New Zealand – North Island Multisport
8 days
from Auckland to Wellington
From
$ 1899
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
-
Duration: 8 daysService level: Basic
-
Starts in: AucklandPhysical Grading: Average
-
Ends in: WellingtonAges: 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.
This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
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: B, D
Day 3: Rotorua
Start place: 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.
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.
End place: Rotorua
Meals: B
Day 4: Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Start place: Rotorua
An early start to walk across the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek. 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. An on-site spa and sauna will help ease those tired muscles.
After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night. An on-site spa and sauna will help ease those tired muscles.
Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend the afternoon hiking an active volcano.
End place: Tongariro National Park
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Start place: Tongariro National Park
The third longest river in New Zealand, the Whanganui River begins at Mt Tongariro and flows all the way out to the west coast of the North Island. After a safety briefing, embark on a 12-25km canoe journey downriver to an overnight stay in the heart of Whanganui National Park.
Canoe along the Retaruke and Whanganui Rivers into the heart of Whanganui National Park.
Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced food.
End place: Whanganui National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Whanganui National Park/Raetihi
Start place: Whanganui National Park
In the morning, trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue downriver. After a short walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, board the jet boat again and return to the bus, travelling on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Travel along the Whanganui River by jet boat visiting old Maori and European settlements before travelling to the night's lodge by bus.
End place: Raetihi
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Raetihi/Wellington
Start place: Raetihi
In the morning, transfer to Wellington, and visit the Te Papa museum and its galleries dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.
Transfer to Wellington and opt to visit the Te Papa Museum.
End place: Wellington
Meals: B
Day 8: Wellington
Start place: Wellington
Depart at any time.
End place: Wellington
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Maori Village Overnight Visit, Rotorua
- Cycling through Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent)
- Jet boat and kayaking along Whanganui River
- Free time in Rotorua
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Private vehicle, Jet boat, Kayak, Bicycle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), Maori village (1 nt, multi-share), Lodges (2 nts, some multi-share)