11 Day North Island Revive Small Group Tour

Day 1 Auckland Arrival

1. 1

   Auckland

   4 hours

   If you have the time today we recommend walking round Auckland CBD, and visiting the iconic SkyTower, giving your 360 degree views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. If you want to venture even further then we recommend checking out Mt Eden; an extinct volcano in Auckland City with great views of the Auckland's harbour.

Day 2 Auckland to Bay of Islands

1. 1

   Whangarei Falls

   1 hour

   Otuihau Whangārei Falls is a picturesque 26.3 metre-high waterfall, cascading over basalt cliffs.
   Enjoy a relatively short circular walk or for a longer walk start from the A H Reed Memorial Park or Hātea River Walkway.

2. 2

   Waitangi Treaty Grounds

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   This afternoon you'll have a guided tour of the Waitangi treaty grounds – a place rich in cultural history and known as the ‘birthplace of the nation.’ Here you will discover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand’s past present, and future, and learn why Waitangi is New Zealand’s most important historic site.

Day 3 Bay of Islands (Free Day)

1. 1

   Bay of Islands

   12 hours

   Today you have a full day to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. If water activities are your thing, this is the place for you! Set sail on a cruise to the renowned Hole in the Rock and discover the hidden treasures of the surrounding islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse marine wildlife that calls this area home. If you prefer a more active approach, indulge in sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Alternatively, simply unwind and bask in the sun-kissed glory of the beach.

Day 4 Bay of Islands to Auckland

1. 1

   Bay of Islands

   6 hours

   After breakfast you'll get the opportunity to paddle in a traditional Māori Waka with unique insights into our ancient customs, rituals and traditions. The Bay of Islands, originally known as Taiamai, is home to Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest tribal Māori group. Paddle your way to the Haruru Falls and soak in the amazing sights of Paihia and Waitangi.
   Afterwards, we depart Paihia and travel back to Auckland for the night.

Day 5 Auckland to Waitomo Via Raglan

1. 1

   Raglan

   4 hours

   Departing Auckland, we head south to Raglan, well known for its pristine black-sand beach and long surf break at Manu Bay. Here, you can go surfing (lessons and surfboard hire are optional), kayaking around the stunning coastline (optional), or explore the Raglan township which is full of character, with an entertaining mix of cafes, bars, surf shops and galleries.

2. 2

   1 hour

   The Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls walk is an easy 10 minute walk through native bush, following the Pakoka River for most of the way, to two viewing platforms at the top, both providing stunning vistas and ample photo opportunities of the plunging white falls flanked by grey rock and green bush.

3. 3

   Ruakuri Cave

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   In Māori, 'wai' means water, and 'tomo' means hole. Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. You'll get the chance to marvel at the glowworms and limestone formations and learn about the cultural significance of the caves on an included walking tour of Ruakuri Cave.

Day 6 Waitomo to Rotorua

1. 1

   Hobbiton Movie Set

   2 hours Admission ticket not included

   we'll pass through The Shire of Hobbiton where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set

2. 2

   1 hour

   We start the day with a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and say goodbye to those glowing little critters

3. 3

   Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   On arrival to Rotorua we'll head to Redwoods Tree Walk - a 700 metre long walkway that consists of a series of 28 suspension bridges traversing the gaps between 27 majestic 120-year-old Redwood trees. Enjoy breathtaking and stunning views from a birds eye perspective.

4. 4

   Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua

   2 hours Admission ticket not included

   This evening you have the option of visiting Secret Spot Hot Tubs, where you can soak in your own tub surrounded by ferns and overlooking the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest (optional activity).

Day 7 Rotorua

1. 1

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   his morning we'll go to the National Kiwi Hatchery (included) where you’ll get a behind the scenes tour, getting you close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Every person on our tour that visits, helps us contribute to the survival of these endangered bird species.

2. 2

   1 hour

   Afterwoods we'll explore Kuirau geothermal parks to see the crater lake, bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and a free thermal foot bath.

3. 3

   Rotorua

   4 hours

   One that we would defintely recommend is heading up the Skyline Gondola (optional add-on) for amazing panaramic views of Rotorua and if you're feeling more adventurous, head back down by luging; a part go kart, part toboggan fuelled by gravity, wind through the downhill track whilst taking in the breathtaking views.

4. 4

   Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

   4 hours Admission ticket included

   From late afternoon we head off to visit Te Pā Tū Maori Village where you will be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai (food) from the hāngi pit. Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moe (sleeping house).

Day 8 Rotorua to Taupo

1. 1

   Huka Falls tracks

   2 hours

   Today we leave the geothermal wonderland and head to the Great Lake Taupo; New Zealand’s largest lake (actually an extinct volcano crater) where you’ll get visit and walk Huka Falls

2. 2

   Lake Tekapo

   2 hours

   We'll set sail on New Zealand’s only commercial electric (zero carbon) yacht on the crystal-blue waters of Lake Taupō (included). Investigate the hidden bays and dramatic coastline that tell the story of Taupō’s volcanic past. Only accessible by boat, discover the history and cultural significance of the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

Day 9 Taupo (Free day)

1. 1

   Tongariro Alpine Crossing

   6 hours Admission ticket not included

   Taupo’s central location means it’s a hop, skip and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Experience Mount Ruapehu or hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes. It’s no surprise Tongariro is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes.

Day 10 Taupo to River Valley

1. 1

   6 hours Admission ticket not included

   We head south today around the Tongariro National Park and travel to the ultimate adventure Eco-lodge - River Valley. Located beside the Rangitikei River in the central North Island of New Zealand, River Valley is a remote, family-run lodge where you can seek adventure or embrace the solitude and blissfully disconnect. Choose to white water raft on the Rangitikei River (optional activity), experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques (optional activity), or explore the beautiful location by e-bike (optional activity).

2. 2

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Tonight we will enjoy a Farm-To-Table meal prepared freshly by the River Valley Chef (included). The team is passionate not just about food but also about where the food comes from. They strongly believe in sourcing ethical, local, and sustainable food and serving wholesome and healthy food.

Day 11 River Valley to Wellington

1. 1

   Wellington

   4 hours

   This morning we head through the rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep, where we’ll stop off in Taihape for a friendly gumboot throwing competition. Yes, that’s right you heard correctly! You’ll get to enjoy a friendly gumboot throwing comp in the gumboot capital of the world. After all the excitement of rubber we head on to Wellington arriving early afternoon.
   This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, nightlife and craft beer. Here you can experience Mount Victoria and Te Papa; New Zealand's national museum. Unfortunately the tour is nearly over, but before we all hug it out and shed some tears, we’ll take a visit to Wellington’s well known “Cuba Street” for one last hurrah!