When you join one of our trips, we want you to have peace of mind.
Learn more about:
Traveling with Atlas Obscura amid COVID-19 How We’re Adapting Our Trips Destination Requirements (via Embassy Pages)Maori Te Ika-a-Maui, the North Island of New Zealand abounds with natural wonders. On this trip, we’ll be paying homage to all things aquatic, from rivers and oceans to waterfalls and mud pools, and to cap it all off: the incredible glowworm caves of Waitomo. We’ll glide down mountain streams and across lakes, visit endangered wildlife, and journey to geothermal vents and geysers. For the thrill-seekers, we’ll raft down the Kaituna River and kayak at night by the light of glowworms. Join us for an adventure that will activate all of your senses, and remind us of the majestic ecosystems we must all work together to conserve.
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand for the start of our adventure. New Zealand has been home to the Māori for more than a millennium, and as we’ll learn, their history, language and traditions are central to the country’s identity. Known as the City of Sails for its large population of sailboats, Auckland is home to the third-largest marina in the world and is a fresh, fun city to enjoy. Flights from North America generally arrive in the morning, so you’ll have the afternoon to rest and relax before we gather together for dinner and introductions.
Crown Plaza Hotel or similar, Auckland
Dinner
This morning, our guides will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9:30 a.m. We’ll leave the calm and cool culture of Auckland and head out to experience the surrounding wilderness. As we make our way along the North Island’s east coast, we’ll stop off at the Karangahake Gorge to hike alongside a stunning river full of lush green ferns and trees. With the help of flashlights, we’ll make our way through abandoned gold mining tunnels towards our picnic destination, Dickey Flat. Once there, we’ll relax and take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole. From there, we’ll head to our hotel by Waihi Beach and settle in. If the tides are right, we can take a beautiful coastal walk over to the sand and surf of Orokawa Bay. Beyond the majestic pohutukawa trees, we might even see some dolphins or stingrays!
Papamoa Beach Resort or similar, Papamoa Beach
Lunch, Dinner
Tie up your boots—because today is a proper wilderness expedition. We’ll leave the beach behind and begin our hike beneath a towering canopy of trees. As we breathe in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest, we’ll traverse several bridged river crossings and climb up to a lookout platform at the base of the thundering Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall on the North Island. We’ll stop for lunch at Te Aroha, a small town rich in cultural history. In the afternoon, we’ll check out the Mokena Hou geyser, the only hot soda water geyser on Earth. We’ll also find out the startling history of the mineral water in the area and how perceptions have shifted over the years. Once we’re ready, we’ll travel to Cambridge for an evening kayak out on Lake Karapiro. As the sun slowly sets, we'll paddle up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through steep canyon walls covered with lush native ferns. Once darkness descends, our return journey will be illuminated by glowworms on either side of the valley and reflected off the water as we float downstream.
Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge, Cambridge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain wildlife reserve has protected New Zealand’s most endangered species for more than 100 years. This ancient rainforest is the only home to many native plants and animals and is rich in diversity. We’ll learn about conservation by exploring this gigantic 3400 hectares, predator-proof sanctuary. During our special guided tour we will see first-hand the work being done to continue protecting these fragile ecosystems. Along the way we’ll try to spot the giant native long-finned eels and other spectacular creatures.
Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge, Cambridge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, it’s pick your own adventure! Your first option for today is a whitewater rafting trip down the Kaituna River. Professional rafting guides will navigate the twists and turns of the jungle canyon, down 14 exhilarating rapids and waterfalls. Your second option is to hit the trails on a mountain bike through the Whakarewarewa Redwoods forest. The forest boasts 130 km of trails that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. After a full, adrenaline-filled day, unwind and spend some time strolling around Rotorua before gathering back for a delicious dinner cooked by your talented guides.
Cedarwood Resort, Rotorua
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rotorua is the geothermal capital of New Zealand—so be prepared for the strong sulfur smell. Today, we’re off to take in the stunning colors and steaming lakes of both Waimangu. Our first stop is a hike to Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot spring with a temperature of up to 140°F. Originally created in the aftermath of a volcanic explosion, it now continuously boils and steams like a massive cooking pan. Then, pending its reopening (see note below), we visit Wai-o-tapu to witness the geothermal bubbling mud pools, brightly colored sulphuric rocks, and spouting geysers. No matter what, we’ll experience the area’s hot springs and other geothermal features before taking a break for lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue to Taupo, a charming lakeside village along the shores of Lake Taupo, offering views of the snow-capped mountains of the central plateau. We'll stop to follow a track along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of Huka Falls, before settling into our new spot for the next two nights.
Anchorage Resort, Taupo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Wai-o-tapu geothermal park is currently closed for renovations. They anticipate they won't reopen until December 2022, in which case, you will not be able to visit the bubbling mud pools, brightly colored sulphuric rocks, and spouting geysers. If the park remains closed during your travels, alternative activities to explore the geothermal features of the region will be arranged.
