The Great Northern Road Trip

Day 1‍

Meet in Wellington and have the first night at the hostel included before our Northern journey.

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, before turning west and heading over the Ruahine Ranges, home to one of the largest wind farms in the country. The Te Apiti wind farm can be seen stretching across 11.5kms of the surrounding hills and creates enough electricity to power 30,000 homes.

We then make a short stop in Ashhurst, before venturing along the little-known ‘Manawatu Scenic Route’, which guides us up toward the centre of the North Island. This is a beautiful, remote area comprising of lush green valleys, rolling farmland, crystal clear rivers and steep-sided gorges that are criss-crossed with old bridges and viaducts.

We then continue up and on to the Central Plateau, where we finally reach our base for three nights, Ohakune.

Ohakune, New Zealand’s ‘carrot capital’, sits at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak and is perfectly situated for the numerous activities that the Central Plateau region has to offer.It is from here that keen hikers take on the mighty Mt Tongariro ‘world-famous’ Alpine Crossing - a 19km hike over the mountain, with panoramic 360° views across the North Island. It has been regularly voted as one of the best scenic one-day walks in the world. It’s natural beauty spots include the three ‘Emerald Lakes’, the impressive ‘Red Crater’ and the picturesque ‘Blue Lake’. Mt Ngauruhoe has an almost perfect conical peak and is better known as ‘Mt Doom’ from The Lord of the Rings films.

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

Day 5 | Free Day
(Optional free road trip to Te Mata Peak – weather permitting)

The North Island's ‘Volcanic Plateau’ is famous for its three active volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Sitting at 2797m, Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s highest peak and is popular for skiing and bush walking.Aside from the Tongariro Crossing (as mentioned above), there are many shorter, easier walks around the area to enjoy as well as bike hire.

The historic Old Coach Road is popular with cyclists and day-walkers. It once connected the two ends of the Auckland to Wellington rail trunk line by stagecoach, and was extensively used until the railway line was finally completed in the 1920’s. The 15km trail stretches along cobblestoned roads, amongst native bush, under massive steel viaducts and through old stone tunnels.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Ohakune)

Day 6 | Free Day

On your second free day here, we will take anyone wishing to, for a drive up the mountain road passed the old Grand Chateau and on to Whakapapa Village for some stunning views. From here, there is the chance to walk the 6km track to Taranaki Falls, one of Tongariro’s best short walks.

We have given you two free days in Ohakune to enable you to experience the Tongariro Crossing if you wish, and still have time to enjoy the many other activities on offer here.

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

Day 7 | Adventure Day. Forgotten World Adventures - Rail and River Run (included activity)‍

From Ohakune, we drive to Taumarunui. Here you have an exciting adventure ahead. A full day experience will have you ‘rattling’ along through 40kms of disused railway track, tunnels, and bridges on your own modified ‘golf cart’. You’ll pass through back-country ghost towns and untouched landscapes steepened in Māori and early pioneer history. And that’s not all, you’ll then get to sit back and enjoy an exhilarating 23km jet boat ride along the Whanganui River. Great fun!‍

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Motel (Taumarunui)

Day 8

‍Today, we drive through the 148km long ‘Forgotten World Highway’, a rugged, picturesque maze of steep hills, native bush, farmland, historic buildings, and winding streams that are a truly ‘lost piece of New Zealand’.

Almost halfway along, we find ourselves at the small settlement of Whangamomona, which declared itself an independent republic in 1989. Every two years, the famous January ‘Republic Day’ is held and the villages population swells with thousands of visitors. The main high street is taken over with umpteen country activities, including as sheep races, gumboot throwing, gut buster hill climbs, whip cracking and much, much more. The Republic Day finale sees all visitors voting for a new president, not all of which have been human! This quirky, charismatic town which only consists of one street and a few buildings is a charming place to call in and see for yourselves. The historic Whangamomona Hotel displays Republic Day photos dating back many years, and for a couple of dollars you can also have your passport stamped!

Be some of the few people around the world who can say they have the ‘Republic of Whangamomona’ stamp in their passport!

