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New Zealand Family Multi-Adventure Tour – Older Teens & 20s

New Zealand Family Multi-Adventure Tour – Older Teens & 20s

Walk/Hike

Bike

Kayak

North Island Adventure from Auckland to Hawke's Bay

From $5,798 - $6,298 pp dbl. occ. | 8 days / 7 nights

(+$1,060 to $1,540 for sgl. occ.)

Special Kids Prices

Every moment indoors is a missed opportunity. Sleeping should be kept to a minimum. You and your family are in New Zealand, after all. Isn't there a waterfall to swim under? Or a dramatic coastal scene to admire? This is why kayaks were invented. And basking in the South Pacific. What about bungee jumping? Okay, 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 dip in the pool and a traditional Maori massage. Done and done. Enjoy New Zealand.

Highlights

Hike past prehistoric-looking giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secluded valley with our local Kiwi guide
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
Witness steaming lakes and slide into a calming hot pool for a naturally geothermic form of relaxation

New Zealand

Start Auckland / End Napier

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Start your hike past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secret valley on the Coromandel Peninsula with our Kiwi guide | Enjoy a spectacular vista across the native bush and out to the Pacific as you climb to Pumpkin Hill | Kayak in Cathedral Cove, where sandstone formations, beaches and bright-blue waters await.

Day 3 Explore ancient customs with our longtime Maori friends at a traditional Polynesian gathering place | In the lush Karangahake Gorge, cross suspension bridges and discover an old gold-mining tunnel before cooling off under a waterfall | Visit Rotorua, where steaming lakes, boiling mud pools and soothing naturally heated baths create a living breathing landscape.

Days 4-6 Geysers, thermal springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots abound at Waiotapu | Bike along rolling pastures to the Paeroa Range's white cliffs | The Waikite Hot Pools invite a rejuvenating dip | Amble to impressive Huka Falls | If you're feeling fearless, now's your chance to bungee jump over the Waikato River.

Days 7-8 Pedal through Hawke's Bay, a wine region known for its cabernet, and stop for tastings under the shade of pines and oaks | Relax at 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 hike extra thrilling.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 12/17, 12/19, 12/26, 12/28 2019 12/18, 12/23, 12/25
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
Fast i
Contact
Us i
Private Trip
– Reserved i

F Family Dates - Older Teens & 20s

2018 December

12/17–12/24

12/19–12/26

12/26–1/2

12/28–1/4

2019 December

12/18–12/25

12/23–12/30

12/25–1/1

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

2018 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $5,598 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $6,098 pp dbl occ

2019 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $5,899 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $6,599 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $7,999 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $9,199 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

F Family Tours - Older Teens & 20s

2019 December

16 12/18–12/25

16 12/25–1/1

View Scheduled Dates

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

2019
Dec

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $5,798 - $6,298 pp dbl. occ.
8 days / 7 nights

(+$1,060 to $1,540 for sgl. occ.)

Special Kids Prices

Traveling with Kids

Reviews

Read the Reviews
Write a Review

Premiere Hotels*

Puka Park Resort

Pauanui (2 nights)

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa

Rotorua (1 night)

Hilton Taupo

Taupo (2 nights)

Mangapapa Hotel

Hawke's Bay (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 1-3

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in New Zealand

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels*

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Puka Park Resort

Pauanui (2 nights)

Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa

Rotorua (1 night)

A sophisticated getaway on the shore of Lake Rotorua and set on an acre of immaculate mature gardens. (pool, spa)

Hilton Taupo

Taupo (2 nights)

* Casual Hotel

A comfortable property with captivating vistas of Lake Taupo and the Onekeneke Thermal Valley. (pool)

Mangapapa Hotel

Hawke's Bay (2 nights)

Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 1-3

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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	Activity	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
		miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1	Walking/Hiking	3	0
2	Biking	13	700
2	Kayaking	on Mercury Bay (3 Hours)
3	Walking/Hiking	3	100			6	900
4	Biking	17*	1000	21*	1200
5	Walking/Hiking	4*	0
5	Rafting	on the Tongariro River (4 Hours)
6	Biking	10*	100	22*	1600	32	1700
	Biking	13*	200
	Walking/Hiking	3*	0
7	Biking	12	100	21	300
7	Biking			30	500
8	Walking/Hiking	2*	400
8	Walking/Hiking	3*	700

Note: To make for the most comfortable ride to this particular trip, we've outfitted our titanium road bike with slightly wider tires. You'll appreciate this on those stretches of the route with hard-packed dirt (approximately 5% dirt and 95% paved).

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Burley Kazoo trailer bike (Included in your trip price)

The Burley Kazoo trailer bike, for children up to 85 pounds, attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort! It's ideal for kids who may be comfortable pedaling around the neighborhood but aren't yet ready for bike touring.

Burley Cub trailer (Included)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations

While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand and offer all the comforts of home as well as many modern amenities, they may not offer the level of customer service that you're used to, especially during the hectic summer holidays in New Zealand (our winter). The relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the inns on this trip—they are authentic, down-to-earth and without a lot of bells and whistles.

Traffic

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 sometimes 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 or rough sections.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in New Zealand

The Risk of Too Many Choices

On the North Island, the incredible variety of New Zealand is evident everywhere, starting with the menu of activities offered each day by your three Trip Leaders and team of expert guides. Hike to waterfalls and thermal springs. Paddle your kayak among giant tree ferns. Bike through rolling vineyards in wine country, stopping to enjoy a glass and the incredible views. This is the Kiwi experience, Backroads-style – fine-tuned over 29 years to a level no one else can match.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our New Zealand trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

We Stand Behind Our Trips

Most companies' trips in New Zealand are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.

We Invented the Multi-Adventure Trip

After more than 30 years of creating Backroads Multi-Adventures, our trip designers know how to blend the perfect balance of biking and hiking with other activities to showcase the best of a region. And then they arrange the seamless transitions that would be so hard to orchestrate on your own—adding dimensions to your trip that are exciting, inspiring and just plain fun.

More Leaders to Support You

On our New Zealand trips we have an extra leader supporting you along the road and trail—for a total of three, compared to the industry standard two. So we can be in more places at once, giving personal attention to guests traveling at their own pace. Here's more on our Trip Leaders.

Kids Who Aren't Kids Anymore

Only Backroads offers active trips in New Zealand designed for families with older teens and 20s. These trips are aimed at you and the amazingly grownup members of your clan—whether they're almost high school grads, already in college or further along. Find out more in this blog post.

The Best Leaders in New Zealand

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in New Zealand, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in New Zealand—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

Get the Most Out of Each Day

Coordinating multiple activities throughout a single day can be tricky, but with Backroads you'll never know it. When you explore New Zealand with us, you switch activities seamlessly without missing a beat. We invented the multi-adventure concept, and we're constantly adding new dimensions and fine-tuning the experience to make it even more enjoyable.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Guest Photo Gallery

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

New Zealand Family Multi-Adventure Tour – Older Teens & 20s