North Island Wonders

‍Day 1‍

Meet in Wellington and make the most of your first night at the centrally located hostel in our vibrant capital city, before our departure to the South Island tomorrow.

Wellington is a compact city based around a large working harbour that is home to a mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. It has a particularly vibrant coffee and craft beer scene.

Museums, art galleries, theatres and festivals are at the heart of the city’s thriving cultural scene – New Zealand’s Te Papa Tongarewa national museum is located on the waterfront itself and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.

Despite its nickname as the ‘windy city’ (due to the strong winds that often buffet it from the Cook Strait), Wellington has a number of beautiful walks within the wider city area that include sandy beaches, forested hills and waterfront promenades as well as a historic tourist cable car, the Zealandia bird sanctuary and the botanical gardens.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hostel (Wellington)

Day 2

We depart our capital and head north over the dramatic Remutaka Ranges, before veering off the main road at Featherstone and making our way around Lake Wairarapa and through lush green farmland to the sea.

We then travel east along the rugged coastline to the desolate and very remote Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island. Weaving between steep jagged mountains on our left and the wild rolling seas to our right, the coastal route meanders through a number of small fishing settlements before arriving at the 125-year-old clifftop lighthouse at the end of the road. The view at the top is stunning.

We then backtrack along the coast before driving north to Martinborough, a quaint little town with over twenty vineyards surrounding its cute village square. Along with some of the world’s finest olive groves (with many local oils winning international awards), much of New Zealand’s best Pinot Noir comes from the local vineyards.

Tonight, we dine amongst the vines at one of the many wineries and enjoy a spot of wine tasting. That’s on us!

Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Martinborough)

Day 3 | Free Day.

(optional free day road trip to Castlepoint – weather dependent)

As part of our optional day trip, should you choose that, we take a scenic drive to the small beachside settlement on the Wairarapa coast, Castlepoint. Famous for its stunning lighthouse and 160m high Castle Rock, this beautiful scenic reserve is surrounded by reef, lagoons and sand dunes, just waiting to be explored.

If wine is more your thing, then perhaps research one of the many wine tours that Martinborough and its surrounds offers. There’s even the option for a self guided cycle wine tour – yes, you did read that correctly!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Martinborough)

Day 4‍

We head north today, passing through small rural towns nestled amongst the verdant landscape of the Wairarapa.

On the way, we make a stop at ‘the longest place name in the world’ in Porangahau and see how many of you can pronounce the 85 character Maori name correctly!

We then continue our journey on to the city of Napier, capital of Hawkes Bay, where we spend three nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 5 | Free Day.

(optional free road trip to Te Mata Peak – weather permitting)

Hawkes Bay is recognised as one of New Zealand’s premier food and wine regions. It is also known as an international Art Deco capital with outstanding architecture dating from the 1930's when the area was decimated by a large earthquake.

We take an optional scenic drive today through dramatic scenery around the Tuku Tuku Road loop, up to Te Mata Peak with amazing 360° views from the top down across the many vineyards and wineries and on a clear day right across to the central mountains.

On the way we’ll pass the Mission Estate (the oldest winery in New Zealand which dates back to 1851).

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 6 | Free Day.

Wine tours are a popular pastime in this premier wine region of New Zealand, and many visitors to the town also choose to take a tour to the scenic Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.  

Napier is the largest city in the Hawkes Bay and has a very pretty seafront.

Marine Parade is a great place to walk or cycle along whilst you admire the many Art Deco buildings on show. The old harbour area is also a lovely place to spend some time with plenty of quaint boutique shops and cafes to enjoy.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

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Day 7

Today we travel north to the coastal town of Wairoa, and take a short detour to the Mahia Peninsula before heading inland to our very special destination for two nights, deep in the hill country of Ngatapa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (Eastwoodhill Arboretum, Ngatapa)

Day 55 | Free Day.

Today you can explore the delights of the Eastwoodhill Arboretum which covers 131 hectares of rolling rural farmland and contains the most comprehensive collection of flora in NZ. It displays over 4000 different varieties of trees, shrubs and plants and is extremely beautiful.

Whether we are visiting in the Spring or in Autumn the colours and variety of species are spectacular. Meander your way through the numerous woodland paths within the park, take time out to sit in the gardens and enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (Eastwoodhill Arboretum, Ngatapa)

Day 8 & 9

The next two days see us travelling State Highway 35, which circles right around New Zealand’s East Cape. The East Cape is the easternmost point of the New Zealand mainland and is the first place to see the sunrise in the world!

The 334 km road trip around the coastline is stunning, comprising of endless white sandy beaches, remote villages where wild horses roam free, and a number of historical points of interest.

