North Island Adventure

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

Days 1-4: 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 4 nights before your tour starts. During your time in Auckland you have time at your leisure to explore the region, perhaps take a wilderness experience to explore Auckland’s west coast, sail on the harbour, climb the dormant volcano on Rangitoto Island or perhaps travel to Waiheke Island to go zip lining, hiking or wine tasting (excursions additional cost).

Day 5: Auckland to Coromandel

Your guided tour starts today. Meet your group in downtown Auckland and travel south to the small town of Waitakaruru. Start your first bike ride along a  spectacular stretch of the Hauraki Rail Trail, riding along historic railway lines. You will then be picked up and travel to on to your boutique chalet on the Coromandel Peninsula, tucked into the rainforest canopy where you will stay for 2 nights.

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

Day 6: Coromandel

Today is spent exploring more of the Coromandel Peninsula, first kayaking a thriving marine reserve alongside stunning coastal scenery and then a picnic and a local winery.  After lunch, hike among Shakespeare Cliffs to discover a historic Maori hillfort, continuing along a trail of native trees with views of Whitianga town.

Kayaking: Hahei Beach (3 hours)
Hiking: Shakespeare Cliffs Hike (1.6 miles, 200′ elevation gain)

Day 7: Coromandel to Rotorua

Travel south past the Bay of Plenty to the beautiful McLaren Falls Park. Start todays hike from Lake McLaren along a trail winding through pristine native bush to the falls. After lunch, travel through the countryside to the thermal region of Rotorua with its steaming lakes and boiling mud pools. Stay at your boutique lakeside hotel for 2 nights.

Walking & Hiking: McLaren Falls Route (2.3 miles, 200′ elevation gain), McLaren Falls Extended Route (3.7 Miles, 400′ elevation gain)

Day 8: Rotorua to Taupo

The Rotorua region lies over a volcanic fault line, which creates an incredible landscape that bubbles with geothermal activity. After a short shuttle, start pedalling on quiet roads through farmland and then along the white cliffs of the Paeroa Range. At Waikite Hot Pools, you enjoy a relaxing soak in the naturally at the end of the ride. After lunch, travel to Taupo where you will stay for 2 nights. Optional activities (additional cost) you can experience in Taupo are: bungy jumping or a freefall swing across the gorge (additional cost).

Biking: Bryce Road to Waikite Hot Pool Route (17 Miles, 1,000′ elevation gain) or Waipa Mill to Waikite Hot Pool Route (21 Miles, 1,200′ elevation gain)

Day 9: Taupo & Tongariro

Rise early to travel by vehicle to the small town of Turangi at the south end of Lake Taupo to shoot the rapids of the Tongariro River on a thrilling whitewater rafting 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 pristine waters. After lunch, travel to the impressive Huka Falls where you will be accompanied by a local Maori guide, for an easy walk along the banks of the Waikato River to the falls.

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

Day 10: 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, 500′ elevation gain), Mangapapa Route (32 miles, 800′ elevation gain)

Day 11: 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 farewell dinner with your group

Biking: Miss the Hills Route (12 miles, 100′ elevation gain), Tukituki Express Route (27 miles, 600′ elevation gain)

Day 12: Depart Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

To complete your north island New Zealand trip today enjoy 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. To top it off, enjoy a sumptuous High Tea lunch service at the hotel before departing on a shuttle to Napier Airport.

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

Why not stay longer in New Zealand, add a few days in the capital Wellington or perhaps explore the scenic South Island as well? Ask one of our New Zealand travel specialists to customise your trip, or to add flights for you.