Coasts and Culture Tour

4.0 (1 reviews)
Tour Code: 157039

Coasts and Culture Tour

4.0 (1 reviews)
Tour Code: 157039
Departure City
Auckland
End City
Wellington
Tour Type
Unassigned
Duration
7 days
Language
English Live

Highlights

Experience the very best of the North Island with Haka. Our 7 day North Island tour combines mind-blowing scenery and fascinating Maori culture with adventure.

Itinerary

The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel coastline where you can soak in a hot pool dug in the sand, venture through a geothermal wonderland of geysers, take a side-trip to Middle Earth-esque countryside, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert – you’ll be amazed by it all.

This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, with the option to visit Hobbiton, and the Tongariro Crossing along the way.

As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events including a Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven.

You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add to your tour, from bungy jumping and white water rafting to canopy forest zipline tours and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.

Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.


WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR

  • Stunning walk to the spectacular arched cavern of Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove

  • A guided visit to the filming location of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy, Hobbiton (for tours starting from 1 September 2023)

  • Learn a haka and learn to weave flax with a local iwi (tribe)

  • Visit Te Puia - a local cultural centre - to learn more about traditional Māori culture and discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders.

  • See kiwi birds up close and personal

  • Eat a traditional Māori hāngī meal cooked in an underground oven

  • Follow your nose to Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools

  • Discover what makes Huka Falls the most visited natural attraction in NZ

  • Check out the views from Matairangi/Mount Victoria, Wellington

  • Fall in love with Wellington’s cafe and craft beer culture

  • Plus many surprise stops along the way

ALL HAKA TOURS INCLUDE

ORIENTATION TOURS - We give you the low-down on every location

COMFORTABLE TRANSPORT - With plenty of room to spread out

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST EVERY DAY - Heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!)   

HIGH-END HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION - Dorm share, upgrades available

EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDE - Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about NZ 

SMALL GROUPS - MAXIMUM 16 - Because you're more than just a number!


DAY 1 – AUCKLAND TO COROMANDEL

Leaving the big smoke behind, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is epic – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent! The Coromandel is home to the famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll definitely grab our buckets and spades and get busy! We arrive in the Coromandel with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the vibes.

DAY 2 – COROMANDEL TO ROTORUA

This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognize from the Chronicles of Narnia). With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel. Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle, accompanied by a local dolphin or two if you’re lucky! Later this afternoon we head towards Rotorua (or Rotovegas as it is locally known). En route, we’ll visit Matamata - best known for being the home of Hobbiton. For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do. On a fully guided tour of the 12 acre Middle-earth set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn! If hobbits aren’t your thing there are plenty of scenic short walks to enjoy Matamata’s lush green rolling hills. While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.

For tours starting from 1 September 2023, Hobbiton will be an included activity today.

DAY 3 – ROTORUA

Today is a free day to explore Rotorua and its surrounding area. Talk to your guide for the best free things to see and do in the neighbourhood (Kuirau Park’s steaming and hissing mud pools are a great option). There are also a number of optional activities you can choose from: If adrenaline is your thing, the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world, on the Kaituna River, is begging to be conquered on an exhilarating rafting trip. Perhaps you’d like to try thundering down grassy hills in a giant air-cushioned inflatable ball (aka ZORB )? Or take a guided kayak trip across scenic Lake Rotoiti to the spectacular Manupirua Springs Hot Pools, which are only accessible by boat. Have a leisurely soak while your guide cooks an appetising Kiwi BBQ Dinner. After dinner enjoy a sunset paddle across the lake and a visit to the glow worm caves. However you spend today - be sure to get a good night’s sleep as there are more Rotorua adventures tomorrow!

DAY 4 – ROTORUA TO MURUPARA

This morning we visit Te Puia Māori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds. Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara - a living Māori village - where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder. Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant). Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up! The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.

Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation in the area. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact info@hakatours.com for more information.

DAY 5 – MURUPARA TO TAUPŌ

It’s only a short drive to our next destination, Taupō, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka Guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing. Taupō is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake – believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore! This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.

DAY 6 – TAUPŌ

A full day in Taupō... are you in the mood for peaceful lakeside tranquillity or unlimited adrenaline and adventure? Either way, Taupō’s got you covered. For many, the ultimate adventure on offer here is the hiking (or tramping, as we Kiwis know it). The Tongariro Crossing is among the top 10 full-day walks in the world. This 19.4-kilometre mountain trek boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters. You’ll come back grinning from ear to ear before falling into bed and sleeping like a baby. If you’d prefer to relax, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Māori rock carvings. Or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly. However you choose to spend today we guarantee you won’t forget it.

DAY 7 – TAUPŌ TO WELLINGTON

It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat! Our journey takes us through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert (bet you didn’t know New Zealand had one of those!). Some of your favourite Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed right here. The Desert Road boasts incredible views of three active volcanic peaks – Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You may know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom, so be sure to snap a Mordor selfie! We pass through two of the North Island’s quirkier towns – as ever, your Haka Guide has a couple of surprises up their sleeve... We pull into Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film buffs make a trip to Weta Workshop, where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced. New Zealand’s capital is famous for its bars and eateries, and is a paradise for lovers of craft beer – you’ll be spoilt for choice tonight! The tour officially finishes at 8pm today in Wellington, but your accommodation tonight is included.

