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Northern Spirit Southbound

All content by Intrepid

8 days (ex Auckland/Waipoua Kauri Forest)

Destinations visited: New Zealand, Wellington, Auckland, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,490

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Description

Soak up the spirit of the north on this unique travel adventure into the heart of New Zealand's North Island. Learn about a pioneering past then gaze up at towering kauri trees in the majestic Waipoua Forest. Explore the idyllic Bay of Islands and see bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers and surreal-coloured mineral terraces in Rotorua. Cross the vast, volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park and finish up in the cosmopolitan city of Wellington. With a perfect blend of culture, nature and adventure, this eight-day trip offers a unique introduction to all the North Island has to offer.

Highlights

Visit Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.
Explore Tongariro National Park.
Gaze at bubbling mud pools in Rotorua.
Relax in the Bay of Islands.
Enjoy a twilight encounter in the Waipoua Forest.
Stop by the Kauri Museum in Matakohe.
See Lake Taupo.
the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano.

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland/Waipoua Kauri Forest

Travel north to Matakohe and learn about Northland's pioneering past at the Kauri and Pioneer Museum. Visit the majestic Waipoua Forest to see the towering kauri tree, Tane Mahuta, and take a walk to the Four Sisters. Return to the forest in the evening for unique twilight encounter.

Days 2-3 Paihia/Bay of Islands

Travel to Paihia, gateway to the idyllic Bay of Islands. This national maritime park is home to 144 islands and has plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Perhaps hike to Haruru Falls, go swimming with dolphins or visit Russell, New Zealand's oldest settlement. Enjoy a relaxing group dinner to recount tales of island adventures.

Day 4-5 Rotorua

Shaped by the forces of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is, quite literally, the North Island's hottest tourist spot. With bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers and surreal-coloured mineral terraces, the 'Sulphur City' and surrounding region never fails to impress. In free time, why not go rafting or mountain biking, hike an active volcano or visit a nearby Maori village.

Days 6 Tongariro National Park

Journey through green countryside, beautiful native bush and some of the largest alpine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. See the spectacular Huka Falls and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Then, cross the vast, volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park and spend the afternoon exploring one of the many walking trails.

Days 7-8 Wellington

There's plenty to do in the cosmopolitan capital city of Wellington. Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of New Zealand, then perhaps ride a cable car to the Botanic Gardens, taking in spectacular views of Wellington city and harbour.

Group Size

Maximum of 14 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), Lodge (1 nt)

Transport

Minivan

Budget

Allow NZD $400 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,490

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