Completing the second half of the Forgotten World Highway, we continue through the rugged Taranaki countryside before emerging from the hills at Stratford nestled beneath Mount Taranaki before arriving in to New Plymouth for three nights.‍

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

Day 9 | Free Day

New Plymouth is a vibrant and modern city, renowned for its sunny climate, art galleries, street art, picturesque parks and botanical gardens – all centrally located. It’s also famed for its Coastal Walkway which stretches 12.7km from the port to a small beach community in the north. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge can be found halfway along the walkway and has magnificent views of Mount Taranaki to the south. Great for walking on or hiring a bike and cycling along.

New Plymouth is blessed with many stunning beaches and provides a paradise for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders alike.

The Port of Taranaki is an interesting working harbour with a long history. There are places to eat and drink at the breakwater where you can watch the ships go by.‍

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)‍

Day 10 | Free Day

Day two in New Plymouth – if you didn’t yesterday, this is your chance to get up onto Mount Taranaki, in Egmont National Park. The visitor centres can provide you with lots of information about the beautiful walks throughout the area.‍

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)‍

Day 11

‍With Mount Taranaki in our rear-view mirror, we set off north today along one of the fastest eroding coastlines in the world. The relentless Tasman Sea continually sculpts and shapes the cliffs of the seafront here, creating numerous caves, tunnels and archways. Along the way we pass by the translucent waters of the Tongapōrutu River and make a short stop in Mokau, a coastal village on the mouth of the Mokau River.

The coastal route that we take up to the small settlement of Marakopa, is incredibly scenic. It is a short drive from here to 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 end in Waitomo tonight, famous for its extensive underground cave systems and its glow-worms.‍

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

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, and for the next two nights, camp is in the heart of New Plymouth.

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

Day 24 | Free Day

New Plymouth is a vibrant and modern city, renowned for its sunny climate, art galleries, street art, picturesque parks and botanical gardens – all centrally located. It’s also famed for its Coastal Walkway which stretches 12.7km from the port to a small beach community in the north.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge can be found halfway along the walkway and has magnificent views of Mount Taranaki to the south. Great for walking on or hiring a bike and cycling along. New Plymouth is blessed with many stunning beaches and provides a paradise for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders alike.

The Port of Taranaki is an interesting working harbour with a long history. There are places to eat and drink at the breakwater where you can watch the ships go by.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)

Day 25 | Free Day.

Day two in New Plymouth – if you didn’t yesterday, this is your chance to get up onto Mount Taranaki, in Egmont National Park.

The visitor centres can provide you with lots of information about the beautiful walks throughout the area.

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

Day 26

You begin your journey with ZigZag today in New Plymouth.

This vibrant and modern city is renowned for its sunny climate, art galleries, street art, picturesque parks and botanical gardens – all centrally located. It’s also famed for its Coastal Walkway which stretches 12.7km from the port to a small beach community in the north. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge can be found halfway along the walkway and has magnificent views of Mount Taranaki to the south. Great for walking on or hiring a bike and cycling along.

New Plymouth is blessed with many stunning beaches and provides a paradise for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders alike.

The Port of Taranaki is an interesting working harbour with a long history. There are places to eat and drink at the breakwater where you can watch the ships go by.

Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)

Day 27

We start today travelling towards Stratford, circling around Egmont National Park and Mount Taranaki.  

We then join the 148km long Forgotten World Highway and drive through the rugged, picturesque maze of steep hills, native bush, farmland, and winding streams, that make up this ‘lost piece of New Zealand’.

Almost halfway along, we find ourselves at the small settlement of Whangamomona, which declared itself an independent republic in 1989. Every two years, the famous January ‘Republic Day’ is held and the villages population swells with thousands of visitors.

The main high street is taken over with umpteen country activities, including as sheep races, gumboot throwing, gut buster hill climbs, whip cracking and much, much more. The Republic Day finale sees all visitors voting for a new president, not all of which have been human!

This quirky, charismatic town which only consists of one street and a few buildings is a charming place to call in and see for yourselves.

The historic Whangamomona Hotel displays Republic Day photos dating back many years, and for a couple of dollars you can also have your passport stamped!Be some of the few people around the world who can say they have the ‘Republic of Whangamomona’ stamp in their passport!

