15 days - from $4860

On this active tour for those with a real spirit of adventure, we'll trek through volcanic landscapes, jet boat along turbulent rivers and admire colossal mountains. Still in the flux of creation, New Zealand's North Island combines an awesome natural beauty combined with a rich Maori heritage & is a destination guaranteed to thrill all who make it to her shores.

Caves & Geysers
Leaving vibrant Auckland we head for Waitomo, with the chance to go Black-Water rafting through the famous Glow-worm cave, before continuing to Whakatane from where we can visit the still active White Island. In volcanic Rotorua, we can bathe in thermal springs and marvel at the boiling mud-pools, which are commonplace here. We'll also visit the Waimango volcanic valley, an area of interesting thermal activity.

Active Volcanoes & Rapid Rivers
Exploring Tongariro National Park on foot, we enjoy the spectacular volcanic area around the North Island's highest peak, Mount Ruapehu (2796m). Within this World Heritage Park there are trails for people of all abilities, though we hope to tackle the challenging Tongariro Crossing - reputedly the finest one-day walk in New Zealand. We then travel by jet boat to our remote farm on the Whanganui River, with the option to canoe back the following day.

Trekking on Queen Charlotte Sound
Travelling by train to the capital, Wellington, we then cross to the South Island where we can trek sections of the popular Queen Charlotte track. From the coastal town of Kaikoura we visit the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsular with its fantastic bird life and seal colony; we have the opportunity to swim with dolphins - a truly amazing experience, before finally travelling by train to the "Garden City", Christchurch.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Auckland with city tour on day of arrival. Day 2 Waitomo Caves Heading south we reach Waitomo, with the chance to go black-water rafting through the famous Glow-worm Cave, before continuing to our overnight farmstay at Waikato. Days 3/4 White Island Continuing to Whakatane we reach the Bay of Plenty and the chance to visit the volcanically active White Island before we head to Rotorua where we can bathe in thermal springs and marvel at the boiling mud-pools. Days 5/6 Tongagiro NP Via Waimangu Volcanic Valley we reach the spectacular volcanic area around the North Island's highest peak, Mount Ruapehu (2796m); here there are various trails including the famous Tongariro Crossing. Day 7 Whanganui River We take a jet boat to our remote farm on the Whanganui River, with the option to canoe back the following day. Days 8/9 Wellington Arriving in the Capital by train we enjoy the highlights of this stunning harbour city. Days 10/11 Queen Charlotte Sound Crossing the Cook Strait to South Island we enjoy a range of optional activities from kayaking to wine tours and walks on the Queen Charlotte track. Days 12/13 Kaikoura The Coastal Pacific train takes us south to Kaikoura Peninsular with its fantastic bird and marine life including fur seals, dusky dolphins and sperm whales. Day 14 Christchurch Our final train takes us to the "Garden city". Day 15 Tour ends in Christchurch.

Accommodation: 10nts hotel/ motel/skotel/manor, 3nts lodge, 1nt farmstay; 14 breakfasts included & 3 dinners.
Transport: On foot/Bus/Jet Boat/ Train/Ferry/Water taxi.
Comment: An active trip exploring the best of the North Island plus five days on the South Island. All walks are optional and require reasonable fitness over uneven terrain.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver.
Trip Reference: ZN