Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from NZD 7899/per adult
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
Take five days to discover the charms of the North Island. Explore colossal kauri forests, dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Islands, and learn about the Maori culture as you make your way along some of the best coastline of New Zealand.
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Leaving Auckland city behind us, we’ll head North to the small historic boat building village of Paparoa for a picnic lunch. We’ll then continue through to the West Coast Settlement of Opononi, a harbor town made famous in the mid-1950s by the tame dolphin, Opo, who used to let children ride on his back.
Later, after dinner, we'll head back out into the Waipoua Forest for a twilight walk, where we'll be joined by local Maori guides. It's a memorable and spiritual experience to witness the greeting of these colossal trees with spine-tingling waiata (sacred chant). We'll also visit Tane Mahuta (meaning Lord of the Forest), New Zealand's largest known living kauri tree. At a height of 51.2 meters (168 feet), and with a trunk girth of 13.7 meters (45 feet), this silent giant, with ancient limbs, seems to grasp at the stars.
Accommodation: The Heads, Hokianga Harbour
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 hours, relaxed stroll
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve, a farm in the native bush home to unique house-sized basalt (volcanic) boulders. We’ll hike the Boulder Loop Trail which leads us over bridges, boardwalks and stairs, under and over the boulders along the valley floor.
After our excursion, we'll head east to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and hike along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The journey features a boardwalk section through the heart of a mature mangrove forest. As we approach the end of the walk, the thundering roar of the Falls lets us know we're almost there.
Later, we’ll head to the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, Paihia, a bustling seaside town with golden sand beaches.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Auto Lodge, Paihia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), 0.5 - 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet (60 meters) ascent, 200 feet (60 meters) descent
Day 3
This morning, we’ll take a water taxi from Paihia out to Deep Water Cove for a ridgeline hike to Cape Brett through the Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. On route, you’ll experience the Bay of Islands from the ridge tops and get magnificent views. This is a 3-4 hour hike with rewarding views of the Bay of Islands the entire way - you may even see dolphins and seals from your vantage point high up on the cliffs. The mountains that we’re crossing are very important to the local Iwi (Maori tribe). The mountain “Rakaumangamanga” is one point of the Polynesian Triangle - Hawaii and Rapanui are the other two.
If you’re not feeling up to the hike, have a chat to our guides and they can arrange an alternative boat trip around the Bay of Islands. Later, we’ll be picked up at Cape Brett, again by water taxi for the scenic cruise back to Paihia.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,550 feet (473 meters) ascent, 1,550 feet (473 meters) descent
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll head out for an early morning walk before boarding a purpose-built boat for a cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. This small cluster of islets is home to a wealth of biodiversity both above and below the water. While you head across from the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for flocks of petrels, shearwaters, and gannets – many of these shorebirds nest almost exclusively on the islands you’ll be visiting.
The Poor Knights is the second oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, and the sub-tropical environment is now an important conservation area for many species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, and orca can often be spotted, as well as a myriad of fish species that constantly trawl the reserve. You’ll visit the world’s largest sea cave, and hear all about the islands’ history including their occupation by ancient Māori. Our guides will then give you the chance to explore under your own steam, by providing you with either a snorkel and mask or a kayak.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If you’re a keen scuba diver, there’s an option to upgrade to diving for an additional fee, including all the necessary gear. This option must be pre-arranged. This option must be reserved at time of booking only.
Day 5
This morning, we’ll follow the coastal road as it winds its way south alongside tree-lined white sand beaches to Waipu, a quaint village with a strong Scottish heritage dating back to the 1850s.
Then we’ll make our way to Mangawhai Heads for one of the finest coastal cliff-top walks in the country. The walk offers glorious views of the Northland coastline, passing through shady bush and beneath giant old pohutukawa trees, and then returns along the beach.
After lunch, we’ll continue south from Mangawhai Heads towards the city of Auckland, when we'll wish you farewell.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) ascent, 130 feet (40 meters) descent
This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
See below for pricing. Looking for a longer North Island trip? Check out our 11-Day Ultimate North Island Adventure.
Our New Zealand 2024 adventures are filling up, so we are guaranteeing ALL trips to depart. Be in quick and book with confidence to secure your spot, and get set to take off on the adventure of a lifetime.
New Zealand is a nature lover's paradise, with unspoiled scenery everywhere you look. From snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, deep fjords to ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes to volcanic plateaus, New Zealand really does have it all.
Our expert, local guides will take you hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, so you can experience the stunning backdrop close-up. Combine this with a warm and welcoming people, beautiful Maori culture, and world class wines and cuisine, and you've got an incredible, unique adventure you'll never forget.
Get in touch before our 2024 New Zealand departures completely sell out!
Enjoy $500 off per person on ALL our fully-guided, thoughtfully curated adventures.
Book your next adventure using promo code ADVENTURE500 and get an incredible $500 off* per person.
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*Terms and conditions apply - see below
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