Embark on the journey of a lifetime with our 21 day fully guided Kakapo small group tour, a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation. This extraordinary three-week experience takes you on an immersive exploration of New Zealand’s scenic wonders, from the enchanting landscapes of the North Island to the captivating beauty of the South Island.
Our 21 day tour reveals iconic landmarks and hidden gems off the usual tourist trails. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry, savor local delicacies, and forge lasting memories with like-minded travelers.
Join us on this unparalleled adventure, where every day unveils a new chapter of discovery and awe. From the vibrant cities to the untouched wilderness, our Kakapo tour promises an unforgettable blend of excitement and tranquility. Embrace the essence of New Zealand in the company of passionate guides and fellow explorers, making your dream vacation a reality.
Auckland – Hokianga Harbour – Bay of Islands – Auckland – Rotorua -Tongariro National Park – Wellington – Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park – Kaikoura – Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Wanaka – Franz Josef Glacier – Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park – Christchurch
Our Kakapo 21-Day New Zealand Tour is the most popular tour we offer. It is the culmination of all the tours we have run and the feedback we have received since we started back in 1971. Our goal is to offer our travelers the most comprehensive three-week tour of New Zealand.
Our adventure begins in Northland, the ‘birthplace of the nation’. Our first stop is the remarkable Kauri Museum in Matakohe, where we can learn about the history and significance of the mighty kauri tree. After that, we head to the ancient Waipoua Kauri forest to meet our friends from Ngapuhi, the northernmost Maori tribe. Ngapuhi serves as the guardians of the Hokianga Harbour, where Kupe, “the great navigator,” became the first person to set foot on Aotearoa. Upon arrival, our hosts welcome us with a special “Karakia,” after which we take a walk to see the magnificent kauri tree, “Tane Mahuta.” To end the day, we relax and enjoy a drink with new friends in our beachside accommodation.
Embark on a thrilling cruise across the harbor to the dunes where you can indulge in sandboarding or enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach. Once you return to Omapere, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique and immersive cultural offering of Manea – Footprints of Kupe. In the enchanting Bay of Islands, our expert guides await you at Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you can witness a mesmerizing cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house. As the day draws to a close, unwind and relax for two nights at the luxurious Copthorne Hotel & Resort.
While cruising through the Bay of Islands, make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and take the opportunity to snorkel in the beautiful waters. The region is rich in both Maori and colonial history, with our trip including a stop at Russell; a charming town with a lively past dating back to the 19th century. Once referred to as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”, it was also the first capital of New Zealand. After the excursion, you can return to Paihia and Waitangi by ferry.
On our guided walk through the limestone cave of Kawiti, we were able to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of twinkling glowworms. The caves are still owned by the descendants of Maori chief Kawiti, who began showing visitors around in the 1950s. After our visit, we made a stop in Whangarei before continuing our journey down the East Coast to stay at the Nesuto Stadium Hotel in Auckland.
We take a walk through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, where we can witness its dramatic river scenery, explore the native bush and also see the remnants of the early goldmines. During our visit to a Kiwifruit orchard, we learn all about this famous fruit. The highlight of our trip is a private cruise on a new hybrid boat on Lake Rotoiti, where we get to visit secluded bays and hot pools that can only be reached by water. We will be staying for two nights at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
After some free time to explore Rotorua’s attractions or stroll along the shores of Lake Rotorua near your hotel, we will head towards Lake Tarawera to have lunch with the Walmsley family. They have a rich history to share with us, comprising of their Maori and Pakeha (European) roots in this region, which was once renowned for the Pink and White Terraces. The lake is a beautiful spot, and we will enjoy the company of the Walmsleys while savoring the delicious lunch.
During our trip, we visite the surreal and geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu, which was full of bubbling mud pools, silica terraces, and deep pools in unforgettable colors. We also stop by the thundering Huka Falls and the shores of Lake Taupo before driving up to Mt. Ruapehu for panoramic views. We took a walk on a trail in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park before spending the night in a nearby location.
Enjoy short walks in the beautiful region before we continue down the center of the island to Taihape, the gumboot capital of the world. Discover how far you can throw a gumboot. In Wellington, we will visit the city’s main attractions and enjoy the stunning view from Mt. Victoria. We will be staying for two nights at The Bolton Hotel, located in “the coolest little capital in the world”.
You have the entire day to yourself to enjoy. The waterfront and Te Papa National Museum are just a short walk away, offering a range of fun activities along with some great cafes and boutique breweries. Wellington is famously known as the spiritual home of “The Lord of the Rings”, so you can also visit Weta Workshop and explore the magical world of Middle Earth.
We cross Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and sail through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to reach Picton and step ashore on the South Island. We make a stop at Forrest Estate Wines in Marlborough, which is renowned for its premier wines, to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. We then proceed to Nelson and check-in at Tides Hotel, where we will be staying for two nights.
We will be meeting our local guide at Kaiteriteri Beach from where we will embark on a catamaran and walk along the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline. You can choose to walk as much or as little as you wish, and along the way, you will witness the stunning islands, bays, estuaries, and sandy beaches. You will also get time to relax on the beach with a picnic lunch and take a swim before we head back to Nelson.
