North Island Group Adventure

10 Days / 9 Nights

North Island Group Adventure

10 Days / 9 Nights
Departures: June - December 2022

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Trip Style
Group Travel

Nature & Adventure

Departure city: Auckland, New Zealand
End city: Auckland, New Zealand

Tour Leaders / Guides
You have someone local to show you around
Group Tour
Meet like-minded people and new friends

Discover the incredible biodiversity of New Zealand on this exciting 10-day trip. Explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and marvel at the giant Kauri trees of the mighty Waipoua Forest. Experience the Maori culture visiting an authentic Maori village and learn more about their legends and traditions. Hike one of the greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and get some breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.

Trip

Highlights

  • Explore the "Tongariro National Park", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit the authentic Tamaki Maori village and learn more about their culture
  • Get some of New Zealand´s most spectacular views from the famous Cathedral Cove
Trip

Inclusions

9 Nights Accommodation
multi-share accommodation (or upgrade to twin/double/single) in hostels
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners
Extras
Accommodation pick-up
Transport
All transportations from A to B throughout the trip
Tour Leader / Guide
English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Toiletries/Towel
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Other meals/drinks
  • Tips
Trip

Itinerary

Departure Time: 07:30 hrs

Duration: 10 days 

 

Explore the beautiful seaside town Paihia

 

Nau mai, haere mai (welcome)! Your adventure will start in New Zealand´s largest city, Auckland, known as the "city of sails" due to its location between the Waitemata and Manukau harbors, making it a boaters paradise. You will be picked up at your accommodation quite early and you will go north to the seaside town of Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. You will have the opportunity to hug some of the world´s mightiest trees, the famous native Kauri. Then, hike to a beautiful waterfall before stopping for a tasty lunch and swimming at the scenic Waipu Cove. You will then discover the most important historic site of New Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (own expense) before going back to your accommodation where a delicious group meal will wait for you.

 

Please Note: Waitangi Treaty Grounds is an optional activity.

 

Meals: D

 

 

Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands

 

This morning, we will take off on a cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands, composed of 144 subtropical islands, bursting with marine life. If you are lucky, you will even have the chance to observe wild dolphins. In the afternoon, we will head to the Hokianga Harbour where you can admire the huge sand dunes. In the evening, you will be able to take part in a Maori guided-tour twilight encounter where you will explore the mysterious Waipoua forest, learn about Maori legends and the spiritual inhabitants of the forest before visiting the largest Kauri tree in the world, the "God of the Forest" Tan Mahuta (own expense). Your day will end with a tasty Kiwi classic for dinner, traditional fish, and chips.

 

Please Note: Footprints Waipoua twilight encounter and bone carving are optional activities.

 

Meals: B, D

Go sandboarding and visit the amazing Waipoua Forest

 

Today, take a ferry ride to across the Hokianga Harbour and get the chance to go sandboarding down massive dunes (depending on the weather), We will then continue our way to the magical Waipoua forest where you will be able to observe New Zealand´s largest Kauri trees. Then, we will visit the stunning Kai Iwi Lakes where you will admire the beautiful white-sand beach and refresh in the magnificent crystal clear waters. You will then return to your accommodation in Auckland in the late afternoon where you will have some rest.

 

Meals: B

Marvel at the beautiful Hahei Beach and enjoy a traditional cooking class

 

Today, we will head south-east to the fabulous Hahei Beach from which you will access the famous Catedral Cove. Only accessible by boat, kayak or foot, you will get some of New Zealand´s most spectacular and stunning views in this beautiful coastal spot. After this amazing seaside exploration, enjoy a hands-on "Kaimoana"(seafood) cooking class and prepare a succulent feast of fresh local seafood for dinner (non-seafood option available).

 

Please Note: Cathedral Cove kayaks are an optional activity.

 

Meals: D

Stop at Rotorua and discover the authentic Tamaki Maori village.

 

Start your day driving to the beautiful Hot Water Beach, a unique surf beach where you can dig a hole in the sand and create your personal spa pool (tide dependent). Before heading towards Rotorua, enjoy a walk to watch the whitewater rafters navigate the waterfalls of the mighty Kaituna River. We will continue our way to arrive in the authentic Tamaki Maori village in the evening where you will learn about Maori art, traditions, and ancient rituals. Finish your day with a delicious hangi (Maori feast) and enjoy an entertaining cultural performance.

 

Meals: B, D

Enjoy your free day in Rotorua.

 

Today, feel free to discover Rotorua, famous for its Maori heritage, adventure, and geothermal activity. Ge the opportunity to do some amazing optional activities such as a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, white water rafting, ziplining through native flora, mountain biking, and more. Finish your day experiencing the hot pools at the luxurious Polynesian Spa.

 

Please Note: Hobbiton Movie Set, whitewater rafting, zorbing, the luge, ziplining, mountain biking, and Polynesian spa are optional activities.

 

Meals: B

Visit the spectacular Tongariro National Park.

 

Start your day very early so that you can have plenty of time to discover the magical Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get the chance to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered as one of the world´s best one-day walks. Trek through fascinating flora and fauna while marveling at the spectacular volcanic scenery and the stunning turquoise lakes. Alternatively, you will also have the option to walk on shorter trails around this volcanic region or visit the Volcanic Center Museum.

 

Meals: B, L, D

Explore the award-winning Blue Duck Station.

 

This morning, have the chance to relax or sleep as we won´t leave until mid-morning. We will head towards one of the most remote parts of the North Island, to the Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro. Experience a 4WD Bush Safari and a farm adventure on this 7,200-acre high country farm, that it as the singularity to be both a working sheep and beef station and an environmental conservation leader. You will get the opportunity to explore the New Zealand native flora, discover the remains of the local history and learn about the farm´s conservation efforts. After this amazing day, enjoy a tasty meal with local produce.

 

Meals: B, D

Visit the vibrant city Wellington.

 

Start your day early to arrive around midday in Wellington, known as the "coolest little capital in the world" thanks to Lonely Planet and its vibrant culture as you can enjoy lively arts scenes, shopping, craft beers, and coffees. You will also be able to spot at New Zealand´s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Then, some great options will be offered to you as you can tour the world-famous Weta Workshop, admire the wonderful Te Papa National Museum or walk along the popular Oriental Parade.

 

Please Note: Weta Workshop Tour, Te Papa National Museum and craft beer sampling are optional activities.

 

Meals: B

Visit the beautiful Wellington National Park.

 

Enjoy your last day visiting the National Park where you will get the opportunity to take breathtaking photos. After lunch, we will finish our trip going back to New Zealand´s largest city, Auckland, in the late afternoon. We hope you had a blast on your New Zealand journey!

 

Meals: B

Terms and conditions apply.  Subject to change and availability.  Prices are per person twin share and subject to currency fluctuation. (ba)