Tour Overview
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.
Departs our Christchurch hotel at 0730 hrs
1. Kaikoura (BH)
2. Nelson (BH)
3. Nelson (BH)
4. Wellington (BH)
5. Mt Ruapehu (BH)
6. Mt Ruapehu (BH)
7. Rotorua (BH)
8. Waitomo (BH)
9. Bay of Islands Cruise
10. Bay of Islands (BH)
11. Auckland
BH = Backpackers Hostel
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: - KaikouraLeaving our hotel in Christchurch we then head up the beautiful coastline to Kaikoura where many adventures await us. 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: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 2: - Kaikoura & Nelson
Today we go to Nelson. Nelson is in the heart of the wine producing area. It is a very pleasant sunny place and home of some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. Today we spend the afternoon exploring the town.
Accommodation: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 3: - Nelson
We have 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: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 4: - Nelson & Wellington via ferry
We cross to the north island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. We arrive in the afternoon and have a great opportunity for a night out in the capital city.
Accommodation: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 5: - Wellington & Mt Ruapehu
We leave Wellington after visiting the fantastic new museum on New Zealand called Te Papa. We head through the central North Island plains towards the great volcanoes & Mount Ruapehu National Park.
Accommodation: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 6: - Mount Ruapehu
There are several options available 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: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 7: - Mt Ruapehu, Taupo & Rotorua
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. 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: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 8: - Rotorua & Waitomo
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.
Accommodation: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 9: - Waitomo & Bay of Islands
We leave Waitomo 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 availability and conditions.
Accommodation: Cruise included
Day 10: - 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.
Accommodation: Backpacker hostel/cabin included
Day 11: - Auckland
We make our way back South passing unspoiled beaches and lush forests. There are native trees of massive size that are over 1000 years old. This area has always been prized for its fantastic native hardwood timbers that are fortunately protected nowadays. Crossing the harbour bridge with a spectacular view of the city of sails we arrive in Auckland to say our fond farewells.
Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Auckland on day 11.
Flexible Itinerary
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.
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