We leave the City of Sails (Auckland) at 10am heading north to the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands.

On route we take time for a break, and a quick swim for those that are keen, at beautiful Uretiti beach. It’s a great place to relax and make use of the Frisbee, football and rugby ball on board.

We then head to the historically significant town of Paihia, the main gateway for the Bay of Islands before doing a highly recommend mangrove walk to the thundering Haruru waterfalls.

Our campsite is nestled next to the river and we will be spending 2 nights here giving you time to explore the best of the Bay.

Experience a full day exploring the Bay of Islands and its turquoise waters.

This subtropical region is the perfect playground for water lovers and a great place to soak up the sunshine.

With a staggering 144 islands, the Bay of Islands offers swimming, sailing, dolphin viewing, kayaking plus much more along with some excellent walks in the native forests.

This region is also home to some of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand.

There is a day full of adventure ahead as we travel to the rugged and soulful West Coast.

Our first stop comes with a chance to try your skills sand boarding or if you don’t fancy heading down the sandy slopes there’s a nice coastal walk.

Then it’s back on board as we head south towards the Waipoua Forest, travelling through the largest remaining tract of native kauri forests in northland.

We leave the West Coast and cross back over to the East towards our final destination and camp for tonight, Orewa.

Home to one of the Auckland regions longest and safest beaches it’s a great place for a stroll and a swim, or relax at the local hot pools.

Orewa is often blessed with a beautiful sunrise over the sea which is well worth the early start to check it out.

We then travel the short distance to Auckland where we farewell those finishing their tour and welcome new travellers joining us there.

Leaving Auckland at 10am we continue onwards to the Coromandel, renowned for its natural beauty, misty rainforests and pristine white, sandy beaches. Marvel at the views on a beautiful coastal walk or take in the coastline from the water by kayak.

Visit the unique and famous Hot Water Beach to dig, then relax, in your own thermal pool! Soak up the breath-taking scenery and cameras ready for spectacular sunsets at our beachside camp.

Before heading south into the heart of the North Island (where you’ll be amazed by the natural wonderland that is Rotorua), we’ll drive the scenic route out of the Coromandel giving you an opportunity to explore by foot or pedals, the stunning Karagahake Gorge. If the sun is out, we’ll even have a delicious picnic lunch (kiwi styles) to break up the drive.

Continuing south we drop off Hobbiton fans then it’s onto Rotorua where you can explore the city, the gardens, spas or take in some Maori Culture at the Tamaki Maori Village.

Experience the only native forest zipline canopy tour in New Zealand, enjoy the thrills of OGO or the scenic gondola and luge. Take in the geothermal wonders with walks or relax in the hot pools. For cyclists, there is the chance to enjoy a world class mountain bike park and the geothermal featured Te Ara Ahi cycle Trail. 

Bubbling mud pools, geysers and Maori culture are the main reasons that visitors head to the thermal resort of Rotorua. It is the oldest and most established thermal resort in the country and the ancestral home of the Te Arawa people who settled here over 600 years ago.

Leave camp for Wai-O-Tapu geothermal Wonderland before continuing on to the impressive Huka Falls.

We then head to Taupo, nestled next to one of the largest crater lakes in the World with some great hiking and cycling opportunities. Taupo is also a great place for adventure with heaps of optional activities to choose from.

Tonight we enjoy a camp near Tongariro National Park. This region is centred around Lake Taupo, NZ’s largest lake at 619sq km – about the size of Singapore! The Lake is in a caldera created by the Taupo super volcano some 26000 years ago and the area is still considered dormant today with moderate geothermal activity in the area such as the mud pools, hot springs and vents.

Experience one of NZ’s great walks, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rated as the best one day walk in the World.

This dual listed World heritage area is set to inspire with towering mountains, turquoise lakes, sparkling rivers, lush rainforests and lunar landscapes.

For those that don’t fancy the hike, take on some grade 3 white water rafting rapids, cycle, enjoy short walks or relax in this beautiful area with an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop.

We then head south to our wonderful stunning beach camp – home to amazing coastal sunsets. The 80,000-hectare Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu rising dramatically 2797m from the surrounding area. Next to Mt. Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains – Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Mount Tongariro, which is where you are hiking!

This tour ends in Wellington with an early arrival at New Zealand’s beautiful capital city by 9am.

Our nation’s capital offers great cafes and bars, along with plenty to see and do including the celebrated Te Papa Museum & the botanical gardens.