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.

Later, after dinner, we'll head back out into the Waipoua Forest for a twilight walk, where we'll be joined by local Maori guides. It's a memorable and spiritual experience to witness the greeting of these colossal trees with spine-tingling waiata (sacred chant). 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 stars.
Accommodation: The Sands Hotel, Hokianga Harbour
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 Haruru Falls Motel and Conference Centre or Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands
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 Deep Water Cove for a ridgeline hike to Cape Brett through the Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. On route, you’ll experience the Bay of Islands from the ridge tops and get magnificent views. This is a 3-4 hour hike with rewarding views of the Bay of Islands the entire way - you may even see dolphins and seals from your vantage point high up on the cliffs. The mountains that we’re crossing are very important to the local Iwi (Maori tribe). The mountain “Rakaumangamanga” is one point of the Polynesian Triangle - Hawaii and Rapanui are the other two.

Later, we’ll be picked up at Cape Brett, again by water taxi for the scenic cruise back to Paihia.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3-4 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,550 feet (473 meters) ascent, 1,550 feet (473 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, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we’ll follow the coastal road as it winds its way south alongside tree-lined white sand beaches to Waipu, a quaint village with a strong Scottish heritage dating back to the 1850s.

Then we’ll make our way to Mangawhai Heads for one of the finest coastal cliff-top walks in the country. The walk offers glorious views of the Northland coastline, passing through shady bush and beneath giant old pohutukawa trees, and then returns along the beach.

After lunch, we’ll continue south from Mangawhai Heads towards the city of Auckland.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) ascent, 130 feet (40 meters) descent

The 5-day Northland Adventure trip ends today after we get back to Auckland.

Known as the city of sails, Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. Close to a third of New Zealand’s population is settled in this area, and it’s home to the largest Polynesian community in the world. Its vibrant, multi-cultural feel makes for a great city experience. Most of Auckland’s activities and attractions are within half an hour of the central city. Take in the spectacular views from natural and man-made landmarks - the region is home to 48 volcanic cones, many of which provide excellent viewing points. Rangitoto Island is arguably Auckland’s most iconic natural landmark, with its distinctive symmetrical cone and easy access just off the coast. At 1,076 feet (328 meters), the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand offering views of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) in every direction. For movie enthusiasts, take the day to visit The Shire in Middle Earth, the ultra-realistic fantasy setting for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of The Rings’ movie trilogies. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Auckland
Meals: No meals

We’ll pick you up from your hotel and, leaving the city behind us, drive south to the Waikato Vallley, and the Wairere Falls track. Today’s hike winds its way amongst tree roots and mossy rocks, and across several bridged river crossings to a lookout platform at the base of the Wairere Falls on the Okauia fault line. 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).
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3.8 miles (6 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,250 feet (380 meters) ascent, 1,250 feet (380 meters) descent

The 5-day North Island Volcanic Adventure trip starts today in Auckland - please note, breakfast is not included

This morning, we’ll head out to hike Rainbow Mountain, aptly named due to the unusual color of the soil. We’ll head up through the native forest past an impressive crater lake for panoramic views over the volcanic plateau. Okere Falls is our next stop, with a short hike along the track where we’ll view the magnificent waterfalls from viewing platforms, and we could be lucky enough to catch white water rafters making their way down the Kaituna River.

If you prefer not to hike today, you can stay and soak in the local mineral spas or explore Rotorua.

After re-grouping from the morning’s activities, we’ll visit Te Puia which is famed for the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley – a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and impressive geysers.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the Te Arawa tribe and share a traditional feast. A hangi, as it’s known, is prepared by wrapping food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This healthy cooking method is similar to steaming and imparts a wonderful flavor.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rainbow Mountain Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,115 feet (340 meters) ascent, 1,115 feet (340 meters) descent

Okere Falls Hike: 1.6 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 205 feet (63 metres) ascent, 205 feet (63 metres) descent

We head south out of Rotorua today to hike Huka Falls, we’ll follow the track along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of the Falls and maybe a dip in some natural hot springs. Traveling further south, we follow the shores of Lake Taupo, an enormous volcanic caldera and the site of the world’s largest eruption in the last 70,000 years.

After arriving at Turangi and enjoying lunch, we’ll head out to bike a loop track, winding in and out of the beautiful native bushland, farmland and the Tongariro River, New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river. With constantly changing scenery, this well-marked, tree-covered trail provides ample opportunities to spot native birdlife or to glimpse our rare Whio (Blue Ducks) who make their homes on the riverbanks.

We’ll stay on the banks of the Tongariro River tonight.
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Huka Falls Hike: 2 miles (3 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

Biking Distance: 9.3 miles (15 kilometres), 1.5-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) 

Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) – located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and the fifth oldest in the world.

Today we’ll hike to the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids around the base of Mount Ruapehu, both of these hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 65 feet (20 meters) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces.

For more experienced hikers, we have the option to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and this full-day hike is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until September) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice, and if the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, we’ll all hike the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids. Your option must be confirmed at time of booking.

Tonight, you can bathe in some natural thermal springs before having a celebratory dinner for our last night together.
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi
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

For our last day together, we’ll head to the spectacular Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. For those keen, you’ll head down to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. A shower and some hot soup complete the picture. Alternatively, take in the subterranean beauty on foot with a guided walk through Ruakuri cave system where you’ll learn all about the geological significance of the area.

Afterward, we’ll head back to Auckland where we end our adventure.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch