Ultimate North Island Adventure

Leaving Auckland city behind us, we’ll head North to the small historic boat building village of Paparoa for a picnic lunch. We’ll then continue through to the West Coast Settlement of Opononi, a harbor town made famous in the mid-1950s by the tame dolphin, Opo, who used to let children ride on his back!

We’ll meet local Māori people who will guide us through a walk through the Waipoua Forest. It’s a memorable and spiritual experience to stand among these colossal trees as a deeply moving waiata (sacred chant) echoes through the forest.

We'll also visit Tane Mahuta, meaning Lord of the Forest, New Zealand's largest known living kauri tree. At a height of 168 feet (51.2 meters), and with a trunk girth of 45 feet (13.7 meters), this silent giant with ancient limbs seems to grasp at the sky.

Tonight, we’ll dine together as a group and enjoy the opportunity to get to know one another better.
Accommodation: The Sands Hotel, Hokianga HarbourView More
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 hours, relaxed stroll

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve, a farm in the native bush home to unique house-sized basalt (volcanic) boulders. We’ll hike the Boulder Loop Trail which leads us over bridges, boardwalks and stairs, under and over the boulders along the valley floor. 

After our excursion, we'll head east to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and hike along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The journey features a boardwalk section through the heart of a mature mangrove forest. As we approach the end of the walk, the thundering roar of the Falls lets us know we're almost there.

Later, we’ll head to the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, Paihia, a bustling seaside town with golden sand beaches.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Auto Lodge or Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Bay of IslandsView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: Wairere Boulders Hike: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), 1.5 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 770 feet (235 meters) ascent, 770 feet (235 meters) descent
Hiking:  Haruru Falls Hike: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 330 feet (100 meters) ascent, 330 feet (100 meters) descent

This morning, we’ll take a water taxi from Paihia out to Urupukapuka Island, the largest island in the Bay of Islands and a stunning recreation reserve rich in Māori history and natural beauty. Once ashore at Otehei Bay, we’ll set off on a scenic hike across rolling ridgelines, secluded bays, and coastal walking tracks with panoramic views over the sparkling Bay of Islands. Along the way, you’ll pass archaeological sites including ancient Māori pā (fortified villages) and food storage pits, while native birdlife fills the air around you.

This is a 3-4 hour hike with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, swim at one of the island’s sandy beaches, or simply soak up the peaceful island atmosphere. The island is part of Project Island Song, a major conservation initiative helping restore native wildlife throughout the Bay of Islands, so keep an eye out for tūī, bellbirds, and other native species as you walk. After exploring the island, we’ll return by water taxi to Paihia, enjoying one more scenic cruise through the turquoise waters of the Bay.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, TutukakaView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,600 feet (500 meters) ascent, 1,600 feet (500 meters) descent

After breakfast, we’ll head out for an early morning walk before boarding a purpose-built boat for a cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. This small cluster of islets is home to a wealth of biodiversity both above and below the water. While you head across from the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for flocks of petrels, shearwaters, and gannets – many of these shorebirds nest almost exclusively on the islands you’ll be visiting.

The Poor Knights is the second oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, and the sub-tropical environment is now an important conservation area for many species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, and orca can often be spotted, as well as a myriad of fish species that constantly trawl the reserve. You’ll visit the world’s largest sea cave, and hear all about the islands’ history including their occupation by ancient Māori. Our guides will then give you the chance to explore under your own steam, by providing you with either a snorkel and mask or a kayak.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, TutukakaView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the city of Auckland behind us, we head south to where you can stretch your legs on a peaceful walk alongside the crystal clear waters of the Putāruru Blue Springs, one of New Zealand’s purest water sources. The trail winds through lush farmland and native bush leading to vivid turquoise pools and bubbling springs. 

Afterwards, we'll drive to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand's tangata whenua (original people of the land).  

Tonight, we visit Te Puia, home to the dramatic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and powerful geysers bring the landscape to life. As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the local Te Arawa tribe before sharing a traditional hāngī feast. Cooked slowly beneath the earth over heated stones, this time honored Māori cooking method creates beautifully tender food infused with rich, smoky flavor.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, RotoruaView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Blue Springs Hike: 5.84 miles (9.4 kilometers), 1.5-2 hours  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 13 feet (4 meters) ascent, 46 feet (14 meters) descent  

This morning you’ll follow a winding trail through one of the North Island’s most peaceful pockets of native forest as you make your way to the Blue Lakes. The hike is gentle and rewarding and the well formed tracks weaves alongside streams so clear you can see every stone beneath the surface. Beneath towering trees and native birdsong overhead, you’ll discover calm blue lakes tucked deep in the forest, their colors shifting with the light.

After lunch, we change gears for an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waikato River to the spectacular Huka Falls. Feel the spray on your face as the boat powers through narrow river canyons and across crystal clear water before arriving at the falls, where more than 58,000 gallons of water thunder through a dramatic volcanic gorge every second. It’s a highlight of this trip, a loved New Zealand activity, and a whole lot of fun! Tonight, your accommodation is on the peaceful banks of the Tongariro River, with the sound of flowing water right outside your door. 
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, TurangiView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Blue Lakes Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 643 feet (196 meters) ascent, 643 feet (196 meters) descent 

Just south of Tūrangi rise the three great volcanoes of Tongariro National Park: Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu. New Zealand’s oldest national park, and the fifth oldest in the world, this remarkable landscape is shaped by fire, ice, and time.

Today, we’ll explore the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu on hikes to Taranaki Falls and the Silica Rapids. Wander through native beech forest and open alpine shrublands before arriving at two very different volcanic wonders: the 65 foot (20 meter) Taranaki Falls plunging over an ancient lava flow, and the Silica Rapids, where mineral rich water tumbles over creamy white terraces.

For experienced hikers, there’s the option to tackle the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This challenging full day hike traverses dramatic volcanic terrain dotted with emerald lakes, steaming vents, lava fields, and active craters. It’s raw, rugged, and unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. During winter months, from May through September, alpine conditions can bring snow and ice, and if the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, the group will instead enjoy the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids hikes together. This option must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Tonight, ease tired legs in natural thermal springs before gathering for a celebratory dinner together! 
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, TurangiView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tongariro Crossing Hike: 12 miles (20 kilometers), 7-8 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) ascent, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) descent
Note: Choosing the Tongariro Crossing option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.

Taranaki Falls Hike: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 393 feet (120 meters) ascent, descent

Silica Rapids Hike: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 721 feet (220 meters) ascent, 721 feet (220 meters) descent