Podcast - Rick G talks about his North Island Adventure with Kit Parks
Our guest Rick was hosted by Kit Parks, on her Active Travel Adventures podcast. Together,…
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
Welcome to the North Island of New Zealand, a destination full of natural wonders and thrilling adventures. From the towering Kauri forests of Northland to the stunning beaches of the Bay of Islands, this island is packed with breathtaking sights and exciting experiences. Immerse yourself in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, hike the Tongariro National Park's active volcanoes, and discover endless opportunities for adventure, from biking, hiking, snorkelling, and kayaking through to black water rafting! Our North Island adventure tours are the perfect complement to any South Island adventure, giving you the chance to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
The North Island of New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available to explore its diverse landscapes. Hiking, biking, and kayaking are some of the most popular ways to experience the region's natural beauty. You can trek through ancient Kauri forests in Northland, bike along the scenic Bay of Islands coastline, or paddle through the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. The North Island is also home to Tongariro National Park, which boasts a number of challenging hikes and humbling vistas of giant active volcanoes.
Let's not forget the surreal Waitomo Caves, in which thousands of glow-worms light up the underground labyrinth of limestone caves. As impressive as the South Island's rugged Southern Alps are, the North Island is the only destination in the world you'll get this unique experience. We have itineraries for all fitness levels - from a gentle walking holiday to a more challenging active hiking trip, you take your pick! With so many options for outdoor adventure, a North Island tour is the perfect way to experience all that New Zealand has to offer.
The North Island of New Zealand is a hiker's paradise, offering a wide range of trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. From short, easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes, the North Island has it all, and many of the trails offer options for all abilties. Explore ancient forests, rugged coastlines, thundering waterfalls and volcanic landscapes on foot. Popular hiking destinations include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - a pass between active volcanoes overlooking steaming ponds and vast Lake Taupo - and the Northland Coastline - where the cliff-top Mangawhai Cliff’s Walkway offers glorious views of tree-lined white sand beaches. With knowledgeable and experienced guides leading the way, a North Island hiking adventure promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The best time to visit the North Island of New Zealand depends on what you want to experience. Summer (December-February) is the busiest time of year and offers warm weather perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking. The shoulder seasons of spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer milder weather, fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage. Winter (June-August) offers cooler temperatures and snow sports in the mountains. It’s important to note that weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year, so it’s always a good idea to pack for different conditions.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.