Tips
You will be informed of the accommodation information once your reservation is confirmed.

Visiting Attractions

Hobbiton

Hobbiton

Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Waiotapu

Waiotapu

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach

Parliament Building of New Zealand

Parliament Building of New Zealand

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum

What’s Included

Includes
  • Passionate kiwi guide
  • Transportation
  • 6-Night Accommodation
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Maori cultural experience in the Coromandel and Rotorua
  • Traditional Maori ‘Hangi’ (food cooked using heated rocks buried in an underground oven)
  • Admission to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
  • Guided tour of every location
  • Be treated to surprise stops only possible with a small group
  • Excludes
  • Tips
  • Lunches and dinners (unless stated)
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activity (availability subject to change)
    - Sea Kayaking
    - Lost World Caving Experience
    - The Zorb
    - Black Water Rafting
    - Sledging
    - Rafting Kaituna River
    - The Zorb
    - The Shire Set Tour in Rotorua
    - Water Touch Bungy
    - The Tongariro Crossing
    - Skydiving over Lake Taupo
    - Gravity Canyon
    - Lord of the Rings Wellington Tour
    - Extra Night’s Accommodation Wellington
  • Special Notes

    Over the years we have fine-tuned our tour processes to ensure a safe, stress-free and awesome New Zealand tour. Make sure you read our T & C's below to ensure you understand some key points including how we manage activities purchased on tour. Please get in touch if you have any questions whatsoever as we are always here to help :-) Your contract is with HAKA TOURS Ltd referred to as "HAKA TOURS". A deposit of $99 is required at the time of booking, or full payment if booking is inside 30 days of departure, to secure your reservation. All fares published supersede all prices previously advertised. Stated duration counts from day of departure to the day of return. HAKA TOURS reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking or to refuse to carry any passenger where payment has not been received by HAKA TOURS within the specified time. Prices include New Zealand Government Goods and Services Tax (where applicable). HAKA TOURS reserves the right to make changes to their itineraries or cancel any trip, including a guaranteed trip, at any time prior to departure if something beyond the control of HAKA TOURS deems it necessary; including natural disasters, political instability, terrorism, weather, cultural conditions or other external events. It is imperative that passengers check the most up-to-date information from our website just prior to their trip departing. If HAKA TOURS cancels a trip on which you are holding a fully paid booking you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. The company is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations, or non-refundable flights. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked then you are entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the alternative tour chosen is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price. Cancellation Policy Period % Cancellation Fee Outside 30 days Loss of tour deposit Within 30 days 50% of tour cost Within 7 days 100% of tours cost (Note: Holiday cost includes base tour price, any add-ons and activities booked through us). Please be aware that if you have booked through a third party like a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ to our own. Be sure to check their particular terms and conditions, including cancellation policy, as they will apply. No refund will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason. This includes refund of accommodation, transport, sightseeing, activities, meals or services not utilised. Age/Child Policy HAKA TOURS offers��� adventure, snow and mountain-biking tours across New Zealand that are designed for travellers that are young of heart and ready for a good time. To travel with us we require that you are at the minimum age limit of 18 years at time of travel. Anyone over the age of 50 years is more than welcome on our tours but please be aware that a moderate level of fitness is required whilst on tour, so we do recommend that you are relatively fit, healthy and looking for the adventure of a lifetime. If you have any concerns surrounding your age and whether or not our tours will be suitable for you, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss your options. Local Partners In many parts of New Zealand HAKA TOURS works with highly reputable local specialist operators. These local partners are all passionate about the activities they operate and offer the same high standards as HAKA TOURS. Passports & Visas All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. It is important that you ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. Visit the NZ Immigration website to see if you need a visa to holiday here: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ Luggage Limits Within New Zealand travel, each passenger is entitled to take one case, the sum of its length, width and depth not to exceed 160 cm (63 inches), weight limit 20 kilos along with a small day pack. Airlines permit only one cabin bag per person, in which personal items such as cameras, make-up etc. should be carried, though you need to check with your airline provider as to their specific requirements. Over-limit luggage cannot be carried. HAKA TOURS operates in a similar way and asks if you have over the above limit to please get in touch before your tour. Baggage is at 'owner's risk'. Most airports, hotels & hostels offer storage services for additional luggage. Important Information Exclusion of Liability Whilst HAKA TOURS will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment experienced by passengers due to circumstances beyond its control. HAKA TOURS further accepts no liability for any loss beyond its reasonable control and provides no warranties in addition to those set out under the The Fair Trading Act 1986, and nothing herein restricts any passenger from exercising their rights and remedies pursuant to law. Your Travel Agent will forward booking confirmations and other payments to HAKA TOURS on your behalf, but your Travel Agent is not our agent for the purpose of receipt of monies. Receipt of booking confirmations and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those monies by HAKA TOURS and the Travel Agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive monies on our behalf. There is no liability on the part of HAKA TOURS in respect to any monies paid to the passenger's Travel Agent unless and until HAKA TOURS notifies the passenger (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that monies have been received by HAKA TOURS. The optional tour excursions are not operated by, or at the direction of, or on behalf of HAKA TOURS, its employees or agents or any other persons or companies associated with HAKA TOURS. All Optional Activities are an additional cost to the tour price and by taking bookings for these tours, HAKA TOURS acts as each optional tour operator's agent. These tours include the services of operators other than HAKA TOURS e.g. hoteliers, airlines and optional tour excursions, which are not under the direct control of HAKA TOURS, and whilst HAKA TOURS takes all reasonable care in selecting these operators, it cannot accept responsibility for those operators' conduct or the conduct of their representative employees or agents or for any ramifications of that conduct. On tours including activities such as trekking, swimming and snorkelling, passengers accept that degrees of risk are involved. