NORTHERN WILDERNESS
& ADVENTURE

Day 1 –  Meet in Wellington and have the first night at the hostel included before we start our Northern journey

‍Included No meals
Hostel: Wellington‍

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!

‍Included B,L,D
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.

‍Included B,D
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.

Included B,D
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.

Included B
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.

Included B,D
Camping: Waitomo

Day 12 – 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.
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Included B,D
Camping: Waitomo

Day 13 –  We start this morning by visiting 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!).

After lunch we weave our way passed the Kawhia Harbour to view yet another incredible waterfall.

Bridal Veil Falls is a tall plunge waterfall that is 55m high. It is set in a beautiful bush clad bowl and can be viewed from three tiered viewing platforms.

We finish the day in Raglan, a laid-back West Coast surfing mecca and holiday spot where we will spend two nights.

Included B,D
Camping: Raglan
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Day 14 – 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.

Included B
Camping: Raglan
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Day 15 – Today we head to Hamilton Gardens, a 54-hectare public garden situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River in the city of Hamilton. 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.

We spend some time this afternoon at 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 on this, the ultimate thrill ride.

We then continue on to the town of Taupo, which 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.

Included B,D
Camping: Taupo

Day 16 – 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.

Included B,D
Camping: Taupo

Day 17 – This morning, we stop for a visit at 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 head southeast through thick pine forests and over high mountains to the city of Napier, capital of Hawkes Bay.
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Included B,D
Camping: Napier

Day 18 – 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).

Included B
Camping: Napier

Day 19 – 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.

Included B,D
Camping: Napier

Day 20 - 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.
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Included B,D
Lodge: Eastwoodhill Arborerum, Ngatapa

Day 21 – 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.

Included B,D
Lodge: Eastwoodhill Arboretum, Ngatapa

Days 22 & 23 – 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.

Included B,D
Day 22 - Camping: East Cape

Included B,D
Day 23 - Camping:  Whakatane

Day 24 – 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.
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Included B,D
Camping: Whakatane
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Day 25 - 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 for your last 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.

Included B,D
Camping: Rotorua
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Day 26 – We say our farewells over breakfast, before you pack up and leave the tour.

Included B

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