Description
We often get asked about the differences between New Zealand’s North and South Islands – now’s your chance to discover them! You’ll experience all the top spots: hidden beaches, glacier-fed lakes, Māori cultural experiences, mountain ranges, rainforests, and more adventure activities than you can imagine.
The North Island is full of amazing contrasts: from the serene Coromandel where you can dig a hot pool in the sand, to geothermal wonders with geysers, glowworm-lit caves, lush rainforests, volcanic deserts, and even the chance to explore Middle Earth-like landscapes.
But don’t forget the South Island! After a scenic ferry ride between islands, you’ll dive into this incredible region with marine wildlife encounters, epic adventure spots, the birthplace of bungy jumping, towering mountain passes, and glacier country. The adventure wraps up with golden memories in Abel Tasman National Park.
Inclusions
- Small groups, up to 16 people
- Passionate Kiwi guides
- Comfortable bus transport
- High-end hostel accommodation
- Tasty continental breakfasts every day
- Experiences to teach you about our unique Māori culture
This three-week, small-group guided New Zealand tour spans both islands, hitting iconic locations like Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Wanaka, Queenstown, Tekapo, Abel Tasman National Park, Punakaiki, and Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll also have the option to visit spots like Hobbiton, Waitomo, The Tongariro Crossing, and Milford Sound along the way.
Our tour includes several must-do experiences like a Māori cultural night, paddling a traditional waka (Māori canoe), and even carving your own greenstone pendant.
You’ll also have plenty of optional activities to choose from, like bungy jumping, dolphin encounters, jet boating, and scenic flights. None are required – just pick the ones that excite you.
Accommodation is covered on the last night, but we can also arrange extra nights if you want to extend your stay.
Important info before travel
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.
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. 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!
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)? Alternatively head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests and let the fun begin on a 3 hour eco canopy adventure. 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.
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!
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.
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. 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 to make a trip to Weta Workshop, where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced.
DAY 8 – WELLINGTON TO KAIKŌURA
Packed with quirky cafes and beautiful street art, and famous for its wind, Wellington will blow you away in more ways than one! Your guide will introduce you to some of our favourite spots this morning. If there wasn’t a chance yesterday we’ll take a trip up Mount Victoria for the best views in town. Later on we say farewell to the North Island with a scenic ferry journey across the Cook Strait. The South Island has a stunning welcome in store for us – gliding through the Marlborough Sounds as we approach Picton Harbour, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. Our next destination, Kaikōura literally means “to eat crayfish”, and the area is teeming with them. The nutrient-rich waters of this area attract a wide variety of marine wildlife including the stars of the show – the whales and dolphins.
DAY 9 – KAIKŌURA TO CHRISTCHURCH
The chance to encounter dolphins in the wild is a massive New Zealand highlight for many travellers, and Kaikōura is one of the best places to find them, with pods of up to 300 of these playful creatures hanging out here at any one time. If you want to get up close to the giants of the ocean, a whale watching tour here is the way to do it. Humpbacks, sperm whales and orca all stop by at various times of year, so this is a great chance to meet some of them. After visiting the local seals on our way out of town, our road trip continues to our home for the night – Christchurch, known as the “Garden City” for its peaceful parklands and lazy rivers.
DAY 10 – CHRISTCHURCH TO MACKENZIE COUNTRY
This morning we’ll explore iconic downtown Christchurch and your guide will show you the cool and creative ways the city is being rebuilt after the life-changing 2011 earthquake here. Christchurch folk are an innovative and creative bunch – the Transitional Cathedral, created from cardboard, is totally inspirational. After lunch we leave the city behind and head for Lake Tekapo. The lake’s breathtaking turquoise colour and mountain backdrop is a photographer’s dream come true. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands right at the water’s edge, proving that small is definitely beautiful. Tekapo has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve and the super clear skies make it the best place in New Zealand to see the stars and galaxies on a clear night. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
DAY 11 – MACKENZIE COUNTRY TO QUEENSTOWN
This morning if you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the summit of Mt John. With awesome views of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel on top of the world. Speaking of views, today’s scenic drive to Queenstown is a show-stopper. From the golden tussocklands of Mackenzie country – where epic battles of Return of the King were filmed – to the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, it’s like you’re driving into a postcard. We’ll pause for lots of photo stops en route to give your camera a workout, including a stop at the spectacular Kawarau Gorge. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, an avid hiker, wine taster or scenery lover, Queenstown has something for absolutely everyone. With two nights and plenty of daylight hours here, get ready – this town certainly knows how to live life to the max!
