1
Welcome to Auckland!
Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with a coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
All Blacks Experience
Experience the mighty Haka and learn all about the history of the world famous All Black national rugby union team in this interactive experience. This private guided immersion will take you on a uniquely New Zealand journey.
Flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm into Auckland Airport
Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night (or similar)
2
Karangahake Gorge Biking & Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.
Karangahake Gorge Cycling
Enjoy beautiful scenery on this interesting ride through Karangahake Gorge that combines history, nature, and adventure all in one trip! Follow the historic Paeroa to Waihi rail line. Cycle old lines and through a tunnel along the river that runs through the gorge. Take it easy, if you wish – this trail is suitable for cyclists with little experience and offers lots to take in on the way. An E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost.
Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights (or similar)
3
Geothermal & Maori Cultural Experience
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or soak in some hot springs. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Go white water rafting or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Te Puia Te Ra Experience with Lunch
Join your Maori guide for a tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and speak with local carvers. After your exploration, experience a late lunch at a Hangi meal cooked in the ground using the steam from the geothermal activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
4
Rotorua to Whanganui National Park
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
**Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 4 & 5 may vary according to weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Whanganui National Park - 2 Nights (or similar)
5
Whanganui River Paddle & Jetboat
Experience one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” by kayak on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Today we conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 19.4km (12 mile) 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.
Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a nearby alpine village for the night and enjoy a well earned dinner with your travel companions.
**Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek is highly weather dependent and will take place only if conditions are safe to do so. Alternate activities for inclement weather will be arranged.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Tongariro National Park - 1 Night (or similar)
7
Explore Waitomo Caves
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Optional Activities: Waitomo Valley Walk, Lost Cave Abseiling, Black Water Rafting, Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes (abseiling, rock climbing & cruise adventure)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Waitomo - 1 Night (or similar)
8
Glowworm Cave Tour & Depart from Auckland
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland where your tour will end around 1pm.
Waitomo Spellbound Cave Excursion
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
Flights must depart from Auckland Airport after 5:00pm
Notes
Solo Travellers
No extra fee for Solo Travelers—same gender roommate will be provided or pay extra for your own room. Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Night 9 (Doubtful Sound Cruise)
Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.
I love recommending this tour to energetic types, looking for outdoor adventure with some culture. You get a bit of everything here, plus the Chief Experience Officer to help make the most of every minute. Everything from mountain bikes and hot pools, to canoes, jet boats and hikes.
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