Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
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See a different side of New Zealand on this carefully crafted itinerary of the North Island. Amazing walks, unique itinerary, off the beaten track.
Sat 23 Mar Auckland coast to coast
Welcome to Auckland! Tour participants will be picked up from Auckland downtown at 8am or the airport at 9am. From the airport we drive to the leafy West Auckland suburb of Titirangi for a coffee break and to pick up a picnic lunch, before continuing on to the West Coast. Bethells Beach has been used as a scenic backdrop in many movies and music videos and on our walk you’ll see just why this area captivates locals and film-makers. We continue on to Soljans Estate Winery located in Kumeu Wine Country for lunch, followed by a wine tour and tasting. A lovely setting to spend the afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers. Check in to our downtown hotel late afternoon and in the evening we’ll dine in one of the many waterfront eateries.
Walking: approx 4km
Sun 24 Mar Auckland - Miranda
Up early for the first sailing across to Rangitoto Island, New Zealand’s youngest volcano at just 600 years old. We fill in the morning with a steady climb on a well-maintained track past rugged lava scree and through the world’s largest pohutukawa forest to the peak at 259 metres above sea level. At the top we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland.
Midday sailing back to Auckland where we’re picked up and driven to Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill. This extinct volcano is thought to have erupted more than 28,500 years ago and was the largest and most important M?ori p? in pre-European times. One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park offer 220 hectares of public green space in the city and after lunch we will take a stroll through the park. Our late afternoon drive will take us off the main highway, along a scenic coastal drive to Miranda Springs where we overnight. Time for a soak in the natural hot springs before sundowners and a Wildside BBQ.
Walking: approx 4 + 2 kms
Mon 25 Mar Miranda – Waihi Beach
Today we visit Paeroa for a photo opportunity at the famous L&P bottle before continuing on to Karangahake Gorge at the base of the Coromandel Range. Our walk this morning will take us deep in to the gorge following the old railway line through tunnels, over bridges, past mining remains and the “windows”.
In the afternoon we call in to the small gold mining town of Waihi for lunch and a stroll down the main street to the Martha open pit mine and museum for a fascinating look at the history of mining in the area. From nearby Waihi town we will walk the Homunga track via Orokawa Bay to Waihi Beach. This is an undulating track where we will mostly be walking in bush to the tune of the cicadas summer anthem, chortling tuis and the ocean crashing on to the coast. A very nice untouristy walk with stunning views along the way. Sundowners and fish’n’chips on the beach tonight.
Walking: approx 3 + 7 kms
Tue 26 Mar Waihi Beach – Mt Maunganui – Cambridge
A short drive through to The Mount this morning where you have the option to either walk the Mt Maunganui Base or Summit Track. Both options take around an hour to complete however the Summit does require a reasonable amount of exertion but it’s worth it for the amazing views! From the bottom of the mountain we continue walking along the beach to a café for lunch. This afternoon’s drive will take us over the Kaimai Ranges to the Waikato. Our base for the next 3 days is the pretty town of Cambridge, known for its trees and champions.
Walking: approx. 4 km
Wed 27 Mar Cambridge – Hamilton Gardens
We start the day with a local walk along river trails, well-manicured streets and in to the centre of town for morning tea. A visit will also be made to NZ’s home of cycling - the $28.5 million Avantidrome which features a world class 250m velodrome track and provides facilities for cycling elite.
The afternoon will be spent rambling through the popular Hamilton Gardens. The Gardens are internationally renowned and tell the story of gardens through different civilisations and time and showcase a wonderful collection of plants and architecture. From the Gardens we will continue strolling along the Waikato River to Memorial Park where our driver will meet us.
Optional: Twilight kayak adventure to a glow worm canyon. No kayaking experience required, just a sense of adventure for which you will be rewarded with an unforgettable evening.
Walking: approx. 7 + 3km
Thu 28 Mar Cambridge – Orakei Korako – Tirau – Cambridge
This morning we drive south to another part of the Waikato River where we board a jet boat for a thrilling ride to the “The Squeeze” for a refreshing dip in a mystical natural hot spring waterfall followed by a visit to an active geothermal area. Orakei Korako aka “The Hidden Valley” is NZ’s largest geothermal area with more than 250 hot springs and geysers. We will have plenty of time to explore the area by foot.
This afternoon we will walk the picturesque Te Waihou Walkway along tracks and through farmland to the internationally acclaimed Blue Spring. The water here is so pure it supplies around 70% of NZ’s bottled water. Enroute back to Cambridge, we’ll stop at the unique little town of Tirau for some snacks and free time to explore the shops.
Walking: approx. 2 + 4 kms
Fri 29 Mar Cambridge – Arapuni – Hobbiton – Cambridge
Just a short drive from Cambridge, is the Maungatautari Ecological Sanctuary where we will spend an interesting few hours on a morning guided walk through the forest. Surrounded by the world’s longest pest-proof fence, this ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of New Zealand’s most endangered species – from birds to bats, frogs to reptiles, tuatara to giant weta. We’ll stop for lunch at a little country café before walking some of the Waikato River Trail through wetlands, across farms and along the river. Later this afternoon will be a visit to “Middle Earth”. Even if you’re not a ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan, a visit to Hobbiton is a truly amazing experience. Stroll through the lush pastures of “The Shire” on a guided movie-set tour, past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and on to the world-famous Green Dragon Inn for a well-earned beverage.
Walking: approx. 5 + 6 + 2 kms
Sat 30 Mar Cambridge – Otorohanga – Waitomo – Taumaranui
Our first stop this morning is the Otorohanga Kiwi House where there will be some free to wander through the large free-flight dome aviary, before heading inside to see reptiles such as the unique tuatara which pre-dates dinosaurs. You can view active kiwi including the rare Great Spotted Kiwi, Little Spotted Kiwi and Brown Kiwi all on display in a night time setting. We will be there for feeding time and have an opportunity to hear more about these fascinating creatures from their Keepers.
A short drive further south brings us to Waitomo where we will walk the Waitomo Walkway – an easy walk traversing a classic limestone landscape through forest and open farmland. In the afternoon we visit the world renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand and as our Guide takes us deep in to the cave we will see thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light. An informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance and a magical boat ride beneath the glow will surely enlighten you!
We’ll spend some more time exploring this impressive area before driving on to our final stop for the day - the small King Country town of Taumaranui where we overnight.
Walking: approx. 5km
Sun 31 Mar Taumaranui – Tokorima – Whangamomona – New Plymouth
Early this morning we change our mode of transportation for self-drive Rail Carts (2 people per cart) and explore a forgotten world. We travel along the northern most section of an abandoned railway line which cuts through rugged farmland, across bridges and through hand-dug tunnels, some of them up to 1.5km long. We arrive in Tokorima around midday and meet up with our vehicle for a scenic drive along the Forgotten World Highway to the “Republic of Whangamomona”. Learn about the controversial history of this quirky little town, and even get your passport stamped! Late lunch at one of NZ’s remotest country pubs before driving on to the New Plymouth area and checking in to our accommodation.
Mon 01 Apr New Plymouth
After breakfast, we drive to Bell Block and set off for a walk along the award-winning Coastal Walkway. This is a flat easy walk with picturesque views as we hug the coastline walking a paved path between farmland and pounding waves and across the dramatic Te Rewa Rewa bridge. Fingers crossed for a clear day as the way this Bridge frames Mt Taranaki is an incredible sight.
In the afternoon we drive to Lake Matamahoe. The lake is famous for its reflection of Mt Taranaki (on a clear day) and there is a lovely undulating loop walk of the lake through forest and bush. We then head in to the city for some free time. You might like to visit the contemporary art museum and home to the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye, or Puke Ariki with its heritage and art collections.
