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Welcome to Auckland!
Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with a coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.
After checking into your hotel, relax, take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.
Tonight, the adventure begins, take the day to explore - and then meet up with your group late afternoon. After introductions, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will give an overview of your trip.
Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:
Accommodation: Ramada Suites Auckland - 1 night (or Similar)
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Biking the Coromandel Peninsula / Rotorua
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. Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel to the Rotorua region to the Tamaki Maori Village. After a traditional greeting on the marae (meeting grounds), learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner.
Karangahake Gorge Cycling
Enjoy beautiful scenery on this interesting ride through Karangahake Gorge that combines history, nature, and adventure all in one trip! Follow the historic Paeroa to Waihi rail line. Cycle old lines and through a tunnel along the river that runs through the gorge. Take it easy, if you wish – this trail is suitable for cyclists with little experience and offers lots to take in on the way.
Maori Village
Visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes cooked in the ground. After, enjoy some quiet time with our Maori hosts by a fire.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Tamaki Maori Village - 1 night (or similar)
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Rotorua - the Cultural and Geothermal Centre
Rotorua is a geothermal spectacular. Giant geysers rocket into the air and colourful sulphur terraces hiss and boil. The earth's crust at its most exciting and accessible in the downtown parks and lakefront- the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses. But Rotorua is more than boiling mud, there are ancient forests set amongst prisitine lakes, and the area is steeped in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand.
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hot pools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, tackle an offroad mountain bike track, go hiking, or hit the spa. This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to mountain bike in the world-famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Free Time The geothermal wonders of Rotorua are not the only attractions, opt to mountain bike in the world-famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:
See Geysers & Boiling Mud | Polynesian Hot Springs | Whirinaki Forest Walk |
Thermally Active Golf | Biking the Mighty Forests | Flight to Volcanic Island |
Museum of Art & History | Evening Cultural Experience |
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Canoes - 1 night (or similar)
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The Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7-8 Hours)
Fancy a walk on the moon? The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, climb an active volcano. Enjoy spectacular views and otherworldly landscapes on this challenging and rewarding trek across a volcanic range. Be prepared - this is alpine hiking - and not to be taken lightly.
Note: if the weather is too bad to trek, there will be alternative options such as smaller walks in the area or a visit to remote hot springs. If you do not wish to do the Tongariro Crossing, other activities can be arranged.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: 19-20 km (12 mi)
Relax: After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night. An on-site spa and sauna will help ease tired muscles.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Skotel Alpine Resort - 1 night (or similar)
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Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park. Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Blue Duck Lodge (or similar) - 2 Nights
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Whanganui River Jet Adventure
Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this time, from a canoe) on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. If weather permits, head out for a visit to the abandoned Bridge to Nowhere. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Whanganui River Journey
Grab a paddle and life jacket and journey along the famous Whanganui River – New Zealand's third-longest river. Soak in the wildlife and scenery, seemingly untouched by modern-day. It's a great way to unwind and pack in a little more Kiwi adventure. (Note: actual distance and time of the paddle may vary according to weather conditions.)
Whanganui River Jet Boating
Have fun and hold on! Fulfill your need for speed travelling down the amazingly scenic Whanganui River by jet boat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
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Waitomo Caves & Raglan
Depending on the weather conditions and the desires of the group, opt to visit the Waitomo Caves region, famous for their Glow-Worms. For the adventurous, there is the option of trying the New Zealand sport of ‘Black Water Rafting’.
Continue on to Raglan for the night, and enjoy the sunset in this stunning coastal town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Raglan Sunset Motel - 1 night (or similar)
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Raglan/Auckland
Visit an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture before travelling north to Auckland where your tour will end around midday.
Eel Farm Visit
Visit a local sustainable eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture and biological solutions for dairy farms in an effort to restore lowland wetland eco-systems. Be inspired by their green initiatives – they practice the art of giving more back to the environment than they take out.
Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Included Highlights
- Cycle through Karangahake Gorge on the way to Hot Water Beach
- Check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area
- Learn a traditional Maori greeting on the marae
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing – one of the world's greatest one day hikes
- Canoe along the Whanganui River
Inclusions
- Cycling through Karangahake Gorge
- Hike to Cathedral Cove
- Visit to Hot Water Beach
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk
- Jet boating and canoeing along Wanganui River
- Locally sourced/grown dinner
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
I love recommending this tour to energetic types, looking for outdoor adventure with some culture. You get a bit of everything here, plus the Chief Experience Officer to help make the most of every minute. Everything from mountain bikes and hot pools, to canoes, jet boats and hikes.
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