Ultimate North Island Adventure Self-Drive Tour

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Scenic Drive to the Bay of Islands - New Zealand’s Winterless North

This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. It is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It combines great fishing, diving, sailing and other water sports with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett. You can take a boating trip through the hole in a huge rock outcrop. Also popular are dolphin swimming and diving trips to the sunken Rainbow Warrior wreck.

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3 Day Eco-Cruz Sailing Expedition

Join the friendly crew and experience the Bay of Islands Maritime Park on a 3 day / 2 night coastal exploration aboard the 72ft SV Manawanui. Appreciate the marine environment and the outdoors in a relaxed, down to earth atmosphere. The focus is on a range of outdoor activities which are designed to be fun and to also enable a greater level of interaction with the different maritime habitats. Sail the ocean, walk across towering cliffs, snorkel on stunning reefs, kayak around uninhabited islands and gather your own fresh seafood to experience the Maritime Park‘s rich diversity.

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Drive to Auckland “The City of Sails”

Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a mild climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, also known as the City of Sails - a title gained from the view of yachts seen against the cityscape. Nestled within an isthmus of two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, Auckland contains much serene natural beauty. New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people, it is the centre of commerce and industry. A vibrant, bustling and multicultural city with the biggest Polynesian population in the world, this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life. Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.

Afternoon - Sky Jump Auckland (Worlds Highest Tower Jump)

NZ’s highest jump - a world-first adventure! Experience the adrenalin rush and thrill of stepping out amongst the high rise buildings of Auckland city. At 192m (630ft), Sky Jump is a cable controlled base jump. Participants fly "Superman style". The view is awesome, the experience unforgettable. Air time is approximately 20 seconds as you plummet at approximately 75kph. Sky Jump provides new dimensions of safety and comfort. Participants wear a full body harness and flying suit (all provided). There is no dangling upside down or bouncing around – you simply fall “fast & smooth” and then slow down as you approach the ground where you land gently on your feet. Sky Jump - hard on the mind, easy on the body!

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Drive to Waitomo - Cave Country

The green rolling landscapes of the Waikato region that lies to the south of Auckland form some of the most fertile land in New Zealand, yet this is one region in particular which holds more than just surface appeal… literally. For Waikato also boasts an extensive labyrinth of underground caverns that formed millions of years ago and are now a major tourist attraction. To the south of Hamilton, the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region’s subterranean wonders. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans - a lost world waiting to be discovered. Above ground, the area around Waitomo is also popular for horse riding and bush walking.

The Lost World Caving and Abseiling Epic Journey – Waitomo

This is Waitomo’s ultimate adventure and it is dramatic! The day starts with a 100 meters abseil (330ft) - the world’s longest commercial caving abseil - for some fifteen odd minutes, to get you into the Lost World – and that is just the beginning! In the company of an experienced guide, you will descend for about 15 minutes and admire the beauty of this iconic cavern.

Once down, you embark on a journey back to the surface through the most incredible cave system. Heading upstream you follow a challenging underground river by whatever means - climbing ropes, swimming, wading, passing through vaults the size of cathedrals, up waterfalls and stalactites, squeezing through tight gaps and jumping into black pools!

The green rolling landscapes of the Waikato region that lies to the south of Auckland form some of the most fertile land in New Zealand, yet this is one region in particular which holds more than just surface appeal… literally. For Waikato also boasts an extensive labyrinth of underground caverns that formed millions of years ago and are now a major tourist attraction. To the south of Hamilton, the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region’s subterranean wonders. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans - a lost world waiting to be discovered. Above ground, the area around Waitomo is also popular for horse riding and bush walking.

Be warned, this is not a simple cave tour. This is a full on caving experience. You need to be fit and you are going to get very wet, you'll be in the safe muddy hands of some of New Zealand’s most well trained guides. If you enjoy adventure, exploration and the sense of achievement from having completed something amazing, then The Lost World 'Epic' will certainly make your light shine brightly.

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Drive to the Coromandel - Beautiful Beaches and Native Bush

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees. The eastern side is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region. The coastal nature of the Coromandel makes it a brilliant choice if you like to fish, surf, dive, snorkelling, swim or wander along beaches. For contrast you can head for the hills and hike the trails in the-forest.

