North Island Adventure - Highlights

Tent, Hotel, B&B, Cabin,
Farmstay, Backpacker,
Lighthouse Keeper’s House

26 Days North Island
Guaranteed Departure

from 6 participants

Max 10 People

These landscapes are perfect for adventurers and explorers! Equipped with canoe, hiking boots and backpacks we spend three days in the untouched nature of the Whanganui River and sleep under the stars. We immerse ourselves in the fascinating underground world of Waitomo, visit the volcanoes in New Zealand’s oldest national park, and relax on a sailing cruise through the magic Bay of Islands. You will see the many facets of the North Island and really explore them close-up and in-depth!

Some of the Highlights:

Kauri Trees Close-up and Personal

When the sun starts to set we meet up with a local guide at Waipoua Forest in the Far North, who will take us on an almost spiritual journey. The forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest Kauri trees remaining in the world. Our guide will explain the evolutionary steps and the mythological background and thus offers an interactive interpretation of the importance of these trees to both the natural environment and the Maori people. It’s a special moment when we meet the mighty Tane Mahuta ('The Lord of the Forest') who stands an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall and is about 2000 years old.

A Very Special Day-Walk and Night

Have you ever dreamed of living in a lighthouse? We take our backpacks, sleeping bags, provisions and cameras and go on an adventure of a special kind. The Cape Brett Walkway leads us in about 8 hours through native forest and along dramatic cliffs to the lighthouse at the end of the cape. We enjoy fabulous views all along and spend a delightful night in tonight’s special accommodation: the lighthouse keeper’s house!

Canoe Tour – Three Days on the Whanganui River

Canoes take us downstream through the remote wilderness of the Whanganui River. Amidst the forest covered canyons, completely isolated from any other sign of civilisation, the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ awaits us and we explore this remnant of New Zealand’s pioneer days on foot. Three days and two nights we spend in the untouched nature on and around the river. The last night on the river we spend in a very special accommodation and enjoy a truly unique atmosphere.

Walking in Volcanic Tongariro National Park

Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage Area, a status which recognizes the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Three partly still active volcanoes form the heart of this stunning landscape that we want to explore. Depending on weather and fitness we choose one of the many first-class walks of the park. If you are fit and motivated you can also take the opportunity to go on ‘New Zealand’s best day walk’, the Tongariro Crossing (6-8h).

Sailing Cruise through the Bay of Islands

In the Far North we board a 15m yacht and sail through the stunning Bay of Islands. We see beautiful scenery drift past while we enjoy our hot drinks, snacks and then a scrumptious lunch. With a bit of luck we also encounter dolphins, Blue Penguins, Gannets and other wildlife. In the afternoon we can go for a swim or snorkel, or just sit back and enjoy a cold glass of beer or wine.

Waitomo - Adventures Above and Below Ground

We spend three days in the breathtaking Waitomo region. First, we abseil down into its underground world of bizarre limestone formations and millions of Glowworms and use inflated inner tubes to float down an underground river. After another magical cave tour (dry this time) we want to explore the beautiful landscape above ground and go on a two-day walk through undulating green fields that make you feel like you are a Hobbit walking through ‘The Shire’.

Like all our tours this tour offers a comprehensive range of included activities: read more..

And here is the detailed North Island Adventure Itinerary.