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.

Flexible Itineraries
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions. Early or late season treks can be affected by extreme weather.

Accommodation
Accommodation will be cabin and lodge style generally on a 4 share single sex room basis. In some areas we may need to use larger rooms. Double rooms can be obtained at extra cost depending on availability. This must be requested at the time of booking.

Note: You will need to bring a sleeping bag on our New Zealand tours as bed linen is not always available at all cabins.

Tour Description
Day 1: Auckland - Bay of Islands
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.

Day 2: Bay of Islands
Today we have a host of available activities including kayaking, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat.

Day 3: Bay of Islands - Waitomo
We have an early start 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.

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.

Day 5: Rotorua - 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.

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.

Day 7: Mt Ruapehu - 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.

Day 8: Wellington - 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.

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.

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.


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.

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