Discover, Plan & Go!

New Zealand's North Island is quite different to the South Island. It is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and unique combinations of flora and fauna. It's also home to most New Zealanders, and is especially known for its Maori culture. We've designed the North Island Explorer with departure dates that link up with our South Island trips. The North Island Explorer allows you to see the "other side" of New Zealand.

Day 1 - Tuesday - Arrive, Karangahake Gorge and Orokawa Beach

If you have arrived early and join us in town you are greeted by our local Kiwi guides before driving up nearby Mount Eden. Enjoy spectacular views from the top of this volcano and the point where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea will be less than a mile apart. Here the North Island narrows to a strategic isthmus, which gave Auckland great importance to both the Maori and early European settlers.

If you arrive at the airport on day one our guides greet you at the airport before traveling east across the Hauraki Plains to the historic Karangahake Gorge (we'll teach you the pronunciation!) for a hike through a historic gold mining area and a picnic lunch. This afternoon head to the coast near Waihi for a hike around a series of headlands clad in native Pohutakawa trees to the secluded Orokawa Beach. Look out over the sweeping coastline and scattered islands of the Bay of Plenty, aptly named by Captain Cook when he visited in 1777. After the hike continue south through kiwifruit-growing country to Rotorua. A great deal of geothermal activity beneath Rotorua is witnessed in steaming pools of mud, fumaroles, and smelled among the distinctive whiff of sulfur that characterizes the town.

Accommodations: Cedar Wood Lodge, Rotorua

Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - Wednesday - Lakes Okataina and Tarawera

Explore the virgin forest around Lake Okataina, an area sacred to the Maori but still unknown to many New Zealanders. Hike alongside deep blue waters exploring an ancient Maori settlement. Continue over the ridge to the shores of Lake Tarawera. The entire area has been molded by intermittent volcanic activity, which continues in various forms to this day. Mount Tarawera was the scene of an enormous eruption in the late 19th century, and we'll be able to see the effects of this cataclysmic event. Afterwards enjoy the evening on your own. You may choose to go to a Maori concert and the traditional hangi where you'll experience the native people's method of cooking. Food is prepared by burying it in the earth over hot stones several hours beforehand. This method is very healthy - akin to steaming - but hangi food has a wonderful smoky flavor. Vegetarians, of course, are well catered for.

Accommodations: Cedar Wood Lodge, Rotorua

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - Thursday - Rotorua, Maori culture and Waikato River

Rotorua is the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand and the influence of the Maori people can be seen everywhere here. Although it's a well-known tourist destination, our guides share their favorite highlights, beyond the glitz. Afterwards enjoy a bike ride on the smooth trails in the pine forests that girdle Rotorua. Biking options to suit all abilities and levels of interest are available. For many this ride is a highlight of the North Island trip, however non bikers are welcome to stay in Rotorua if they prefer. Later enjoy a hike down the Waikato River (New Zealand's longest) to the impressive Huka Falls. A short drive south leads down the length of Lake Taupo, the biggest volcanic crater in the world, to Turangi. Enjoy a walk alongside one of the country's most famous trout fishing rivers, the Tongariro, while your guide cooks up a great Kiwi barbeque dinner.

Accommodations: Creel Lodge, Turangi

Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 4 - Friday - Tongariro National Park

Turangi is nestled between Lake Taupo and three massive volcanoes in the central plateau of the North Island; Mount Tongariro, Ngaruhoe and Ruapehu. Two options are available here. If the weather is good hike the well-marked Tongariro Crossing a 7-hour unguided trek known as the best one-day mountain hike in New Zealand. Or if you prefer two shorter guided walks in Tongariro National Park. Hike through the native tussock to a waterfall at the base of Mt Ruapehu, the highest active volcano in New Zealand. Then, hike around an isolated mountain lake in the middle of the virgin prehistoric rainforest. Guided or unguided, tonight you'll appreciate thermal hot springs to soak tired muscles in natural hot water. This evening enjoy a well-earned al fresco dinner!

Accommodations: Creel Lodge, Turangi

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Saturday - Pureora, Waitomo and depart

Drive through spectacular Pureora Forest Range among groves of huge native trees, then into sheep farming country, before arriving at Waitomo Caves. After a café lunch, enjoy an afternoon of caving (a.k.a. spelunking)! Two options are available here. More adventurous, travelers go "down under" to explore an underground cave system. Fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and floatation device you'll float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls, and at one point switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. If wet-caving is not your thing enjoy a boat ride through one of the larger caves to see the glowworms and amazing rock formations. After a hot shower and hot soup head back to Auckland and return to the airport in time to catch evening flights back home or down south for one of our South Island trips.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Notes on Itinerary: This trip may also be run in reverse going to Queenstown first and finishing with Kaikoura. Whichever trip you take, all the above activities are included, just in a different order.

Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodations on this trip, we sometimes need to alter our accommodations. For instance, every now and then the shearers' quarters at Braemar Station are required by the shearers. We try to make as few changes as possible, but we ask that you know we retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be.

The Recommended Flights: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, or out on the last day, we recommend arriving in Auckland by 8am on Tuesday, and departing from Auckland after 6 - 7 pm on Saturday. Other flight times may also be possible - if you are considering other flight times please let us know.

Arrival Information: Most people leave the Northern hemisphere on a Sunday evening and arrive in Auckland early on Tuesday morning. You'll lose a day to the dateline - but you get it back on the way home! Our guides greet arriving travelers at 9am at the Auckland international airport. Many travelers prefer to arrive early and spend a day in Auckland (we can arrange accommodations if you wish). Early arrivals are greeted at 8am at the Quest Hotel, 363 Queen St.

Most North American travelers find that jetlag is no big deal. For instance, it's a 12-hour direct overnight flight from the West Coast of the USA to Auckland and there's only a 3 hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time.

Departure Information: On the last day of the trip we'll drop you back at the Auckland airport in time for the flights above or anywhere in central Auckland in the late afternoon.

Single Travelers: For those requesting Single Occupancy, there is a $695 surcharge. With our Roommate Share program, if you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Land Cost Includes: "All guiding services. Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organize accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later. Just about all your meals, except where we've found our people prefer to check out the range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do like to see the look on your face when we turn up with an icebox full of beer (and juice, and water...) after a hike! All hiking, caving and cycling as described in the itinerary.

Not Included: Airfare to New Zealand, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations: Accommodations include lakeside lodges with private bathrooms and modern facilities.

Qualifications: You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the South Island Multi-Sport Adventure. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of regular exercise.

You don't have to have any outdoor experience to take our trips. We offer trips that allow you to make the most of New Zealand's incredible outdoor environment. Our experienced staff will look after you! You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy the rides we have available. There are plenty of active options, but if you'd rather fish or just laze around one day, we can make that happen too! All we ask is that you be energetic and in reasonable shape - and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time

To Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to New Zealand's South Island.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.