Experience Overview
The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.
Highlights
- Cycle through the stunning Karangahake Gorge
- Check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area
- Learn about traditional Maori artistry
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's greatest one-day hikes
- Ride a jet boat along the Whanganui River
Trip Details
Product Code: 2667
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, jet boat, bicycle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Active
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: ONNM
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- All Blacks Experience
- Cycle through Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent)
- Jet boat along Whanganui River
- Free time in Rotorua and Waitomo
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (5 nts), lodges (2 nts).
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, jet boat, bicycle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2949 ($369 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Experience the mighty Haka and learn all about the history of the world famous All Black national rugby union team in this interactive experience. This private guided immersion will take you on a uniquely New Zealand journey.Accommodation - Oaks Auckland Hotel
Day 2: Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit The Redwoods.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy beautiful scenery on this interesting ride through Karangahake Gorge that combines history, nature, and adventure all in one trip! Follow the historic Paeroa to Waihi rail line. Cycle old lines and through a tunnel along the river that runs through the gorge. Take it easy, if you wish – this trail is suitable for cyclists with little experience and offers lots to take in on the way.
Please note that you may upgrade to an E-bike upgrade (subject to availability) at an additional cost of NZ $50. This can be arranged with the CEO on Day 1 of the trip at the welcome meeting.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 3: Rotorua
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or hit the spa. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to go white water rafting or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in Rotorua to enjoy one of the many optional activities available in the area.Activity - Join your Maori guide for a tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and speak with local carvers. After your exploration, experience a late lunch at a Hangi meal cooked in the ground using the steam from the geothermal activity.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Start your day with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as New Zealand's premier one-day trek. Traverse dramatic volcanic landscapes, pass shimmering emerald lakes, and marvel at breathtaking alpine views. After this incredible adventure, you'll head to a charming alpine village to relax and enjoy a well-earned dinner with your fellow travellers.
Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a nearby alpine village for the night and enjoy a well earned dinner with your travel companions.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Today we conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery.Accommodation - The Alpine Chalets
Day 5: Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and conservation haven nestled on the edge of Whanganui National Park. Here, you'll learn about the station's inspiring efforts to protect local wildlife, including the endangered blue duck, while admiring the beauty of the Whanganui River. A guided bush safari will introduce you to the area's rich history, conservation work, and sustainable farming practices. End the day with a delicious dinner and a restful evening at this unique and rustic retreat.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Embark on a bush safari to explore Blue Duck Station, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Enjoy stunning views of Whanganui National Park, and learn about the region’s rich history and how they combine their conservation work with sustainable farming practices.Accommodation - Blue Duck Lodge
Day 6: Whanganui National Park
Embark on a day of exploration along the Whanganui River. Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride through the heart of the national park and discover historical Maori and European settlements.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. Return to Blue Duck Station for another night of relaxation and connection with nature. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Have fun and hold on! Fulfill your need for speed travelling down the amazingly scenic Whanganui River by jet boat. Accommodation - Blue Duck Lodge
Day 7: Whanganui National Park/Waitomo District
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, opt to explore the nearby caves, or explore the area on foot. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Take part in one of the optional activities around Waitomo.Accommodation - Waitomo Chalets
Day 8: Waitomo District/Auckland
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland where your tour will end around 1pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Jovanna B. - Traveled, November 2023
Our family of 4 has just completed our 4th G tour and each one is just amazing. Reasons we love G and will continue to travel: 1.) the CEOs are exceptional They have all been so friendly, knowledgeable, responsible, and very enthusiastic. it's clear they love their job 2.) the tours are a good deal for the money if you like adventure travel. We can afford more luxurious travel but continue with G for like minded travelers, the pace (we see and do so much!!!) and itineraries. I check on the locations and G usually hits everything I would want to see/do. As we age and slow a bit (our kids are high school/college now) my husband and I are excited to try the new Glux for just the 2 of us if it's going to be the same G Adventures but with a little extra cushion
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Dominic D. - Traveled, November 2023
Active trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Hugh S. - Traveled, December 2023
The tour was well planned, the CEO highly knowledgeable as well as very organized and an excellent driver! The sites seen and explored were exceptional. The group size was perfect - there was realld camaraderie among members of the group. Food and accommodation were excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sophie C. - Traveled, November 2023
December 17 Well planned with great guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sophie B. - Traveled, November 2023
James was a bloody awesome tour guide and we had the best time. It was a great way to meet new people while sharing different experiences, highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Melanie M. - Traveled, November 2023
It was a great tour, with an excellent selection of places we visited and where we had a great choice of activities. We got a really great insight into the country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Luke T. - Traveled, November 2023
Good guides, good pace, and reliable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
David G. - Traveled, November 2023
Positive experience with travel covering the keys activities and places I wanted to visit
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
James M. - Traveled, November 2023
,Specifically to outdoor adventure active travelers? I think this trip was perfect. Lots of activities. A good variety of ages / backgrounds of travelers. Our guide was phenomenal. I hope they're all as good as Shorty / Siobhan __
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Alison F. - Traveled, November 2023
Our tour guide Siobhan was an absolute star. Nothing was too much trouble for her, she knew her stuff and filled us with information everyday. She was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Lena W. - Traveled, October 2023
Really good exp. Really good tour guide. Really good choices of activities/locations. Areas for improvement: 1. Could have a single supplement option 2. Could maybe seek more local, authentic food options. One of the nights was a meal at a pub. Food choices could be more curated
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Robert N. - Traveled, October 2023
Easy way to do it, fun with a group and the tour guides are amazing and enthusiastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Ryan B. - Traveled, March 2023
Well organized and fantastic guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Courtney W. - Traveled, March 2023
G has helped me travel solo and make such deep connections with others - I always encourage other friends to try it. Plus it's so easy and well thought out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Kathleen W. - Traveled, March 2023
Great. CEO who made the experience positive and a perfect size of a small group of fellow travelers who made the time together enjoyable! Lots of activities. didn't feel rushed. Just great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Baris B. - Traveled, March 2023
It is the well organized trip and the guide cares about the members if needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Chun M. - Traveled, February 2023
The G Adventures NZ North Island tour was amazing and I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in an adventure-style tour with plenty of outdoor activities and who doesn't mind a simpler style of accommodation. The downsides were minor and wouldn't stop me from recommending.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Mariko R. - Traveled, February 2023
I had a lot of fun on this trip, for a reasonable price. The tour felt like a good balance of structure and flexibility. I also learned a lot about the area :
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Bipasha C. - Traveled, February 2023
I was satisfied with my travel experience and would highly recommend it to others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Paula S. - Traveled, February 2023
Taz was a great guide. Very friendly and helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
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