G Adventures
Save 25%Australia & New Zealand: A Month Down Under
New Zealand, Australia · 38 days · Moderate
fromCAD 6,749
Next: 04 JulThe adventure
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.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
New Zealand
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge
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.
Day 3Enjoy a free day in RotoruaThis 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.
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.
Day 4Conquer the Tongariro Alpine CrossingMt 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.
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.
Day 5Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this timeBegin the day by travelling to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park. Weather permitting, paddle along the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Opt to take a canoe or kayak. Don't forget your camera! On rainy days, groups may take a guided tour around Blue Duck Station to learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck), sustainable farming practices and, if weather permits, a short kayak through the gorge at the base of the Kaiwhakauka Falls.
Begin the day by travelling to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park. Weather permitting, paddle along the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Opt to take a canoe or kayak. Don't forget your camera! On rainy days, groups may take a guided tour around Blue Duck Station to learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck), sustainable farming practices and, if weather permits, a short kayak through the gorge at the base of the Kaiwhakauka Falls.
Day 6Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boatIn the morning, trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue exploring the picturesque Whanganui River. 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 before travelling on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
In the morning, trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue exploring the picturesque Whanganui River. 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 before travelling on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 7Transfer to Wellington and opt to visit the Te Papa MuseumIn the morning, transfer to Wellington, and visit the Te Papa museum and its galleries dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.
WellingtonIn the morning, transfer to Wellington, and visit the Te Papa museum and its galleries dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.
Day 8Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover New Zealand
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