MoaTours

30/04/2024

On our Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair 7 day tour, we visit beautiful Villa Candotti.

Peter and Jeanette Cranstouns' Villa Candotti, located in Colyton, is an Italian Renaissance inspired garden they have created from bare sheep paddocks.

Check out the Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair tour below:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/country-roads-cross-hills-gardens-fair/ -day-5

Another beautiful day here and just love the wisteria as it starts to get the autumn color

25/04/2024

Our Kiwi Guide Tim truly loves this 7 day small group tour to Te Urewera, Mahia and Gisborne. Here's what he has to say.

"Our Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia tour takes in what is often unknown, unseen and little appreciated and lays them all before you to easily enjoy. We know you’ll love it and I look forward to sharing this wonderful area and people with our travellers".

Have a read through his best memories and experiences here 👉
https://www.moatours.co.nz/blog/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia-kiwi-guide-stories

08/04/2024

**MoaTours small group escapes - new brochure out now️!**

Our new brochure for the 2024/2025 season features all our itineraries from September 2024 until May 2025.

Our leisurely paced itineraries are five to seven days in length and cover the country from Cape Reinga in the North to Stewart Island in the South. Each tour focuses on just one or two regions so you will have time to enjoy their special attractions and discover those off the beaten track places. And you’ll end each day in quality, en suite accommodation with a great “sense of place”.

MoaTours holidays are designed especially for mature travellers who want to explore our beautiful countryside, enjoy special annual events and get to know the locals over relaxed lunches in their homes.

From the moment you step on board our coach (maximum 18 travellers) everything is taken care of by our knowledgeable and helpful Kiwi guide. All meals, sightseeing, entrance fees and activities are included in your tour cost. All South Island tours include return Auckland/Auckland airfares and flights are arranged for travellers joining from other regions.

We’re a family owned business and we’ve been running unforgettable small group tours of New Zealand since 1971. It’s our mission to make travelling around our beautiful country the best travelling experience you’ve ever had. It’s what we live for.

Sound good so far? If you would like to get a copy of the new brochure, head over to our website, enter in your postal address and we will get one to you.

Your next holiday - in the palm of your hand🤲

https://www.moatours.co.nz/get-brochure

12/03/2024

Wow 🤩, turn your sound up for this one! Listen to the beautiful birdsong at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

On our Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia 7 day tour, we visit this stunning ancient forest for a guided walk and to learn all about the amazing work being done here.

If you’d like to join us, check out the itinerary here:

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia

19/02/2024

The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds - 7 day small group tour

We follow rail, river and walking tracks, once the lifeblood of the Central North Island. Ride rail carts and cruise the Whanganui River by jet boat up to the landing to The Bridge to Nowhere. Then the delights of Hawke's Bay await, reached via the historic “Gentle Annie” route.

Please note: This tour requires a good standard of fitness and mobility.👣

Take a look at some of our favourite images from this incredible historical tour here 👉https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/bridge-nowhere-forgotten-worlds/gallery

02/02/2024

Discover the Winterless North on our Northland Odyssey: Cape Reinga & Bay of Islands 6 day small group tour this May

Join us on a magical tour to the timeless, stunning Far North and meet friendly locals to hear the stories from Kupe to Waitangi and whalers to missionaries. Take in the magnificent views from Cape Reinga lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, and cruise out on the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stroll with our local guide in the Waipoua Forest to magnificent Tane Mahuta and meet Sparky the rescued Kiwi.
Find out more about our May tour here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/northland-odyssey-cape-reinga-bay-islands/whats-included -tabs

24/01/2024

Wairarapa Wandering - 7 Day Small Group Tour

Of course, we are biased when we say our MoaTours small group escapes for mature travellers are the best, but here's what our happy travellers have to say about their Wairarapa Wandering tour.

"Good group and lots of laughs. Top marks for Brackenridge Country Retreat – we would go back again. We enjoyed Cape Palliser lighthouse, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre and Longbush Cottage Garden, the farmhouse lunch near Mangaweka and the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, Tauwhare." Toni and Tony, 2023

"We enjoyed everything as usual - great service, lovely food, accommodation and a fantastic guide. With such an interesting itinerary, we also saw some unique sights. The three day stay at Brackenridge Country Retreat was one of the highlights. The group was a fun crowd and we all mixed and mingled with lots of laughter. Thanks for a great time!” Shirley, 2023

Find out more about our April and May tours here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/wairarapa-wandering/

14/01/2024

Wow - here are some more stunning photos taken by our friends Paula and Swade at Okarito Boat Tours!

