New Zealand North Island Multi-Adventure Tour
New Zealand North Island Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Oct-Dec2026: Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec2027: Jan-Mar
Rain Forest, Beaches & Vineyards from Auckland to Hawke's Bay
In New Zealand, the outdoors calls to you. Paddle serene waters, swim beneath a cascading waterfall or bask in the South Pacific sun. And follow it up with a glass of local wine.
Highlights
- Raft exhilarating white water rapids on the famed Tongariro River and hike to thunderous Huka Falls
- Bike through beautiful Hawke’s Bay, where some of New Zealand’s best and most famous wines are produced
- Discover the splendor of Cathedral Cove’s sculpted sandstone forms and gorgeous beaches by kayak
- Experience Māori culture through a traditional hangi feast and captivating performances
- Relax in charming boutique hotels and luxury lodges, enjoying the scenic surroundings and warm Kiwi hospitality
StartAuckland
EndNapier
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start your trip with a scenic cruise from Auckland to Waiheke Island • Walk through a kaleidoscope of island scenery, including lush forest, hillside vineyards and quiet bays • Quintessential New Zealand wine is yours for the tasting at an award-winning Waiheke winery • Kick back in style in Auckland’s swanky Britomart district.
Night 1
This exquisite ultra-eco hotel offers unmatched luxury and serenity in the city's chic Britomart district.
Days 2-3
Embark on a breathtaking bike ride on the historic Hauraki Rail Trail and through the famous Karangahake Gorge • Spin into the quaint gold rush town of Waihi • Enjoy a spectacular vista across the native bush and out to the Pacific as you walk at Shakespeare Cliffs • Kayak in Cathedral Cove, where sandstone formations, beaches and bright blue waters await • Put your feet up at a laid-back chalet tucked into the thick forest canopy.
Nights 2-3
Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)
Days 4-5
Bike through a colorful patchwork of farmland • Take in views of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia • If you’re feeling fearless, now’s your chance to bungee jump over the azure Waikato River • Stroll along a pathway leading to an overlook of thunderous Huka Falls • Shoot the rapids on an exciting white-water rafting adventure down the Tongariro River • Be welcomed into a Maori family-run marae (meeting house) for a traditional performance and meal.
Nights 4-5
Perched on a serene hillside estate, this elegant sanctuary offers captivating views of Lake Taupo. (spa)
Days 6-8
Cruise on two wheels alongside rolling fertile pastureland • Pedal through Hawke’s Bay, a wine region known for its syrah, and stop for tastings under the shade of pines and oaks • Discover the art deco town of Napier along the Pacific Ocean • Settle into cozy Mangapapa Hotel, a country mansion you won’t want to leave • The 360-degree views of ocean and countryside from Te Mata Peak make our last walk extra thrilling.
Nights 6-7
Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand, the relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are down-to-earth, without a lot of bells and whistles, and may not offer the level of customer service that you might be used to.
While Backroads strives to include routes that are quiet and off the beaten track, New Zealand's North Island has a limited road system. This means that some of our routes may see fast and heavy traffic, especially around the holidays when locals are taking their summer break. Our shuttle is always available to help you bypass more heavily trafficked sections.
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Premiere Hotel
This exquisite ultra-eco hotel offers unmatched luxury and serenity in the city's chic Britomart district.
Nights 2-3
*Deluxe Hotel
Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Perched on a serene hillside estate, this elegant sanctuary offers captivating views of Lake Taupo. (spa)
Nights 6-7
Premiere Hotel
Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)
Gallery
#MyBackroadsTrip
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 15 customers
Exceeded expectations, and my expectations were high!
This was my first BR trip -- multi-adventure in the North Island of New Zealand. I had read so many reviews saying that the BR trips exceed expectations, so my expectations were high. I can hardly believe how awesome this trip was. The leaders were friendly, experienced, and planful, taking excellent care of us. The hotels and food were exceptional. The adventures were all well planned so I could just show up and enjoy the beauty of New Zealand while others took care of the details. I am already dreaming about my next BR adventures! I believe there will be many more. I am a total convert!
