New Zealand - All of the North Island Tour

Day 1: Auckland to Paihia

We depart Auckland at 7am and head north to Paihia with stops on the way to see giant kauri trees, and snorkel at Goat Island marine reserve. We arrive into the Bay of Islands in the afternoon where we visit the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds and the famous Hundertwasser toilets before settling into our accommodation for the night. We have the evening free for you to relax, enjoy the optional BBQ at our lodge and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Urupukapuka Island to Paihia

Tonight we uniquely stay on Urupukapuka Island - 20 minutes by boat from the mainland and the largest island in the Bay. On the way to the island we enjoy a wildlife cruise to explore the Bay of Islands taking in many of the other 144 islands, which gave the place its name. We almost always see dolphins and other marine life on this trip! The boat then drops us at the island in the late afternoon for us to have time settle in for the night! (D).

Day 3: Paihia to Auckland

Wake up to the sounds of native birds on this amazing, historic island. Urupukapuka is covered in bushland and is surrounded by stunning beaches. You have the morning free to do one of the great walks and explore the island, go swimming, kayaking, fishing or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches! There are also historic Maori Pa sites on the island to check out. At midday we leave the island via boat and head back to the mainland. We then head back to Auckland making a stop at the Native Bird Recovery Centre (to see more native birds up close), arriving back into Auckland around 7.00pm (B).

Day 4 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region’ via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove (famous for use in NZ tourism posters worldwide), and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

Day 5: Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks then head to our uniquely developed Maori cultural stop at Whakarewarewa. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools is the living Maori village. We have tailored an experience for our groups to provide insight into the culture and history, which includes a down-to-earth cultural show and a hangi lunch traditionally cooked in the steam from the natural hot pools! From here we have the afternoon to explore Rotorua with optional activities for everyone from free walks to white water rafting. (B,L).

Day 6: Rotorua to Whakahoro

We leave early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then onto the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our exclusive environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You can kayak the last 8kms, take a historical walk, or if you want you can take part in a hunt for dinner! The lodge is an old homestead nestled right on the edge of Whanganui National Park surrounded by breath-taking views, amazing walks, and natural beauty. We cook a traditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood-fire using local produce, while learning about the rich early-settlement history and the owner’s huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory (D)

Day 7: Whakahoro to National Park

This morning we head back towards the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with the chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as NZ’s best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at our exclusive alpine lodge ‘The Park’ (B, D).

Day 8: National Park to Wellington

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We have the afternoon to explore ‘Te Papa’, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

Day 9: Wellington to Auckland

Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in Taupo with the chance for you to check out New Zealand’s largest lake (B).

Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change.