DAY 12 – QUEENSTOWN
With a full day in Queenstown, let’s work on that bucket list! There are heaps of options to choose from: paragliding over the lake, hiking trails to die for, bungy jumping while your Haka friends cheer you on, horse riding through Lord of the Rings scenery, and swinging through a canyon are just a few of our favourites. For scenery lovers, Milford Sound is a must-see. Once on the Sound, sailing beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces, you’ll understand why some call it the “8th Wonder of the World”.
DAY 13 – QUEENSTOWN TO WANAKA
One last morning in Queenstown to work on that bucket list. What will it be today – a canyoning experience, Lord of the Rings 4×4 safari, or a jet boat ride along the Shotover River? There are so many options. You decide. After the excitement of Queenstown, the afternoon is a chance to chill. Wanaka is Queenstown’s slightly quieter little sister, a mere one hour drive away. On the way we’ll stop at charming Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village with heaps of old world character. Blessed with towering peaks and a glacial blue lake, you’ll soon see why Wanaka’s considered to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain towns.
DAY 14 – WANAKA TO FRANZ JOSEF
This morning is about exploring Wanaka. How, exactly, is up to you! Optional activities include an aerobatic plane flight, skydiving or a lake cruise and nature walk on Mou Waho Island. If none of those appeal, there are lots of scenic short walks in the area – including a visit to #thatwanakatree. Talk to your guide for the best options. The journey to Franz is another stunner – many of our Haka Guides rate it as their favourite drive in New Zealand. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way. We roll into Franz Josef around late afternoon/early evening. This UNESCO World Heritage area is famous for its spectacular glacier, just 5 kilometres from town, which is begging to be explored tomorrow.
DAY 15 – FRANZ JOSEF
With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand. Te Wāhi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Included in your tour today is a special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery. There are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier; weather permitting, to get up onto the bluest ice you can take a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers. Or maybe you’d prefer to kayak on a glacial lake. As well as the awesome glacier activities you could also try out skydiving or even a bit of group karaoke tonight in Franz Josef!
DAY 16 – FRANZ JOSEF TO PUNAKAIKI
Driving along the incredible coastal road and exploring the lush forests around Punakaiki, it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a rare treat to experience such remote prehistoric landscapes, so make the most of this awesome opportunity to unplug from the outside world. Get excited; our trusty guides always have some surprises up their sleeves for this part of the trip, including a spot or two to get your feet wet. We’ll visit one of the famous artisan greenstone factories in Hokitika as we make our way north, as well as passing through some old gold mining towns before arriving in Punakaiki. One of Punakaiki’s many natural wonders is the subtropical rainforest – and we are staying in the heart of it for the next two nights!
DAY 17 – PUNAKAIKI
Whether you decide to soak up the sun on the unspoilt beaches or stroll through the rainforest to a chorus of birdsong, you’ll shed your cares in this magical place. A short walk to see a giant stack of pancakes is a must-do: Punakaiki’s limestone Pancake Rocks developed over 30 million years ago. You’ll see what water pressure can do when the waves power through some seriously impressive blowholes – watch out for that spray! Today you could try your hand at bone carving or exploring the region’s underground caves by tube. Or simply chill by the beach near your rainforest home.
DAY 18 – PUNAKAIKI TO ABEL TASMAN
Cruising up north from Punakaiki, the scenery gets better and better. The powerful, untouched coastline gives way to rivers and gorges before we drive over the hills and down towards the bayside town of Nelson, to stock up on supplies before our next remote hideaway. Mārahau, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, boasts golden beaches, tranquil lagoons and crystal clear waters. Abel Tasman is the perfect contrast to the wildness of the rainforests and mountains. Why will you fall in love with Abel Tasman? Lush forests, sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and jaw-dropping views… not to mention the resident wildlife. Get ready to lose your heart to the most popular National Park in New Zealand.
