17 Day New Zealand Kaka Small Group Tour

Starting From NZD $11,490
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Explore roads less travelled on this special small group New Zealand tour and experience country hospitality and nature in the wild. In the North Island we discover authentic Maori culture around Rotorua and visit Tongariro National Park, in the South Island we tour the Mount Cook region and visit famous Milford Sound by land, sea and air. Meet the locals over private lunches at Lake Tarawera, a Marlborough vineyard and a mid-Canterbury farmhouse.

Tour Highlights

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Milford Sound Scenic Flight
  • Abel Tasman Cruise & Guided Walk
  • Marlborough Winery Lunch
  • Private Charter Yacht on Lake Rotoiti
  • Private hosted lunches in Canterbury & Lake Tarawera
  • Interislander Ferry
  • Guided tours at Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
  • A working Kiwifruit orchard

Tour Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

1:
Auckland - Rotorua (L)
Day 1:
Auckland - Rotorua (L)
Today is an exciting start to your New Zealand adventure, after meeting your guide and group in the Auckland CBD you head away South for a fun day packed with activities, history, geology, horticulture and even a bit of luxury. - Rich history on a short walk in the Karangahake Gorge - Lunch in the gold mining town of Waihi - Guided tour of a working Kiwifruit orchard - Private sailing across Lake Rotoiti for a soak in secluded hot pools - Lake view accommodation in Rotorua
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Right in the heart of Rotorua, close to restaurants and shopping areas.
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2:
Rotorua tours and activities (B, L)
Day 2:
Rotorua tours and activities (B, L)
Time to explore and discover everything Rotorua has to offer, like a treetop canopy, the famous geothermal area and Māori culture and arts. Enjoy a lakeside lunch with Karen and Tracy, local Māori guides continuing a long family tradition. - Choose an optional Canopy tour across the treetops - Explore the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua - Relax over a hosted lunch at Lake Tarawera
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Right in the heart of Rotorua, close to restaurants and shopping areas.
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3:
Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (B)
Day 3:
Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (B)
An exciting day of contrasts as you travel through the volcanic landscape of the Central North Island, from the surreal geothermal moonscape of Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland to the World Heritage landscapes of Tongariro National Park. - Boiling mud and unbelievable colour at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Area - Enjoy a lakeside walk at Lake Taupo - A choice of spectacular short walks in Tongariro National Park
Powderhorn Chateau Ohakune or Aspen Court Taihape
The Powderhorn Chateau is located in Ohakune and Aspen Court is located in Taihape, both are a great base close to Tongariro National Park.
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4:
Tongariro National Park - Wellington (B)
Day 4:
Tongariro National Park - Wellington (B)
After breakfast, leave the volcanic plateau behind and head south through farmland and small rural towns. Continue down the coastline to New Zealand's capital city Wellington, at the foot of the North Island, home for two nights. - Before arriving at the hotel, check out the sights and the stunning views from Mt Victoria. This evening enjoy the city’s eclectic range of cafes and restaurants. - The rural landscape of farms and small country towns - Enjoy the eclectic range of Wellington’s cafes and restaurants
The Bolton Hotel Wellington
Set in the heart of Wellington city and close to the Beehive and Parliament Buildings.
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5:
Wellington (B)
Day 5:
Wellington (B)
The day is yours to enjoy, you are at the heart of the action at The Bolton Hotel, a short walk to the waterfront and Te Papa National Museum. Wellington is the food lovers’ capital of New Zealand and also the spiritual home of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. - The very best of Wellington at your door, a great city to explore on foot - Explore New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa
The Bolton Hotel Wellington
