Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Make your own way to the 4* Auckland City Oaks where you will spend 1 night in a studio room on a B&B basis

 

Day 2 Auckland to Paihia

Your journey kicks off in New Zealand’s largest city Auckland. Pick-ups start at your accommodation bright and early, before we head north to the seaside town of Paihia. We stop en-route to hug some of the world’s mightiest trees, the native Kauri, enjoy a hike to a beautiful waterfall and stop for lunch and a swim at scenic Waipu Cove. This is followed by a trip to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds (own expense), before settling into our accommodation where you’ll have a group meal and the evening free to relax. Includes dinner

INCLUDED: Beachfront hostel, Tree hugging huge kauri trees at Parry Kauri Forest, Waipu Cove

Day 3 Paihia to Opononi

This morning we take a wildlife cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands, a collection of 144 islands bursting with marine life, and there’s no better way to see it than by boat. Keep a watchful eye out for wild dolphins.

In the afternoon it’s off to the Hokianga Harbour, where we will see the huge sand dunes. Tonight you have the option to take part in a Maori-guided twilight encounter, where you’ll visit the Waipoua Forest, learn about Maori legends and the spiritual inhabitants of the forest, and visit the largest Kauri tree in the world, the “God of the Forest” Tane Mahuta (own expense). Finish the day with a Kiwi classic for dinner, traditional fish and chips. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Comfortable Kiwi lodge, Bay of Islands wild life boat trip

Day 4 Opononi to Auckland

We start the morning with a ferry ride across the Hokianga Harbour to go sand boarding down massive dunes (weather dependant); before we start to make our way south through the mighty Waipoua Forest. Here we will have the opportunity to visit NZ’s largest Kauri trees.  We visit the idyllic Kai Iwi Lakes for a swim in the beautiful crystal clear waters surrounded by a pure white sandy beach, before returning to the ‘big smoke’ for a late afternoon arrival. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Hokianga Ferry ride, sand boarding, visit Waipoua Forest (NZ’s largest Kauri trees), swim in the Kai Iwi Lakes

Day 5 Auckland to Hahei

We depart Auckland and head south east stopping for a walk to the famous Cathedral Cove.  Accessible only by foot or boat, you’ll discover some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and stunning views in this beautiful coastal spot. Cathedral Cove is a ‘must see’ on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Afterwards we’ll drive to Hot Water Beach, a unique surf beach where you dig a hole in the sand and sit in your own personal spa pool (tide dependent).  In the afternoon there will be time for a kayaking tour (own expense) before we feast on a delicious BBQ for dinner. Includes dinner

INCLUDED: Comfortable beachside accommodation, Walk to Cathedral Cove, dig a hole at Hot Water Beach

Day 6 Hahei to Rotorua

Today we head for Rotorua, arriving around midday, to discover an area well-known for its Maori heritage, adventure and geothermal activity.  Here you will get the chance to do some great optional activities, such as a visit to Hobbiton.

This evening you will be welcomed into the authentic Tamaki Maori Village, where you will discover Maori art, ancient rituals and traditions.  Tonight we dine on a delicious hangi (Maori feast), enjoy an interactive cultural performance and the company of our Maori hosts. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Central city lodge, Cultural experience with traditional hangi meal, Kapa Haka (Maori song and dance) and interactive cultural performance

Day 7 Rotorua to Whakahoro

We start the day by visiting some bubbling mud pools before stopping at the powerful Huka Falls, NZ’s most photographed natural attraction. Our destination today the most remote parts of the North Island by road. We’re heading for the award winning Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro, a 5,200 acre high country farm that is both a working sheep and beef station and an environmental conservation leader. This afternoon you get the opportunity to take part in a 4WD Bush Safari and farm adventure, where you’ll explore this vast land and the New Zealand native bush, discover the remains of an unbelievable local history, and learn about the farm’s conservation efforts.  Your dinner is all cooked using local produce.  Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Remote country station lodge, Visit Huka falls, 4WD eco-wilderness farm adventure

Day 8 Whakahoro to National Park

Today we make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park, where you’ll get the chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.Trek through dramatic natural scenery, past volcanic peaks, vast craters and stunning turquoise lakes on one of the most spectacular treks in New Zealand. Alternatively you can go on one the shorter walks around this volcanic region or visit the Volcanic Centre Museum (own expense). Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Alpine lodge, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and transfers, or Taranaki Falls walk and Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool)

Day 9 National Park to Wellington

We depart early to arrive into Wellington around midday. Get a taste of ‘Wellywood’ when you head out to the world famous Weta Workshop for an in-depth, behind the scenes look at the studio responsible for blockbuster films such as The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Wellington is known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ thanks to Lonely Planet, and it’s a great place to check out the lively arts, shopping, craft beer and café culture scenes. As New Zealand’s capital city, it is home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. We recommend wandering down Oriental Parade, visiting Te Papa National Museum or the botanical gardens. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Weta Workshop tour

Day 10 Wellington to finish Auckland

Today is an express day, via National Park back to New Zealand’s largest city Auckland.  We stop along the way for photo opportunities and to eat lunch, before heading back to Auckland for a late afternoon arrival. Includes breakfast. Make your own way to the Auckland City Oaks where you will spend 1 night in a studio room on a B&B basis.

 

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Make your own way back to the airport for your return or onward flight

4* Auckland City Oaks

Facing the city skyline and its harbour, the apartment hotel is in the heart of Auckland, just a few minutes from the marina, shopping and entertainment districts. Art lovers can pay a visit to Auckland Art Gallery that offers a collection of rare books, 53 paintings and 12,500 art works. Facilities include a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe, lift access, free Wi-Fi, a laundry service (fees apply) and a car park (fees apply). Outdoor lovers can also explore Auckland Wine Trail, Metropolis and Vulcan Lane during their stay.

 

Batten Pass:

High quality backpacker accommodation in a variety of hostels, wilderness lodges, cabins and historic hotels.  Quad-share accommodation is included with your tour. You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a single or twin/double private room (subject to availability).

Price from €2050 p.p

 

Price Includes:

Flights

Airport Tax

Accommodation as per itinerary

Activities as per itinerary

Transport

 

Price Excludes:

Airport transfers

Travel Insurance