Romney Fox

Review of Haka Tours

Really great first-time experience of New Zealand ...

Really great first-time experience of New Zealand on Haka's 16 day 'Amplified NZ' tour. Saw many of the highlights of both islands, with all the benefits of travelling with a fun group without having too many (think the buses can only take up to 16). Our guide/driver/chef Daz was brilliant: always enthusiastic, wanting us to make the most of his country both by day and in the evenings, plus lots of memorable catch-phrases! If you have time (I didn't) the Bay of Islands pre-tour extension looked and sounded well worth it from speaking to those on my tour who went. I was glad I paid for a private room upgrade as the trip uses hostels throughout and the shared dorm rooms can be a little crowded and noisy! Tour highlights: kayaking at Cathedral Cove, visiting the stunning Lake Tekapo, both for views from the adjacent mountain by day and the stars by night (it's a low light/dark-sky-reserve), also seeing Mount Doom and other stunning scenery by completing the challenging (and completely optional!) Tongariro Crossing 20km hike on Christmas Day! Oh and spending Christmas and NYs with lots of awesome people including Daz and Maz from Haka, thank you!