G Adventures - 7 Day Best of the North Island Itinerary

Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the accommodation and explore the city. ​The adventure begins tonight, make sure you're back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

PLEASE NOTE: This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in booking extras or exploring the city and other nearby attractions it is highly recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.

Accommodation: Jucy Snooze - 1 night (or something similar)

Drive the southern scenic route through the rolling hills of the Waikato, visit a special conservation farm to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a harbour for a picnic lunch. Travel backroads to a remote conservation farm where they are using natural means to boost the stocks of traditionally farmed marine life. Farmers have created a balanced ecosystem to attract native birds and animals back to the area.

Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side. before heading to our lodge a few minutes drive from the famous surf and artsy little town of Raglan for the night.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Lava Lounge - 2 nights (or something similar)

Surf Lessons
Head down to the beach, we have arranged for you to learn how to catch a wave in this three-hour surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).

Relax -  Free Time
Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.

Optional Activities

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

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’.

Immerse yourself in a Maori cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori Village. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), and learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua from a local Maori guide. Discover the abundant Geothermal Energy surrounding the village that’s used for cooking, heating, and communal bath houses.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation Four Canoes Travellers Lodge - 1 night (or similar)

Take advantage of your free morning in Rotorua the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, or hit up a nearby spa. Rotorua is an adventure playground with a great range of activities to enjoy. It is filled with bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs and showcases New Zealand's fascinating Maori culture.

In the afternoon the adventure continues and you will be driven to Taupo. The town sits at the edge of Australasia's largest lake and offers breathtaking views.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Base Taupo (or similar)

Rest your legs this morning as we drive south through rolling hill country to the capital city of Wellington. The rest of the afternoon is yours, so take your time as you stroll along the fabulous waterfront and through the busy streets of this buzzing wee city. Absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum - Te Papa, explore the waterfront or simply get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. You are spoilt for choice for places to dine this evening, so take your pick.

Suggested outings in and around Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Nomads Wellington (or similar)

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy this New Zealand Adventure Tour and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Looking for a lift back to Auckland? Add on the "Auckland Express" and ride with your CEO back north. Depart 6am and return to the Nomads Auckland hostel for around 5pm (8-9 hours driving time).

Included Highlights

• Surf world-famous waves
• Experience a historic Maori village with a local guide
• Conquer New Zealand's top-rated one-day trek
• Dance the night away in Wellington.

Inclusions

• Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
• Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
• Surf lesson (Raglan)
• Maori cultural experience
• Orientation walk in Wellington
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.