North Island Volcanic Adventure

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5 Days From

~~$4599~~

$4392

North Island Volcanic Adventure

5 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Te Aroha, Wairere Falls, Whakarewarewa Forest Park, Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ, Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, Huka Falls, Tongariro National Park, Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids, Waitomo Caves

Tour operator:

Active Adventures

Tour code:

UltNorthV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 14

Physical rating:

High, 4: Challenge Accepted

Age range:

16-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$4599

$4392 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$207

NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Lose track of time as you explore New Zealand's diverse North Island, from rolling green hills to the volcanic landscapes and endless coastlines on our North Island Volcanic Adventure. The North Island of New Zealand is packed to the brim with incredible landscapes, and there's no better way to experience its vastness than on our North Island Volcanic Adventure. Discover for yourself your favorite part of the island as you hike the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike through redwood forests, and walk through otherwordly caves lit by the mysterious glowworm. With two local guides and every detail looked after, you'll learn about the intimate Maori culture and visit spiritual Kauri forests without a worry in the world. Our year-round North Island Volcanic Adventure is the perfect addition to any of our South Island trips. Starting and finishing in Auckland, all you'll need to do is walk off the plane, and you'll be off on a hiking tour of a lifetime!

Highlights

Hike the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike through redwood forests.
Hike the Rainbow Mountain and panoramic views over the volcanic plateau.
Learn about the intimate Maori culture and visit spiritual Kauri forests without a worry in the world.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Pick-Up, Visit Te Aroha, Hike To Wairere Waterfall

Location: Auckland, Te Aroha, Wairere Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,

We’ll pick you up from your hotel or the airport and, leaving the city behind us, drive south to the township of Te Aroha. The town is one of the country’s top tourist spots, celebrated for its naturally hot soda waters and Mokena geyser. Today’s hike winds its way amongst tree roots and mossy rocks, and across several bridged river crossings to a lookout platform at the base of the Wairere Falls on the Okauia fault line. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand’s tangata whenua (original people of the land).Hiking:5 kilometers (3 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 400 meters (1,312 feet)

Day 2 : Mountain Bike Whakarewarewa Forest, Visit Te Puia

Location: Whakarewarewa Forest Park, Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning, we’ll head out to cycle the trails of Whakarewarewa Forest. Cycling in the forest is a real highlight of the trip and we have options to suit all abilities. If you prefer not to cycle, you can stay and soak in the local mineral spas, or explore Rotorua. After a picnic lunch in the forest, we’ll visit Te Puia which is famed for the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley – a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and impressive geysers. Tonight you’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the Te Arawa tribe and share a traditional feast. A hangi, as it’s known, is prepared by wrapping food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This healthy cooking method is similar to steaming and imparts a wonderful flavor.Biking:2-8 kilometers (1.5-5 miles), +/-20 meters (65 feet), 3 hours including bike fitting & bike briefing and depending on ability and preferences

Day 3 : Hike Rainbow Mountain, Hike To Huka Falls

Location: Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, Huka Falls

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Creel Lodge, Turangi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

We head south out of Rotorua today to hike Rainbow Mountain, aptly named due to the unusual color of the soil. We’ll head up through the native forest past an impressive crater lake for panoramic views over the volcanic plateau. Then after lunch, we’ll follow the track along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of Huka Falls and maybe a dip in some natural hot springs. Traveling further south, we follow the shores of Lake Taupo, an enormous volcanic caldera and the site of the world’s largest eruption in the last 70,000 years. We’ll stay on the banks of the Tongariro River, New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river.Hiking:Rainbow Mountain Hike: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 3 hours. elevation +/- 340 meters (1,115 feet)Hiking:Huka Falls Hike: 3 kilometers (2 miles), 1 hour, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

Day 4 : Hike Tongariro National Park, Soak In Hot Pools

Location: Tongariro National Park, Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Creel Lodge, Turangi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) – located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and the fifth oldest in the world. Today we’ll hike to the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids around the base of Mount Ruapehu, both of these hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 20 meters (65 feet) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces.

