18 to 35s One Week in New Zealand: North Island

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Wellington – the country’s capital and home to a thriving specialty food scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, Wellington has a diverse range of activities to fill the time. Film fans can get their fix at the Weta Workshop – famous for their work on The Lord of the Rings. For those wanting a great city view, you can hop on board the cable car, hike up Mt Victoria or visit the Botanic Gardens. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, is a great stop to learn about Pacific cultures. After your welcome meeting, why not head out as a group for a tasty meal at one of the city’s lively restaurants.

Wake up and hit the road to Taihape today. Famous for being the gumboot capital of the country, even home to a giant gumboot sculpture, Taihape is also an active adventurer's must-visit destination. After arriving at the lodge, you’ll have a free afternoon to soak up the natural scenery. Those looking to get their heart rate up can opt for whitewater rafting, while anyone wanting a calmer ride can rent an e-bike to head out on the local trails. Get back in time for tonight’s included farm-to-table dinner with the group, where you’ll sample a selection of Kiwi produce and regional favourite dishes.

Start the day with a hearty cooked breakfast before departing the lodge for Rotorua. Along the way, make a stop at Huka Falls, the loud and powerful waterfall that sits within New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River. Spend some free time exploring the town and Lake Taupo before you set off again. The rest of the day is free for you to check out Rotorua. A hotspot for geothermal activity, this area has plenty of hot springs, mud baths and spas. But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. You can opt to join the Redwoods Nightlights Tree Walk after dark, featuring light displays and lanterns as you walk on suspension bridges high above the trees.

Rotorua is not only known for its geothermal sites – it’s also a region that advocates for the preservation and education of Maori culture. Begin the day with a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village, a Maori community of the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people, who have been sharing their culture with visitors for over 200 years. You’ll be led by a village guide who’ll share how locals have learnt to live with the region’s geothermal resources as you wander through heritage landmarks, an active marae (community meeting grounds) and the sacred tapu burial grounds. During today’s adventures, you’ll also visit the Pohutu geyser – the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere that erupts up to 20 times a day. The rest of the afternoon is free for fun in the Rotorua region. There are many options for nature-based adventures in the area, such as canopy ziplining, whitewater rafting or even a guided glowworm kayaking tour.

Before leaving Rotorua, you’re in for a truly Kiwi-made experience. Head over to the rolling hills outside the city for a morning zorb. Invented right here in Rotorua, you’ll jump into a giant plastic ball filled with water and roll down the hill. Next, travel onwards to Mt Maunganui, an oceanside suburb with great surf and sand beaches. Lace up your trainers for a hike up the summit track. Arrive at the top of ‘The Mount’ and soak up the well-earned 360-degree views of the harbour and surf beach. Return to sea level for a dinner of classic Kiwi kai – fish and chips on the beach.

Choose your own adventure today in Mt Maunganui. The beach is perfect for those wanting a relaxing day and those keen to grab a board and sample the surf. Lessons are available to anyone wanting to brush up on their skills or catch their first wave. If you’re looking for even more water-themed fun, the Bay of Plenty has options galore, including the nearby Waimarino Kayak Tours. Complete with slides, rock walls, swings and kayaks, you’re sure to have an entertaining afternoon in the bay. For tonight’s dinner, ask your local leader for their recommendations.

Say goodbye to Mt Maunganui and hello to Auckland, also known as the City of Sails. There’s no question as to why this city is often thought of as the country’s capital. With a thriving urban life of eateries, bars and nightlife, it won’t be hard to fill your time. Maybe head to the top of the Sky Tower to get your bearings, then sample more of New Zealand’s fresh seafood staples. Sports fans may enjoy the All-Blacks experience, where you’ll pass through interactive rooms, facing off to a haka and even comparing your skills to the pros. Tonight, maybe get the group together to toast to your North Island adventure before you say your goodbyes tomorrow.