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of HAKA TOURS, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. HAKA TOURS will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour. Amendment Fees There will be no charge to request a change of tour departure after the original booking has been confirmed, as long as it is done more than two months prior to the original tour departure date. Any further changes or amendments within two months of the tour departure, will incur a $100 NZD amendment fee (except when change is due to HAKA TOURS cancelling a tour departure). If there is any change to the price of the tour that you change your booking too, since the time of your original reservation, the new tour price will apply to the new reservation. Pre-Booked Activities The activities' retail prices are set by other operators and may rise at any time, out of our control. Therefore at 30 days prior to tour departure HAKA TOURS reserves the right to charge customers any difference in price in order to match the most recent price at that time. We estimate that activity prices usually go up 2-5% per year. The price difference will appear on your account as "Activity Price Alignment". Furthermore, by pre-booking additional activities, you also confirm your acceptance of our "Optional Activities Booked On Tour" policy below which are also operated by a voucher process. Any activity bookings made within 30 days of departure are subject to availability. Optional Activities Booked On Tour Activities booked on tour will be charged at the standard retail rate. We operate a voucher system with our activity partners which means we pay in full via a "voucher" for any optional activities instead of you paying the activity provider direct. The activities you select whilst on tour will be added to your "Activity Balance Sheet" with the full balance taken at the end of the tour or when your activity balance exceeds $500 NZD. By operating a voucher system with our activity suppliers, we are able to better manage tour logistics. Your activity balance can be paid via MasterCard, Visa or cash. Credit card payments have a 2% credit card processing fee. Haka Tours does not qualify for any group booking discount with our activity suppliers. By agreeing to these terms and conditions you agree to our activity voucher process whilst on tour. Itineraries Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice and intended as a guide only. Alterations may come about due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, local festivals and cultural or other reasons. Due to the nature of the terrain and remote areas, weather fluctuations can adversely affect road conditions that may necessitate alterations to itinerary with little or no notice. Any additional expense incurred by the passenger is not HAKA TOURS responsibility. HAKA TOURS can give no guarantee as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by HAKA TOURS in the tour and HAKA TOURS will not be liable for failure of any other services or attractions beyond its control. Minimum and Maximum Numbers As is normally the case with group tours, a minimum number of bookings are required in order for a tour to be financially viable and to have a pleasant group atmosphere. In the event that adequate numbers cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer the nearest possible alternative date (or a full refund of monies paid). The date on which the decision is made whether a tour will operate is usually four weeks before the scheduled departure date. In the event of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles other than those specified to ensure the operation of a tour. Haka Tours restricts guest numbers to a maximum of 16 per tour. Prior to making any travel arrangements such as flights, customers are required to receive confirmation from HAKA TOURS that there is adequate space on the chosen departure date, once any other booking requests are processed. In this case, confirmation is in the form of a ���Welcome Letter��� sent via email by HAKA TOURS Maximum numbers in shared dorms Our included accommodation is dorm share (unless you are upgrading to a private room). While our maximum number of guests in a dorm is 6, on rare occasions up to 8 tour guests will share a dorm. Smoking Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches. The vast majority of hostels also are non-smoking, with some having designated smoking areas outside. Customer Feedback If a problem occurs during your tour, then it is in your own best interests to advise your Tour Manager immediately so that steps can be taken to resolve the matter there and then. If you remain dissatisfied, any complaint must be made in writing to us within 30 days. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is your responsibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends you obtain travel insurance at the time you pay for your travel. Failure to obtain travel insurance is at your own risk. When obtaining travel insurance you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any adventurous activities, e.g. skiing, mountain biking, etc. Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) If you are injured whilst in New Zealand, ACC may be able to help with the cost of the treatment and support you need whilst you're here. However, it is important to be aware that you cannot sue for personal injury - ACC replaces that right. Furthermore, ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation costs whilst in New Zealand; it is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not cover illness, disrupted travel plans or emergency travel to get you back home. Fitness and Medicals Some activities are strenuous of nature. Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication. HAKA TOURS must be advised of any prior medical conditions at time of booking.
    This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
    If any of the attractions are closed due to Covid-19, the guide will arrange the itinerary based on the actual situation on the tour date. Please understand. Thanks.

    Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
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