New Zealand: North Island Encompassed
10 days
From $ 1399
Duration10 days
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  • Etepia
  • New Zealand: North Island Encompassed

New Zealand’s North Island thoroughly engages the body and the spirit, often at the same time. This ten-day trip promises loads of both. Up here, you’ll pick up some sustainable living tips on a conservation farm and learn Maori culture straight from the source. Elsewhere, you’ll sea kayak in a secluded harbour, get a surfing lesson from an expert, and overnight on a houseboat. There’s much more, but we’ve gotta leave some surprises, right?

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
New Zealand–North Island Encompassed - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Auckland
Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Arrive at any time. Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.

This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like a local winery, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2: Auckland/Bay of Islands
Depart early and travel to a local reserve with giant kauri trees. Native to New Zealand, these trees are some of the largest in the world. Learn about their importance to European settlement in New Zealand. Head to the Goat Island Marine Reserve for an included activity of snorkelling to see abundant sea life (seasonal).

Continue on to the Bay of Islands and board a houseboat – your home for the night. While on board, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins that may be frolicking nearby!
Travel north via backroads, stopping to see giant kauri trees, and go for an included snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve (seasonal). Board a large houseboat for an overnight trip through the beautiful Bay of Islands. Please note: during the winter months (late April - early November) Goat Island snorkelling will be cancelled due to an earlier departure time for the houseboat. As a result, there will be more time for activities on board the houseboat. Breakfast box Beefsteak and salad buffet

End place: Oneroa Bay

Meals: B, D
Day 3: Bay of Islands/Paihia

Start place: Oneroa Bay

Enjoy a morning of activities from our boat base. Then travel back to the mainland for a walk around the small town of Paihia. An optional visit to the Treaty House in the nearby town of Waitangi is highly recommended.
Enjoy free time in the morning on the boat. Choose to do a number of included water activities like kayaking, snorkelling, fishing or visiting nearby islands. Disembark and explore Paihia before enjoying dinner with the group. Basic muesli, corn flakes, and the captains' favourite porridge Picnic lunch (piece of fruit, sandwich, brownie, and snack bar)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Paihia/Auckland
Take advantage of optional morning activities such as skydiving, fishing or visiting the historic town of Russell. Travel back to Auckland.
Enjoy a free morning to relax, or opt to go skydiving or check out the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Meals: B
Day 5: Auckland/Raglan
Travel backroads to a remote conservation farm where they are using natural means to boost the stocks of traditionally farmed marine life. Farmers have created a balanced ecosystem to attract native birds and animals back to the area.

After, kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our lodge a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night.
Visit an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a harbour for a picnic lunch. Breakfast box Hamburger and salad (veg option available)
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Raglan
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as yoga, stand up paddle boarding or exploring the many trails in the area.
Enjoy an included surf lesson in one of the world's most famous surf areas, then opt to go hiking or rent a stand up paddle board. Breakfast box BBQ meat with salads
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Raglan/Rotorua
Stop en route at Waitomo. Enjoy free time to visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities, or explore this scenic area by foot.

Continue to Rotorua for an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village.
Opt to go caving in world famous Waitomo before heading to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture. Visit a local village to gain insight into Maori culture. Breakfast box
Meals: B
Day 8: Rotorua/Taupo
Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, or hit up a nearby spa. Continue on to spend the night near the shores of Lake Taupo.
Meals: B
Day 9: Taupo/Wellington
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.
Take in the ever-changing scenery on the drive down to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Opt to take the cable car to the hills overlooking the city, visit the national museum, Te Papa, or stroll along Oriental Parade. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Meals: B
Day 10: Wellington
Depart at any time. Looking for a lift back to Auckland? Add on the "Auckland Express" and ride with your CEO back north. Ask your sales CEO or agent about this Extra.

What is the Auckland Express Extra? Depart 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time). If you have booked a transfer that is NOT on the last day of your tour, you must book post-accommodation through G Adventures. All services must be connected.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lessons, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
  • Overnight houseboat excursion with onboard activities including snorkelling, fishing, and kayaking (Bay of Islands)
  • Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
  • Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
  • Maori cultural experience
  • Orientation walk in Wellington
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Kayak, Walking

  • Accommodation

    Hostels (6 nts), Houseboat (1 nt), Basic lodges (2 nts) Most nights are multi-share

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