DAY 19 – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Abel Tasman… you beauty. Lush forests, golden sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and jaw-dropping views… not to mention the local seals, dolphins and bird life.. You might like to hike part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track – one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks – or paddle a kayak to Split Apple Rock. You could jump, slide, abseil, float and zipline your way through the park on an awesome canyoning adventure. Fancy a relaxing day instead? Choose yourself a golden beach and make yourself at home.
DAY 20 – ABEL TASMAN TO WELLINGTON
Today is the last day of your tour! You’ll start things off by learning to paddle a traditional waka (Māori war canoe). Experience a karakia (blessing for protection), and learn tikanga (waka etiquette) all while getting out on the water to enjoy this unique included activity. Our road trip continues along the northern edge of the South Island this afternoon. We’ll make a quick stop at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve (a film location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) and make our way through Havelock as we wind our way towards Picton to catch the afternoon ferry to Wellington. As the lights of Picton Harbour fade into the night, relax on board together for a chilled evening. The tour officially finishes at 8pm today in Wellington, but your accommodation tonight is included.
- 19 nights in high-end hostel accommodation (dorm share as standard) and 1 night shared cultural experience
- 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
- 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
- Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait
- Get up close to Kaikōura’s cutest residents at a local seal colony
- Explore downtown Christchurch and see its inspiring regeneration since the 2011 quake
- Visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, nestled by the shores of Lake Tekapo
- Unparalleled stargazing opportunities in Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve
- Visit the charming, historic gold rush village of Arrowtown
- Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant in Franz Josef
- Visit the Mountain Jade Factory in Hokitika
- Visit the famous Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki
- Two nights and a full day to play in the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park
- Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline
- Plus many surprise stops along the way
The Booking Conditions you agree to when you make your booking apply to your trip. If you are rebooking a trip with a credit voucher you will need to agree to the most current version of the Booking Conditions that apply when you rebook.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us.
In these booking terms and conditions, the terms “Haka Tours”, “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” are references to Haka Tours Limited (company number 3478409).
1. Our Contract
Your contract is with Haka Tours. By booking a trip with us, you agree to be bound by these Booking Terms and Conditions and any special conditions that may apply to your trip (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us).
2. Privacy Policy
Any personal information that we collect about you will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy [IL2] and may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of your tour. In making this booking you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons such as our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to operate the trip or, if permitted by any relevant Spam laws, to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers.
You are responsible for reviewing this Privacy Policy periodically and informing yourself of any changes to this Privacy Policy.
3. Price Quote
Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
Prices quoted are per person in New Zealand Dollars and subject to availability. We reserve the right to amend pricing errors or omissions at any time until your deposit is paid in full. Once we receive your booking request and deposit, we will confirm your booking within 10 business days.
4. Deposits and Final Payments
To confirm a booking, you will be required to pay a $99 non-refundable deposit. If the booking is within 60 days of travel, we require full payment to confirm your booking. No accommodation confirmations or arrangements will be made until payment is received. Final payment is due 60 days prior to the tour start date.
Prices are valid for payment by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or bank deposit. If you are paying by credit card, a 2% credit card fee applies, or a $25 NZD bank fee if paying by overseas bank. Fees are in addition to the tour amount due and must be taken into account, along with fees incurred by your own bank. The amount received by Haka Tours must be the correct amount invoiced for in New Zealand dollars. Haka Tours is not responsible for bank fees that have not been taken into account or loss due to exchange rate. Any shortfall of payment due to exchange rates or bank fees is the responsibility of the tour guest or group. Final documents will not be issued until full payment is made and cleared funds are received.
5. Cancellation by you
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel your tour:
- 56 days or more prior to departure, we will hold your deposit amount as a credit;
- between 31 and 55 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 30% of the total booking cost;
- between 30 and 15 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 60% of the total booking cost; or
- 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a trip, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation terms are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third-party tour and transport operator fees. Please refer to clause 19 (Liability), which provides more information about your rights under New Zealand Consumer Law which may apply to your cancellation.
