New Zealand Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Kayaking on the North Island
Every moment indoors is a missed opportunity. Sleeping should be kept to a minimum. You're in New Zealand. Isn't there a waterfall you could be swimming under? Or a dramatic coastal scene you should be gaping at? This is why kayaks were invented. And swimming in the South Pacific. How often can you say you did that? What about bungee jumping? Ok, maybe not. But you could. There are also hot springs, geysers and mud pots to check out. And after all these activities, you know what would be perfect? A glass of wine. Done and done. Enjoy New Zealand.
- Bike through Hawke's Bay, a wine region known for cabernet varietals
- Experience traditional Maori customs and foods at a marae (ceremonial meeting place)
- Stroll past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secret valley
- Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to a small hot spring accessible only by boat
- Mangapapa Petit Hotel, a country mansion you won't want to leave
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Stroll past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secret valley on the Coromandel Peninsula with our Kiwi guide 
After pedaling to Hahei, walk to Cathedral Cove, where sculpted sandstone, beaches and beautiful waters await.
Days 3-5 Experience traditional Maori customs and foods at a marae (ceremonial meeting place) In the lush Karangahake Gorge, cross suspension bridges and discover an old gold-mining tunnel before cooling off under a waterfall Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to a small hot spring accessible only by boat Ever fed an emu or watched sheep shearers in action? Never say never! Bike along rolling pastures to the Paeroa Range's white cliffs The Waikite Hot Pools invite a soothing dip Watch your step - geysers, thermal springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots abound at Waiotapu.
Day 6 Mangapapa Petit Hotel, a country mansion you won't want to leave Stroll to impressive Huka Falls If you're feeling fearless, now's your chance to bungee jump over the Waikato River.
Days 7-8 Bike through Hawke's Bay, a wine region known for cabernet varietals, and stop for tastings under the shade of pines and oaks The 360-degree views of ocean and countryside from Te Mata Peak make our last hike extra thrilling.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I can't wait to take another Backroads trip. It proved to be the best way to experience a new place and be assured we're hitting the high points of each location. It is a great feeling to be taken care of and treated so well by our leaders!- St. Paul, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
New Zealand Multisport
Premiere Inns
Puka Park Resort
Pauanui (2 nights) Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness retreat nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush.
Duxton Hotel
Rotorua (2 nights) A lovely getaway on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. (pool, tennis)
Millennium Hotel
Taupo (1 night) A haven on Lake Taupo with waterfront guest rooms. (pool, spa, tennis)
Mangapapa Petit Hotel
Hawke's Bay (2 nights) Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens.
New Zealand Multisport
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 20 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 5 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Kayaking 3.5 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 21 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 13, 24 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 26, 58 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain