| Starts | Auckland, New Zealand |
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| Ends | Wellington, New Zealand |
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| Region | Australia / Pacific |
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| Duration | 8 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | ONNA 23310 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Auckland & Finishing: Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Instructions
Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.
This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2 - Starting: Auckland & Finishing: Hahei
Early morning departure to Waihi, to pick up bikes and ride through Karangahake Gorge. Continue onto Hahei by bus and enjoy a walk to Cathedral Cove in the afternoon. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi on in the sand on Hot Water Beach.
Day 3 - Starting: Hahei & Finishing: Rotorua
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Travel to Rotorua, with free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Opt to mountain bike in the world famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs. After an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village, enjoy a Hangi dinner cooked in an underground pit.
Instructions
Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions.
Day 4 - Starting: Rotorua & Finishing: Tongariro National Park
An early start to walk across the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek. Collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end.
After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night. An on-site spa and sauna will help ease those tired muscles.
Day 5 - Starting: Tongariro National Park & Finishing: Whanganui National Park
The third longest river in New Zealand, the Whanganui River begins at Mt Tongariro and flows all the way out to the west coast of the North Island. After a safety briefing, embark on a 12-25km canoe journey downriver to an overnight stay in the heart of Whanganui National Park.
Day 6 - Starting: Whanganui National Park & Finishing: Raetihi
In the morning, trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue downriver. After a short walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, board the jet boat again and return to the bus, travelling on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 7 - Starting: Raetihi & Finishing: Wellington
In the morning, transfer to Wellington, and visit the Te Papa museum and its galleries dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.
Day 8 - Starting: Wellington & Finishing: Wellington
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Cycling through Karangahake Gorge. Traditional Hangi dinner. Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk. Jet boat and canoeing along Wanganui River. Locally sourced/grown dinner. Te Papa Museum (Wellington). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Cycle through Karangahake Gorge on the way to Hotwater Beach, check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area, learn a traditional Maori greeting on the Marae, hike the Tongariro Crossing – one of the world’s greatest one day hikes, canoe along the Whanganui River, rustle up a dinner from the wilds of New Zealand.
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
Important Notes
This tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes.
Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver – this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Included breakfasts will be continental style, consisting of coffee or tea, juice, a selection of breads with spreads and a variety of cereals.
Transport
Private bus, jet boat, canoe, walk, cycle
About our Transportation
Our vans are Mini Coaches (24 seat vans which have been accommodated to occupy 18 people so you have more space while travelling). Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13 seater vehicles. All Mini Coaches tow a trailer for luggage and camping equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.
The vehicles are factory built, with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. They are fitted with seat belts and it is mandatory to wear them.
Solo Travellers
Accommodation
Hotels (2 nts), Maori village (1 nt), lodge (3 nts, 2 nts possible multi-share), hostel (1 nt).
My Own Room
About Accommodation
Multi-share accommodation (typically 4-6 people per room) is very common in New Zealand and is the way you will be spending most of your nights. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it’s best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite.
Joining Hotel
Ibis Styles Auckland
20 Wyndam Street
Auckland
New Zealand
+64 9-308 9140
Joining Instructions
By Taxi: $70-80, approximately 30 minutes.
By Shuttle Bus: $33 for 1 person, $8 per additional. The “Super Shuttle” is a 24-hour service that takes approximately 1 hour. The shuttle waits outside of the terminal and provides door-to-door service.
By Air Bus: $16 per person. Leaves from outside the airport terminal every 10-15 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour.
Arrival Complications
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Office (Melbourne)
During office hours, 9am-5pm Local Time
From outside Australia: +61 3 9413 5820
From within Australia: 03 9413 5820
After Hours Emergency Number (Australia) +61 430 321 725
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend the use of a well-labeled duffel bag, soft bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). Suitcases or heavy luggage are not recommended for the health of the CEO! A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential as you will have the chance to walk and hike in different national parks during these trips. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.
Checklist
Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•NZD cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Suggested Items:
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Towel
•Swimwear
•Sun hat
•Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (check weather forecast for time of year you’ll be visiting)
•Sturdy walking shoes
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Money belt
•Flashlight or headlamp
•Camera, memory card(s) and charger
•Electricity plug adapter
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine,
Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect
repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Optional Items: reading/writing material, maps, guidebooks, iPod, iReader, earplugs
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Spending Money
Money Exchange
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in New Zealand and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.
Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Tipping
It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Â Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Â Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) – do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip – but it certainly isn’t expected.
Optional Activities
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON TOUR
All prices are per person, in NZD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Please note there may be weight restrictions on certain activities (eg skydiving 100 – 110 kg).
ROTORUA:
Zorb $45
Mountain Bike Hire $35-90 (2 – 4 hour hire)
Luge $46
White Water Rafting $95
WELLINGTON:
Wellington Cable Car $7
ZEALANDIA $17.50-85
Please note: Usually there is time for one activity in each location.
Safety and Security
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Feedback
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 2 Optional Activities
Day 3 Optional Activities
- Mountain Biking -
- Whitewater Rafting -
- Hot Springs -
Day 2 Optional Activities
Day 3 Optional Activities
- Mountain Biking -
- Whitewater Rafting -
- Hot Springs -