The road winds alongside the stunning coastline that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. In the afternoon, you can explore the abundant marine life in Kaikoura, which is a result of the nearby ocean canyon. There are also optional activities available, such as whale-watching flights and sunset kayaking. Our accommodation is located close to the seal colony at The White Morph.
Our journey from Kaikoura leads us to the Hunderlee Hills and further to the Canterbury Plains, where we are greeted by our hospitable hosts Di and Ian Mackenzie. They welcome us to their Akaunui Farm homestead, surrounded by stunning gardens, where we are served a memorable lunch. Our road trip includes a visit to the picturesque turquoise-colored lakes, Tekapo and Pukaki, which offer unforgettable photo opportunities. Finally, we reach Aoraki/Mt Cook Village located in the majestic Alps, where we will be staying.
Embark on a journey to discover the stunning landscape of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. You can take a leisurely walk on an easy track from the village, or indulge in a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. Later, we will drive through the picturesque golden tussock lands of the Lindis Pass and make our way to Scenic Suites in Queenstown, where we will be staying for three nights.
We will follow the shores of the magnificent lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau as we journey towards the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. During our trip, we will embark on a cruise that takes us on Milford Sound, which is home to seal colonies and dolphins, and is dominated by the iconic Mitre Peak. The day will end with a magnificent scenic flight over the Southern Alps, bringing us back to Queenstown.
Today is a great day to take advantage of the countless activities that Queenstown has to offer. Your Kiwi Guide is available to help you select from a variety of options including a jet boat ride on the Dart River surrounded by the stunning scenery from the Lord of the Rings movie, wine tasting at the vineyards, or a day hike on the famous Routeburn Track, among many other choices.
Located in the picturesque village of Arrowtown, you can experience the rich history of gold mining along the Arrow River. After driving over the Crown Range and admiring the last views of the Wakatipu basin, you can stop for refreshments at the stunning Cardrona Hotel. During your stay at Edgewater, our lakeside hotel, you can enjoy activities such as biking along the waterfront trail or kayaking on the lake.
Mt Aspiring National Park’s Haast Pass offers a mesmerizing experience with its well-maintained short tracks leading to cascading waterfalls and clear blue pools. While exploring the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the wild West Coast beaches and lush primeval rainforest. Before we reach Franz Josef, let’s make a stop at Lake Matheson and then stay at the Scenic Hotel to complete our trip.
You have the morning free to either walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or opt for a helihike, flight, or a cruise out on Okarito Lagoon to search for the rare Kotuku, White Heron. Later, in Hokitika – the home of Pounamu (greenstone) – you will meet the carvers of this treasured stone. You will stay for two nights beside the beach at the Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki.
Explore the top local attractions by taking a walk to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The Paparoa Park offers magnificent towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations, surrounded by river valleys of subtropical forest. While you are there, you can also take a walk to an isolated beach or to witness the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Additionally, don’t miss out on the amazing experience of visiting the glow worm cave at Charleston.
As we leave the West Coast, we drive towards the Otira Viaduct, a breathtaking cantilevered road that takes us to the alpine beech forests located in Arthur’s Pass National Park. During our journey, we make a few stops to take short walks in the forest and explore the fascinating rock formations at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill. The stunning landscapes that surround us provide a perfect ending to our adventure.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
• Milford to Queenstown flight
• Nature cruise on Milford Sound
• Abel Tasman cruise, guided walk
• Marlborough lunch & tasting
• Bay of Islands private cruise
• Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot pools
• See Kawiti glowworm caves
• Tane Mahuta with Maori guides
• Hokianga Harbour Cruise
• Manea – Footprints of Kupe, a unique cultural experience
• Sandboard & stroll on the dunes
• Lunch at Akaunui Farm
• Stroll Wai-O-Tapu’s wonderland
• Cultural performance, Waitangi
• Guided visit of Waitangi Grounds
• Kauri Museum, Matakohe
• Meet a Kiwifruit orchardist
• Ferry across Cook Strait
• Lunch at Lake Tarawera
INCLUDED MEALS
• All breakfasts
• Four lunches: Lake Tarawera, Rotorua, with the Walmsley family; Forrest Estate Vineyard Marlborough, with wine tasting; Akaunui Farm homestead, Canterbury with Di & Ian Mackenzie; Picnic on the beach, in Abel Tasman National Park
SIGHTSEEING & EXPLORING
• Explore Russell, Bay of Islands
• Walk in Karangahake Gorge
• Rotorua’s geothermal surprises
• See Huka Falls
• Explore our capital Wellington
• See seal colonies at Kaikoura
• Photograph lovely Lake Tekapo
• See Aoraki/Mt Cook
• Drive dramatic Lindis Pass
• Stay three nights in Queenstown
• Beauty of the Milford Road
• Visit charming & leafy Arrowtown
• Lakes Taupo, Wakatipu & Wanaka
• Walk in Haast Pass beech forests
• Visit blue pools and waterfalls
• See Franz Josef Glacier
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
• Cape Foulwind seal colony
• Stroll at Arthur’s Pass
• Say hi to cheeky kea parrots
• Stroll at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill
VISIT 8 NATIONAL PARKS
Tongariro, Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, Westland, Paparoa, Arthur’s Pass.
You’ll enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in our hand-picked 4-star hotels just a short walk from town.