Afternoon - Sea Kayaking Cathedral Cove

This sea-bound spine of ancient eroded volcanoes protects the placid waters of the ‘City of Sails’. It also serves as a favourite holiday hideaway for busy Aucklanders and a Mecca for visitors seeking peace and solitude. The dramatic unspoilt coastline is the main drawcard, being perfectly suited to sea kayaking. Scenic bays and hidden coves have fascinating rock gardens and golden sand beaches tucked away behind glorious limestone sculptured headlands. Cathedral Cove at Hahei is a ‘Blue Lagoon’ fantasy scene and further south magical thermal springs bubble up through the sand at Hot Water Beach. This volcanic coast is stunning. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, snorkel the marine reserve. When conditions & tides allow, we have the option of paddling spectacular volcanic remains rarely seen by other travellers. Littered with caves, tunnels & blowholes.

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Drive to Whakatane - The Bay of Plenty

"A place for all seasons” The Eastern Bay of Plenty can't fail to impress visitors... from wonderful bush walks and panoramic seascapes to a host of recreational activities on and in the waters. Whakatane has a fleet of charter boats, which provide visitors with the chance to dive the crystal clear waters, fish for the "big ones", visit New Zealand's only active island volcano and swim with the dolphins. Star gazers can enjoy the majesty of the southern skies at the Whakatane Observatory which is open Tuesday evenings or by appointment. The town's central business district has taken on a sub-tropical appearance with its profusion of colourful vegetation which is enhanced by the many hours of sunshine enjoyed by the district. The choice of shopping will satisfy the most ardent visitor seeking "retail therapy" and the many restaurants and cafes cater for all tastes."

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White Island - Diving an Active Volcano (Bay of Plenty)

There are very few places you can dive a live volcano, but White Island, which has been steaming away for centuries, is something quite unique. With abundant varieties of fish life including huge Kingfish, Stingrays, Moray Eels and massive schools of Blue Maomao, along with some of the biggest crayfish. Diadema urchins are almost unique to White Island and masses of these can be seen on a pinnacle dive known as Diadema Rock. But what makes this place truly unique are the bubbling underwater fissures creating an underwater Jacuzzi. Warmer currents also mean nudibranches like those of the Poor Knights, and visibility of generally 20 metres plus. This fascinating place is brushed by the warm waters of an offshore current and offers exciting dives from pinnacles with 150 metre drop offs to cruisy reef dives.

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Drive to Gisborne - The First City in the World to See the Sun

Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day and is New Zealand's easternmost city. Located close to the International Date Line you can, figuratively speaking, almost touch it. With the sun shining an average of 2200 hours a year, it is also one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. Sunny days and a good surf along the coastline make for a pleasant and enticing holiday for those who ride the waves. For those who don’t, the white sand beaches and the waters of the South Pacific can be as much of a siren’s call. Add to these a land steeped in history with a wide range of activities and attractions, and Gisborne is definitely a destination to consider.

Shark Cage Diving Gisborne

Try this very unique experience and snorkel with sharks in a purpose built shark cage. The cage floats on the surface enabling even the novice to enter the cage and be able to stand chest deep in the water. Clad in a wetsuit and wearing a weight belt adventurers are able to move to the bottom of the cage and view sharks (mainly Mako) taking live baits only 1 metre away! If you wish you can use one of our regulator mouth-pieces and remain underwater for 25 minutes. This is an eco-friendly operation, travelling to where the sharks are rather than having one specific location. We are in contact with the recreational fishermen and are informed as to the shark’s whereabouts on any given day – the expedition lasts for approximately five hours.

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Discover the Geothermal Wonderland of Rotorua

Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand, is the host to some of the world’s most incredible forces. Surrounded by the unmistakable smell of sulphur, geysers and clouds of steam magically appear around the city giving it an incredible 'other worldly' feel. Here lives wonders like the Pohutu geyser, which erupts 20 times a day and can spout up to 100 feet. All around this geothermal hotspot there are mud pools that bubble and belch, warm geothermal pools and ponds and hot spring bath’s that create a kaleidoscope of colour.

With a deep-rooted Maori cultural heritage spanning from the 14th century, Rotorua is still considered Maori cultural centre of New Zealand. The first Maori inhabitant’s constructed villages and made use of the thermal areas boiling water. This natural resource successfully aided them in the use of cooking and warmth for houses, eliminating the dependence of fire. Here you can explore the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people.

