At a Glance
Bike and hike the best of the North Island on this action-packed 11-day self-drive road trip including Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Tongariro, Napier and Okahune.
Tucked away at the bottom of the world, New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: tropical beaches, raging rivers, active volcano zones, award-winning wine country and more. For the outdoor enthusiast keen on hiking and biking, the North Island of New Zealand has no shortage of things to see and do. Home of the Great Walks and Rides (known to be some of the best hikes and rides in the world) and many other exciting activities, you could spend months trying to see it all. Luckily for you, this road trip offers the best of the North Island on two feet – and ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 10-nights’ boutique hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
- Hauraki Rail Trail self-guided cycle for 2 days including bike & helmet hire
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley self-guided walk including entry to the valley, walk map and bus shuttle service between the visitor centre and lake alongside the walking trails (Day 4)
- Redwoods Forest mountain bike tour including 3-4 hour tailored mountain biking for all skill and fitness levels, bike & helmet hire and Rotorua CBD transfers (Day 6)
- Hawke’s Bay Ahuriri to Cape Coast self-guided cycle tour including bike & helmet hire, transfer back to Ahuriri, riding instructions and map (Day 7)
- Tongariro 2-hour sunset guided walk including refreshment (Day 8)
- Whanganui River private canoe tour full day (Day 9)
- Guided tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Ruakuri Cave including boat ride through the Glow Worm Grotto (Day 10)
- 11-days’ car rental: Toyota Corolla Hatch/Sedan or similar with unlimited kilometres. Upgrade car type is available at an additional cost
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
Itinerary
Driving Information: N/A Arrive into Auckland and collect your rental vehicle from airport depot. Spend the rest of the day discovering the nation’s capital at your leisure. Also known as Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures. Those keen to stretch their legs should consider the North Shore Coastal Walk, which starts at Long Bay Regional Park and weaves through the beaches and suburbs all the way to Devonport. Alternatively, why not venture further afield and check out the trails on Rangitoto or Waiheke Island? You could also explore the city by bicycle – the Northwestern Cycleway and the Te Ara I Whiti – Lightpath are both very accessible. You’ll stay the night at Fable Auckland. Located in the heart of Auckland, this elegant 5-star hotel will transport you to an age of opulent glamour. Its rooms and suites are classic master pieces of refined design, featuring exquisite bedding, muted fabrics and excellent service complemented with state-of-the-art technology. Five-star facilities include a fitness centre and jacuzzi as well as award-winning Cooke’s Restaurant & Bar, which pays homage to the famed eatery of the same name that first occupied the Windsor House in 1928. |
Driving Information: Auckland to Thames: 124km/77mi | 2hrs Biking from Thames to Paeroa, 34km/21mi Depart Auckland and head south to Thames. Located on the doorstep of The Coromandel, Thames is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Enjoy a great coffee and soak up the gold mining heritage. After bike fitting, start 2 day self guided biking on the Hauraki Rail Trail - one of New Zealand's iconic cycle trails. With its gentle terrain and abundance of cafes and restaurants, this Great Ride is one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island. Experience the Jewel of the Hauraki Rail Trail as you follow the old railway line out of Thames. Explore mining sites, lush farmlands and the Ohinemuri river through the Karanghake gorge. Today, you will ride 34km to Paeroa. Take the opportunity to explore the gold mining heritage before following the old railway line to Paeroa. As you move inland, the trail takes you riding through farmlands and amazing views of the Hauraki plains and Kaimai ranges. The rural town of Paeroa is the official home and birthplace to 'L&P' (Lemon and Paeroa), New Zealand's home grown fizzy drink. It’s also well known for its many antique and collectable shops. Stop on in and learn about the pioneering history of Paeroa at the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park. Enjoy a 1-night stay at the comfortable Pedlars Motel next to the Ohinemuri River. |
Cycling Information: Paeroa to Waihi: 24km/15mi Today's ride is filled with plenty of extra activities to keep you busy. A continental breakfast at your accommodation will kick start a day of riding. The 24km trail follows the incredible Karangahake Gorge including the cascading Owharoa waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites, the Victoria Battery museum, and the infamous Windows Walkway. Another absolute highlight is riding through an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel. The Goldfields vintage train is a ‘must do ‘ and is a 30min leisurely ride from Waikino to Waihi. It even caters for those with bikes. NOTE: Train tickets are not included, however, can be purchased directly on your arrival in Waihi. We will collect your bikes after completing the riding. Enjoy a night at Waihī Beach. From gorgeous sea views to intimate garden vibes, Waihī Beach has a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from. |
