New Zealand – North Island Multisport
8 days
from Auckland to Auckland
From
$ 1949
Duration8 days
The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: AucklandPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: AucklandAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
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.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
Day 2: Auckland/Rotorua
In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts.
Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel to the Rotorua region to the Tamaki Maori Village. After a traditional greeting on the marae (meeting grounds), learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner.
Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions.
Enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner, cooked in an underground pit.
Meals: D
Day 3: Rotorua
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to mountain bike in the world famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, tackle an offroad mountain bike track, go hiking, or hit the spa.
Meals: B
Day 4: Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.
Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano.
Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek is highly weather dependent and will take place only if conditions are safe to do so. Alternate activities for inclement weather will be arranged.
End place: Tongariro National Park
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Start place: Tongariro National Park
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 5 & 6 may vary according to weather conditions.
Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced food.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Whanganui National Park
Start place: Whanganui National Park
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. If weather permits, head out for a visit to the abandoned Bridge to Nowhere. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this time, from a canoe) on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 5 & 6 may vary according to weather conditions.
End place: Whanganui National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Whanganui National Park/Raglan
Start place: Whanganui National Park
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by boat, by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them. Continue on to Raglan for the night, and enjoy the sunset in this stunning coastal town.
End place: Raglan
Meals: B
Day 8: Raglan/Auckland
Start place: Raglan
Travel north to Auckland and finish upon arrival at approximately midday.
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration your flight must depart Auckland no earlier than 15:00 on Day 8.
End place: Auckland
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Maori Village Overnight Visit, Rotorua
- Cycle through Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent)
- Jet boat and kayak along Whanganui River
- Free time in Rotorua and Waitomo
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Jet boat, Kayak, Bicycle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), Maori village (1 nt, multi-share), Lodges (2 nts, some multi-share)