Walking: approx. 6 + 6 km
Tue 02 Apr New Plymouth – Opunake – Wanganui
Leaving New Plymouth we head south along the coast to the popular surf town of Opunake. Our morning walk takes us around a beautiful lake, across cliffs and along the beach enjoying views of Te Namu Pa, Mt Taranaki and the ocean. After lunch in Opunake, we’ll continue driving along the Surf Highway to Wanganui, stopping enroute for a cuppa at Patea – home of the famous Patea Maori Club, whose 80s hit Poi-E is still one of the country’s favourite songs.
Walking: approx. 7 km
Wed 03 Apr Wanganui – Jerusalem – Bridge to Nowhere – Wanganui
We’ll head away early this morning for a scenic drive to the peaceful village of Jerusalem, the resting place of well-known poet James K Baxter. After a stroll around the gardens of the Sisters of Compassionate Convent we continue our scenic rural drive to Pipirki. From here we board a jetboat for an exhilarating ride up the Wanganui River through pristine bush and deep gorges. See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle and the ancient pegs used by the river boat crew to help them negotiate these waters over 100 years ago. On arrival at Mangapurua Landing we have an easy 40 minute bush walk to the historic "Bridge to Nowhere" - gateway to the "Valley of Abandoned Dreams". After a picnic lunch, we walk back to the landing to meet the jetboat for more thrills on our journey back to Pipiriki where our vehicle awaits us for our return to Wanganui.
Walking: 6km
Thu 04 Apr Wanganui – Otaki – Waikanae – Raumati
We continue travelling south to Peka Peka beach. From here we will walk along the seashore to Waikanae. This is an awesome stretch of beach littered with driftwood and unspoilt sand dunes with fabulous views of Kapiti Island. Lunch in a beach café before driving to our accommodation at Raumati Beach. Optional visit to Southward Car Museum this afternoon. Here you can see the most comprehensive privately owned collection of veteran and vintage cars in the southern hemisphere including Marlene Dietrich's Cadillac, a 1915 Stutz Racer, a 1938 Maybach, a gull winged Mercedes Benz, the Chicago Gangsters armour plated limo and all sorts of other treasures.
Walking: approx. 5 km
Fri 05 Apr Raumati - Kapiti Coast - Raumati
This morning’s walk is optional - it’s not for the faint-hearted as we will be reaching some heights with steep drops. The Paekakariki Escarpment walk will take us through farmland, bush, across two swing bridges and up and down some steep steps. This is one of the newest sections of the Te Araroa walkway and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, Kapiti and the South Island. We end in Pukerua Bay and drive back to our accommodation for a relaxing afternoon. Late afternoon will be walk along the beautiful sand dune tracks of Queen Elizabeth Regional Park for sunset drinks on the beach.
Walking: approx. 10 km
Sat 06 Apr Raumati – Wellington
We end our tour with a full day on the Skyline Walkway across the ridge tops of Wellington following the Outer Green Belt from Johnston Hill, Kilmister Tops, the Crows Nest, Mount Kaukau and ending in the bush-clad suburb of Karori. Along the way we’ll indulge in amazing rural, city and coastal views. Check in to our hotel along the city waterfront and enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Walking: approx. 12 kms
Sun 07 Apr Wellington
The tour ends after breakfast. Morning transfer to airport if required.
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Price
NZ$4590 per person twin share
NZ$1150 single supplement
Includes
Excludes
Group Size
Minimum 8 / maximum 12
About Your Tour Leader
Marie Coles is a born & bred Kiwi and grew up in a country village in the South Island of NZ some 50-odd years ago. She now resides in Cambridge, NZ with her husband and twins. Having worked in the travel industry for many years, Marie has travelled extensively throughout the world and lists New Zealand as her favourite destination. She has explored many nooks & crannies and travelled her country from top to bottom more times than she can remember. With her local knowledge and passion for walking, Marie has carefully crafted this itinerary to include some iconic walks as well as venturing in to less-travelled areas, plus the excitement of different modes of transportation.
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