We stay the night at a beautifully secluded spot on the most remote part of the East Cape. Here, with weather permitting, we have the opportunity to zip open our tents at dawn and be the first people in the world to witness the sun rising up out of the ocean for the new day. What an experience!

Over our two days of travel around the Cape, we’ll visit the old abandoned wharf, wool and meat work buildings of beautiful Tokumaru Bay, and Tolaga Bay with what is believed to be the longest (660m) and most spectacular wharf of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

The wharf at Tolaga Bay stands where Captain Cook first met the leaders of the Te Aitanga a Hauiti tribe in 1769 and there are a number of other places along this historic section of coastline where Cook and his ship, the Endeavour set anchor.

We’ll also pass through Te Araroa where you can find New Zealand’s oldest and largest Pohutukawa tree, the iconic and picturesque Anglican Raukokore Church and the tiny hamlet of Omaio, whose name literally means ‘peace, quiet & tranquillity’ in Māori.

We complete our East Cape experience in Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 » Accommodation: Camping (East Cape)Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 » Accommodation: Camping (Whakatāne)

Day 10 | Free Day.

Whakatāne is the heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and frequently records the highest number of annual sunshine hours in New Zealand.

It is the perfect place to unwind and explore the area’s beautiful natural setting. But there is also lots to do – it is one of the country’s premier fishing centres with more yellowfin tuna being caught here than anywhere else in New Zealand.

You can also take a boat trip out to Moutohorā/Whale Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary that supports an abundance of native New Zealand birdlife. One of the more popular attractions is to take a flight over White Island and the numerous volcanoes that make up the Taupo Volcanic Zone – an incredible experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Whakatāne)

Day 11

Today we head to Rotorua.

As we near the city, we pay a visit to either Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, named as "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World"  or  Waimangu – a natural wonderland and the final resting place of the legendary pink and white terraces.

Whichever one we visit, you will be awed by the extraordinary natural thermal phenomena on show at these parks - brightly coloured natural hot pools, sulphur mud baths, explosive geysers and more. Not far away is Kerosene Creek, a stream heated by natural hot springs. Complete with a waterfall and a series of steaming sandy bottomed pools surrounded by dense forest, this delightful spot is a local secret and your chance for a dip in the warm bath-like water.

We then drive the short journey into Rotorua, our base for three nights. The fun today, is not over, because this evening we treat you to a cultural evening at the Mitai Māori Village, where you will be given an authentic introduction to Māori culture complete with a traditional Hāngī feast. (included) A Hāngī is a traditional New Zealand Māori method of cooking food using either natural steam or heated rocks buried in a pit oven.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 13 | Free Day.

Rotorua has so much to offer. There is everything here from adrenaline pumping activities like guided volcano climbing, ziplining and zorbing to more relaxed activities like having a massage in the many spa and wellness centres or walking amongst the giant redwood trees in the amazing Whakarewarewa Forest.

Taking a stroll around the vibrant town centre you’ll find yourself walking amongst geothermal natural springs and bubbling mud pools, through the beautifully manicured government gardens, onto the pristine new lakefront walkway, and back towards Eat Streat, a pedestrianized road full of cafes and restaurants, not to mention fantastic ice cream parlours.

There are kilometres of lake, river and forest paths and trails to explore on foot or bike and a visit to Rotorua is not complete without experiencing our unique Māori culture too. Rotorua is a unique and special place and with so much to see and do, you won’t be disappointed.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 14 | Free Day.

(Optional free evening visit to the Whakarewarewa Forest)

You will have another day to yourselves in Rotorua to embrace all it has to offer.

This afternoon in camp, we have a go at cooking our own version of a Hāngī. The campsite has a stainless-steel version that uses the natural geothermal steam from under the ground. Watch or help us if you like, or just enjoy the food once it comes out of the steam a few hours later!

Tonight after dark, you have the option to join us at the Whakarewarewa Forest where you can enjoy the magical light display amongst the enormous redwood trees. (The elevated tree walk – additional cost, can be booked at the ticket office on site)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 15 – The ‘Hobbiton’ Day. (Included activity)

Experience the magic of the Hobbiton movie set, situated in the heart of the Mighty Waikato region. Here you will explore the real ‘middle earth’ and the lush pastures of the ‘Shire’ with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander amongst the ‘Hobbit Holes’, past the Mill and down to the Green Dragon Inn for a refreshing complimentary drink. Even if you’re not a fan of the books or films, we are sure you will still find this tour extremely endearing, interesting and very photogenic.