You can visit Okarito on our Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails 7 day tour. We have just one date left for the season departing 11th May. If you'd like to join us, check out the itinerary here:

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/karamea-wild-west-coast-trails/

08/01/2024

Early Explorers tour from Queen Charlotte Sound to Akaroa - 6 nights/7 days

We are so lucky to have such wonderful clients join our MoaTours. Diana was on our Early Explorers tour from Queen Charlotte Sound to Akaroa in December and wrote this beautiful poem about her experience that we just had to share!

MOA ADVENTURES IN MARLBOROUGH AND CANTERBURY
The Moa didn’t fly, but a bunch of us did;
We took a flight to the South Island grid -
There we stayed a while in Queen Charlotte Sound;
Giving us time to explore around-
The towns of Blenheim and Picton too
Where the waters are calm and very deep blue;
But it rained a lot for about a day
So we changed the plans as we went on our way.
Down to Clarence where an earthquake struck
Back in 2016,at midnight, such bad luck
But no one died, the land just erupted
And some of the farms got readjusted.
We saw Kaikoura’s seals along the road
And the mended railway carrying a trainload.
After that coast we headed for Akaroa’s venue
Where French toast was on the breakfast menu.
What a charming town and families of old.
In a garden nearby the history was told.
Wine-tasting, farmlands green and in order
Animals watching from paddocks at road’s border
At Little River with its crafts and cheese
We had our final lunch together at ease
From Moa tours we learned a great deal;
About the South and we got to feel
That the whalers of old had it rough
Even now the people must be tough;
But home we came with memories galore
Moa tours are certainly worth more
Than staying in our urban oasis-
Kiwis should always explore other places!

- Diana Burslem December 2023

If you would like to experience the same magical holiday that Diana and the rest of her group did, head over to our website to read the full itinerary here:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/early-explorers-queen-charlotte-sound-akaroa/

23/12/2023

🎄Meri Kirihimete/ Merry Christmas from MoaTours 🎄

Wishing all our fabulous followers a magical festive season and a happy New Year! Some of us lucky one's will be spending the holiday season seeing more of beautiful New Zealand.

Have a look at these gorgeous pictures from some of our recent MoaTours. If you’d like to see more of New Zealand, we’d love you to join us on a tour next year!

You can find all our tour dates here:

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/dates-availability/

19/12/2023

Te Urewera, Waikaremoana, Mahia and Gisborne - join us on this spiritual and sacred journey to this stunning part of New Zealand.

This is a special 7 day tour into a corner of the North Island travelling an eastward trail to the remote and primeval forests of Te Urewera to meet local guides and hear their stories. Along the way there are close up wildlife encounters (Kiwi's and stingrays) as we explore the stunning coastline famous for surf breaks (and rockets at Mahia), visit eco-sanctuaries and have fun at Awakeri riding the railcarts along the tracks.

Take a look at some of our tour images here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia/gallery -tabs

06/12/2023

Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails - 7 day all inclusive small group tour

Experience a part of New Zealand that most locals have never ever been to! 🤫

Day 1 - From Nelson we drive through the Buller Gorge and onto Murchison for lunch.
Day 2 - First we visit beautiful Oparara Basin in Kahurangi National Park and stroll through the forest to see the Moira Gate Arch. Across a swing bridge over the Kohaihai River, at the start of the Heaphy Track, we walk a loop track through the nikau forest.
Day 3 - We stay two nights at the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki on the edge of the Tasman Sea and dine in both evenings.
Day 4 - We take a short stroll out to the sculptured limestone stacks of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks - they make a dramatic sight and the coastal scenery is wonderful. At Charleston we ride the Nile River Canyon train through the rainforest in Paparoa National Park.
Day 5 - Many artisans live in Hokitika and there’s an eclectic mix of galleries and shops displaying works in pounamu, gold, glass, paua, copper, stone, ruby rock and even socks.
Day 6 - At Okarito we take an hour’s cruise with Swade out on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in untouched wetlands bordered by ancient forest giants.
Day 7 - We head up the spectacular Otira Viaduct and take short walks in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continuing through magnificent alpine and river scenery and a walk among the limestone outcrops at Castle Hill Kura Tawhiti Conservation area. We descend Porter's Pass to the Canterbury Plains and transfer to Christchurch Airport for the flight home.