6. Cancellation by us
Haka Tours reserves the right to make changes to our 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.
In the event that we cancel your tour, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate booking date or receive a refund, unless your booking is cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event (as defined below).
Cancellation due to Force Majeure
If your tour is cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event, we can offer you a choice of:
- a 100% credit of monies paid for your tour; or
- a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If the cancellation due to a Force Majeure Event occurs after your tour has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
- 100% credit for the days that remain on your tour; or
- refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your tour.
A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for your tour to commence or continue.
In the event of any cancellation, there will be no claim for damages by either party against the other and we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred.
If an activity, service or accommodation booking is cancelled by the provider (for example due to weather) Haka Tours may refund you or offer a suitable alternative. Refunds will not be processed until after Haka Tours have received a refund from the provider. Any refunds will be returned on the same credit card or bank account to the same person(s) and in the same proportions as the original transaction.
Important Note regarding credit:
There may be circumstances in which we issue you with credit. For instance, we may offer you the choice of a credit voucher instead of a cash refund when you are entitled to a full or partial refund. Any credit issued under these Booking Conditions:
- does not have an expiry date;
- may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us;
- is not transferrable to another person or redeemable for cash; and
- may not be used to book flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions.
7. Booking Amendments
7.1 If you amend your booking within two months prior to arrival will incur a $150 admin fee and any additional fees charged by any third party suppliers.
7.2 If you need to change to an alternative departure date you may do so in accordance with the below fee table. Please note changes to tour, departure date, activities or additional accommodation is not permitted within 56 days of departure
7.3 If you need to change to an alternative departure date you may do so in accordance with the below fee table:
Period of notice | Transfer Fee |
---|---|
Outside 56 days | No fee |
8 – 56 days | $500 Admin Fee |
Within 7 days | 100% of tour cost |
7.4 If the tour you are changing to has a higher price you are liable to cover the difference.
8. Inclusions
The land price of your trip includes as outlined on each tour itinerary:
- all accommodation
- all transport
- all breakfasts and some meals
- the services of a Haka Guide
9. Exclusions
The land price of your trip does not include:
- international or internal flights unless specified
- airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- meals other than those specified
- visa and passport fees
- travel insurance
- optional activities and all personal expenses.
10. Age and Health Requirements
Minimum Age:
Haka Tours offers tours across NZ that are designed for travellers that are young at heart and ready for an adventure. Due to the vast majority of accommodations we use, we cannot accept anyone who is under the age of 18 on our tours unless at the discretion of a representative of Haka Tours.
Maximum Age:
We have no upper age limit though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. We can provide details on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your trip to NZ. If you have any concerns surrounding your health on our tours please contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss your options.
11. New Zealand Driving Laws
Our drivers and guides are required to take adequate breaks in between driving. The maximum time that a driver can drive in any one day is 13 hours. Once the driver has stopped, they must have no shorter than a 10-hour break. There also must be at least one 24-hour break in 7 days.
12. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
13. Visas, Passports and Travel Documents
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities by ensuring that you have a valid passport, visa and any permits needed to enter New Zealand. Any losses or expenditures incurred as a result of a failure to meet immigration and government requirements is your responsibility.
14. Change of itinerary
You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.
Before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative trip offered.
After departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you.
Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of any change in itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable or non-changeable flights.
15. Authority on tour
Our trips are run by a tour guide. During your tour, all decisions made by our tour guides or activity suppliers in relation to the operational requirements of the tour and in relation to your health and safety will be final.
By travelling with Haka Tours, you agree to abide by the authority of the tour guide or optional activity supplier.
Should you fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on the tour or, if in the opinion of the Tour manager (in their sole discretion), your behaviour is abusive and is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or material annoyance to others, Haka Tours will terminate your travel arrangements immediately without any liability on our part or on the part of any third party agencies. You will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals, and/or incidentals. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of New Zealand.
Tour guests and group leaders agree that they are responsible for any costs incurred by Haka Tours or Haka Tour’s suppliers as a result of damage, destruction, theft, or excess cleaning fees related to the guest’s accommodation, transport, or other use of facilities while on Tour.
