The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers.
The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing – one of the world's most famous one-day hikes – before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.
Travel Style: Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Highlights
Cycle through stunning Karangahake Gorge, check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area, learn a traditional Maori greeting on the marae, hike the Tongariro Crossing – one of the world's greatest one-day hikes, kayak along the Whanganui River.
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16.
What's Included
- Local Living: Maori Village Visit with Overnight, Rotorua
- Cycling through Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent)
- Jet boat and kayaking along Whanganui River
- Free time in Rotorua
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, Allow USD135-175 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, walking.
Staff & experts
Company representative plus local guides throughout!
8 days
Auckland to Wellington
Itinerary
Day 1-Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Day 2-Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel to the Rotorua region to the Tamaki Maori Village. After a traditional greeting on the marae (meeting grounds), learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner. (B, D)
Day 3-Rotorua
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, tackle an offroad mountain bike track, go hiking, or hit the spa. (B)
Day 4-Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend the afternoon hiking an active volcano. (B,D)
Day 5-Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Canoe along the Retaruke and Whanganui Rivers into the heart of Whanganui National Park. (B, L, D)
Day 6-Whanganui National Park/Raetihi
Travel along the Whanganui River by jet boat visiting old Maori and European settlements before travelling to the night's lodge by bus. (B,L,D)
Day 7-Raetihi/Wellington
Transfer to Wellington and opt to visit the Te Papa Museum. (B)
Day 8-Wellington
Depart at any time.
G Adventures offers tours at varying lengths through New Zealand (and also offering combo trips with Australia) If you're interested in this itinerary, contact us for dates and rates! Our Adventure Travel Specialists can be reached at 604-736-7447 or by sending us a message via the 'contact us' button!