Next tour is May 2024 - read all the details here:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/karamea-wild-west-coast-trails/

30/11/2023

Our lovely host Brenda Tahi at Manawa Honey NZ - Manuka & Wild Forest Honey Production Specialist accepting our ‘Supplier of the Year Award’ with our happy MoaTours guests! We’re so lucky to visit special places like this on our 7 day Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia tour.

Thanks for looking after us Brenda 🌺💜

Humbled to be awarded 'Supplier of the Year' for Moa Tours in 2023.

Moa Tours runs tours on and off the beaten track across the country and we're on their programme. We enjoy❤ sharing history and aspects of life about Ruatāhuna as we believe it engenders understanding with people that wouldn't normally get to visit us here. We also love sharing all about bees🐝🐝 and, of course, our honey!🍯

Last week they arrived with a special gift for us as the 'Supplier of the Year" - their customers had chosen Manawa Honey as their favourite tourist attraction😄❤

Thank you MoaTours for all those beautiful goodies😊❤

24/11/2023

Another happy group of MoaTours guests enjoying their visit to the beautiful Brookfield Park Gardens on our 7 day Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete tour. We are so lucky to be able to visit such wonderful places! 🌺🌷🌼

24/11/2023

Some of our happy MoaTours guests visiting the Whanganui Regional Museum on our 7 day The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds tour!

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/bridge-nowhere-forgotten-worlds/

02/11/2023

🏝Island Escape - Aotea Great Barrier Island 5 day/ 4 nights 🛩

Dreaming of an Island getaway this summer? Escape to the stunningly beautiful Aotea Great Barrier Island with MoaTours, just a 30 minute, scenic flight away from Auckland.

Enjoy a leisurely holiday exploring bush lined roads, stunning beaches and harbours on our 5 day Aotea Great Barrier Island Escape tour. You'll love the opportunity to meet local artisans, guides and island personalities as we get to know this little island of paradise, it's the perfect getaway.

Here's what Caroline had to say about her Aotea Great Barrier Island Escape tour:

"It is not often that expectations of a trip are exceeded. It was a step back in time. The island is physically beautiful with unspoilt forest and glorious beaches. There are no power poles, minimum signage and well maintained roads for the light traffic. Visitors are warmly greeted and before long feel as part of the community. Hugs abound when you leave."

Find out about tour availability here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/aotea-great-barrier-island-escape/

31/10/2023

Coromandel Caper - home to the Driving Creek Railway 🛺

This 6 day Coromandel Caper small group tour includes the famous Coromandel Driving Creek Railway among many other fantastic experiences.

"For me Barry Brickell's creation Driving Creek Railway represents the uniqueness of the Coromandel Peninsula - it's creative, original and fun and with a " just do it" attitude. Riding the train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower is a treat." - What Tracy from MoaTours loves about this tour.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the itinerary you can expect on this tour.

Day 1:
We lunch at the Trellis Tearoom at Rapaura Watergardens where you can wander among native trees and lily ponds to a cascading waterfall and dine at Pepper Tree Restaurant in Coromandel this evening.

Day 2:
Sit back as we explore the heart of the Peninsula. We visit Driving Creek Railway to ride the narrow gauge mountain railway train up through the bush to the pinnacle – the Eyefull Tower which lives up to its name – the views are magnificent.
After lunch we catch up with screen printing artist Pete Sephton who will be our guide as we tour the town's historic buildings and visit artists' studios.

To see the full 6 day itinerary, visit our website on the link below:

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/coromandel-caper/

24/10/2023

Have you ever been to Whanganui?

Many people don't know that the Whanganui River was part of the main route linking Wellington and Auckland before the Desert Road was completed, that's why it's such a historical part of the country.

Now with special protection under law with the same rights as a person "Te Awa o Whanganui" is one of those special NZ places you have to get to! An extra special way to see this glorious river is by jetboat.

See for yourself on our 7 days/ 6 nights The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds tour.

Find more information and our latest availability here:

https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/bridge-nowhere-forgotten-worlds/

03/10/2023

Back Country Tracks: Rakaia to Kaikoura Coast - 7 day small group South Island tour

Read what some of our travellers thought of their Back Country Tracks tour experience:

Sue, October 2022
"Loved it, loved it, loved it. Adored the gardens, houses, stations, scenery and people and hearing their stories. I admired the calibre of the places we saw and the generosity of spirit, time, information and beautiful food provided by our hosts. They opened their homes to us. It was great to see a part of New Zealand not usually visited. Lovely views of the mountains and lakes from the Stations, and also a bonus to see the effects of the Kaikoura earthquake. This was the very first tour of this itinerary, I am sure it will become a favourite."

Terry, December 2022
"Recently myself and my husband took the Back Country Tracks tour with MoaTours. After a stressful year this proved to be exactly what we needed as Moa took care of everything from the point of leaving our local airport until returning to the same spot. We experienced visiting many places inaccessible to touring public and enjoyed along the way the great hospitality of our hosting South Islanders. Our Kiwi Guide was very knowledgeable on areas covered, we were always kept well informed on our daily programme and, most importantly, he was a great driver, I felt Andrew went above and beyond to ensure we all had an enjoyable trip."

Margie, April 2023
"We had a fantastic tour which we highly recommend. We met inspiring farmers on back country stations who shared their stories with us. We were blown away by their grit and determination to find their way through adverse circumstances. We enjoyed fabulous scenery, gorgeous gardens and delicious food. Our Kiwi Guide was interesting, capable and a fabulous driver. It was one of the best tours we have ever been on, thank you Moa."

We have just one Back Country Tracks tour with availability departing 17 December so let us know if you'd like to join us! To view the full itinerary and tour details click the link below:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/back-country-tracks-rakaia-kaikoura-coast/dates-availability

26/09/2023

Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia - 7 day small group tour

ITINERARY DAY 4:
We visit Gisborne's natural and historic places including a guided visit at Tatapouri Bay to the stingrays on the reef and local marine life. At Waikereru Ecosanctuary, an Ark in the Bush, we're guided through this haven for rare and endangered native plants and birds.

We meet our guide at the Tairawhiti Museum and dine out and stay in Gisborne this evening.

If experiencing NZ nature and wildlife is on your bucket list - come and join us!

To read the full itinerary click the link below:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia/

18/09/2023

Explore the stunning Coromandel Peninsula on our all inclusive 5 night/6 day Coromandel Caper tour!

Experience the beauty of Rapaura Watergardens and Barry Brickell’s legacy, quirky Driving Creek railway to historic Coromandel township and the sandy eastern beaches of Whangapoua, Hot Water Beach, Hahei and Whangamata. Other highlights include a cruise to Cathedral Cove on a glass bottom boat and a visit to Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre accompanied by a nature guide.
The roads we take on this tour are fully open so this tour is a great way to get out to this region and show your support for the amazing people that call Coromandel home!

Departs:
3 December 2023
14 April 2024

We take a maximum of 18 travellers so it's like travelling with a bunch of friends. All activities, entrance fees, accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners are included.

To check out the full itinerary click the link below:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand.../coromandel-caper/

14/09/2023

Explore the beauty of New Zealand with our adventurous The Bridge To Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds 7 Day small group tour

This tour is packed with adventure and activities that get you out into the parts of NZ that you may never have even known about, or been to before.

🛡Visit the Rangiriri battlefields in Waikato
🍴Lunch at Crosshills farm
💜Enjoy Lauren's Lavender Farm
🛺Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World Adventure
🛟Jet boat adventure on the Whanganui River
🌁Walk over the 100 year old Springvale Suspension Bridge
🌊Safari to the Gannets nesting at Cape Kidnappers
🏺Lunch at the Sculpture Park in the Waitakaruru Arboretum

If these activities sound like fun, take a look at the full itinerary here:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/bridge-nowhere-forgotten-worlds/

07/09/2023

👣 NORTH ISLAND TOURS 👣

We have so many incredible North Island tours on offer at MoaTours, it's hard to decide which are our favourites! Here are just a few from the spectacular North Island covering stunning beaches, primeval forests and culture!

☀️Coromandel Caper - 6 day tour
🌳Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia - 7 day tour
🛺The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds - 7 day tour
⛰Wairarapa Wandering - 7 day tour

These tours are all inclusive - all meals, all experiences/activities and accommodation. This means our tour prices are very clear with no hidden extras!

Over the next week we'll be sharing some further details and images on each of these above mentioned tours but if you can't wait, visit the link below to see all our North Island tour itineraries:
https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/north-island

24/08/2023

From Station to Sea to Sand - be a part of our charming Molesworth Station, Abel Tasman & Golden Bay 7 day small group tour.

