North Island Group Adventure

Accommodation Pick-Up & Transfer to Paihia

This morning you will be picked up from your central Auckland accommodation and venture northwards to the town of Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands. Along the way, stop to get in touch with nature and hug giant trees in Parry Kauri Forest. Enjoy the afternoon to explore the small seaside town of Paihia. Overnight in Paihia.

Note: Today you can opt to go skydiving at an extra cost

Today you’ll travel to the northernmost tip of the country at Cape Reinga. Along the way, you’ll drive on stunning 90 Mile Beach. Next, try out the other kind of surfing–hop on a sand-board and cruise down the slopes of giant sand dunes for an unforgettable adventure! See lots of stunning landscapes along the way, including the clashing of 2 oceans! Overnight in Paihia.

This morning we will depart Paihia to do the famous Hole in the Rock Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands. Keep a lookout for bottlenose and common dolphins as well as baleen whales, orca, penguins, seals, and plenty of other sea and birdlife. We depart in the afternoon to head back to the bright lights of Auckland. Overnight in Auckland.

Depart Auckland early and head south to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula via the old colonial town of Thames. After viewing famously beautiful Coromandel, we’ll settle into our accommodation in Hahei before heading to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa pool in the sand (depending on the tides). Overnight in Hahei.

Today you have a full free day to embrace the laid-back Coromandel lifestyle! Get up early to catch the sunrise on the beach, then take a scenic coastal walk or opt to kayak to stunning Cathedral Cove. You can also take a guided boat tour through the cliffs and caves of the nearby marine reserve. Overnight in Hahei.

Note: Kayaking/Boat Tour at Cathedral Cove is optional and for an extra cost

This morning we will leave Hahei early to travel towards the mighty Waikato River before heading on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach. Along the way, we’ll stop for some cow spotting and a walk to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. Chill out on the beach or go hard surfing the waves in this bohemian surf and arts town. Overnight in Raglan.

This morning we’ll head to the small rural town of Waitomo to discover one of the greatest natural wonders of Oceania, the stunningly luminescent glowworm caves (tours into the caves are optional and at your own expense). From here we will continue to Rotorua, where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit the famous Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings movies or explore the town at your leisure. Overnight in Rotorua.

Enjoy a free morning to sleep in or take advantage of the many adventure activities available around Rotorua (not included). We will depart Rotorua at midday and drive into the remote area of Lake Aniwhenua, where we’ll meet a local Maori guide who teaches us about the area’s rich history and take us to visit sacred archaeological sites. At the lodge, our hosts will show us how to prepare the traditional Hangi that will be tonight’s dinner and then sit by the fireplace and share local legends. Overnight in a lakefront lodge.

Meals: D

After breakfast, we will depart and head to Taupo to see the breathtaking Huka Falls and the great lake. Our next stop is the award-winning Blue Duck Station in Blue Duck Station. The beauty of this 5,200-acre high country farm is that it is not only a working sheep and cattle station but an environmental conservation leader too. The station’s owners have developed a fantastic project to help increase the numbers of endangered native New Zealand species including the Blue Duck (Whio in Māori). Overnight at a country station lodge.

Meals: B

Today you have a 4WD bush safari and farm adventure where you’ll get to witness some pretty spectacular scenery and the remains of intriguing local history. There are plenty of other farming and conservation-based activities for you to experience around the property as well if you wish. Overnight at a country station lodge.

Today, we will depart at 6 am to make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park, where you’ll get the chance to do the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing (optional and at your own expense). Overnight in Raetihi (near Tongariro NP).

Note: Volcanic Centre Museum visit is optional and for an extra cost

Please note that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 kilometres and on average takes 7-8 hours. As such, it is not for everyone and there are several shorter walks available if you are looking for something less challenging

We will head out in the morning to start making our way to the capital city of Wellington, making several unmissable stops along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander the city streets at your own pace. Overnight in Wellington.

We will depart Wellington early this morning and begin the long drive back to Auckland, passing by stunning vistas along the way. You will be dropped off in the city centre around 5 pm. We wish you safe travels for your journey onward!