Set in the heart of Wellington city and close to the Beehive and Parliament Buildings.
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6:
Wellington - Cook Strait Crossing - Picton - Blenheim - Nelson (B, L)
Day 6:
Wellington - Cook Strait Crossing - Picton - Blenheim - Nelson (B, L)
Cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to “Te Waipounamu”, the South Island. The first stop is for a tasting and lunch in the heart of the world famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region before travelling on to Nelson via the beautiful Pelorus River. - Cruising the Marlborough Sounds on the Interislander - A hosted lunch and tasting at FROMM Winery - Settle in for two nights in Nelson
Tides Hotel Nelson
A beautiful setting, alongside the river and in the central city.
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7:
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park (B, L)
Day 7:
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park (B, L)
Abel Tasman is a highlight of the entire tour for many people. A picnic lunch is included so you can take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to explore a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, with time to relax on the beach or even jump in for a swim. - Cruise the crystal clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park - A guided walk and picnic lunch on the Abel Tasman coastal track
Tides Hotel Nelson
A beautiful setting, alongside the river and in the central city.
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8:
Nelson - Kaikoura (B)
Day 8:
Nelson - Kaikoura (B)
Heading towards Kaikoura the road hugs the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges and the views are truly spectacular. Your afternoon is free to take a whale watching flight or simply enjoy the views from the pathway along the seafront. - First views of the Southern Alps, playground for the rest of the journey - The stunning Kaikoura Coast and Peninsula - Take a scenic flight to discover Kaikoura’s marine life
The White Morph
Right on the waterfront parade in Kaikoura and only a 10 minute walk to the shops and cafes of the main street.
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9:
Kaikoura - Akaunui Homestead - Aoraki / Mt Cook (B, L)
Day 9:
Kaikoura - Akaunui Homestead - Aoraki / Mt Cook (B, L)
Leaving the coast, head inland to the Canterbury Plains. A highlight of the tour is a special hosted lunch before continuing on to the spectacular Mackenzie Country. There will be plenty of scenic stops en route before arriving into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for the night. - A hosted country lunch with Ian & Di Mackenzie at Akaunui homestead - Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo - Unreal turquoise waters and Mt Cook views from Lake Pukaki - Watching the sun set on Aoraki/Mt Cook “the Cloud Piercer”
The Hermitage Hotel
A unique and breathtaking location right in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
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10:
Aoraki/Mt Cook - Queenstown (B)
Day 10:
Aoraki/Mt Cook - Queenstown (B)
Your morning is free to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with New Zealand’s best short walks right out the front door, or take an optional flight up onto the Tasman Glacier. After lunch, head south over the Lindis Pass and onto Queenstown. - Take a short walk to explore the stunning alpine scenery of Aoraki Mt Cook - Get up close to the Tasman Glacier on an optional helicopter flight - Settle in for three nights in Queenstown and enjoy the vibrant mountain scene
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Located only a 5 minute downhill walk from the heart of Queenstown.
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11:
Queenstown - Milford Sound (B)
Day 11:
Queenstown - Milford Sound (B)
Today is all about the one and only Milford Sound, guests often say that experiencing the Milford Road, a scenic cruise on the sound and a magical flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown is a day they’ll never forget! - From Lake Te Anau through Fiordland National Park on the Milford Road - Small Boat Cruise on Milford Sound, under waterfalls and out to the Tasman Sea - A memorable scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Located only a 5 minute downhill walk from the heart of Queenstown.
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12:
Queenstown Activities & Day Tours (B)
Day 12:
Queenstown Activities & Day Tours (B)
Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer. From lakeside walks, galleries, bike tours, food & wine and of course the famous adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping, there’s something for everyone! - Take your pick from literally hundreds of activities and tours on offer in Queenstown - Take a leisurely walk or cycle on the excellent trails in the Wakatipu basin - Enjoy dinner at one of the many award winning restaurants on the lakefront
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Located only a 5 minute downhill walk from the heart of Queenstown.
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13:
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Wanaka (B)
Day 13:
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Wanaka (B)
Today is a highlights reel of the Southern Lakes beauty, from Arrowtown, climb up the Crown Range for last views of the beautiful Wakatipu basin before calling into picture perfect Cardrona Hotel and on to our lakeside accommodation in Wanaka. - Gold mining history comes to life in Arrowtown Relax in the garden at the Cardrona Hotel - Short walks or an optional activity in Wanaka - Stroll along the lake at Wanaka, you are staying right on the lakeside tonight
Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Set in parklike grounds right on the edge of Lake Wanaka.
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14:
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Franz Josef Glacier (B)
Day 14:
Wanaka - Haast Pass - Franz Josef Glacier (B)
Today is a quintessential kiwi day, where else in the world can you visit the seaside, a rainforest and a glacier all in the same day? From Lakes Hawea and Wanaka over the Haast Pass and out to the West Coast before ending the day in Franz Josef Glacier, your camera will be working overtime today! - The stunning World Heritage Highway - Short walks in the subalpine zone, rainforest and on on the beach - Wake up by the lakeshore in Wanaka, go to sleep surrounded by rainforest in Franz Josef
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef village and close to Franz Josef Glacier.
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15:
Franz Josef Glacier - Hokitika - Punakaiki (B)
Day 15:
Franz Josef Glacier - Hokitika - Punakaiki (B)
Your morning is free to discover Glacier Country and Westland with a walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or a visit to Okarito, home of the revered Kotuku – White Heron. After lunch, head north via Hokitika to Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park. - Franz Josef Glacier walks, or the option of heli hiking or a glacier landing - An optional wildlife cruise on Okarito Lagoon Explore Hokitika, the ‘pounamu’ or jade capital of New Zealand - Sunset views from the hotel right on the beach at Punakaiki
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Perfectly positioned for you to enjoy everything this region is famous for, close to the famous Pancake Rocks and overlooking the Tasman Sea.
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16:
Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park (B)
Day 16:
Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park (B)
Paparoa National Park is very different to any other area on the trip, towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with beautiful river valleys draped in subtropical forest. - Discover the Pancake Rocks and blowholes - Short walks at Cape Foulwind or the Pororari River - Exciting West Coast optional tours like the glowworm caves in Charleston - A few “guides favourites” like Denniston Plateau or the Brunner Mine site - Toast your last Kiwi sunset with your friends on the beach at Punakaiki
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Perfectly positioned for you to enjoy everything this region is famous for, close to the famous Pancake Rocks and overlooking the Tasman Sea.
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17:
Punakaiki - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch (B)
Day 17:
Punakaiki - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch (B)
Wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach, traverse the Southern Alps and the stunning Canterbury High Country before crossing the plains into the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. - The engineering marvel of the Otira Viaduct - Short walks at Arthur’s Pass & Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill - Say goodbye to your guide and group in the Garden City