After our adventure here, we head to the City of Tauranga where we drive past New Zealand's biggest port and one of its largest natural harbours before ending up in the popular seaside resort of Mount Maunganui. Its long sandy main beach stretches right up to the base of the ‘Mount’ which can be climbed to gain spectacular views across the city, harbour and coastline.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Mount Maunganui)

Day 16 | Free Day

Enjoy a walk along the beach, watch the surfers ride the waves and the ships coming into the harbour, indulge in the numerous cafes, juice and coffee shops along the sea front, or take the walk up the Mount.

If you fancy a day in the city, you can take the bus into Tauranga and shop til you drop - up to you.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mount Maunganui)

Day 17

We start today by driving to the little inland town of Waihi, New Zealand's 'Heart of Gold', with a gold mining history spanning three centuries and a local open pit mine that is still fully operational.

We then drive further north to the stunning Mount Paku peninsula. The 360° panoramic views at the top of the summit walk are not to be missed, looking down over Tairua harbour, Pauanui Beach, the beautiful turquoise blue estuary waters, and out along the coast to the Alderman Islands.

We now find ourselves in The Coromandel, a popular holiday region renowned for its 400kms of pristine white sandy beaches and relaxed vibes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hot Water Beach, Coromandel)

Day 18 | Free Day

This is your chance to get out and explore the beautiful Coromandel's east coast with its pristine beaches, beautiful bays, caves and islands.

From our camp at Hot Water Beach, you can opt for one of the many boat trips that are on offer, kayak tours, diving and snorkeling trips or simply dig yourself a hole and sit in it! Yes, Hot Water Beach is exactly that – find the right place to dig and you’ll discover a hot pool waiting for you to sit and relax in. A complimentary spa, even if you do have to do the digging yourself!

Voted one of the most picturesque spots in the Coromandel, Cathedral Cove is home to a soaring limestone rock arch that separates two white sandy beaches and is a kayak or boat trip away. A number of tours are bookable from the Hot Water Beach area.

There is a scenic walk also (but is currently inaccessible due to excessive storm damage. The work to reinstate the walkway is underway)  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hot Water Beach, Coromandel)

Day 19

Today, we zigzag across and around the Coromandel Peninsula to Coromandel Town.

Along the way we visit the harbour town of Whitianga, Kūaotunu – home of the 10 scoop ice cream! And beautiful Otama beach, before crossing over west to visit the Driving Creek Railway and experience a unique tour on New Zealand’s only mountain railway.

We then check in to our campsite here for two nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 20 | Free Day

(optional free day road trip around the Coromandel)

You have a free day to explore Coromandel Town, a unique little settlement with character, soul and ambience. As well as galleries and craft shops, the town has many restored Victorian buildings and a small mining museum. There are many bush and beach walks nearby too.

Weather permitting, we will seize the chance to take a further drive north and explore even more of this area’s remote beauty.We may even be able to walk part of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. One of New Zealand’s most popular coastal walks with its beautiful scenery and remote location, it borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays and follows an old bridle path formed by early pioneers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 21

This morning, we take the scenic Thames Coastal Road, which offers more magnificent views along the coastline here to Thames a small town on the Firth of Thames.

From here, we travel further south and a little bit west towards Waitomo, famous for its extensive underground cave systems and its glow-worms.

Before settling in here for two nights, we visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House. This not-for-profit wildlife and conservation centre displays rare native New Zealand wildlife for release to the wild and is the best place to see the Kiwi Bird and the lesser known Tuatara (a real dinosaur!).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Waitomo)

Day 22 | Free Day

The caves, glow-worms, black water rafting, abseiling, caving, zip lining, bushwalking and the Discovery Centre & Museum – Waitomo offers so many experiences, all walkable from our campsite.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Waitomo)

Day 23

We set off today for the thunderous Marakopa Falls, where we take a short bush walk to this wide waterfall with its impressive 35m drop - often referred to as the most beautiful in NZ.

Time permitting, we will also visit the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a 17m high natural limestone arch that has formed from the remnants of an ancient cave system. Be wowed as you walk through the fairy-tale like forest that leads up to this beautiful natural phenomena.

We then drive through the small settlement of Marakopa and take the incredibly scenic coastal route southbound. Along the way we pass by the translucent waters of the Tongapōrutu River and along one of the fastest eroding coastlines in the world.

The relentless Tasman Sea continually sculpts and shapes the cliffs of the mainland creating numerous caves, tunnels and archways. Every now and then you’ll be able to see right out to the horizon and on a clear day you might catch a sighting of Mount Taranaki as we near New Plymouth.  

Tonight is our final night, camping in the heart of New Plymouth.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)

Day 24 | Free Day

We say our farewells over breakfast before you pack up and depart the tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast