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Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand North Island Adventure

New Zealand North Island Adventure

From $ 3,195 AUD

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Description

See all the North Island highlights on this week-long adventure – geothermal landscapes and Maori culture – and travel, too, along the backroads and see a different side. Cruise Ohiwa Harbour and shuck oysters at a Maori-owned and operated oyster farm. In Rotorua, receive a traditional welcome at an Ohinemutu marae, then maybe go whitewater rafting or soak in a warm mineral pool. Follow the curves of the Forgotten World Highway to the famously independent Republic of Whangamomona. Hike on the perfectly conical volcano, Mt Taranaki, then head underground in Waikato to see glowworms and fossils. And, you’ll see it all with a trusty local leader by your side, every step of the way.

Trip Name
New Zealand North Island Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Cruise Ohiwa Harbour within the Bay of Plenty, and stop at a Maori-owned and operated oyster farm, where you’ll learn how the oysters are grown and how to shuck them. Then, tuck into a fresh kaimoana (seafood) dinner.
  • Journey through Orakei Korako and along the historic and remote Forgotten World Highway, then spend the night in the lively Republic of Whangamomona.
  • Lace up your hiking boots for a walk through Kamahi Forest on Mt Taranaki – a strikingly conical volcano – and visit historic Dawson Falls.
  • Go subterranean into Mangawhitikau Cave for a private glow worm tour on foot and by boat, with plenty of time to photograph these bioluminescent creatures.
  • Choose your own adventure in Rotorua with free time to get active outdoors, explore Maori art and culture or simply soak your cares away at a geothermal spa.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Auckland to Whakatane
Haere mai! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in the country's largest city – Auckland, or Tamaki Makaurau in Maori. Join your group for a welcome meeting at 8 am, then set right off, heading southeast to the coastal town of Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty. Join a local Maori guide and learn about this historic area – this is one of the first spots that early voyagers landed in waka (canoes) and the site of later clashes between the British and Maori. After, take a stroll on the beach and grab lunch. Then, continue down the coast into Eastern Bay of Plenty and Whakatane, where you'll stay tonight. Settle in, then take a cruise along the Ohiwa Harbour and visit a Maori-owned and operated oyster farm.Here, you’ll learn how to shuck them yourself before tucking into a delicious kaimoana (seafood) dinner.
Day 2 - Rotorua
This morning, make your way inland towards the North Island's geothermal region. Stop at Okere Falls for a short walk with some lovely waterfall views – you may glimpse some kayakers and rafters in the rapids. After, head to iconic Rotorua, famous for its beautiful forests, adrenaline-fueled activities and Maori culture. When you get there, visit an Ohinemutu village, where the locals will welcome you into a marae (meeting house) with a Powhiri ceremony of speeches, songs and cultural rituals. After, continue to your central hotel and have the evening to relax. Your trip leader will have some great recommendations for dinner.
Day 3 - Rotorua
Today is yours to explore all Rotorua has to offer. Maybe you've been craving some heart-pounding adventure and zip lining or perhaps whitewater rafting is calling your name. Or take the chance to visit the New Zealand Maori Arts & Craft Institute at Te Puia. If that's all just too much moving about, simply relax at one of the local spas that make use of Rotorua's geothermal waters and soak in a naturally heated mineral pool.
Day 4 - Whangamomona
After breakfast this morning, make your way to Orakei Korako, a lesser-known geothermal region. Stop in Taupo for lunch before making your way to New Zealand's remote and winding Forgotten World Highway – the country's oldest heritage road and home to historic pioneer settlements and dramatic gorges. If there’s time, take a short walk to the towering Mt Damper Falls. By evening, reach the Republic of Whangamomona – a self-declared micro-nation whose past ‘presidents’ have included a goat and a poodle! Learn about the region’s fascinating history before spending the night at the historic Whangamomona Hotel.
Day 5 - New Plymouth
Continue the drive along the Forgotten World Highway to the rural region of Taranaki, known for its photogenic conical volcano – Mt Taranaki – black-sand beaches and strong arts culture. Take a few short walks on the volcano before making your way to New Plymouth for the afternoon. When you get there, maybe visit one of the town's art galleries or head to a local restaurant.
Day 6 - Auckland
This morning, make your way up the coastline to the Waikato region – famous for its cave formations and glowworms. You'll get to see these remarkable bioluminescent insects up close on a private tour in the remote Spellbound Cave. Your local guide will put out all lights so you can immerse yourself in the galaxy of glowworms around you as you float through the cave on a gentle boat ride. After, head back out into the daylight and continue to Auckland for your final night together. Maybe head out with your group for a farewell dinner.
Day 7 - Auckland
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Auckland, just get in touch with your booking agent aheadof time to arrange additional accommodation. This trip is combinable with South Island adventures as well (see trip codes PHSUC and PHSVC).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 3,195-
14-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 3,195-
05-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 3,195-
19-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 3,320-
26-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,320-
02-01-202808-01-2028AUD $ 3,320-
16-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 3,320-
30-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 3,320-
06-02-202812-02-2028AUD $ 3,320-
20-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 3,320-
05-03-202811-03-2028AUD $ 3,195-
26-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 3,195-
09-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 3,195-
03-09-202809-09-2028AUD $ 3,195-
17-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 3,195-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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