NORTHERN WILDERNESS & ADVENTURE

Day 1

Meet in Wellington and make the most of your first day in our vibrant capital city, before our departure to the South Island tomorrow.

Wellington is a compact city based around a large working harbour that is home to a mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. It has a particularly vibrant coffee and craft beer scene.

Museums, art galleries, theatres and festivals are at the heart of the city’s thriving cultural scene – New Zealand’s Te Papa Tongarewa national museum is located on the waterfront itself and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.

Despite its nickname as the ‘windy city’ (due to the strong winds that often buffet it from the Cook Strait), Wellington has a number of beautiful walks within the wider city area that include sandy beaches, forested hills and waterfront promenades as well as a historic tourist cable car, the Zealandia bird sanctuary and the botanical gardens.

Accommodation: Camping (Wellington)

Day 2

We depart our capital and head north over the dramatic Remutaka Ranges, before veering off the main road at Featherstone and making our way around Lake Wairarapa and through lush green farmland to the sea.

We then travel east along the rugged coastline to the desolate and very remote Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island. Weaving between steep jagged mountains on our left and the wild rolling seas to our right, the coastal route meanders through a number of small fishing settlements before arriving at the 125-year-old clifftop lighthouse at the end of the road. The view at the top is stunning.

We then backtrack along the coast before driving north to Martinborough, a quaint little town with over twenty vineyards surrounding its cute village square. Along with some of the world’s finest olive groves (with many local oils winning international awards), much of New Zealand’s best Pinot Noir comes from this pretty region.

Accommodation: Camping (Martinborough)

Day 3 | Free Day.

(optional free day road trip to Castlepoint – weather dependent)

As part of our optional day trip, we take a scenic drive to the small beachside settlement of Castlepoint on the eastern Wairarapa coast. Famous for its stunning lighthouse and 160m high Castle Rock, this beautiful scenic reserve is surrounded by reef, lagoons and sand dunes, just waiting to be explored.

If wine is more your thing, then perhaps opt for one of the many vineyard tours that operate around Martinborough. There’s even the option for a self guided cycle wine tour – yes, you did read that correctly!

Accommodation: Camping (Martinborough)

Day 4

We head north today, passing through small rural towns nestled amongst the verdant landscape of the Wairarapa, before turning west and heading over the Ruahine Ranges, home to one of the largest wind farms in the country. The Te Apiti wind farm can be seen stretching across 11.5kms of the surrounding hills and creates enough electricity to power 30,000 homes.

We then head up toward the centre of the North Island. This beautiful area comprises of lush green valleys, rolling farmland, crystal clear rivers and steep-sided gorges that are criss-crossed with old bridges and viaducts. We continue on to the Central Plateau, where we finally reach our base for three nights, Ohakune.

Ohakune, New Zealand’s ‘carrot capital’, sits at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak and is perfectly situated for the numerous activities that the Central Plateau region has to offer.

It is from here that keen hikers take on the ‘world-famous’ Mt Tongariro Alpine Crossing - a 19km hike over the mountain, with panoramic 360° views across the North Island. It has been regularly voted as one of the best scenic one-day walks in the world. It’s natural beauty spots include the three ‘Emerald Lakes’, the impressive ‘Red Crater’ and the picturesque ‘Blue Lake’. Mt Ngauruhoe, rising ominously above the aptly named ‘Devils Staircase’ section of the track, has an almost perfect conical peak and is better known as ‘Mt Doom’ from The Lord of the Rings films.

Accommodation: Camping (Ohakune)

Day 5 | Free Day.

Ohakune is the perfect base for exploring the North Island’s Volcanic Plateau. Home to three active volcanoes — Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Tongariro. At 2,797 m, Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s highest peak and popular for skiing, bushwalking, and panoramic views.

Adventurous visitors can tackle the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19 km trek with panoramic 360° views of the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, Blue Lake, and Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom), on one day.

Weather dependant, we offer a scenic drive up the mountain road to Whakapapa Village, where those joining us can ride the SkyWaka gondola to the top of the village, and/or enjoy the 6 km walk to Taranaki Falls, one of the plateau’s best short hikes.

Cyclists can hire bikes to explore the historic Old Coach Road, a 15 km trail once used by stagecoaches connecting the Auckland–Wellington railway, now winding through cobblestone paths, native bush, steel viaducts, and stone tunnels. Ohakune offers the perfect mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, giving everyone the chance to experience the Volcanic Plateau at their own pace.

Accommodation: Camping (Ohakune)

Day 6

This morning, we set off from Ohakune and drive north through the tundra-like alpine expanse of National Park down to Taumarunui, where we stop for an early lunch. We then drive south on the 148km long ‘Forgotten World Highway’, a rugged maze of steep hills, native bush, farmland, historic buildings, and winding streams that are a truly ‘lost piece of New Zealand’.

In the middle of this ‘lost world’, we find ourselves at the small settlement of Whangamomona, which declared itself an independent republic in 1989 – the friendly staff at the historic hotel can stamp your passport for a couple of dollars. Be some of the few people around the world who can say they have the ‘Republic of Whangamomona’ stamp in their passport!

