Arrive at any time.
Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbouron a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
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.
Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds).
Enjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel to the Rotorua region to the Tamaki Maori Village. After a traditional greeting on the marae (meeting grounds), learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner.
In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the Mitai Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes cooked in the ground. After, enjoy some quiet time with our Maori hosts by a fire.
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hot pools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, tackle an off road mountain bike track, go hiking, or hit the spa.
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to mountain bike in the world famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Enjoy free time in Rotorua to enjoy one of the many optional activities available in the area.
Head out on an exhilarating cycling adventure. Explore the stunning Redwood Forest on two wheels on what some call the world's best mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner or expert mountain bike enthusiast there's sure to be a trail perfect for you.
Visit an authentic Maori Geothermal Village. With a local guide, follow the path past bubbling mud pits and mineral pools with different fluorescent coloured water. Learn how geothermal energy is used around the village and hear the history of the area. Just try to ignore the sulfurous smell; that's just Mother Earth making magma magic.
Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters.
Hop into a giant inflatable ball and take a thrilling ride down Mt Ngongotaha. This outrageously fun and bizarre ride is a must-do when in Rotorua, so don't miss out!
Experience a unique Maori owned geothermal, cultural, and geothermal mud bath spa, with erupting waters, steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling mud.
Enjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!
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. 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 ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.
Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek is highly weather dependent and will take place only if conditions are safe to do so. Alternate activities for inclement weather will be arranged.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park.
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park.
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.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 5 & 6 may vary according to weather conditions.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this time, from a canoe) on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. If weather permits, head out for a visit to the abandoned Bridge to Nowhere. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 5 & 6 may vary according to weather conditions.
Grab a paddle and life jacket and journey along the famous Whanganui River – New Zealand's third longest river. Soak in the wildlife and scenery, seemingly untouched by modern day. It's a great way to unwind and pack in a little more Kiwi adventure. (Note: actual distance and time of the paddle may vary according to weather conditions.)
Have fun and hold on! Fulfill your need for speed travelling down the amazingly scenic Whanganui River by jet boat.
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by boat, by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them. Continue on to Raglan for the night, and enjoy the sunset in this stunning coastal town.
Take part in one of the optional activities around Waitomo.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Grab a wetsuit, helmet and gumboots, and float, scramble, swim and walk your way through a subterranean playground! A good challenge but not as difficult as Haggas Honking Holes.
Feel like the hero of your own action movie on this tour that involves a 100m (328 ft) abseil (rappel) into the Lost World with a guide at your side. Be awed by the beauty of an iconic cavern that’s covered in glittering glow-worms. After a 30-min descent, embark on a journey back to the surface through a spectacular dry cavern. Relish in your accomplishments (and added confidence) afterwards with some good food and drink.
Get your fix of adrenaline and fun on this underground action adventure. Do a series of abseils, rock climbs, crawls, and cruises as you explore the fabulous Waitomo caves in an action-packed 4 hrs. See stalactites, stalagmites, and glow-worms up close.
Explore Waitomo Valley’s amazing rugged landscape by foot on this one-way walk - the CEO will see you off at the start. Check out a small cave on your way, and then follow the trail through the forest back to Waitomo Village. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and take a rain jacket and water.
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.
Visit an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture before travelling north to Auckland where your tour will end around midday.
Please note, early morning tea (coffee, tea, scones) will be offered at the farm. Also, when arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration your flight must depart Auckland no earlier than 15:00 on Day 8.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit a local sustainable eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture and biological solutions for dairy farms in an effort to restore lowland wetland eco-systems. Be inspired by their green initiatives – they practice the art of giving more back to the environment than they take out.