The Scenic North

Day 1

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 2

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 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | 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 6

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 8

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 9 | 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 10

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 11 | 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 12

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 13 | 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 14 | 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 15

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 16 | 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 17

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 18

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 19

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