Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Urupukapuka Island

We head north to Paihia with stops to see Kauri trees and to snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve. We stay on Urupukapuka Island for 2 nights and take a wildlife cruise to explore the 144 islands in the Bay of Islands to get there (late afternoon). You may see dolphins and other marine life on this trip. (D)

Day 2: Urupukapuka Island

Wake up to the sounds of native birds on this amazing, historic island. Surrounded by stunning beaches and bushland, you have the day free to do one of the great walks and explore the island, go swimming, kayaking, fishing or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches! There are also historic Maori Pa sites on the island to check out.

Day 3: Urupukapuka Island to Auckland

At midday we leave the island via boat and head back to the mainland. We then head to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Ruapekapeka battle site before making a stop at the Native Bird Recovery Centre (to see more native birds up close) arriving back into Auckland around 7.00pm. (B)

Day 4: Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region’ enjoying views of Waikato farmland. From our remote beach area we hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. *Quad share cabins only. (D)

Day 5: Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the Coromandel Coast we stop forsome great walks then arrive at our Maori culturalstop at Whakarewarewa. Set amidst geothermalactivity, thermal hot springs and bubbling mudpools, we take part in a tailored experienceincluding a down-to-earth cultural show and a hangilunch, cooked traditionally in the steam from thenatural hot pools! The afternoon is free to exploreRotorua with optional activities including walks(free) and white water rafting (additional cost). (BL)

Day 6: Rotorua to Whakahoro

We leave early this morning, stopping for a swimin a natural hot river and to see Huka Falls. Wethen go deep into the wilderness to our exclusiveenvironmental award-winning stop at Blue DuckLodge; an old homestead nestled on the edgeof Whanganui Naitonal Park. You can kayak thelast 8 kms or take an historical walk. We cook atraditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood fire,while learning about early settlement history andthe owner’s huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory. (BD)

Day 7: Whakahoro – National Park

Today we travel back towards the volcanoes ofTongariro National Park with the chance to hikethe Tongariro Crossing, rated as New Zealand’sbest one day walk. For those less active there willbe shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic CentreMuseum. Tonight we stay at our exclusive alpine lodge ‘The Park’. (BD)

Day 8: National Park to Wellington

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We have the afternoon to explore ‘Te Papa’, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along ‘Oriental Parade’ and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight. (B)

Day 9: Wellington to Auckland

Today we travel back to Auckland via Lake Taupo. It’s a long drive through picturesque scenery, but we’ll break the trip up with a some short walks in the Taupo region. (B)

Note*: The night in the Coromandel has multi-share accommodation only.