Completing the second half of the Forgotten World Highway, we continue through the rugged Taranaki countryside before emerging from the hills at Stratford. With the impressive Mount Taranaki volcano rising on our left, we drive on to New Plymouth where we stay for two nights.

Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)

Day 7 | Free Day

New Plymouth is a vibrant and modern city, renowned for its sunny climate, art galleries, street art, picturesque parks and botanical gardens – all centrally located. It’s also famed for its Coastal Walkway which stretches 12.7km from the port to a small beach community in the north. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge can be found halfway along the walkway and has magnificent views of Mount Taranaki to the south. Great for walking on or hiring a bike and cycling along.

New Plymouth is blessed with many stunning beaches and provides a paradise for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders alike.

For those of you who like a good workout, consider organising a hike up to the Pouākai Tarns, known for their stunning reflection of Mount Taranaki. This popular hike near New Plymouth is accessible via the Mangorei Track and is a challenging but rewarding day hike (primarily uphill).

Accommodation: Camping (New Plymouth)‍

Day 8

With Mount Taranaki in our rear-view mirror, we set off north today along one of the fastest eroding coastlines in the world. The relentless Tasman Sea continually sculpts and shapes the cliffs of the seafront here, creating numerous caves, tunnels and archways. Along the way we pass by the translucent waters of the Tongapōrutu and Mokau Rivers.

The coastal route that we take up to the small settlement of Marakopa, is incredibly scenic. It is a short drive from here to the thunderous Marakopa Falls, where we take a short bush walk to this wide waterfall with its impressive 35m drop - often referred to as the most beautiful in NZ.

Time permitting, we will also visit the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a 17m high natural limestone arch that has formed from the remnants of an ancient cave system. Be wowed as you walk through the fairy-tale like forest that leads up to this beautiful natural phenomenon.

We stop for the next two nights in Waitomo, renowned around the worldwide for its extensive underground cave systems and its glow-worms.

Accommodation: Camping (Waitomo)‍

Day 9 | Free Day

‍Waitomo offers so many fantastic visitor experiences - cave tours, glow-worms, black water rafting, abseiling, ziplining, bushwalking and the Discovery Centre & Museum – all are either walkable from our campsite, or include pick-ups/drop offs.‍

Accommodation: Camping (Waitomo)

Day 10

We start this morning by visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House. This not-for-profit wildlife and conservation centre displays rare native New Zealand wildlife for release to the wild and is the best place to see a real Kiwi bird and the lesser known Tuatara reptile (a real dinosaur that predates lizards!).

After lunch, we head to Bridal Veil Falls, a tall plunge waterfall that is 55m high. It is set in a beautiful bush clad bowl and can be viewed from three separate tiered viewing platforms.

We finish the day in Raglan, a laid-back West Coast surfing mecca and holiday spot where we will spend two nights.

Accommodation: Camping (Raglan)

Day 11 | Free Day.

Raglan attracts many domestic and international surfers who come to catch the longest, most accessible and consistent ‘left hand break’ in the world. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s fantastic to watch.

Have a go yourself with a surf lesson or simply watch the board riders on the waves at Manu Bay.

Laze on Ngarunui Beach or experience the large range of other water-based activities that Raglan has to offer.

Browse around the boutique ‘bohemian’ shops, galleries and cafes, hire a bike or simply watch the youngsters jump off the bridge into the turquoise waters of the estuary at high tide.

Accommodation: Camping (Raglan)

Day 12

Today we head to Hamilton Gardens, a 54-hectare public garden situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River in the city of Hamilton. This renowned parkland hosts an array of intricate and beautifully manicured themed gardens. From the Japanese ‘Garden of Contemplation’ to the grandeur of the ‘Italian Renaissance’ collection and on to the English ‘Flower Garden’, you will feel like you have been transported all around the world by the magnificent flora on display here.

We spend some time this afternoon at Huka Falls where you can witness nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second thundering through a natural rocky gorge before tumbling 11m into the roiling Waikato River below. There are numerous viewing platforms from which to see the falls, and you may also see the excited passengers on the Huka Jet as it comes racing up and almost touches the crashing waters on this, the ultimate thrill ride.

We then continue on to the town of Taupo, which sits on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupo. The lake was formed from a crater that was left after the large Taupo super volcano erupted 1800 years ago. The area is now a beautiful adventure playground with Lake Taupo at its centre and the three mountains of the Central Plateau visible to the south.

Accommodation: Camping (Taupo)

Day 13 | Free Day.

Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake at 622 square kilometres and offers a staggering number of activities to choose from, many of which are located in or around the lake.

Taupo’s famous float plane takes off and lands on the lake next to town and takes you on a breathtaking flight over the Central Volcanic Plateau.

You can also cruise out on the lake to see the Ngatoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, take a walk or bike ride on the many pathways (including the flat and very scenic lakeside ‘Lion’s Walk’), partake in a spot of fishing (Lake Taupo is recognised as one of the best places in the world to fish for trout), or try your hand at the Taupo Hole in One golf challenge.

For those adrenalin junkies amongst the group, Taupo offers the chance to jump out of a plane and skydive over the lake, or bungy & swing over the Waikato River.