Inclusions

Attractions Visited

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Abel Tasman Guided Walk
  • Lake Rotoiti Sailing
  • Milford Sound Flight
  • Interislander Ferry
  • Abel Tasman Cruise
  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Area
  • Marlborough Winery

Coach Features

  • All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum 18 travellers)
  • There are no on-board restrooms however frequent bathroom stops are made

Experiences Included

  • Services of your knowledgeable MoaTrek Kiwi guide
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Rotorua Geothermal Area
  • Kaikoura Coastline
  • Pancake Rocks
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Arthur’s Pass National Park
  • Mt Aspiring National Park
  • Mt Cook National Park
  • Lakes Rotoiti and Tarawera

Meals Included

  • Breakfasts every morning
  • A hosted lunch with the Walmsley family in Lake Tarawera
  • Lunch at tastings at a Marlborough winery
  • Included picnic lunch on your Abel Tasman day trip
  • A hosted Canterbury garden lunch with Di & Ian at Akaunui Homestead

Visited Locations

  • Auckland
    Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. 'The City of Sails' is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
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  • Rotorua
    Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
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  • Tongariro National Park
    Tongariro National Park is situated in the middle of the North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers almost 80,000 hectares of awe-inspiring landscapes.
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  • Wellington
    Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Straight, which divides the North and South Islands.  Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".
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  • Picton
    Right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds you will find Picton. This picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. It is the heart of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
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  • Blenheim
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  • Nelson
    Nelson is the main centre of the Tasman region. This is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape.
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  • Abel Tasman National Park
    Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park. But it's one of the most easily accessible and is unmatched for beautiful coastal settings and beaches.
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  • Kaikoura
    There are few places on earth like Kaikōura. A small coastal village, with a relaxed beachside vibe, it has some stunning views of both mountains and sea. And it offers to enjoy the bounty of the sea whether eating local kai moana or encountering local sale sea life off the coast.
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  • Aoraki Mount Cook
    Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is  located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
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  • Queenstown
    Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
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  • Milford Sound
    Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world", Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
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  • Arrowtown
    Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, a short 15min drive from Queenstown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River.
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  • Wanaka
    Wanaka is a lively resort town surrounded by some stunning alpine scenery. It offers a picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors. The town has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures. 
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  • Haast Pass
    The drive north from Wanaka to the West Coast passes through the spectacular scenery of Haast Pass. Makarora, at the northern tip of Lake Wanaka, is a launching point for several multi-day walks in Mount Aspiring National Park. It also marks the start of the drive over the pass.
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  • Franz Josef
    Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
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  • Hokitika
    Hokitika is a historic town in the West Coast region of NZ's South Island. Close to the mouth of the Hokitika River, this character-filled town is 40 kilometres south of Greymouth.H
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  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
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  • Arthur’s Pass
    A small alpine village of Arthur's Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. Climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur's Pass National Park, it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
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  • Christchurch
    Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
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Attractions

  • Milford Sound Scenic Flight
  • Guided tour at Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland
  • A working Kiwifruit Orchard visit
  • Private hosted lunches in Canterbury and Lake Tarawera
  • Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
    Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. 
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  • Abel Tasman Guided Walk & Cruise
    Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park. But it is one of the most easily accessible and beautiful coastal paradise settings. And you'll see all the highlights along the coast on board this cruise.
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  • Wine Tasting Marlborough Wineries
    With more than 30 cellar doors offering tastings, the best way to explore the region's wine trail is on a Marlborough wine tour.  Sample some of Marlborough’s stunning wines right next to the vines the grapes were grown on. And learn about the distinctive flavours and arts of viticulture and winemaking that go into each glass.
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  • Private Cruise on Lake Rotoiti on “Tiua”
    Experience an unforgettable day exploring the endless bays, caves and coves of Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua, under sail on the beautiful sailing catamaran ‘Tiua’. Fish for rainbow trout, soak in the lake edge thermal pools and explore some of the locals' favourite places. Your crew will entertain you with local Maori legends, fine wine and great food as you cruise.
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  • Interislander Cook Strait Ferry
    Considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, The Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand. It is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry, sailing between Wellington and Picton several times a day connecting the North & South Islands' road and rail networks.
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“We had a wonderful holiday and the itinerary was excellent for first-time visitors to New Zealand. The range of organised activities worked very well especially as they included some that we would not of known about or been able to do had we been travelling alone. The optional activities were also good as they made it possible to tailor the tour to suit individual interests.”
Geoff & Julie (UK) – January, 2020

“MoaTrek is an excellent way to see New Zealand from East to West on both North island and South. The small group experience made our vacation more enjoyable. Our guide Andrew was very knowledgeable and was fun to be with. High marks. What an amazing country. A bucket list trip for any nature lover.”
Joel & Leah (USA) – January, 2020

“Moatrek provides its customers with the opportunity to experience the “real” New Zealand. Travelling around in the small bus with a small group enabled us to feel less of a tourist than would have been the case in a big 40+ passenger coach. The small group made it possible to eat in interesting restaurants which would not have been possible with a larger group.”
Peter (Canada) – March, 2019

 

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
06 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025 Guaranteed Departure $11,490.00$13,790.00
On Request
09 Dec 2025 - 25 Dec 2025 Guaranteed Departure $11,490.00$13,790.00
On Request
29 Dec 2025 - 14 Jan 2026 Guaranteed Departure $11,490.00$13,790.00
On Request
11 Apr 2026 - 27 Apr 2026 Guaranteed Departure $11,490.00$13,790.00
On Request
16 Apr 2026 - 02 May 2026 Guaranteed Departure $11,490.00$13,790.00
17 Day New Zealand Kaka Small Group Tour
Days
17
Price from
NZD $11,490 per person twin share