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Grade 5 - White Water Rafting - The “Mighty Kaituna River”

The Kaituna River offers the most exhilarating white water rafting in New Zealand and is ranked a grade 4/5. Why? This river begins at the outlet of Lake Rotoiti and the sheer volume of water escaping the lake has created 15 fast and furious rapids - the adrenaline just keeps on pumping until you hit the highest commercially rafted waterfall known, “The Tutea Falls” at 7metres (23ft) - you couldn’t ask for a better finale! The Kaituna River is a pool drop river, which means there is the excitement of the rapids and then time to pull yourself together before tackling the next inevitable set. The rapids are not the only draw card; the flora and exposed geological history provide an equally breathtaking experience as you drift through steep gorges and native bush. With two guides taking care of the more technical aspects (Like steering the boat) you can focus on perhaps the more important aspects (like holding on!). Believe it or not, around 70% of the people trying this have never rafted before - so adventurous beginners are welcome – Yeehaa!!

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Volcanic Helibiking and Crater Mt Tarawera

Incorporating some of New Zealand’s best geothermal landscape and also some awesome mountain biking this product is a great day tour for those wanting to experience some of New Zealand’s culture, history and adventure all in one, all the while taking in some of our most stunning views from above. After being picked up from your accommodation we make our way to the heli-port to take a spectacular helicopter flight to Mt Tarawera the volcano and enjoy the views of the beautiful Bay of Plenty District before setting down on the summit. From here we walk down the infamous scree slope into the crater and explore this wondrous landscape, maybe even seeing some of our native wildlife in their natural environment. Once we are back on top of the crater rim it’s time to don our protective pads and helmets and prepare for our epic ride down the side of the mountain.

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4 Day Guided Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

Lake Waikaremoana (Sea of rippling Water) is a scenic gem perched high in the mountains of the mystical Te Urewera National Park. In recognition of its beautiful scenery and important natural features, the Lake Waikaremoana Track is classed as one of New Zealand's "Great Walks." Highlights of the Lake Waikaremoana hike include: journeying through a forgotten wilderness area of NZ, where small populations of Maori tribes still live in the forest; circumnavigating the beautiful and pristine Lake Waikaremoana; hiking through dense native rainforest in the most diverse botanical region of NZ; spectacular geological formations; abundant birdlife (kiwi, kaka, kereru, tui etc); rich history and opportunities for swimming in the lake. The walk traverses a range of terrain with many types of vegetation from the mountain beech forest of the Panekire Bluffs to dense rainforest. Podocarp mixed broadleaf forest is dominant in many areas. Bird life in the area is abundant. This is a moderate tramp, with magnificent scenery and plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing ensure the walk is well used throughout the year.

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Drive to National Park

Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all. In the summer you will find available all kinds of that allow you to get out and enjoy the Tongariro National Park - hiking, biking and kayaking and in the winter National Park has fantastic skiing on the Whakapapa and Turoa Ski fields on Mt Ruapehu.

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Guided 42nd Traverse Expedition - Epic Ride Tongariro Forest

This is one of the best mountain bike rides in New Zealand. The 42nd traverse is a 44km ride through the Tongariro forest with amazing views of the mountains and some awesome riding. The ride follows a four wheel drive track and crosses several streams and one river. There are some really awesome long downhill sections along the way with some picturesque river crossings, but also be prepared for the many unrelenting, muscle-wrenching, hill climbs en-route, that not only test you physically, but mentally as well. For the not so fit, some will eventually reduce you to walking. The scenery through the park is simply amazing, offering views on a clear day of the many volcanoes in the region. The 42nd Traverse is an exhilarating, rewarding experience and well worth the effort. Grade 3+, Distance 44km - Rating: Hard, a good level of fitness required, ride includes 20km of hill climbs, 2km of technical downhill, 5-7 hours When to Go: October to May (snow covers the track in winter)

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Lake Taupo - The Biggest Volcanic Crater in the World

Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo, after all, it is tbe biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Thermal activity in this region includes natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. Taupo is the North Island adventure equivalent of Queenstown! Visit the Huka Falls look out and the Prawn Farm, take a jet boat down the Waikato river to see the Huka Falls or even better do the full on Rapids Jet experience for a real thrill, partake in the new Zealand craze of Bungy Jumping, Sky Dive from 15,000 ft (cheapest in the world and most of our staff have done it!), take a fast boat around Lake Taupo to view the rock carvings and much more.

Taupo Bungy Jump

Taupo Bungy one of New Zealand’s most spectacular bungy sites, is situated 47 metres (154 ft) above the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River. Since commencing operations in 1991, Taupo Bungy has performed in excess of 145,000 jumps, gaining a world-wide reputation for its safety standards and professionalism.

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