These are only a small selection of the many activities on offer here in Taupo.

Accommodation: Camping (Taupo)

Day 14

This morning, we head southeast through thick pine forests and over high mountains to the city of Napier, capital of the Hawkes Bay.  

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings in the Hawkes Bay region are surrounded by orchards and vineyards and are recognised as one of New Zealand’s premier food and wine regions. They are also internationally renowned Art Deco ‘hot spots’, with outstanding architecture dating from the 1930's when the area was rebuilt after a large earthquake decimated the area.

Prior to setting up our camp in the seaside city of Napier this afternoon, we take an optional tourist drive through the bay area, around the Tuku Tuku Road loop, and up to Te Mata Peak. The 360° views from the top of Te Mata Peak out to the Pacific Ocean, over the farms and vineyards of Hawkes Bay, and west to the Central Plateau are astonishing on a clear day.

Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 15 | Free Day.

Wine tours are a popular pastime for visitors to the Hawkes Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. The tour to the scenic Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is also a fantastic experience.  

Napier has a very pretty seafront and Marine Parade is a great place to walk or cycle along whilst admiring the many Art Deco buildings on show.

The old harbour area is also a lovely place to spend some time with plenty of quaint boutique shops and cafes to enjoy.

Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 16

‍This morning, we travel north to the dramatic landscapes of the remote Mahia Peninsula, where we stop and relax over lunch on its long, arcing bay of fine sand. We then head further north into the Gisborne region, with its lush orchards, sun-drenched vineyards, and rural scenery, before reaching the coast. We will stop here and set up camp for two days next to the golden sands of the city's sweeping Waikanae Beach.

Accommodation: Camping (Gisborne)

Day 17 | Free Day.

(Optional free half day tour to the National Arboretum at Eastwoodhill, Ngātapa)

Today is a free day in Gisborne. Stroll along golden beaches, enjoy the panoramic views from nearby Kaiti Hill (Titirangi), sample local cafés and restaurants, visit nearby vineyards, or soak up the relaxed vibe of the vibrant waterfront.

You also have the option to come with us on a free tour to Eastwoodhill Arboretum - 131 hectares of rolling rural farmland containing the most comprehensive collection of exotic and native flora in NZ. It displays over 2800 different varieties of mostly Northern Hemisphere trees, shrubs and plants, and is extremely beautiful. Meander your way through its woodland paths, or take time out to sit in the gardens and enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Accommodation: Camping (Gisborne)

Day 18 & 19

The next two days see us travelling the legendary State Highway 35, which hugs the North Island’s East Cape. This mountainous coastal outcrop is the easternmost point of the New Zealand mainland, and is one of the first places in the world to see the sun rise each day!

The 334km road trip around the coastline is stunning, comprising of endless white sandy beaches, remote villages where local kids ride bareback on horses, and a number of historical points of interest. After a short drive along a number of beautiful beaches and through hilly back country farmland, we stop and set up camp behind the sand dunes of pretty Tolaga Bay. This tiny seaside village sits on a large curved bay, and has what is believed to be the longest (660m) concrete wharf in the Southern Hemisphere. It was here that Captain Cook first met the leaders of the Te Aitanga a Hauiti tribe in 1769, and there are a number of other places along this historic section of coastline where Cook and his ship, the Endeavour set anchor.

After spending the afternoon and evening here, we'll have the opportunity to zip open our tents early next morning and be some of the first people in the world to witness the start of the new day. What an experience!

After breakfast, we head north again, before stopping for coffee at Tokomaru Bay. This charming seaside town is famous for its picturesque beach, its homemade pies, and its old abandoned wharf. From here, we head up to Te Araroa (home to New Zealand’s largest Pohutukawa tree), passed the iconic and picturesque Anglican Raukokore Church, and on along the dramatic coastal sweep of State Highway 35 as it heads east towards the Bay of Plenty region.

From here, we often have clear views of the smoking Whakaari/White Island out on the horizon. We complete our East Cape experience in Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty.

Day 18

Accommodation: Camping (Tolaga Bay)

Day 19

Accommodation: Camping (Whakatāne)

Day 20 | Free Day.

Whakatāne is the heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and frequently records the highest number of annual sunshine hours in New Zealand. It is the perfect place to unwind and explore the area’s beautiful natural setting.

But there is also lots to do – it is one of the country’s premier fishing centres with more yellowfin tuna being caught here than anywhere else in New Zealand.

You can also take a boat trip out to Moutohorā/Whale Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary that supports an abundance of native New Zealand birdlife.

One of the more popular attractions is to take a scenic flight over the constantly erupting White Island volcano – an incredible experience.

Accommodation: Camping (Whakatāne)

Day 21

This morning, we drive to Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, named as "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" by TripAdvisor ®. This exotic natural park features brightly coloured natural hot pools, sulphur mud baths, and explosive geysers, and is a must-do for the photographers amongst our group.

Wai O Tapu provides the perfect introduction to the nearby geothermal city of Rotorua, where the tour ends. We say our goodbye's later this afternoon, and we will drop you off at a central location in Rotorua.