Completing the second half of the Forgotten World Highway, we continue through the rugged King Country to Tauramunui.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Motel (Taumarunui)

Day 28 | Adventure Day

Forgotten World Adventures - Rail and River Run (included activity)

A full day experience will have you ‘rattling’ along through 40 kms of disused railway track, tunnels, and bridges on your own modified ‘golf cart’.

You’ll pass through back-country ghost towns and untouched landscapes steepened in Māori and early pioneer history. And that’s not all, you’ll then get to sit back and enjoy an exhilarating 23km jet boat ride along the Whanganui River. Great fun!

Driving up on to the Central Plateau we spend the next three nights in Ohakune, New Zealand’s ‘carrot capital’. Ohakune sits at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak and is perfectly situated for the numerous activities that the Central Plateau region has to offer.

It is from here that keen hikers take on the mighty Mt Tongariro ‘world-famous’ Alpine Crossing – a 19km hike over the mountain, with panoramic 360° views across the North Island. It has been regularly voted as one of the best scenic one-day walks in the world. It’s natural beauty spots include the three ‘Emerald Lakes’, the impressive ‘Red Crater’ and the picturesque ‘Blue Lake’. Mt Ngauruhoe has an almost perfect conical peak and is better known as ‘Mt Doom’ from The Lord of the Rings films.

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

Day 29 | Free Day

The North Island's ‘Volcanic Plateau’ is famous for its three active volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Sitting at 2797m, Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s highest peak and is popular for skiing and bush walking.

Aside from the Tongariro Crossing (as mentioned above), there are many shorter, easier walks around the area to enjoy as well as bike hire.The historic Old Coach Road is popular with cyclists and day-walkers. It once connected the two ends of the Auckland to Wellington rail trunk line by stagecoach, and was extensively used until the railway line was finally completed in the 1920’s. The 15km trail stretches along cobblestoned roads, amongst native bush, under massive steel viaducts and through old stone tunnels.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Ohakune)

Day 30 | Free Day
(optional free half day road trip to Whakapapa Village)

On your second free day here, we will take anyone wishing to, for a drive up the mountain road passed the old Grand Chateau and on to Whakapapa Village for some stunning views. From here, there is the chance to walk the 6km track to Taranaki Falls, one of Tongariro’s best short walks.

We have given you two free days in Ohakune to enable you to experience the Tongariro Crossing if you wish, and still have time to enjoy the many other activities on offer here.

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

Day 31

We start today with a drive along the Desert Road, through the heart of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, offering dramatic views of the Central Plateau and its three spectacular volcanoes.

We then continue our journey to Taupo, with views across Lake Taupo on our left hand side. We’ll drive through the centre of this vibrant town and take some time to visit Huka Falls, where you can witness nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second thundering through a natural rocky gorge before tumbling 11m into the roiling Waikato River below. There are numerous viewing platforms from which to see the falls, and you may also see the excited passengers on the Huka Jet as it comes racing up and almost touches the crashing waters in this, the ultimate thrill ride.

The town of Taupo sits on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupo. The lake was formed from a crater that was left after the large Taupo super volcano erupted 1800 years ago. The area is now a beautiful adventure playground with Lake Taupo at its centre and the three mountains of the Central Plateau to the south.

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

Day 7 | Free Day

Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake at 622 square kilometres and offers a staggering number of activities to choose from, many of which are located in or around the lake.

One being Taupo’s float plane which takes off and lands on the lake and takes you on a breathtaking flight over the Central Volcanic Plateau. You can also cruise out on the lake to see the Ngatoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, take a walk or bike ride on the many pathways (including the flat and very scenic ‘Lion’s Walk’), partake in a spot of trout fishing (Lake Taupo is recognised as one of the best places in the world to fish for trout), or try your hand at the Taupo Hole in One golf challenge. You can even jump out of a plane and skydive over the lake or right by our campsite is the AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy & Swing.

These are only a small selection of the many activities on offer here in Taupo.

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

Day 32

We start today with a visit to Orakei Korako (included), the largest silica terraces in New Zealand.

Hot springs and bubbling mud pools make this an incredible experience as you wander around the hidden valleys and caves of this natural geothermal park. Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand.