Fantastic Experience
New Zealand was my first Backroads trip and I enjoyed it tremendously. The scenery was great, the guides very knowledgeable, hotels were high quality, and the food was spectacular. As a solo traveler, I was a bit nervous about fitting in with others in the group but everyone was very welcoming. In fact, the best part of the trip was meeting so many wonderful people including a very special person who I am planning to travel with on a Backroads trip to Patagonia in January 2025. Thanks for a wonderful experience, Backroads.
Best thing we ever did!
We were so impressed with our leaders (Uta and Fabrice), and all the planning that went into this trip. It was true contentment and BLISS!
Great Trip, Even With the Effects of a Tropical Cyclone
This was our 9th Backroads trip. We had just finished the south island tour a week before this one and had a great time. Unfortunately, as this trip started, a tropical cyclone was approaching the very areas we were to stay. This caused many of our activities, meal locations, etc., to be changed or cancelled but the trip leaders did an outstanding job of keeping us informed and, where they could, active. The trip ultimately got cut short after the first 4 days as the cyclone had severely damaged the area were to spend the rest of our time in. Though not the way we wanted to end the trip, the way this was handled demonstrated Backroads' ultimate customer care and professionalism. We'll definitely be back! (Oh, and by the way...you NEED to see New Zealand with Backroads!)
Best Trip Ever
This was my first trip with Backroads and it exceeded my expectations. The accommodations, activities, food and the people were all fantastic. I would like to thank our leaders, Ciaran, Darryl and Jess for making my first trip so memorable. We are already thinking about our next trip with Backroads!
Above and beyond our high expectations!
This trip was the perfect combination of adventure, great food, activity and FUN! The multi-sport delivered an exciting journey without too much of anything! Somewhat surprisingly, the food was world class and delicious! The Maori experience at the home of a tribal chief was a night my family will never forget. We were so lucky to have a wonderful group of families and the adult "kids" had an absolute blast. They would recommend doing the bungee jumping but this mom would not : ) Our trip leaders were absolutely wonderful in every way. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, flexibility and good humor enhanced our trip a thousandfold. If you are on the fence about this trip, just say YES.
Fantastic NZ Multisport trip!
This was our 9th Backroads trip and one of the best!! Our guides Felicia, Laura, and Claire were delightful, funny, knowledgeable, and anticipated our every need. The scenery was breathtaking and the variety of activities gave us the chance to see many parts of the North Island- from hiking in the forest or around a lake, to kayaking along the beach and coast, biking by farms and orchards, white river rafting- so fun!, and we even did a bungy swing! There was also delicious food, wonderful hotels, wine tasting, and massages. Our group was a lot of fun and we made many new friends. The fantastic guides, well planned activities, and high quality food and lodging keeps us loyal fans of Backroads and we are looking forward to planning our 10th trip!
What an amazing adventure trip!
New Zealand is a land of new wonders + surprises around every bend. Our trip leaders were awesome in every way imaginable. Even the weather was perfect. With a great mix of adventure and relaxation, there is definitely something for everyone on this trip.
Wildly exceeded expectations
Every ingredient worked perfectly: outstanding responsible leaders, challenging and varied activities, compatible traveling partners, fine accommodations and great meals.
New Zealand:land and sea
Just returned from a recent Backroads trip to New Zealand. What an amazing continent and oh what an adventure. An experience that will always be with me.. Although I am hardly a water person bad experience in childhood and come from a landlocked cold place (Alberta prairies)making it very hard for me to take on water experiences; the Backroads staff and all the venues worked hard to make me feel safe and cared for. While whitewater rafting would not be an experience of choice seeing Rotorua from the water was magical and soon the bumps which I cursed openly became a beautiful portal from which to view the magnificent vegetation of the rainforest. The most cherished memories I have of New Zealand are of me on a bike exploring the hills near Hawkes Bay and cruising near beautiful and famous vineyards in that area. I feel like I have explored the North Islands jewels on land and sea and returned awed and inspired. Thank you, sincerely, Ida Switzer
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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