New Zealand’s North Island thoroughly engages the body and the spirit, often at the same time. This ten-day trip promises loads of both. Up here, you’ll pick up some sustainable living tips on a conservation farm and learn Maori culture straight from the source while bunking in villages in the bush. Elsewhere, you’ll sea kayak in a secluded harbour, get a surfing lesson from an expert, and overnight on a houseboat. There’s much more, but we’ve gotta leave some surprises, right?
Itinerary
Day 1 Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Auckland/Bay of Islands
Travel north via backroads, stopping to see giant kauri trees, and go for an included snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve (seasonal). Board a large houseboat for an overnight trip through the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3 Bay of Islands/Paihia
Enjoy free time in the morning on the boat. Choose to do a number of included water activities like kayaking, snorkelling, fishing or visiting nearby islands. Opt to go on a dolphin watching tour. Disembark with some time to explore Paihia before a Kiwi barbecue.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 Paihia/Auckland
Enjoy a free morning to relax, or opt to swim with dolphins, go skydiving, or check out the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 5 Auckland/Raglan
Visit a special conservation farm to learn about their methods before sea kayaking to a harbour for a picnic lunch.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 6 Raglan
Enjoy an included surf lesson in one of the world’s most famous surf areas, then opt to go mountain biking or rent a stand up paddle board.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Hands-On Surf Lessons
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7Raglan/Rotorua
Opt to go caving before heading to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture. Visit a local village to gain insight into Maori culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 8Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Travel around Lake Taupo and explore the volcanic UNESCO World Heritage-listed national parks in the area. Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand’s top-rated 1-day trek (seasonal).
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9Tongariro National Park/Wellington
Hit the nation’s capital and visit the national museum, Te Papa, or stroll along Oriental Parade. Check out some of the area’s great bars and cafés.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Big Night Out
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 10Wellington
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
Breakfast
What’s Included
- Hands-On: Surf Lessons, Raglan
- Big Night Out: Wellington
- Overnight houseboat excursion with onboard activities including snorkelling, fishing, and kayaking (Bay of Islands)
- Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
- Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
- Maori cultural experience
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (seasonal)
- Orientation walk in Wellington
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hostels (4 nts), houseboat (1 nt), basic lodges (3 nts), basic hotel (1 nt). Most nights are multi-share.
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD175-230 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private vehicle, walking
