of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

The park’s coastline is dotted with offshore islands, sheltered bays, tidal estuaries, and golden sand beaches. Spend time relaxing on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or keep an eye out for playful dolphins, which are often spotted in these waters.

After a magical day in New Zealand’s most famous coastal paradise, we return to Nelson for another night.

The journey to Kaikōura follows a spectacular coastal road, winding between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Kaikōura Ranges. With rugged cliffs on one side and endless ocean views on the other, this is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.

The afternoon is yours to explore Kaikōura’s rich marine wildlife, thanks to the deep ocean canyon just offshore. A must-see is the seals basking at the colony, with the stunning backdrop of the Kaikōura mountains and coastline.

For an unforgettable experience, you can book a whale-watching flight, offering a bird’s-eye view of sperm whales, dolphins, and orcas in their natural habitat. If you prefer to stay on land, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is an easy trail that winds along the headland, offering panoramic ocean views and fascinating Māori history along the way.

Leaving the coast behind, the journey takes us over the Hundalee Hills and across the vast Canterbury Plains. A special stop awaits at Akaunui, a beautifully preserved 100-year-old homestead surrounded by stunning gardens. Here, warm hosts Di and Ian Mackenzie serve up a delicious lunch made from fresh, locally sourced produce, offering a genuine taste of country hospitality. It’s also a chance to gain insight into life on a working sheep and dairy farm.

After lunch, we continue through Burke’s Pass, entering the breathtaking landscapes of Mackenzie Country. This region is known for its sweeping tussock plains and dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Along the way, we’ll stop at some of New Zealand’s most iconic sights, including the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and the striking glacier-fed turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Today is always a highlight—exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and the ‘home ground’ of one of the most famous Kiwis of all, Sir Edmund Hillary.

There are plenty of ways to experience this spectacular alpine landscape. Choose from scenic walking tracks around the village, with Kea Point being a favourite—a gentle, undulating trail offering incredible close-up views of the valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. For those seeking a thrill, a scenic flight or heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier provides an unforgettable perspective of this breathtaking region.

After lunch, the journey continues over the Lindis Pass, through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, and into Queenstown—the adventure capital of New Zealand, where we settle in for a three-night stay.

Today is all about the world-famous Milford Sound, a must-see destination in Fiordland National Park.

Leaving Queenstown, the journey follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau, before heading deep into the heart of Fiordland via the spectacular Milford Road—one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine drives.

On arrival at Milford Sound, board a scenic cruise and glide across the fiord’s calm waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The iconic Mitre Peak dominates the landscape, while the area is rich with birdlife, seal colonies, and playful pods of dolphins.

To complete this unforgettable experience, a scenic flight over the Southern Alps offers breathtaking aerial views, returning you to Queenstown after an incredible day of exploring by land, sea, and air.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown, a destination packed with incredible day tours and activities to suit every traveller.

Some of our favourite experiences include a jet boat ride on the Dart River, surrounded by stunning Lord of the Rings scenery, or a relaxing lakeside walk through the Queenstown Gardens. For thrill-seekers, a rafting adventure on the Kawarau River offers an adrenaline rush.

Prefer something more laid-back? Head to Central Otago’s boutique vineyards for a wine tasting experience, play a round at one of New Zealand’s top golf courses, or embark on a day walk along the famous Routeburn Track. Another must-do is cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored 1912 steamship.

With hundreds of activities to choose from, Queenstown has something for everyone. End the day with a meal at one of the award-winning lakefront restaurants, the perfect way to soak up the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

The day begins with a short journey to Arrowtown, a charming, tree-lined village where gold mining history comes to life along the banks of the Arrow River. Stroll through the preserved heritage streets or explore the remnants of the historic Chinese settlement before continuing the journey.

Heading into tussock-covered high country, the road climbs the spectacular Crown Range, offering breathtaking final views over the Wakatipu Basin. A stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most photographed pubs, provides a taste of the region’s colonial history before we continue on to Wanaka.

Tonight’s accommodation is right on the lakefront, giving you plenty of time after lunch to soak up this beautiful alpine town. Choose to bike the scenic waterfront trail, paddle across Lake Wānaka by kayak, or visit Rippon Vineyard, where world-class wines come with an unforgettable view of the lake and Southern Alps.

Today is a classic Kiwi experience—where else can you visit the seaside, a rainforest, and a glacier all in the same day? In New Zealand, it’s all possible!

The journey begins by following the shores of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, offering stunning alpine reflections. From here, we enter the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where snow-capped peaks, braided rivers, and pristine rainforest create picture-perfect scenery.

Crossing Haast Pass, the route winds through ancient beech forests, past cascading waterfalls, and the striking Blue Pools before following the Haast River all the way to the wild West Coast. There’s no rush—plenty of time for short walks and photo stops along the way.

Heading north, the landscape transforms into lush, prehistoric rainforest, part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A stop at Ship Creek offers a chance to stroll the remote beach, with the possibility of spotting Hector’s dolphins playing in the shallows.

Tonight’s destination is Franz Josef, home to one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers.

The morning is yours to explore Glacier Country and the Westland region, set in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Take a scenic walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout, where you can admire the towering ice formations, or join a guided wildlife cruise on Ōkārito Lagoon in search of the rare and elegant kōtuku (white heron).

Continuing north, the journey winds through countryside dotted with small lakes, braided rivers, and rugged landscapes. A stop in Hokitika, the pounamu (greenstone) capital of New Zealand, offers the chance to visit skilled local carvers and watch glassblowing, woodwork, and copper artisans at work.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Punakaiki, where our beachfront accommodation provides the perfect setting to enjoy your last few sunsets in New Zealand. With the sound of the Tasman Sea just steps away, it’s an idyllic place to unwind for the next two nights.

The landscapes of Paparoa National Park are unlike anywhere else on this journey, with towering limestone cliffs, dramatic karst rock formations, and lush river valleys draped in subtropical rainforest.

There’s plenty of time to explore the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where the Tasman Sea forces water through natural rock formations, creating spectacular jets of spray.

For those looking to explore further, optional activities include a visit to the Charleston Glowworm Caves, a magical underground experience. If you prefer to stay above ground, there are excellent walking tracks, such as the Truman Track, which leads through coastal forest to a secluded beach, or the Cape Foulwind Walkway, where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views and visit a New Zealand fur seal colony.

Wake up to the soothing sound of waves before setting off on the final leg of the journey. Today, we cross New Zealand’s Main Divide, traverse the stunning Canterbury High Country, and descend onto the vast Canterbury Plains, arriving in Christchurch, the Garden City.

Along the way, highlights include the Otira Viaduct, an impressive cantilevered road that cuts through towering alpine landscapes on the approach to Arthur’s Pass National Park. This is one of the best places in the country to encounter the kea, New Zealand’s mischievous and highly intelligent alpine parrot.

There’s time to stretch your legs on short walks through beech forests in Arthur’s Pass and among the massive limestone formations at Castle Hill, a site of cultural significance to Māori and a favourite spot for photographers and rock climbers.

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