Kayaking to Whenuakura and crossing Tongariro will be just two of the experiential highlights on this adventurous 14-day excursion of New Zealand’s outdoors. New Zealand’s North Island is the great outdoors: it is a magnificent land of rugged mountains, rolling coastline, bucolic pastures, and volcanic enchantment. From digging a jacuzzi in the sand to Maori encounters and sailing through the Pacific with dolphins, these two weeks will showcase the very best of the North Island’s wild...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland – Introduction to the Capital
Auckland’s city charm is created by quirky little neighborhoods, and the city center is not overly impressive, especially if you are more of an outdoor person. The small neighborhoods can feel like little villages with lovely cafes, boutiques, bars, and artistic architecture, and after a private airport transfer, this day will be at your leisure. Auckland’s neighborhoods are relaxing and comfortable places to get over your jet lag and become accustomed to the New Zealand pace of life. You can also take a stroll around the harbor to check out some pop-up bars and watch all the boats.
What's Included:
Day 2
Auckland – Whale and Dolphin Safari
Day 3 - 4
Waiheke Island – Vineyards and Beaches
Day 5
Thames – Exploring the Wilderness
Day 6
Thames – Hiking to the Pinnacle Rock Formations
Day 7
Coromandel Peninsula – Relaxing on the Northern Beaches
Day 8
Whangapoua – Building Your Own Jacuzzi
Day 9
Whangamata – Kayaking to Whenuakura Island
Day 10
Rotorua – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Day 11
Rotorua – Maori Cultural Experience
Day 12
Lake Taupo – Hiking Rainbow Mountain
Day 13
Lake Taupo – The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Day 14
Taupo to Auckland – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Discover volcanic pools on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is one of the world’s ultimate, single-day hikes
- Create your own jacuzzi by digging in the sand near Whangapoua
- Kayak to Whenuakura, which is an island on a lagoon near Whangamata
- Admire whales and dolphins during a private sailing safari from Auckland
- Wander through glowworm caves and discover hidden waterfalls during two days in Thames
- Hike between vineyards and beaches on the incredibly relaxed island of Waiheke
- Celebrate local culture during an evening immersion experience into the Maori cultural
- Hike Rainbow Mountain near Taupo, up Mount Maunganui, and upon the ethereal Pinnacle Rock Formations
- Bask in the warm waters of the geothermal hot pools around Taupo and Rotorua
Detailed Description
New Zealand has helped redefine notions of an outdoor vacation. This is a country where almost the entire experience is outdoors, and for those who crave outdoor adventure, there is nowhere better to indulge in a two-week getaway than New Zealand. While the South Island offers the most dramatic landscapes, including famous fjords and glaciers, the North Island has better weather and a wider diversity of accessible activities. You can do something new every day and not have to spend much time traveling between destinations. With two weeks, you can discover most of the nature and outdoor adventure that the island has to offer.
Handcrafted with private activities and off-the-beaten-track locations, this two-week tour will celebrate much of the best of the North Island. Five different day hikes have been included, and you will explore the full range of landscapes from Pacific beaches to volcanic mountains that tower above the interior. Auckland is the island’s gateway city, and you will spend two nights relaxing after the flight with a whale and dolphin safari that will fill up your first full day in New Zealand. Waiheke Island is warm and tropical, where hiking trails connect vineyards and beaches. It is a laid-back destination that will help you unwind before the outdoor adventures really start.
You will travel to Thames on day five, which is where you will search for Karekare Falls, wander Nikau glowworm caves, and hike the magnificent Pinnacle Rock formations. The Coromandel Peninsula will follow, which is a destination that is soporific at heart but adventurous in spirit. You can hike a stunning coastline, relax on secluded beaches, paddle around isolated rock figures, and build your own jacuzzi on a unique, hot water beach. By staying on the coast, you will hike to Cathedral Cove on day nine before kayaking to Whenuakura, which is a Maori island that is located on an island’s lagoon waters. Private guides will lead all of your activities, so you can tailor the itinerary each day. Perhaps, you will want to extend a hike or add another journey along the water.
From Whangamata, you will travel inland and spend your final five days exploring the North Island’s volcanic interior. You will stop to see Hobbiton before hiking Mount Maunganui and lazing away in some Rotorua hot springs. Mountain biking and kayaking are two options that are also available on a customizable day of activities that will be followed by a Maori cultural experience. Geothermal wonder will provide a highlight in Rotorua on the road to Lake Taupo, which will be your final overnight destination. Here, you will hike to Rainbow Mountain as an introduction to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This legendary, single-day crossing will provide you with a fitting finale for your two weeks in New Zealand.
Starting Price
$5,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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