North Island Adventure - Travel Details

Activities

Hiking

Hiking brings us closer to nature and is therefore an integral part of our tours. However, we are not interested in speed hiking nor long distance hiking, and we don’t expect anyone to break records.

In order to enjoy our hikes you should be in reasonable health, flexible and resilient. You should reckon with the odd rainy day and occasional wet feet.

Walks on the North Island Adventure Tour range from easy to demanding.  We go on easy short walks of 2-3h duration, but also on longer hikes of 4-7h. On these longer hikes we often walk over uneven terrain (gravel, rock, roots) and sometimes cross-country. Some hikes include long, steep climbs and descents of up to 1.000m altitude difference. We do take our time for these hikes so that everybody can enjoy them, but a good fitness level and comfortable weather-proof ankle-high hiking boots are a prerequisite. If you are used to hiking with trekking poles you should bring some.

We have put together an equipment list, tried and tested on many tours. Many of the items you can also hire from us (see rental equipment).

Hiking distances can often be adjusted depending on your personal fitness level. On some hiking days there is also the option of alternative activities. Feel free to discuss any concerns with us before you book or talk to your guide during the tour.

2-Day Hike

3-Day Canoe Tour

We spend three days and two nights in largely untouched nature as the legendary Whanganui River is only accessible by boat or on foot in most parts. This canoe tour is suitable for everyone, including beginners and non-swimmers. Apart from some arm strength (that will improve during the tour) there are no other prerequisites.  A trained local guide accompanies us all the way and introduces us to all we need to know about canoeing and also shares his vast knowledge about the local history and stories. All gear is provided (incl. life vests). 

The active paddle time varies with each group but is about 4-6h daily. We take several breaks to stretch our legs and take in the scenery. The tour includes full board and we will spend one night in a basic cabin and the other in tents.  In the evening of the third day we will celebrate the end of our river adventure in a very special place with a unique atmosphere.

Cycling Tour & Wine Tasting

We go on an all-day cycle tour through one of the best known wine-growing regions in New Zealand. On good trekking bikes we cycle for about 4 hours, partly along sealed roads, partly on gravel. The slightly hilly terrain offers plenty of options for breaks: a chocolate factory, several vineyards, fantastic picnic spots and plenty of photo opportunities. As we want to thoroughly enjoy our day and the alcohol limit also applies to cyclists, we will get picked up and transferred back to our accommodation at the end of the day.

Blackwater Rafting & Abseiling

This is an adventure where we will get wet. After an introduction and some exercises we will abseil about 40m down into the underworld of the North Island. On an inflated inner tube we then float down an underground river, walk and crawl through caves, climb waterfalls and enjoy fantastic limestone formations and millions of glowworms until we reach the cave exit. This unique adventure with a trained local guide will take about 5 hours and we will be supplied with helmets, headlamps and wetsuits.  

Cave Tour

This is a 3h easy walk through a roomy and dry underground cave system. We will be supplied with helmets. No other requirements. 

Sea Kayaking

This half-day kayak tour is suitable for everyone, including beginners and non-swimmers. We sit in stable and safe two person Sea Kayaks that have a rudder for simple control in windy conditions and ease of paddling. A trained local guide accompanies us all the way and introduces us to all we need to know when out kayaking. All gear is provided (incl. life vests).
The active paddle time varies with each group but is about 3h, depending on sea conditions, stamina and arm strength.

All-Day Sailing Cruise

This is an excursion to the unique islands situated just off the coast of the mainland in the Bay of Islands. The sailing yacht is about 15m long and equipped for 12 passengers. On the cruise you can help sail the boat or just relax and let our professional skipper do the work. We anchor in a beautiful bay for lunch and you have the opportunity to go swimming or snorkelling.

Maori Waka Canoe Tour

You will be introduced to a unique world filled with ancient spirituality and tribal traditional customs. You will be taught the way of the Ngapuhi (North Island Maori) while learning ancient chants, customs and traditions of Waka (traditional Maori canoe). The morning starts with a tour in a Waka, an official welcome, followed by talking and singing.

We will be paddling about 1-2 hours in the Waka, but as it is a team effort this shouldn’t be too strenuous. In case of strong wind or current a small outboard motor will assist us.

Optional Activities

The itinerary allows time for optional activities. Here is an overview of some of the available options. Prices as of February 2010 and subject to change.

Free Time

On this tour you will experience many fun-filled adventures, but will also have time to enjoy those special little things along the way. We can’t and don’t want to show you all of New Zealand in four weeks. No matter which of our tours you choose, we always endeavour to take in many well-known sights and true New Zealand highlights but also lesser-known treasures off the beaten track. 

You always have the option to decide whether you want to join the group in an activity or if you prefer having some time to yourself. Please talk to your guide if you would like alternative arrangements. 

We would like to point out, though, that you can not claim for refund of included activities. If you can not take up some of the included services for good reasons (f.ex. unforeseen early departure) we will endeavour to claim for a refund of saved expenses of the service or activity providers. This obligation does not need to be performed for expenses of less than NZ$ 50, or if the refund is against regulations.

Accommodation

General

The North Island Adventure tour includes a range of different types of accommodation. On this tour we sleep in tents, in cabins, in a hotel, in a cosy cottage, in an eco-friendly backpackers off the beaten track, in a farmstay, in a tramping hut with fantastic views and in a lighthouse keeper’s house on a cliff.

After thorough and ongoing research we have chosen these places for their character, atmosphere and location. We want to give you the opportunity to really enjoy the local hospitality. 

Generally, we book twin or double rooms and use two person tents. Please let us know if you prefer a single room/tent.

Tents

We provide sturdy and roomy good quality tents that are easy to pitch. It is possible to book a single tent. Single occupancy of the tent for the entire tour entails a surcharge of NZ$ 180 / € 90. Please tick the appropriate box in your booking form.
Included in the tour price is all necessary camping gear.  All you need is your own sleeping bag and camping mattress. We have put together an equipment list, tried and tested on many tours. Many of the items you can also hire from us (see rental equipment).

Hotel

The first night of the tour we spend in a hotel in Wellington. The hotels we use belong to the middle-class category. All rooms usually have tea- and coffee making facilities and provide washing machines and dryers for guest use.

Generally, we book twin or double rooms, but you can also book a single room. The single room surcharge is NZ$ 85/ € 48. Please tick the appropriate box in your booking form if you would like to book a single room.

Tramping Hut

On our two-day hike we stay in a tramping hut with fantastic views.  The hut has a common room and shared bedrooms with up to six beds and mattresses. For this night you will need a sleeping bag. Basic sanitary facilities.

Lighthouse Keeper’s House

At the end of our day walk we reach the far end of a small peninsula. Adjacent to the lighthouse is our accommodation with breathtaking views over the sea.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s House has two shared bedrooms with 6-8 beds each, and a common room with kitchen facilities. The toilet is outside and there are only basic sanitary facilities, so today we will have to make do with a simple tap or the sea for a clean up. This accommodation we might have to share with other hikers.

Backpackers/ Lodge/ Farmstay

Very nice twin/double or shared rooms with good bathroom facilities and pleasant common rooms.

Solo Traveler

For participants traveling alone we usually book a shared twin room and a shared two-person tent and then try to find a same sex room/tent mate. If we can’t find a suitable participant for sharing, we will let you know two weeks before departure and we will upgrade you to a single room/tent free of charge.   
If you prefer you can also book a single room/tent for the entire tour directly when filling out your booking form.  
The single room surcharge in the hotel in Wellington is NZ$ 85 / € 48. Single occupancy of the tent for the entire tour entails a surcharge of NZ$ 180 / € 90.   

Equipment

For your luggage we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag/suitcase. We strongly advise that you do not bring a hard-sided suitcase as they are bulky and difficult to fit into our vehicle. Your travel gear needs to be robust rather than bulky. Two smaller travel bags are often easier to carry and store than one big piece of luggage. That also gives you the option of leaving one of the two in the vehicle with unnecessary clothing etc. The weight limit for luggage on the tour is ca. 20kg per person.  

You will also need a small day pack that can fit snacks/lunch, a water bottle, a rain-proof jacket and your camera gear.
For our walks you will need comfortable weather-proof ankle-high hiking boots. If you are used to hiking with trekking poles you should bring some.

Included in the tour price is all necessary camping gear. All you need is your own sleeping bag and camping mattress. We have put together an equipment list, tried and tested on many tours. Many of the items you can also hire from us (see rental equipment).

Meals

All participants are expected to play a part in the meal preparation.

In our experience small teams of 2-3 participants who alternate with the cooking work really well. But don’t worry – we always carry our tried and trusted group cook book with plenty of ideas for yummy, quick and easy meals and our experienced guides are always there to lend a hand.  

Grocery shopping is a team effort and every participant will have to pay about NZ$25 per day into the meal kitty.
About 30% of our participants prefer vegetarian meals and depending on each group we will endeavour to cater for special needs/preferences or give you the option of preparing separate meals.  
 
Our main aim on our journey is getting to know the country and people, seeing the fauna and flora and experiencing what New Zealand has to offer. Therefore, we will try to keep the time used for meal preparation to a minimum. We will usually eat a comprehensive breakfast and a cooked dinner. Lunch is either prepared and packed at breakfast time, or we visit one of the many inviting cafes. When suitable we might opt for a restaurant and skip cooking our own dinner or we might prefer a BBQ and grill some fresh seafood, steaks etc. All depending on preferences and options on the day.  

Flight to/from New Zealand

Our tour quotes are land prices only and do not include international flights. Thus, the tour dates indicate the departure/arrival date from the start/end point of the tour and the days traveling in the country. This gives you the freedom to individually choose your personal arrival and departure dates and times in/from New Zealand. You can use our tours as building blocks for your holiday and we are very happy to help you plan and book any transport, accommodation or activities before or after the tour.   
If traveling from Europe your flight departure needs to be at least two days before the tour starts and you will arrive back in Europe at the earliest one day after the tour ends. So you will need to add at least three days to your overall travel time.