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North Island Adventure

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Tour Details

Start

Auckland - Sudima City Hotel, 63-67 Nelson Street at 8:15am, or Auckland Airport at 9.00am

Finish

Auckland 6:00pm (approx.)

DEPARTURE DATES

29 September, 2025
13, 27 October, 2025
10 November, 2025
1, 8, 15, 29 December, 2025
5, 12, 19, 26 January, 2026
16, 23 February, 2026
2, 9, 16, 30 March, 2026
27 April, 2026
18 May, 2026
27 July, 2026
7, 28 September, 2026
12, 26 October, 2026
9, 23, 30 November, 2026
7, 14, 21, 28 December, 2026
4, 11, 18, 25 January, 2027
1, 15, 22 February, 2027
1, 8, 15, 29 March, 2027
12, 26 April, 2027
3, 17 May, 2027

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
*Adult NZD $6,599.00
*Single Supplement NZD $1,400.00

Days

5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
(some alpine hiking and uneven terrain)
Book now

*Tour prices are dynamic and will be confirmed upon your booking request.

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Transport

New Zealand is a small country - about 1000 miles from top to bottom, and only about 150 miles wide. This trip focuses on spending as little time as possible sitting in vehicles so that you can spend your time on outdoors-oriented adventure. The average driving time over the period of this trip is just over two hours a day, and as much time as possible is spent in the outdoors. Modern, comfortable minibuses are used. Make no mistake - this trip is not a typical bus tour! Vehicles are fitted with good stereo systems, and you will hear plenty of New Zealand music.

Additional Costs
  • Some meals
  • Personal spending including alcohol
Grading & Fitness

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

You don't have to have any outdoor experience to take this trip and you don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy the rides available. There are plenty of active options, but if you'd rather fish or just laze around one day, your guide can make this happen for you. You don't need to be young or really fit - but this trip has a lot of action at a reasonable pace, and is not designed for couch potatoes. Every one of the days on the trip will be unforgettable. Some physical preparation is recommended: brisk walking, jogging or cycling a couple of times a week during the month or so before you arrive to enable you to make the most of your trip.

Accommodation

Both of the places you'll be staying on the North Island Adventure are comfortable waterside lodges with modern facilities. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. For the standard price of this tour you will get a shared room which means that if you don't have a travel partner you will be matched up with another person of the same gender to share a room. If there is no roommate for you, you will not be charged a single supplement.

If you are travelling on your own, and you would prefer not to twin-share, you can request your own private room, dependent on space availability. For this you will need to pay a single room supplement. Many of the rooms have ensuite facilities however there is also a good chance you will be asked to share a bathroom with others. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.

What to Take

Essential Items:

  • day pack (large enough to carry raingear, fleece, camera and water.)
  • hiking boots (sturdy boots with ankle support)
  • trail runners/running shoes
  • sports sandals
  • waterproof jacket and trousers
  • 2 x wool or fleece sweaters
  • fleece/down jacket
  • shirts/T-shirts, quick-dry is recommended
  • long sleeve shirts, some cotton and some quick-dry
  • lightweight trousers, 1-2 pairs
  • hiking shorts
  • warm wool or fleece hat
  • warm gloves
  • 5 pairs warm socks
  • thermal underwear (polypropylene or similar, not cotton or silk)
  • night wear
  • underwear
  • travel towel
  • swimsuit 
  • sun hat, sunglasses
  • sunblock
  • water bottle (1 litre)
  • camera
  • toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush etc)
  • personal first aid kit


This clothing will keep you warm and comfortable during outdoor activities - cotton clothing is not suitable. You will also need other clothing and shoes for between activities, i.e. evenings, travel.

Recommended items:

  • hiking poles, for hire NZ$63.25 for a pair
  • insect repellent
  • ear plugs
  • alarm clock
  • cycling gear if you have it but not necessary.
  • flashlight or headlamp
  • casual clothes
  • hiking gaiters
  • binoculars
  • reading materials

Food

Meals are provided as indicated in italics at the bottom of each day's itinerary above. On days where you start early, breakfast consists of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, coffee and juice. When there is more time, your guide will make pancakes and full cooked breakfasts. Lunches are usually picnic style - sandwiches, salad and fruit, or maybe a barbecue - in some beautiful spot. Dinners are usually two- or three-course meals, covering a range of styles. Vegetarians and people with particular dietary needs or preferences are easily catered for.

 

Meet our Guides

Experienced Kiwi guides are used who are well-versed in the local culture, flora and fauna, and history. They are trained in Outdoor First Aid. You will have two guides on this trip to take good care of you - a Lead Guide who is in charge of your trip and does the driving and a Second Guide to assist the Lead Guide and make sure you're well fed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the weather be like?
Generally, you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and above in the off season and mid-70s and above in the middle of summer. It can get very hot at times and it can rain at any time of year. So long as you bring the gear recommended, you'll have lots of fun - whatever the weather!
How many people are there on each trip?
A maximum of 14 passengers are on each trip and all trips have at least two staff to look after you. Many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!
How much luggage can I bring?
There are no particular restrictions on how much luggage you may bring. Space is limited though, so it is requested that you not to bring too much stuff. In general, it is recommended trying to bring one large piece of luggage, and a day pack as a carry on/day bag. There are several places to do laundry while on the road, so you don't need to bring clothes for more than 3 or 4 days.
I need to bring extra luggage with me to New Zealand. Where can I store my extra gear?
It is possible to bring extra gear along on your trip and leave it in the back of the luggage compartment of your trip's vehicle. If you have excessive luggage, request storage at your pre-tour accommodation.
Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
You will have access to laundry facilities most days. You will not need to bring laundry soap.
Do I really need everything on the gear list?
Yes, you really do need all of the required items on the gear list. You will stay warm and happy, especially if it's cold and rainy. And it can be cold and rainy at any time of year, although you are most likely to have good weather for most of your trip. Your guide will do a gear check before heading into the mountains, and if you don't have any of the required clothing items, the guide will try to lend you it. But if there is no extra clothing for you to borrow, you will be asked to buy it.

Booking Conditions

Payment:
You can pay in NZ dollars by credit card, or by direct transfer into our NZ dollar account.

Pay in full - non-refundable rates (10% off)
You may choose to pay your full tour price at the time of booking. Non-refundable rate discounts require full payment at the time of booking, and your booking is non-refundable. This discount only applies to bookings that are scheduled to depart no later than 180 days from the date of payment and the 'cancellation and Refund (By You) and Change of Trip or Departure' terms and conditions do not apply, If you change or cancel your trip, no refunds will apply. This discount cannot be combines with any other offers. We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.

Deposits:
For bookings, 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 130 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
This deposit is non-transferable and non-refundable. However, provided you cancel your booking 121 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date, your deposit (less any applicable cancellation fee) will be held as a credit for you for up to 24 months.

Cancellations:
121 days or more: 100% of payments already made by you, less your deposit will be refunded. A cancellation fee of 10% of the full booking value will be deducted from your deposit and the balance of your deposit will be held as a credit for you.
120-91 days: 50% of tour price forfeited.
90-0 days: 100% of tour price forfeited.

On booking request, you will be sent the full terms and conditions which you must review and acknowledge that you have reviewed the booking conditions associated with this and understand and accept this agreement.

Travel Insurance

We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

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