The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Prefer your own room?
With G Adventures’ My Own Room option, solo travellers can enjoy the comfort and privacy of their own room for the entire trip for an Additional cost.
Costs and details vary by tour. Please speak with one of our sales consultants for more information.
Guided Coach Tours
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,559 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland
8 days/7 nights
Hotel 3 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 40 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland/Rotorua
Day 3: Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Day 5: Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Day 6: Whanganui National Park
Day 7: Whanganui National Park/Waitomo District
Day 8: Waitomo District/Auckland
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Staying in:
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.
Staying in:
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or hit the spa. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
Staying in:
Start your day with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier one-day trek. Traverse dramatic volcanic landscapes, pass shimmering emerald lakes, and marvel at breathtaking alpine views. After this incredible adventure, you’ll head to a charming alpine village to relax and enjoy a well-earned dinner with your fellow travellers.
Staying in:
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and conservation haven nestled on the edge of Whanganui National Park. Here, you’ll learn about the station’s inspiring efforts to protect local wildlife, including the endangered blue duck, while admiring the beauty of the Whanganui River. A guided bush safari will introduce you to the area’s rich history, conservation work, and sustainable farming practices. End the day with a delicious dinner and a restful evening at this unique and rustic retreat.
Staying in:
Embark on a day of exploration along the Whanganui River. Paddle through the heart of the national park on a kayaking journey and experience the thrill of a jet boat ride to discover historical Maori and European settlements. Return to Blue Duck Station for another night of relaxation and connection with nature.
Staying in:
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to explore the area on foot. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Staying in:
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland where your tour will end around 1pm.
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Nov 16, 2025
(Sunday) |
Guaranteed
limited space left
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,199 | ||
Nov 23, 2025
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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was
NZD$3,199
now
NZD$2,559
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Nov 30, 2025
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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NZD$3,199
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NZD$2,559
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Dec 7, 2025
(Sunday) |
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NZD$3,399
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NZD$2,719
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Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | ||
Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday) |
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limited space left
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | ||
Jan 4, 2026
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,679 | ||
Jan 11, 2026
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,679 | ||
Jan 18, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,679 | ||
Jan 25, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Feb 1, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Feb 8, 2026
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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Feb 15, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Feb 22, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Mar 1, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Mar 8, 2026
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Mar 22, 2026
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Apr 5, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Apr 12, 2026
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Nov 8, 2026
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Nov 15, 2026
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Nov 22, 2026
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Nov 29, 2026
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Dec 6, 2026
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Dec 13, 2026
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Dec 27, 2026
(Sunday) |
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Jan 3, 2027
(Sunday) |
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Jan 10, 2027
(Sunday) |
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Jan 17, 2027
(Sunday) |
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Jan 24, 2027
(Sunday) |
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Jan 31, 2027
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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Enquire Book | NZD$3,479 |