16. Acceptance of risk
You acknowledge that the nature of the trip may be adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You may be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives.
You acknowledge that you are choosing to travel at a time where you may be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety and may require you to follow additional safety protocols on your trip.
We use information from the NZ government and transport agency as well as reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all relevant travel information, including applicable health risks and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability in relation to these additional risks.
17. Liability and Service Guarantee
Our services which include our tour services (“Services”) may come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Fair Trading Act 1986.
17.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability whatsoever to you or any other person (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any loss (whether direct, indirect, consequential) including death or personal injury or damage of any kind that may be suffered as a result of any act or omission whether negligent or otherwise by or on behalf of us in connection with the Services or any other matter or thing relating to these Booking Terms and Conditions except to the extent that such loss or damage is incurred as a direct result of our fraud or wilful misconduct. This clause does not limit or exclude your rights under the Fair Trading Act.
17.2 (Limitation of Liability) Where the law implies a warranty into these Booking Terms and Conditions which may not lawfully be excluded (in particular warranties under the Fair Trading Act) our liability for breach of such a warranty will be limited to either supplying the Services again or payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.
17.3 (Indemnity) You indemnify us (and all of our subsidiaries, officers, employees, contractors and agents) against all losses, claims actions, proceedings, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees) arising from any claim by a third party arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with:
- your access or use of the Services, this includes your delegate’s access or use of the Services; and
- any breach by you (or your delegate) of:
- these Booking Terms and Conditions; or
- any additional terms applicable to providing the Services, except to the extent that such loss or damage as a direct result of our fraud or wilful misconduct.
17.4 (Third parties) We contract with a network of companies, providers, independent contractors and individuals to assist in the running of our tours (Third Party Supplier). Third Party Suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and sub-contractors. Although we take all reasonable steps to select reputable Third Party Suppliers, we cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions. You acknowledge that Third Party Suppliers operate in compliance with the applicable laws of the countries in which they operate and we do not warrant that any Third Party Supplier is in compliance with the laws of your country of residence or any other jurisdiction.
We are not responsible for the acts and omissions, whether negligent or otherwise, of these Third Parties Suppliers. Any disputes between you and any third party, are to be resolved solely between you and that party.
17.5 (Vicarious liability) We shall not be held vicariously liable for the intentional or negligent acts of any persons not employed by us nor for any intentional or negligent acts of our employees committed while off duty or outside the course and scope of their employment.
18. Optional activities
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance, recommendations or advice given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities (including before or after a trip) does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
19. Feedback / Complaints
The tour guest or group leader agrees to bring any tour related complaints to Haka Tours as soon as possible in order to provide Haka Tours with the opportunity to address such complaint promptly and effectively. The tour guest agrees to inform the Tour manager or their tour advisor at the earliest opportunity. Haka Tours assumes no liability for complaints that are not properly brought to attention with sufficient notice to resolve or attempt to resolve guest complaints. Any complaint made after the completion of a tour must be received in writing to their tour advisor as soon as possible after the tour. The tour guest or group leader acknowledges and agrees that Haka Tours will not accept any liability for claims received after the tour.
20. 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.
21. Severability
In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
22. Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Booking Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Nothing in these Booking Conditions, including this clause 17, affects your rights as a consumer to rely on any applicable local laws.
23. Promotional terms
We adhere to Intrepid’s Ethical Marketing Guidelines – which are a commitment to Intrepid’s vision of “changing the way we all see the world”, and to building a more inclusive travel industry overall. We also follow the Advertising Standards Authority Code to ensure that we carry out advertising is undertaken in a responsible manner.
From time to time, we may run promotions and special offers (Promotions) on our website which are subject to both these Booking Conditions and any additional promotion-specific terms which are incorporated into these Booking Conditions by reference. You should ensure that you read the specific conditions that apply to each Promotion.
Promotions are available for a limited time, as defined on our website. We reserve the right to cancel or change any Promotion at any time at our discretion. By purchasing a trip on a promotional basis, you agree and accept the terms that apply to the applicable Promotion. In the event of any inconsistencies between these Booking Conditions and the Promotional terms, the Promotional terms apply to your booking.