Region Overviews: New Zealand Travel Guide: Overview
Whether you’re seeking unique wildlife, world-class restaurants, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences or tropical beaches, New Zealand brings it all together.
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Multi-Adventure
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New Zealand Family Multi-Adventure Tour - Older Teens & 20s
North Island Adventure: Auckland to Hawke's Bay
Every moment indoors is a missed opportunity. You're in New Zealand, after all. Isn't there a waterfall to swim under? Or a coastal scene to admire? This is why kayaks were invented. And basking in the South Pacific. What about bungee jumping? OK, maybe not. But you could. Follow it all up with a glass of local wine. Done and done. Enjoy New Zealand.
THIS ITINERARY: 8 days, 7 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
FROM:
$5,699 - $6,349 pp dbl occ
($990 for sgl occ)
Walk/Hike
Bike
Kayak
Raft
New Zealand
Start Auckland / End Napier
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike past prehistoric-looking giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secluded valley with our 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
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
8 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
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 | Put your feet up at a laid-back chalet tucked into the thick forest canopy.
Puka Park Resort
Pauanui
| Premiere Hotel Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)
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.
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa
Rotorua
| Premiere Hotel A sophisticated getaway on the shore of Lake Rotorua and set on an acre of immaculate mature gardens. (pool, spa)
Days 4-5
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 | Take in views of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia | Shoot the rapids on an exciting white-water rafting adventure down the Tongariro River.
Hilton Taupo
Taupo
| *Casual Hotel A comfortable property with captivating vistas of Lake Taupo and the Onekeneke Thermal Valley. (pool)
Days 6-8
Amble along a pathway leading to an overlook of the thunderous Huka Falls | If you're feeling fearless, now's your chance to bungee jump over the Waikato River | Cruise on two wheels alongside rolling fertile pastureland | 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.
Mangapapa Petit Hotel
Hawke's Bay
| Premiere Hotel Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)
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
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Available to book
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Activity Level: 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. LEARN MORE.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
Performance Road Bike
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- 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
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.
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.
Ask A Trip Expert
Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our FAQ’s.
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