Today is yours to rest, relax, adventure, or whatever strikes your fancy! For the adrenaline junky, there’s bungy jumping, jet skiing, and more. Those looking for adventure will find mountain biking, trout fishing, and scenic cruise options. The water lovers will be right at home with both Lake Taupo and the Waikato River to explore. A calm and welcoming atmosphere abounds in this lively artistic town on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake—perhaps simply grab a book or sketchpad and quietly soak it all in.
Anchorage Resort, Taupo
None
Today we’ll gather back together and travel around Lake Taupo to the central plateau, home to the North Island’s high mountains. Deep in the forest below lies Lake Rotopounamu, a hidden gem. This natural wonder has six streams flowing into it, yet none flowing out. The water escapes through a subterranean sinkhole, creating a gentle whirlpool effect in the lake. Many come to the area for the spiritual healing properties they believe the lake offers. We’ll get a chance to take a swim and feel for ourselves the effects of the world’s largest water vortex. After our hike and swim, we’ll settle into Turangi, a quaint fishing town alongside the Tongariro River. Enjoy a riverside stroll or try casting a line in.
Creel Lodge, Turangi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll spend the day taking in the spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park by foot. With wide open arid volcanic landscapes, dramatic volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and clear flowing waters, it’s no wonder this is a World Heritage site. We’ll cross streams and gorges on our way to Taranaki Falls, where the water cascades 20 meters over a 15,000-year-old lava flow to crash into the pool below. Hikers looking for more of a challenge can continue onto the Tama Lakes, past two active volcanoes. After a full and invigorating day of hiking, you’ll have definitely earned yourself some relaxation in the local hot pools this evening.
Creel Lodge, Turangi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’re headed to the magical Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. Once properly outfitted with wetsuits, helmets, and headlamps, we’ll get into our rubber tubes and float along with the subterranean flow. Slide down underground waterfalls and switch off your headlamp to experience the light of the glowworms that live on the limestone cave walls. For those who prefer to stay dry, follow the spiral entrance to the Ruakuri Cave to see the stunning glowworms and hear the rumbling of distant waterfalls. Later, after a shower and some hot soup, we'll go north to the surf town of Raglan. Once settled in, we’ll have time for a walk along the pristine black sand coastline, or to do as the locals do and dig up some cockles for a laid back, beach-front dinner.
Sunset Motel, Raglan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for one last beach stroll before a final hearty breakfast. Transfer to the Auckland airport to depart for home or extend your stay on the North Island.
Breakfast
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You’ll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $1650. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking and/or hiking four to six miles over the course of each day, spending full days in nature, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and walking on uneven terrain. Travelers should also feel comfortable in and around water, in order to take advantage of activities such as kayaking, tubing, and rafting.
For more information about the hikes included on this itinerary, the New Zealand Department of Conservation has maps and descriptions as follows:
Day 2: Karangahake Gorge
Day 3: Wairere Falls
Day 6: Huka Falls
Day 8: Lake Rotopounamu
Day 9: Taranaki Falls
Our trip begins with a welcome dinner in Auckland on Day 1. We recommend you arrive by 1 p.m. that day so you can clear customs, settle into your accommodations, and meet our guide and fellow travelers at the group hotel at 5:00 p.m. for an orientation before dinner. Our trip concludes after breakfast on Day 11 and you can be dropped off at Auckland airport at midday, or in central Aucklandshortly afterwards. If leaving New Zealand directly after our trip, we recommend departing after 3 p.m. that day.
We’ll eat out at local restaurants and dine in with delicious home-cooked meals prepared by our guide. Lunches are often picnic-style and eaten outdoors, while breakfasts are family-style. We’ll have a snack basket on the bus and water available at all times.
By sharing your experience with friends and family, you can also help to spread awareness about New Zealand's delicate ecosystem and the best ways for visitors to have a positive impact. As you begin to prepare for your trip, and while we’re together, we’ll provide some guidance on how to reduce waste and minimize impact while in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, summer lasts from November until March, with January and February being the warmest months. The rain in New Zealand is geographic in nature; the west coast is wetter than the east, so you’ll typically experience a mixed bag as you move throughout the country. Rain can happen at any time of year, and it is not uncommon to experience three seasons in one day. We like to think that there's no such thing as bad weather—only bad preparation! Pack well and you'll be happy.
We can cater to all dietary restrictions and allergies—just let us know at the time of booking. We’ll eat out at local restaurants and dine in with delicious home-cooked meals prepared by our guide. Lunches are often picnic-style and eaten outdoors, while breakfasts are family-style. We’ll have a snack basket on the bus and water available at all times.
Visa requirements for New Zealand vary depending on traveler citizenship. Please check requirements for travel to New Zealand and any countries passed through in transit. A passport is required for international travel. We recommend your passport expire at least six months after your return home.