We then continue over to the west coast to Raglan, a laid-back West Coast surfing mecca and holiday spot. Not far from Raglan is Bridal Veil Falls - a plunge waterfall that is 55m high. It is set in a beautiful bush clad bowl, and can be admired from three tiered viewing platforms.

We’ll make a stop here on our way into the quirky coastal town. We spend two nights in Raglan.

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

Day 33 | Free Day.

Raglan attracts many domestic and international surfers who come to catch the longest, most accessible and consistent ‘left hand break’ in the world.

Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s fantastic to watch. Have a go yourself with a surf lesson or simply watch the board riders on the waves at Manu Bay. Laze on Ngarunui Beach or experience the large range of other water-based activities that Raglan has to offer.Browse around the boutique ‘bohemian’ shops, galleries and cafes, hire a bike or simply watch the youngsters jump off the bridge into the turquoise waters of the estuary at high tide.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Raglan)

Day 34

Our first stop today is at Hamilton Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, the 54-hectare public garden is where we spend a couple of hours.

This renowned parkland hosts an array of intricate and beautifully manicured themed gardens. From the Japanese ‘Garden of Contemplation’ to the grandeur of the ‘Italian Renaissance’ collection and on to the English ‘Flower Garden’, you will feel like you have been transported all around the world by the magnificent flora on display here.

Travelling north, we then drive through Auckland and cross its harbour bridge, enjoying panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and the city’s North Shore.

Leaving the city behind, we are greeted with beautiful countryside, rolling farmland and small towns as we enter Northland.Our final destination today is just over the hill at Mangawhai Heads, where you’ll find surf, sea, sand, and rugged coastal scenery.

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

Day 35 | Free Day

Whether its relaxing on the beach, walking beside the sand dunes or having a go at fishing, kayaking or the many other water-based activities on offer, Mangawhai Heads is a beautiful spot to spend your day.

You might also wish to explore the excellent Mangawhai Coastal Cliff walk. This 2-3 hour round trip offers spectacular elevated ocean views up and down the coast and out to the many offshore islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Mangawhai)

Day 36

Today we travel north where we pass through stunning Langs and Waipu Beaches, making a stop to take a short walk to see the fascinating Waipu Pancake Rocks.

We then head to Whangarei Falls. This 26m high waterfall on the Hatea River in the Whangarei Scenic Reserve makes for a pleasant lunch stop.

Continuing up through remote rural countryside, we arrive at our base for the next 3 nights, in the charmingly historic town of Russell in the Bay of Islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Russell)

Day 37 | Free Day

Spend today exploring Russell itself and/or take a boat trip out around the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands comprises of 144 islands, so this is your chance to get out on the water and see them.

Embark on a cruise, charter a yacht, hire a sea kayak or join one of the jet boat safaris that are on offer here. These unique excursions will take you to islands with white sandy beaches, secluded coves, stunning marine life, not forgetting the famed “Hole in the Rock”.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Russell)

Day 38 | Free Day

Today, why not take the frequent foot ferry across to Paihia, have a mooch around the Bay of Islands main tourist town, and/or visit Waitangi.

Situated just a short walk from Paihia, Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs. At Waitangi, visitors are given an in-depth introduction to the early history of New Zealand and Māori culture. You can visit the Treaty House itself, marvel at the fully carved Māori meeting house and traditional Waka (canoes), experience a live cultural performance and explore the two museums and beautiful grounds.

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

Day 39

Today we head north to Kerikeri, home to New Zealand’s oldest buildings. Dating back to 1822, The Kerikeri Mission Station (Kemp House) stands adjacent to the old Stone Store which was built in 1832. Situated in a beautiful orchard setting, we have time to look around, visit the museum* and store, and enjoy some lunch at the cafe on site.

This afternoon, we drive through the rolling hills of Northland to a picturesque beach settlement called Matauri Bay. Here you can climb the hill to see the Rainbow Warrior Memorial and for stunning views across to the Cavalli Islands, or just relax on the beautiful beach.

We end today’s adventures on the northern end of Doubtless Bay in a small settlement called Whatuwhiwhi.*at your own cost

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

Day 40 | Free Day

With our campsite only a stone’s throw from Perehipe Beach, you might just want to relax here today. With safe swimming and water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, it is truly a paradise to enjoy, relax and unwind in.