Driving Information: Waihi Beach to Rotorua: 111km/69mi | 2hrs Journey south, passing many more beautiful beaches and the township of Tauranga, one of the North Island’s largest ports. Your route takes you through kiwifruit country around Te Puke and onto the heartland of thermal activity and the cultural centre of New Zealand, Rotorua. Explore the raw beauty of the world’s youngest geothermal site on a self-guided, ecology-focused adventure among the craters of the wonderous Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This exciting geothermal attraction has a very unique ecology, with rare botany and plenty of fascinating geothermal features. See the hypnotic steam rising from the Echo Crater, marvel at the fizzling Frying Pan Lake (the world’s largest hot spring) and take in the beauty and dazzling blue of the Inferno Crater hot lake. The newly forming silica terraces are also a highlight. At any stage during your walk, you can jump on board a courtesy shuttle that regularly circles the valley back to the Waimangu Visitor Centre. You’ll stay the night at On The Point - Lake Rotorua. Poised on the edge of the glistening waters of Lake Rotorua and boasting sublime views across to Mokoia Island, On The Point - Lake Rotorua is located in the Central North Island region. The property is an expansive lakeside estate spread across a magnificent 2.8 hectares of grounds leading down to the lakes edge and private beach. On The Point - Lake Rotorua also offers several reception rooms for you to enjoy, including a quiet library and reading room with computer, pool room, large entertaining rooms and several dining rooms. Be pampered without leaving the serenity of the retreat at our onsite Day Spa by indulging in a heavenly massage. |
One of NZ’s best one day walks “Five hundred-year-old trees standing 60m high, rare birds calling overhead – Whirinaki is a world-class example of unique rainforest that’s barely changed since dinosaurs roamed under the canopy. Discover ancient trees, extraordinary ecology and learn about the conservation challenges to protect some of the rarest creatures on earth. This lush forest is unlike anything else in New Zealand with ancient trees such as rimu, kahikatea, miro and matai. Whirinaki provides outstanding habitat for many of New Zealand’s rarest birds – kaka (North Island parrot), yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeet) and toutouwai (North Island robin), to name just a few. |
Driving Information: Rotorua to Napier: 215km/134mi | 2.5hrs Start your day with a thrilling mountain biking adventure in the Redwoods (Whakarewarewa) Forest. Known simply as “The Redwoods”, the 55,000-hectare forest is a playground for mountain bikers set among magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest and exotic trees. Red Bull rates The Redwoods’ trails among the top 8 in the world, Australian Mountain Bike Magazine claiming them to be the best. Begin your adventure by fitting bikes and helmets to suit and undergo a short safety and bike instruction briefing. Choose from over 140-kilometres of purpose-built tracks tailored to all skill levels for a 3–4-hour ride through forestry back roads, single track and fun jump trails surrounded by beautiful native pine forests. Once above the canopy, you will get to appreciate panoramic views of Rotorua’s beautiful lakes, geothermal activity and brooding Mount Tarawera. *NOTE: This is a great introduction to mountain biking. If you wish don’t participte in The Redwoords mountain biking tour, we can arrange a private city cycling tour – riding a scenic ride around the Rotorua central business district, taking in areas of significance and learning the geographical and cultural history of the inner city. Additional cost of $100pp. After your ride, hit the road for a scenic drive through rugged mountain ranges and exotic pine forests to the fertile vineyards of Hawke’s Bay. Your afternoon is free to enjoy Napier, a world-renowned Art Deco treasure. Here, you will find many fine wineries, fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. The boutique shops are a must-visit, as is the Sea Walls collection of magnificent murals painted on more than 50 walls around the city. Grab a map and walk or ride around the city to see them up close. You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Brekenridge Lodge. Purpose-built to be a boutique luxury lodge, Brekenridge offers 5 unique private guestrooms, each with a spectacular vineyard overlooking pristine Chardonnay vines. Take time to explore the expansive gardens before indulging in a sumptuous 5-course degustation (own cost). |
Cycling Information: Ahuriri to Havelock North: 26km/16mi | 2-4 hours Set off on a half-day cycling adventure from Ahuriri to Cape Coast. This is a very scenic coastal ride of 26-kilometres, finishing at 3 of the best Hawke’s Bay wineries. Departing the historic port village of Ahuriri, the cycle trail will take you past the Napier CBD, before continuing south along Marine Parade with spectacular views out towards Cape Kidnappers. Named by Captain James Cook after an attempt by local Maori to abduct one of his crew, Cape Kidnappers is an extraordinary stone headland that is home to the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. Continue on to Waitangi Regional Park, where you will find the Ātea a Rangi (Star Compass), a training tool used by celestial navigators who sailed traditionally throughout the Pacific. The rising and setting points of the celestial bodies are memorized by using the Pou (Posts) and the Horizon. Here, you can learn about how Maori navigators used the stars to sail their wakas (canoes) to New Zealand. Cycle on through the wetlands, home to numerous black swans, to the village of Clive, a great place for refreshments. Leaving Clive, you arrive at Black Bridge and the mouth of the Tuki Tuki river. Cycle through these 2 quaint coastal communities to get to Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga, 3 of the best Hawke’s Bay wineries. Here, you can sample some of the region’s superb Red Blends, notably Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. A visit to the Te Mata Cheese Factory is also a must – make sure to try the award-winning brie and blue-style cheese from sheep, goat and cow’s milk. Transfer back to your accommodation around 4:00pm. |
Driving Information: Napier to Ohakune: 187km/116mi | 2hrs 40mins Journey inland to Ohakune along the Taihape-Napier Road. Known as “Gentle Annie”, this route was once rife with rough gravel. These days, the surface is sealed all the way, allowing a far more comfortable drive through a beautiful part of the North Island. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque high country sheep stations like Erewhon and Springvale as well as the majestic gorge of the Rangitikei River, where an old suspension bridge still resides alongside the concrete and steel structure that replaced it in 1974. Arrive at Okahune, located in picturesque surrounds at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. Okahune emits an energetic yet laidback vibe, with plenty of activities, shops and restaurants attracting visitors all year round. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and surrounds before embarking on a 2-hour pre-sunset guided walk. One of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks, the easy 2 hour loop to Taranaki Falls is jam-packed with fascinating natural sights and excellent mountain views. A superb way to experience the Tongariro National Park and enjoy this stunning time of day. The walk comprises a choice of tracks: the Taranaki Falls loop track, a return trip starting on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing or a return route out to sunset ridge or Meads Wall. The beauty of these options is the ability to comfortably watch the sunset in an alpine environment, while a guide shares their local knowledge of geology, volcanology, and New Zealand cultural history. Cap off this magical experience with refreshment. You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Powderhorn Chateau. Located in Okahune at the entrance to Tongariro National Park, this gorgeous chateau offers a traditional ski lodge atmosphere as well as a heated indoor swimming pool and restaurant. The Powderkeg Restaurant and Bar offers an a la carte menu all year round. |
Approx. 4 - 5 hours canoeing (Easy Grade) Today, you'll complete the great walk by canoeing on Whanganui River - New Zealand's only Great Walk by canoe, not foot! The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through the heart of it. You’ll pass through a mixture of farmland and patches of native bush. Paddling downstream you will travel through bush-clad hills, waterfalls, towering river gorges as well as some rapids en-route. Walk to the world famous Bridge to Nowhere. Returning World War 1 servicemen once worked the land within what is now the Whanganui National Park. The farmers have long-since gone and this bridge is all that remains. Enjoy your picnic lunch, and lie back and listen to the sounds of the bush, the birds, and see nature at its finest. Your guide will share stories of the river and of years gone by. Return to National Park Village at approx. 5:00pm and self drive to hotel. |
Driving Information: Journey from Okahune to Waitomo, home of the mysterious Waitomo Caves. Embark on a guided tour of the caves. Your tour will take you through over 250-metres of stunning underground scenery and over 130 years of cultural and natural history. Your tour begins in the Cathedral and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Other magnificent cave formations include the Banquet Chamber, the Pipe Organ and the Catacombs. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat ride through the spectacular Glow Worm Grotto. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights of glow worm larvae like a thousand shimmering stars. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Ruakuri Cave. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance to find winding passageways, vast echoing caverns, deep crevices and the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. You will have the opportunity to see glow worms right up close. Major features of the Ruakuri Cave tour include; Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. In the afternoon, continue onto Auckland to complete your journey. You will stay the night at Fable Auckland. |
Driving Information: N/A All good things must come to an end. Check out of your accommodation by 10:00am and drop off your rental vehicle to commence your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The start and finish point of this package is Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine, especially in the far north (Bay of Islands). Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20 - 30ºC and in winter between 10 - 15ºC.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.