Get up close and personal with the spectacular scenery of the North Island of New Zealand. Visit thermal waters, hike one of the world’s most famous one-day hikes and travel by jet boat and canoe. This is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand
Is this trip for me?
Duration: 8 days
For lovers of: Hiking & trekking, kayaking, multisport
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Ends: Wellington, New Zealand
Physical Rating: Basic
Transport: Private bus, jet boat, canoe, walk, cycle
What’s included in Active North Island?
- Cycling through the Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk
- Jet boat and canoeing along Wanganui River
- Locally sourced/grown dinner
- Te Papa Museum (Wellington)
- Hotels (2 nts), Maori village (1 nt), lodge (3 nts, 2 nts possible multi-share), hostel (1 nt)
Sunset over Auckland, New Zealand
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland – no planned activities so enjoy the city
Day 2: Early morning departure to Waihi, pick up bikes and ride through Karangahake Gorge. Travel to Hahei by bus and walk to Cathedral Cove. If the tide is right then you can grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi on Hot Water Beach
Day 3: Travel to Rotorua to experience the geothermal wonders. The choice of mountain biking the famous Redwood forest, white water rafting or indulge in therapeutic hot springs will be yours. After an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village, enjoy a Hangi dinner cooked in an underground pit.
Day 4: Walk across the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s top-rated 1-day trek. Travel to a ski lodge for the night
Day 5: Embark on a 12-25km canoe journey down the Whanganui river to an overnight stay in the heart of Whanganui National Park.
Day 6: Trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue downriver. After a short walk to the Bridge to Nowhere travel on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds.” Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (“forever young”) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 7: In the morning, transfer to Wellington, and visit the Te Papa museum and its galleries dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.
Day 8: Depart Wellington at any time
If this fills your adrenaline needs then don’t miss out on experiencing what New Zealand has to offer with the Active North Island tour
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