If you're feeling energetic, take a walk along this stretch of coastline - Tokerau Beach has 18km of uninterrupted sandy beach to discover. Also, only 2km from camp is the Carrington Estate World Class Golf Course and Karikari Estate Winery.

We will, weather permitting go and explore some of the further bays, scenic reserves and lookouts situated around this peninsula, including stunning and remote Maitai Bay and Waikato Bay, a heart shaped bay with two beautiful beaches. We’ll be on the lookout for dolphins and orcas who often come close to shore and chase the stingrays along the beach - an awe inspiring sight to see. Come along for the ride around the largely unexplored KariKari Peninsula.

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

Day 41

No need to take down your tents this morning as we are off on a full day trip to Cape Reinga. Today takes us all the way to the top of New Zealand - the northernmost point. It is a scenic drive to get there, but the main attraction is at the end of the road. After passing through green pastures, we are then greeted with large rolling sand dunes on both sides of the road. Then as we get closer to the very top of New Zealand, we wind our way up steep hills and are rewarded with incredible views of the roiling ocean, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

Here at Cape Reinga, we have time for a stroll down to the iconic lighthouse and its outstanding views of the northern coastline. It is here that we can often see the two distinct colours of the waters as they come together.

Soon after starting our drive back to Whatuwhiwhi, we make a stop at the Te Paki sand dunes - a vast area of sand with native bush on one side and Ninety Mile Beach and the ocean on the other. They are quite incredible to see. You’ll have time to walk across the desert-like landscape or hire a sandboard and have a go at ‘boarding’ down the dunes!

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

Day 42

Today we cross over to the west coast and around the Hokianga Harbour before visiting the Koutu Boulders. This short pleasant walk, at low tide will have you marveling at the extraordinary landscape, where cyclindal natural sculptured rocks make for a great photo opportunity.

We carry on through Opononi and Omapere, two small towns that were well known in the 1950’s for a friendly dolphin called ‘Opo’. She was a young Bottlenose dolphin that enjoyed playing and spending time with humans in the harbour here. We’ll make our lunch stop today at Arai Te Uru on the southern head of the Hokianga Harbour. his headland offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and the giant sand dunes on the opposite side of the harbour entrance.

After our stop here, we head south and meander our way through the Waipoua Kauri Forest, before making a stop at majestic Tāne Mahuta, the ‘Lord of the Forest’ and New Zealand’s largest living Kauri tree. Keep looking up as you take the short walk through the forest, and you will soon see this magnificent tree towering over all of the others. At over 2000 years old, it is hard not to be in awe of Tāne Mahuta’s size, strength and ancient presence. Get somebody to take a photo of you with the tree behind - you’ll appear very small indeed.

We spend our last night in this densely forested area of Northland. Tonight, our final night, as an optional (included) activity, we will take you into the Trounsen Forest to search for Kiwi once the sun has gone down. This is a very special experience - most New Zealanders have never seen a Kiwi in the wild. We will have a 50% chance of seeing one. Whilst walking amongst a forest of enormous Kauri trees we will need to be very quiet as we shine our red torch lights (provided) through the undergrowth in our search for these shy, nocturnal birds. The flightless Kiwi bird is a ‘taonga’ (treasure) to Māori, who have strong cultural, spiritual and historic associations with it. It is also an icon here in NZ, symbolising the uniqueness of New Zealand's wildlife and natural heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Kauri Coast)

Day 43

Upon leaving the Kauri Coast, we travel south through Dargaville and alongside the Wairoa River before heading over to Matakana.

Matakana offers craft outlets, markets, boutique stores, galleries and country cafes, not to mention it's numerous vineyards and breweries. You won’t even realise that we’re only an hour outside of the bustling city of Auckland. Matakana is a foodie and wine heaven – the perfect place for our farewell lunch.We will choose a venue where we can soak up the relaxed atmosphere in the fresh country air, enjoy the artisanal food and award-winning wine.

After lunch we will drive back to Auckland city where we will say our final goodbyes, dropping you off at one of two locations – either in the central city or out at the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch