TOUR OVERVIEW

Explore New Zealand's northern heartland - from the secluded beaches of the coast to the volcanic craters and thermal features of the central plateau. Adventure activities abound - sea kayaking & snorkelling on our Bay of Islands adventure cruise, underground black water rafting at Waitomo, bungee and jet boating at Taupo and mounain biking and kayaking in Nelson. The perfect combination of sights and activities on this Northern tour.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Services of a professional tour guide
• All transportation by private adventure vehicle
• 9 nights budget lodging, 1 night overnight cruise boat
• Overnight boat trip in Bay of Islands (Day trip during winter months May-Sep depending on conditions)
• Visit to Te Papa museum in Wellington
• Waitomo Caves entrance
• Entrance to the Te Puia Maori arts and culture centre in Wakarewarewa

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (Paid Locally)

• Bungy Jumping NZ$123-260
• Tongoriro Crossing Fee NZ$35
• Jet Boating NZ$109-219
• Kayak Tour NZ$90-160
• Mountain Biking NZ$50
• River Rafting NZ$82-185
• Whale Watching NZ$145
• Winter Ski Pass NZ$75-90
• Thermal Baths NZ$0-25
• Maori Cultural Evening NZ$85

FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Please note, from April 2012 onwards this tour will include 1 extra day in the arrival city, on which you can arrive during the day, check into our hostel and enjoy free time in the city. There will be a group welcome meeting at the hostel at 7.30pm.

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the help of your tour leader and fellow trekkers you may modify certain nightstops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!

• Tour departs from AUCKLAND at 0730.

• Day 1: Auckland & Bay of Islands Cruise

We leave Auckland and drive north through fantastic scenery towards New Zealand's winterless north. We cross lush green farmland and make a stop at the Kauri forests to see the giant ancient trees. Upon arrival we make our way to the port to board our overnight cruise boat. On board we find a games room, bar and full fun facilities. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 24 hour tour. Sit back and enjoy one of your trip highlights. This boat tour will be substituted May - Sep with another boat tour of equivalent value, quality and experience which may or may not be overnight depending on conditions.
Accommodation: Cruise Boat or Budget Lodging included

• Day 2-3: Bay of Islands & Waitomo

We have a host of available activities including kayaking, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat. We have an early start the next day and make our way south to Waitomo via Auckland. We cross the harbour bridge and get a great view of the city of sails. Here we stop for lunch and then carry on through to Waitomo which is famous for its limestone caves, glow worms and black water rafting.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 4: Waitomo & Rotorua

Today we have some great choices. You can do the boat trip and walk through the glow worm caves or go black water rafting. This is an unforgettable trip involving hiking and descending an underground river floating on an inner tube. The sights are fantastic and this will be one of your highlights. After lunch we go to Rotorua to visit Whakarewarewa, site of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal area. See Geysers and boiling mud pools in an amazing display of mother earth's power. We check in to our lodging and you have the option of a Maori Hangi dinner and concert for afterwards.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 5: Taupo & Mt Ruapehu

We head to Taupo, just 1 hour away and is the north island home of extreme sports. On the way we visit the spectacular Huka falls. Here you can bungy, jet boat as well as do many other activities or just relax by the world's biggest Crater Lake. We then drive on to Mt Ruapehu to be ready for our next day's activities.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 6: Mt Ruapehu

There are several options for the day. Many will want to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing track. A good day hike which is known as the best of its kind in New Zealand. This hike has spectacular views of the volcanic plateau and the lakes. Those who do not go on the hike can go mountain biking or explore the beautiful local area. During the winter the upper hike is not available due to snow and a lower forest hike will be offered weather permitting. Skiing and snowboarding plus other local sights are available during winter months.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 7: Wellington

We leave National Park smartly and head through the central north island to the capital city Wellington. Here you can see the fantastic new museum on New Zealand called Te Papa. Later we will have dinner out on the town overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 8: Nelson via ferry

We cross to the south island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. From Picton on the other side we drive to Nelson, heart of the wine producing area. Nelson is a very pleasant sunny place and home of some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. We spend the afternoon exploring the town.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 9: Nelson

Today there is a huge variety of activities to choose from including kayaking, boating, sailing, mountain biking or just relaxing in town or on the beach. Nelson is very picturesque and is a delight to visit.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 10: Kaikoura

Take a boat trip out to see the whales. Experience being close to the worlds largest of creatures. For those who wish there are plane or helicopter flights to view the whales. Kaikoura is also a wonderful place to experience the vibrant Maori culture with much to see and do.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included

• Day 11: Christchurch

We have the morning in Kaikoura taking an early boat trip or whale-watch flight for those who did not do this the day before. We then drive down to Christchurch to say our fond farewells.

Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Christchurch on day 11.

Please note, from April 2012 onwards this tour will include 1 extra day in the arrival city, on which you can arrive during the day, check into our hostel and enjoy free time in the city. There will be a group welcome meeting at the hostel at 7.30pm.

TOUR: VTA THE VOLCANO TRAIL departing from AUCKLAND

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or UK£125 / US$200 / €150 (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe and protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card.

If you prefer to book by telephone, please call us (UK: 0208 772 3770 | USA: 1800 221 0596), email us at info@ozxposure.com or use our contact form

Please note that all trips are operated by local companies and seats are on a request basis only. Once we receive your booking it will take at least 24 hours to confirm your seat, whereupon one of our sales team will contact you.

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How to Book Online
1. Pick your chosen available departure date.
2. Select the number of passengers to book
3. Click on the book button to be taken to our secure online booking engine
4. Complete all personal details and credit card information
5. Your tour will be confirmed immediately by e-mail

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