New Zealand is one of those great travel destinations that’s hard to experience with just one visit. There’s almost too much to see and do—national parks, river canyons, caves, hidden beaches, volcanoes, wineries…and the list goes on. How do you narrow it down? Hint: You let us handle the itinerary.
Join O.A.R.S.' beloved southern hemisphere experts, Carrie and Jeffe Aronson, on our exclusive New Zealand exploratory adventure this winter. and you’ll get a chance to traverse the North Island over the course of eight days. We’ve set up an incredible itinerary that will take you from the fiery geothermal heart of Rotorua to deep within Whanganui National Park. Along the way you’ll experience the indigenous Māori culture, explore the deep caves at Waitomo and raft the Rangitikei River, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful rivers. Before the journey ends, you’ll end up in sun-drenched Hawkes Bay, famous for wine and food and the bustling harbor city of Wellington. There’s even time to sneak in a bungee jump in New Zealand’s infamous gravity canyon if you’re up for the challenge. It’s the ultimate New Zealand sampler.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail in the beautiful Waitemata Harbour
- Explore Ruakuri Cave or “Black water raft” through the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Spend a day at Rotorua, renowned for hot springs, boiling mud pools and the fascinating Maori culture
- Jet boat through spectacular river canyons
- Visit Tongariro National Park (a dual World Heritage site) and the three volcanoes that make up its core—Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro
- Stay at the secluded Bridge to Nowhere Lodge deep within Whanganui National Park
- Raft the Class II-IV Rangitikei River
- Ride bicycles through vineyards and visit several wineries
- Choose between several optional activities such as horse trekking, trout fishing or a visit to Gravity Canyon—New Zealand's highest bridge bungee jump and the home to a 1 kilometre long, 160 km per hour zip line
TRIP DETAILS
Dates: February 23 - March 2, 2014 (Meet in Auckland, depart from Wellington March 3)
Trip Length: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Cost: $4195 per person based on double occupancy