Here are just some of the tour Inclusions to get you excited:

🥨 Lunch with Penny Zino at Flaxmere Farm Garden
🐎 Explore historic Molesworth Station with a local guide
🌊 Drive over Lewis Pass and see the beautiful Maruia Falls
🐬 Cruise the world famous Abel Tasman coastline
🍴 Lunch at the Anatoki Salmon Farm
〽️ Tour the Farewell Spit and see the dramatic cliffs at Cape Farewell with a local tour guide
🎨 Call into Mapua Wharf and Upper Moutere art and food shops

To find out more click on the link to our website below: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/molesworth-station-abel-tasman-golden-bay

31/07/2023

The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds - 6 nights/ 7 days

One of the highlights of this tour is discovering the majestic Whanganui River by jetboat with our friends at Whanganui River Adventures! Hear the story behind the Bridge to Nowhere from your local guide before taking an optional easy grade 40 minute walk to see the bridge in all its glory.

We have three dates to choose from:
04 - 10 Nov 2023
12 - 18 Nov 2023
08 - 14 Apr 2024

We thought you might enjoy this snippet of one of our happy groups jetboating on the Whanganui River!

For the full itinerary and more information click the link below: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/bridge-nowhere-forgotten-worlds/

23/07/2023

Kakapo are back on the mainland - Heartfelt congratulations to our friends at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and all those involved in this amazing achievement!

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a world class conservation project which aims to continue the species re-introduction and breeding programmes to create biodiversity in a sound ecological environment.

You can learn more about their critical work on our 7 day Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia tour which includes a guided visit of the ecosanctuary.

Read the full itinerary here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia/

"This is a nationally significant if not internationally significant project here at Sanctuary Mountain."

20/07/2023

Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia

This special 6 nights/7 days tour is full of diverse experiences including a visit to Waikereru Ecosanctuary, a reef ecology tour with stingrays, a tour of a truffle farm and more.

Our tour spends a unique day in the Murupara region with Nadine and Karl Toe Toe, owners of Kohutapu Lodge. We hear how tourism and their lodge bring benefits to the local community over a Hangi after a guided tour of the Whirinaki forest.

If you are looking for a tour focusing on nature and culture, this is the tour for you!

Find the detailed itinerary on our website here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/te-urewera-waikaremoana-mahia/

16/07/2023

Back Country Tracks: Rakaia to Kaikoura Coast

Our newest tour has quickly become a favourite amongst our travellers. This 6 nights/7 days itinerary explores the back roads of Canterbury, the Hurunui, the Kaikoura ranges and Clarence River Valley and onto Marlborough.

We visit historic sheep stations at the foot of the Southern Alps, meet the gardeners and enjoy country hospitality as we hear the stories of high country life.

We spend our final day in Marlborough where we take a private lunch cruise out on beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to see mussel and salmon farms and learn about the aquaculture industry.

Here are some of the lovely hosts you'll get to meet on tour :)

Check out the full itinerary here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/back-country-tracks-rakaia-kaikoura-coast/ -tabs

29/06/2023

Explore Ulva Island & Cruise Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island with MoaTours.

Learn about Stewart Island’s history, while cruising in the 100 square kilometre, island-dotted Paterson Inlet on a modern catamaran. Patterson Inlet is on the east coast of Stewart Island, the largest inlet island being Ulva.

The Ulva Island Explorer tour will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoilt beaches.

Paterson Inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island and we stop there for a 45 minute guided walk.

The island is home to weka (native woodhen), bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand’s rarest plant species.

Our 7 day Southern Odyssey - Stewart Island & the Catlins tour includes a two night stay on Stewart Island with a day out exploring Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island, as well as a night in the Catlins Coast to complete your Southern Odyssey.

Find out more here: https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/southern-odyssey/

13/06/2023

Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens Tour - 5 nights / 6 days

This tour makes the most the most of New Plymouth while the rhododendrons are blooming and focuses on showcasing the most beautiful gardens of the North Island.

We visit 12 private gardens, meet their passionate gardeners and wander the magnificent Pukeiti and Tupare.

Our tours take place in October by which time, hundreds of exotics have started to flower.

We still have seats available on these tour dates:
🌸 11 - 16 October
🌸 14 - 19 October

Check out the full itinerary here https://www.moatours.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/taranaki-rhododendron-gardens/