8 Day North Island Tour

    2023 DEPARTURES: 12Jan, 2Feb, 9Feb, 2Mar, 16Mar, 13Apr, 27Apr

    Embark on an 8-Day Adventure in New Zealand’s North Island!

    Uncover the Best of New Zealand’s North Island on an Epic Road Trip. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of adventure, culture, and nature in this magnificent country. Get ready for an immersive journey that takes you off the beaten track to discover hidden gems and meet fellow travelers.

    Your tour includes comfortable coach transportation, breakfast each day, and meals and activities in remote locations. Enjoy a mix of smart hotels, alpine lodges, and cabins during your stay.

    Discover New Zealand with this immersive and adventurous tour that takes you on a journey to experience the country’s unique culture, nature, and heritage. This 8-day North Island tour takes you to the best of New Zealand, from the bustling city of Rotorua, known as “Roto-Vegas” to the off-the-grid Blue Duck Station.

    Start your journey in Rotorua, a city teeming with activity and culture, and take a walk through the giant California Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest.  Next, head off the beaten path to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua to stay at the Kohutapu Lodge. Owned by a local Maori family, the lodge is a pillar of the community and offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Maori culture. Learn about the local history, play traditional games, learn weaving and haka skills, and enjoy a lovingly prepared hangi feast.

    At Blue Duck Station, a 7,200-acre high country farm, you’ll have a full day to explore the station and its beautiful surroundings. Choose from activities like horseback riding, 4WD eco tours, or hiking to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall to spot the rare blue duck.

    This tour offers an unforgettable experience of New Zealand’s unique beauty, culture, and heritage. With so much to see and do, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of the country. Book now and get ready to embark on an amazing journey through the heart of New Zealand.

    After experiencing the breathtaking landscapes and stunning attractions of New Zealand, your tour will come to a fitting end in the vibrant city of Wellington. This cosmopolitan city is the capital of New Zealand and is often referred to as the “coolest little capital in the world.” Wellington is renowned for its creative energy, arts and culture, and amazing coffee culture. The city is surrounded by hills and is nestled on the coast, giving it a unique and stunning landscape that you’ll remember for a long time.

    Book now and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime in New Zealand’s North Island!

    Book Now

    Per person

    $2,765.00

    We can't confirm real time availability on this tour. Please enquire about this trip and we will get immediately back to you!

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua

      Haere Mai and Welcome! Your tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) the city of sails, the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people. We’re departing this morning for a short trip to Rotorua and, let’s just say, the ‘unusual’ sulphur smell will be a telltale sign that you’ve arrived! Known as the North Island’s geothermal hot spot and hub for all the very best adventure activities, Rotorua is 100% one of the best places to explore… even if your nostrils tell you otherwise! We’ll stop at the Whakarewarewa Forest for a walk amongst the giant California Redwoods planted over 100 years ago before checking in at our hostel.

      Day 2: Rotorua

      You’re in luck because today is a free day for you to explore Rotorua! There’s heaps of cool activities to do here including white water rafting, ziplining, zorbing and even Hobbiton or just relaxing in a geothermal spa! If you want to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. (B)

      Day 3: Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua

      After hanging out in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably feel ready to experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. Today we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage. You’ll see sacred Maori rock carvings, play traditional stick games and watch the preparation of a ground cooked ‘hangi’, before tasting it for yourself! Prepare your tastebuds – this will probably be the best meal you eat in New Zealand, or maybe even in your lifetime! (B and D)

      Exclusive experience includes:

      ● Welcome to the tribal lands and a guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
      ● Introduction to to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
      ● Afternoon tea
      ● Mau Rakau (Maori stick games)
      ● Weaving Lesson
      ● Haka Lesson
      ● 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
      ● Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
      ● Storytelling around the fire pit
      ● Continental breakfast

      Day 4: Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station

      Rise and shine, strayers! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls before venturing about as far off the beaten track as you can get in the North Island! Blue Duck Station is a sprawling 7,200-acre high country farm that is both a working station and an eco-conservation pioneer dedicated to protecting the native environment for its namesake, the rare blue duck. On arrival, we will settle in to learn a little about daily life at Blue Duck, the station’s interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before cooking some dinner and chilling out around the bonfire. (B and D)

      Day 5: Blue Duck Station

      Good news – You have a full free day to explore this ruggedly charming destination. For entertainment, you have the option to go horseback riding over rolling green hills, or jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. If you’d prefer to explore on foot, hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and see if you can spot a rare blue duck in the flesh. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise. Those holiday romances, aye! (B, L and D)

      Day 6: Blue Duck Station to Ohakune

      Rise and shine this morning for your trip to Ohakune. We’ll head straight there after breakfast for your scenic bike ride along the Old Coach Road. You’ll be fitted for your Bike and then shuttled to Horopito where your easy but epic 4-hour unguided bike trail begins. Download the free app before you start if you’d like to get some info along the way about your route. You’ll cycle on a unique cobbled road, past historic Viaducts and limestone cliffs and there’ll be plenty of stops along the way to take photos for the ‘gram. Once you’ve finished the tour you’ll head to your accommodation at Powderhorn Chateau for a relaxing evening. (B)

      Day 7: Ohakune to Wellington

      Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with funky restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at an edgy brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for those who seek 24/7 caffeination, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ. (B)

      Day 8: Wellington Departure Day

      Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast! If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Wellington and explore the capital city.

      Highlights
      What To Bring
      Booking Info
      FAQs
      • Raft, roll, or luge in Rotorua.
      • Discover stunning lakes, rivers, beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs.
      • Experience cultural performances at a traditional Maori village.
      • Bike ride along the Old Coach Road.
      • Explore the beautiful Waitomo Caves.
      • Enjoy a scenic flight over glaciers and mountains.
      • Visit the historic city of Auckland.
      • End the tour in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
      • Camera,
      • Sturdy walking shoes/boots,
      • Warm clothing,
      • Waterproof jacket,
      • Hat & Sunscreen,
      • Bathers/towel,
      • Water bottle,
      • Toiletries,
      • Motion sickness tablets,
      • Insect repellent
      • Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack
      • A basic level of fitness is required for medium-length walks
      • Accommodation at Lake Aniwhenua, Blue Duck Station and Marahau (Abel Tasman) is specialist. All cabins are private, but facilities are shared.
      • This itinerary is a guide. Given the spontaneous nature of our trips and lack of control over New Zealand’s weather, what we do each day might occasionally vary.
      Where will I sleep on tour?

      Accommodation: High-quality twin share rooms are included. You’ll stay in comfy 3-4 star hotels for most of the nights and high country farms or scenic lodges close to the waterfront or national parks in our unique destinations. Hotel rooms are ensuite, while shared facilities are in Strademark places.

      Accommodation Upgrade

      You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a solo-occupied private room (subject to availability).

      Single Room: +$2000

      Why stay at Lake Aniwhenua?

      Lake Aniwhenua – This experience is an introduction to modern-day Maori culture. You’ll be hosted by a local Maori family, taken on a guided tour to a sacred archaeological site, be introduced to the local Maori stories and games and be treated to a delicious hangi dinner, cooked under the ground!

      What food is included on tour?

      Meals: A mixture of cooked and continental breakfasts is included for every morning of your tour. We’ve also included other meals here and there, be sure to check your itinerary for details. Meals are indicated as B, L, and D for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

      How do we travel around New Zealand?

      Private Coach Transport. You’ll travel by private, air-conditioned bus.

      What is the tour guide like?

      Expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support, and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide. They know every inch of this country. You can’t get this from a google search!

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