For more experienced hikers, we have the option to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and this full-day hike is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until September) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice, and if the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, we’ll all hike the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids. Your option must be confirmed at time of booking. Tonight, you can bathe in some natural thermal springs before having a celebratory dinner for our last night together.Hiking:Tongariro Crossing: 20 kilometers (12 miles), 7-8 hours, elevation +/- 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)Hiking:Taranaki Falls: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 2 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters (393 feet)Hiking:Silica Rapids: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 220 meters (721 feet)

Day 5 : Visit Waitomo Caves, Depart For Home

Location: Waitomo Caves, Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

For our last day together, we’ll head to the spectacular Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. For those keen, you’ll head down to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. A shower and some hot soup complete the picture. Alternatively, take in the subterranean beauty on foot with a guided walk through Ruakuri cave system where you’ll learn all about the geological significance of the area. Afterward, we’ll head back to Auckland where your trip finishes. We’ll have you at the airport in time to catch evening flights back home, or down south for one of our South Island trips.

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodations for the duration of your trip
Fully Guided

Our own highly experienced guides, driver, and cook, with you from start to finish
Meals

All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Transport

Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
All activities outlined in the itinerary
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
All park and other entry fees

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Gratuities for your guides at the end of your fabulous trip
Insurance

Travel insurance
International Travel

International flights are not included.
Optional

Optional extra activities
15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Alcoholic beverages
Gear on packing list (optional to rent some equipment)

Trip Notes

Click here to read the trip notes

Check out our Q&As

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, All park and other entry fees are included.
What is the minimum group size?

The min group size is 6 peoples.
What is the maximum group size?

The max group size is 14 peoples.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Activity Level 4: Challenge Accepted, I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it. Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents. Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime. Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As detailed in itinerary.

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
Are flights included in this tour?

International/Domestic Flights are not included.
What is the tipping policy?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You are covered by our Active Adventures Assurance policy.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1996
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Our trips attract a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more interesting and fun. All our people tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be in good company
What documents will I receive before I travel?

We send online booking information via our club page you’ll gain access to your trip notes, destination information, a detailed gear list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, extra accommodation requests, gear hire requests etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure vacation.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Travellers Against Plastic
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes,
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

When it comes to the safety of our guests, it has always been our number one priority. We’ve introduced strict protocols to adhere to current Covid safety guidelines that are relative to the destination, country and location of your adventure – these are dependent on the current rules and restrictions that are in place at the time of your trip.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Health and safety are just as important as the amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world we travel. Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

No

Reviews of this operator

Carmelita Perez

Great Company

20-Mar-2020

Active Adventures is a great way to go if your idea of a perfect trip is getting out and hiking, bicycling and kayaking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, with guides who are local, experienced, fun, flexible and take excellent care of their clientele.

Excellent

Dave, United States

Northern Italy Adventure, Dolce Vita

01-Oct-2021

My wife and I went on the Dolce Vita trip with Active Adventures and we both feel that it was one of our top 3 holidays ever. We LOVED our guides (Andrea & Enrico - one for the mountains and one for the Lakes Region kayaking). The natural beauty was amazing but the care our guides took of the group was truly beyond our expectations. Bravo to Active Adventures for partnering with such amazing local guides who are not only knowledgeable but funny and a true pleasure to be around. We LOVED this trip and plan to do more!

Jodi, United States

Tortuga, November 2021

08-Nov-2021

The trip was wonderful – better than ever imagined. Snorkelling was the highlight of the trip. I never thought we would snorkel so close to sea turtles and with sea lions – it was fantastic. Walking near blue-footed boobies and their chicks and stepping around sea lions, it was unbelievable. We even got up close to white-tipped sharks. We had a group of 13 that went In September 2021, and it was a truly remarkable experience for all of us.

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Monday - Friday

Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024

~~$4599~~ $4392