On this active tour for those with a real spirit of adventure, we'll trek through volcanic landscapes, jet boat along turbulent rivers and admire colossal mountains. Still in the flux of creation, New Zealand's North Island combines an awesome natural beauty combined with a rich Maori heritage & is a destination guaranteed to thrill all who make it to her shores.

Caves & Geysers
Leaving vibrant Auckland we head for Waitomo, with the chance to go Black-Water rafting through the famous Glow-worm cave, before continuing to Whakatane from where we can visit the still active White Island. In volcanic Rotorua, we can bathe in thermal springs and marvel at the boiling mud-pools, which are commonplace here. We'll also visit the Waimango volcanic valley, an area of interesting thermal activity.

Active Volcanoes & Rapid Rivers
Exploring Tongariro National Park on foot, we enjoy the spectacular volcanic area around the North Island's highest peak, Mount Ruapehu (2796m). Within this World Heritage Park there are trails for people of all abilities, though we hope to tackle the challenging Tongariro Crossing - reputedly the finest one-day walk in New Zealand. We then travel by jet boat to our remote farm on the Whanganui River, with the option to canoe back the following day.

Trekking on Queen Charlotte Sound
Travelling by train to the capital, Wellington, we then cross to the South Island where we can trek sections of the popular Queen Charlotte track. From the coastal town of Kaikoura we visit the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsular with its fantastic bird life and seal colony; we have the opportunity to swim with dolphins - a truly amazing experience, before finally travelling by train to the 'Garden City', Christchurch.

Day 1 & 2 Fly Auckland. 3 Arrive Auckland; tour. 4 Drive Waitomo; optional rafting and Waitomo Caves. 5 Drive Whakatane via Mt Maunganui. 6 Optional boat excursion to White island; drive Rotorua. 7 Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk; continue via Taupo to Tongariro NP. 8 & 9 In Tongariro NP; hikes and walks. 10 Jet Boat to farm on Whanganui River; walk through rainforest to Bridge to Nowhere 11 Optional canoe trip; bus to Wellington. 12 Ferry to Picton; water taxi into Queen Charlotte Sound. 13 In Queen Charlotte Sound; hiking. 14 Water taxi to Picton; Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. 15 End Christchurch.

Accommodation: 8nts hotel/motel, 6nts lodge; 14 breakfasts included & 3 dinners.
Transport: On foot/Bus/Jet Boat/Train/Ferry/Water taxi.
Comment: An ac tive trip exploring the best of the North Island plus five days on the South Island.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver.
Trip Reference: ZN