New Zealand: North Island Multisport

8 days

The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action. Experience the mighty Haka and learn all about the history of the world famous All Black team in this interactive experience. This private guided immersion will take you on a uniquely New Zealand journey.

Opt to grab dinner with your group.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current fees

1. Jump right into your adventure by adding the ‘Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience’ extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland’s Waitmata Harbouron a competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours. NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning of Day 1.

2. If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO, see day 3 for more details). 

3. Waiheke Island Excursion - Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds).

Day 2 - auckland / rotorua

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. Then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.

NOTE: An E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost. This can be arranged with the CEO on Day 1 of the trip at the welcome meeting.

Day 3 - rotorua

Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Famous for its eruption in June 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. Get ready to see unmatched 360 panoramic views and go for an optional run in to the heart of a volcanic crater!

Later, join your Maori guide for a tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and speak with local carvers. After your exploration, experience a late lunch at a Hangi meal cooked in the ground using the steam from the geothermal activity.

There are many optional activities offered to fill the day as well!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current fees

1. Mountain Biking - Head out on an exhilarating cycling adventure. Explore the stunning Redwood Forest on two wheels on what some call the world’s best mountain biking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or expert mountain bike enthusiast there’s sure to be a trail perfect for you.

2. Hot Springs - Soak tired muscles in the area’s natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parts; be sure you don’t miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city’s naturally heated waters.

3. Hells Gate Geothermal Park - Experience a unique Maori owned geothermal, cultural, and geothermal mud bath spa, with erupting waters, steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling mud.

4. Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit - Visit an authentic Maori Geothermal Village. With a local guide, follow the path past bubbling mud pits and mineral pools with different fluorescent colored water. Learn how geothermal energy is used around the village and hear the history of the area. Just try to ignore the sulfurous smell; that’s just Mother Earth making magma magic.

5. Zorbing - Hop into a giant inflatable ball and take a thrilling ride down Mt Ngongotaha. This outrageously fun and bizarre ride is a must-do when in Rotorua, so don’t miss out!

6. Whitewater Rafting - Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don’t forget to paddle!

7. Hobbiton Tour - Enjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.

Day 4 - Rotorua / tongariro National park

Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano (12 mi).

Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.

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 arranges.

Day 5 - 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.

Day 6 - whanganui national park

Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this time, from a canoe) on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Journey along the famous Whanganui 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. 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.

Day 7 - whanganui national park / waitomo

Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system.

Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by boat, by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them.

Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current fees

1. Waitomo Cave Excursion - Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glow-worms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.

2. Waitomo TumuTumu Toobing (Black Water Rafting) - Grab a wetsuit, helmet and gumboots, and float, scramble, swim and walk your way through a subterranean playground! A good challenge but not as difficult as Haggas Honking Holes.

3. Waitomo Lost World Cave Abseil - Feel like the hero of your own action movie on this tour that involves a 328 ft abseil (rappel) into the Lost World with a guide at your side. Be awed by the beauty of an iconic cavern that’s covered in glittering glow-worms. After a 30 min descent, embark on a journey back to the surface through a spectacular dry cavern. Relish in your accomplishments (and added confidence) afterwards with some good food and drink.

4. Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes - Get your fix of adrenaline and fun on this underground action adventure. Do a series of abseils, rock climbs, crawls, and cruises as you explore the fabulous Waitomo caves in an action-packed 4 hrs. See stalactites, stalagmites, and glow-worms up close.

5. Waitomo Valley Walk - FREE ACTIVITY - Explore Waitomo Valley’s amazing rugged landscape by foot on this one-way walk; the CEO will see you off at the start. Check out a small cave on your way, and then follow the trail through the forest back to Waitomo Village. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and take a rain jacket and water.

    

Day 8 - waitomo / auckland

Enjoy a scenic trek to Bridal Veil Falls, a plunge waterfall located along the Pakora River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. Relax on arrival and enjoy the waterfall’s breathtaking natural beauty. The waterfall is 180 ft high, and, over time, has caused the formation of a large pool at its base.

This visit to Bridal Veil Falls via is an easy 30 minute walk before travelling north to Auckland where your tour will end around midday.