North Island Adventure

Sample New Zealand Trip: your itinerary will vary depending on your departure date

Days 1-3: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Haere mai – welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand).  On arrival in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) you will be met and have a private transfer to your central Auckland hotel where you will stay for 3 nights before your tour starts.

During your time in Auckland we have included a full day excursion to the west coast. Absorb the area’s history and admire traditional Māori carvings. Your eco-tour includes a guided walk in an area of untamed original rainforest where ancient Kauri trees tower over the native trees and plants that have developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years. Travel to the west coast to enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch in a scenic location before walking clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast and out across the Tasman Sea. Walk in the regenerating rainforest with giant tree ferns and palm trees growing alongside the picturesque stream and venture to a beach where you can stroll along the soft black sand, watching the surf crashing. =

Day 4: Waiheke Island

Meet your group today and take a scenic cruise from to Waiheke Island. Walk through a kaleidoscope of island scenery including lush forest, hillside vineyards and quiet bays.  This is the chance to enjoy  award-winning New Zealand wine at a local island winery. Return to Auckland and overnight before setting south tomorrow.

Days 5-6: Auckland to Coromandel

Start your first bike ride along a spectacular stretch of the Hauraki Rail Trail, riding along historic railway lines through the Karangahake Gorge. Enjoy a spectacular view across native bush out to the Pacific Ocean as you walk at Shakespeare Cliffs. Kayak in Cathedral Cove to enjoy sandstone formations, beaches and bright-blue waters. Relax at a boutique chalet on the Coromandel Peninsula, tucked into the rainforest canopy where you will stay for 2 nights.

See more of the glorious Coromandel Peninsula by paddle. Your first stop is Hahei Beach, where you start a kayaking adventure in a two-person craft and paddle toward Mercury Bay, surrounded by white cliffs topped with old-growth pohutukawa trees. This area is a thriving marine reserve, where you can see eagle rays, cormorants, dolphins and whales. If the weather cooperates, land your kayak at Cathedral
Cove, a serene stretch of beach bordered by dramatic cliffs. Back on dry land, head to a local winery for a picnic of local delicacies accompanied by superb rosé. Then start a hike among the Shakespeare Cliffs, where you a historic pā, or Maori hillfort. Continue along the trail under a canopy of native trees and take in breathtaking views of the neighboring Whitianga township. Tonight take ferry across the bay to Tairua for dinner.

Biking: Hauraki Rail Trail to Waihou River Route (17 miles with shuttle, 200′ elevation gain), or Hauraki Rail Trail to Thames Route (22 miles, 300′ elevation gain)

Kayaking: Hahei Beach, Coromandel Peninsula

Hiking: Shakespeare Cliffs Hike (1.6 miles, 200′ elevation gain)

Day 7: Coromandel to Lake Taupo

Travel south into the heart of the North Island to the shore of the Waikato River. After lunch at a local café, start pedaling on peaceful roads, following the winding river past the towering Pohaturoa lava dome. As you ride, the emerald green landscape slowly turns into a colorful patchwork of farmland. After lunch you can choose to take the shuttle or ride on to your hotel in Lake Taupo.

Lake Taupo was formed by a massive volcanic eruption in the 2nd century, it is clear, cool and filled with record-size trout. Tonight you will enjoy a unique local experience and will be welcomed into a Maori family-run marae (meeting house), for a traditional performance and hangi (cooked meal). This is a great way meet local people and gain insight into the area’s indigenous traditions

Biking: Waikato River Route (13miles with shuttle, 1300′ elevation gain) or Kinlock Estates Route (27 miles, 2400′ elevation gain)

Day 8: Lake Taupo

Depart early morning and travel to the small town of Turangi at the south end of Lake Taupo. Get ready
to shoot the rapids of the Tongariro River on a thrilling whitewater excursion! The course includes over 50 Class III rapids interspersed with calmer sections, giving you the opportunity to admire the  surrounding forest and perhaps catch a glimpse of brown trout in the river’s pristine waters. After navigating the river,. After lunch in Taupo, you have several activity options, take an easy walk along the banks of the Waikato River to see the impressive cascade of Huka Falls. If you’d rather spend time in Taupo, take a walk by the lake or browse the town’s stores.  For those feeling brave, you may choose to free-fall off of the North Island’s tallest bungee-jumping platform— more than 160ft high (additional expense).  This evening embark on a culinary journey with a luscious estate-to-plate dinner at the hotel.

Rafting: Tongariro River White Water rafting (4 hours)
Hiking: Huka Falls (3 miles, 200′ elevation gain)

Day 9: Taupo to Hawkes Bay

Travel southeast to the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region where you will cycle from Puketapu Park to explore the expansive vineyards, fruit orchards and rolling fields. This area is known for producing some of New Zealand’s best wines and is often referred to as the “Bordeaux of New Zealand” because of its wonderful full-bodied reds. Make your way to the historic art deco town of Napier, before getting back in the saddle to pedal a stunning route along the Pacific Ocean to your small boutique hotel where you will stay for the next 2 nights.

Biking: Napier Route (18 miles with shuttle, 500′ elevation gain) or Mangapapa Route (32 miles, 800′ elevation gain)

Day 10: Hawkes Bay

Explore more of Hawke’s Bay today, pedal to the Pacific Ocean and through  coastal vineyards, taking in incredible views of the Cape Kidnappers peninsula then travel inland along a quiet country road beside the Tukituki River. After a small ascent, ride in the shadow of Te Mata Peak, with the rugged coast and mountains framing the lush Hawke’s Bay region below. After lunch you have an afternoon of leisure when you could stop at one of the local wineries or return to the hotel to relax by the pool. Tonight you have a special farewell dinner with your group.

Biking: Tukituki Express Route (22 miles, 400′ elevation gain) or The Figgery Route (27 miles, 700′ elevation gain)

Day 11: Depart Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Complete your tour with the group today with an incredible hike on a path through forests, redwood groves and up to Te Mata Peak.  Here you can bask in stunning views of the ocean and countryside a perfect way to conclude your week of adventure. Enjoy a sumptuous ‘High Tea’ lunch service at the hotel. After your tour finishes, farewell the group and collect your rental car and continue your adventure drive to Wellington (approximately 4 hours drive).

Walking & Hiking: Te Mata Route (2 Miles, 400′ elevation gain), Te Mata Peak Route (3 Miles, 700′ elevation gain)

Day 13: Wellington

Today is at your leisure to explore Wellington.  We recommend visiting Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, or perhaps add a foodie tour or Lord of the Rings Tour (excursions this day are an  additional expense).

Day 14: Depart Wellington, New Zealand

Today is at your leisure, return your rental vehicle before departing Wellington.

Why not extend your stay in New Zealand, add a trip to explore the scenic South Island. Ask one of our New Zealand travel specialists to customise your trip, or to add flights for you.